Readings:
II Kings 17
John 19:31-42
Focus:
II Kings17:35b-37:"Do not pay homage to other gods or bow down to them or serve them or sacrifice to them, but pay homage to the Lord who brought you up from Egypt with great power and with outstretched arm; to him alone you are to bow down, to him alone you are to offer sacrifice. You must faithfully keep the statutes, the judgments, the law, and the commandments which he wrote for you; you must not pay homage to other gods."
I am going to concentrate on the Old Testament passage because this is, to me, such a key part of what God is communicating throughout the Bible. I have recently thought that the main message of the Bible can be summed up in this way: "I love you, I will save you, obey me, and don't have any other gods but me." And this last part--"don't have any other gods but me"--is very important. God emphasizes it throughout the Bible.
In our day we don't usually think about worshipping idols instead of God, but we might be tempted to worship things that might replace God in our lives. We might put reputation, or success, or family relationships, or money, or any number of things ahead of God in our lives. When we do, we are worshipping another god instead of the Lord God.
We need to put God first. We need to make even little decisions with God in mind. Maybe we need to stop before we make an angry answer to something. Maybe we need to swallow our pride and forgive instead of getting even. (If we do, we may find richer rewards than what we expected.) There are all kinds of ways that we can put God first, and when we do, we will be eager to do it more. And this is God's great desire for us. In my life, I have found it to be actually exciting, and I bet it will be true for anyone.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
It Was Accomplished
(My posts may be somewhat sporadic in the next week to 10 days due to the holidays and my vacation.)
Readings:
II Kings 16
John 19:16b-30
Focus:
John 19:30a:"Having received the wine, he said, 'It is accomplished!'"
Jesus knew the purpose for his death. He was not a great teacher with a vision, who somehow failed in the end. No, he was God himself in human form, having come to earth in order to die instead of us, so that he could accept the punishment for our sins. He himself committed no sin, but he bore the blame for every single sin, little or big, that every single person, past, present, or future ever did or ever will commit. This is so that when any one of those people was or is or will be sorry for their sins, and turns to God, and intends to commit sin no more to the best of their ability, then they will no longer have to suffer the punishment for their sins, because Jesus already did. That's how much God loves us.
That's why Jesus was born at Christmastime. He came to earth as a little baby so that he could grow up and die in order to take the punishment for our sins. O come, let us adore him.
Readings:
II Kings 16
John 19:16b-30
Focus:
John 19:30a:"Having received the wine, he said, 'It is accomplished!'"
Jesus knew the purpose for his death. He was not a great teacher with a vision, who somehow failed in the end. No, he was God himself in human form, having come to earth in order to die instead of us, so that he could accept the punishment for our sins. He himself committed no sin, but he bore the blame for every single sin, little or big, that every single person, past, present, or future ever did or ever will commit. This is so that when any one of those people was or is or will be sorry for their sins, and turns to God, and intends to commit sin no more to the best of their ability, then they will no longer have to suffer the punishment for their sins, because Jesus already did. That's how much God loves us.
That's why Jesus was born at Christmastime. He came to earth as a little baby so that he could grow up and die in order to take the punishment for our sins. O come, let us adore him.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
What is Right in the Eyes of the Lord
Readings:
II Kings 15
John 19:1-16
Focus:
II Kings 15:9a:"He did what was wrong in the eyes of the Lord, as his forefathers had done."
John 19:16:"Then at last, to satisfy them, he handed Jesus over to be crucified."
It strikes me that the first thing that the author of II Kings always says about each new king he describes is whether the king did what was right or what was wrong in the eyes of the Lord. For the purposes of writing the Bible, this is the most important aspect of each king's conduct to be recorded.
In those Old Testament times, it would seem that each king was pretty free to do whatever he wanted, though there are indications that the kings of Israel and Judah were behaving in ways to placate stronger kings, such as the kings of Assyria.
But by the time we get around to Jesus' day, we see the Roman governor, Pilate, acting greatly constrained. When Jesus is brought before him, and Pilate examines Jesus, it sounds like Pilate would much prefer to let Jesus go free. Yet the political pressure that he feels both to keep his subjects pleased, and to appear pleasing to the Roman emperor, Caesar, limit his abilities to do what he might think was correct. He ends up ignoring what seems to be right, and doing what is wrong, in order to remain popular with his subjects and to keep the favor of his superiors. Like the ancient kings of Judah and Israel, Pilate does what is wrong in the eyes of the Lord, and sentences Jesus to death, so easily, with hardly a shred of evidence. It is incredible to read how lightly someone's life can be thrown away. And this was the God of the universe.
II Kings 15
John 19:1-16
Focus:
II Kings 15:9a:"He did what was wrong in the eyes of the Lord, as his forefathers had done."
John 19:16:"Then at last, to satisfy them, he handed Jesus over to be crucified."
It strikes me that the first thing that the author of II Kings always says about each new king he describes is whether the king did what was right or what was wrong in the eyes of the Lord. For the purposes of writing the Bible, this is the most important aspect of each king's conduct to be recorded.
In those Old Testament times, it would seem that each king was pretty free to do whatever he wanted, though there are indications that the kings of Israel and Judah were behaving in ways to placate stronger kings, such as the kings of Assyria.
But by the time we get around to Jesus' day, we see the Roman governor, Pilate, acting greatly constrained. When Jesus is brought before him, and Pilate examines Jesus, it sounds like Pilate would much prefer to let Jesus go free. Yet the political pressure that he feels both to keep his subjects pleased, and to appear pleasing to the Roman emperor, Caesar, limit his abilities to do what he might think was correct. He ends up ignoring what seems to be right, and doing what is wrong, in order to remain popular with his subjects and to keep the favor of his superiors. Like the ancient kings of Judah and Israel, Pilate does what is wrong in the eyes of the Lord, and sentences Jesus to death, so easily, with hardly a shred of evidence. It is incredible to read how lightly someone's life can be thrown away. And this was the God of the universe.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
What Is Truth?
Readings:
II Kings 14
John 18:28-40
Focus:
John 18:38:"Pilate asked, 'What is truth?'"
Truth is much in dispute in our time. Many people contest the very possibility of being able to know any truth at all. Others say that conflicting claims can both be true at the same time. To people like me, greatly inclined towards propositional logic, the thought of nonlogical truth contradictions is absurd and incredible, yet many disagree with me.
We also sometimes imagine that deep philosophical thinking is only a property of modern times, and that humankind has been evolving in its capacity for reasoning; the more recent the times, the deeper humans' ability to think philosophically. In Bible times, we often think, people were more primitive in their outlook.
And yet when Jesus spoke of truth before Pontius Pilate, the sophisticated Roman governor, Pilate said, "What is truth?" Pilate asked a philosophical question that we might have placed in the 21st century. Philosophical questions about truth and existence are not new to modern times, and existential thinking has not come about only relatively recently.
The great thing is that Jesus can answer these questions. He came to earth to die for us, and the eternal questions are answered for us by him. What is truth? It is embodied in Jesus Christ.
II Kings 14
John 18:28-40
Focus:
John 18:38:"Pilate asked, 'What is truth?'"
Truth is much in dispute in our time. Many people contest the very possibility of being able to know any truth at all. Others say that conflicting claims can both be true at the same time. To people like me, greatly inclined towards propositional logic, the thought of nonlogical truth contradictions is absurd and incredible, yet many disagree with me.
We also sometimes imagine that deep philosophical thinking is only a property of modern times, and that humankind has been evolving in its capacity for reasoning; the more recent the times, the deeper humans' ability to think philosophically. In Bible times, we often think, people were more primitive in their outlook.
And yet when Jesus spoke of truth before Pontius Pilate, the sophisticated Roman governor, Pilate said, "What is truth?" Pilate asked a philosophical question that we might have placed in the 21st century. Philosophical questions about truth and existence are not new to modern times, and existential thinking has not come about only relatively recently.
The great thing is that Jesus can answer these questions. He came to earth to die for us, and the eternal questions are answered for us by him. What is truth? It is embodied in Jesus Christ.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Not Kings, But Shepherds; Not a Magnificent Figure, But a Baby
Reading:
Luke 2:1-20
Focus:
Luke 2:8-9:"Now in this same district there were shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch through the night over their flock. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them."
Luke 2:16:"They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger."
Luke 2:1-20 is the text that my husband Jim preached from this morning, and it's probably the most familiar Christmas text from the Bible. What Jim talked about is also what strikes me in this text. If we were planning an appearance on earth by the God of the universe, we would probably make it grand and glorious, with lightning blasts across the sky, hordes of angels lining a pathway, and the Son of God stepping grandly down. He would greet the world leaders and lead them to a new world order.
But that's not how God actually did it. Instead of world leaders, a few shepherds in the middle of the night were the only ones who were notified. The choir of angels didn't sing for the kings and emperors; they sang for field workers tending animals.
And then the Son of God didn't appear in majesty. The shepherds ran to the stable, and what they found was not a magnificent figure, but instead, a little newborn baby. That was how God chose to enter our world as a human.
As it says in the Christmas carol:
"How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in."
Luke 2:1-20
Focus:
Luke 2:8-9:"Now in this same district there were shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch through the night over their flock. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them."
Luke 2:16:"They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger."
Luke 2:1-20 is the text that my husband Jim preached from this morning, and it's probably the most familiar Christmas text from the Bible. What Jim talked about is also what strikes me in this text. If we were planning an appearance on earth by the God of the universe, we would probably make it grand and glorious, with lightning blasts across the sky, hordes of angels lining a pathway, and the Son of God stepping grandly down. He would greet the world leaders and lead them to a new world order.
But that's not how God actually did it. Instead of world leaders, a few shepherds in the middle of the night were the only ones who were notified. The choir of angels didn't sing for the kings and emperors; they sang for field workers tending animals.
And then the Son of God didn't appear in majesty. The shepherds ran to the stable, and what they found was not a magnificent figure, but instead, a little newborn baby. That was how God chose to enter our world as a human.
As it says in the Christmas carol:
"How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in."
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Confessing Christ
Readings:
II Kings 13
John 18:1-27
Focus:
John 18:27:"Once again Peter denied it; and at that moment a cock crowed."
I often wonder what I would do if I were in a situation of danger, and safety depended on my denying that I was a Christian. What I really hope is that I would be true to God. But I fear that I would be a coward. After all, when it came to the crunch, Peter himself denied that he knew Jesus.
But later Peter went on to do bold things for Christ, defying authorities and receiving punishments. That is the kind of example I hope to emulate. It is my frequent prayer that I would remain strong.
P. S. It is interesting to be reading about Jesus' death and resurrection at Christmastime, but that is where my daily readings have taken me. Perhaps God will have something to teach us through this juxtaposition.
II Kings 13
John 18:1-27
Focus:
John 18:27:"Once again Peter denied it; and at that moment a cock crowed."
I often wonder what I would do if I were in a situation of danger, and safety depended on my denying that I was a Christian. What I really hope is that I would be true to God. But I fear that I would be a coward. After all, when it came to the crunch, Peter himself denied that he knew Jesus.
But later Peter went on to do bold things for Christ, defying authorities and receiving punishments. That is the kind of example I hope to emulate. It is my frequent prayer that I would remain strong.
P. S. It is interesting to be reading about Jesus' death and resurrection at Christmastime, but that is where my daily readings have taken me. Perhaps God will have something to teach us through this juxtaposition.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Not for These Alone
Readings:
II Kings 12
John 17:20-26
Focus:
John 17:20:"It is not for these alone that I pray, but for those also who through their words put their faith in me."
I have always felt happy whenever I have read this verse, because this is where Jesus has said that he was praying about us, about me: people who become Christians because of what his disciples said. It is a long chain from them to me, but nonetheless I fit that description, and so do all Christians.
It is a wonderful thing to know that, on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus took thought for all those who in the future would put their faith in him. He is a marvelous Savior.
II Kings 12
John 17:20-26
Focus:
John 17:20:"It is not for these alone that I pray, but for those also who through their words put their faith in me."
I have always felt happy whenever I have read this verse, because this is where Jesus has said that he was praying about us, about me: people who become Christians because of what his disciples said. It is a long chain from them to me, but nonetheless I fit that description, and so do all Christians.
It is a wonderful thing to know that, on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus took thought for all those who in the future would put their faith in him. He is a marvelous Savior.
Keeping Us Safe
Readings:
II Kings 11
John 17:11-19
Focus:
John 17:15:"I do not pray you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one."
There is a reason that we are left in the world instead of just being in heaven with God. Jesus doesn't take his disciples with him when he goes; he leaves them behind. We don't really understand all of God's purposes. But for some reason, he wants us to be here in the world.
Jesus cares about us; he wants us to be kept safe from evil. This is not the same as being kept safe from harm, however. His concern is greater than that. He wants us to be kept safe from spiritual evil, which is far worse than illness or injury.
We don't understand everything about this, but we do know that while we are left in the world, God cares about us, and our spiritual wellbeing is his concern. This has eternal consequences for us, and so we can rejoice that he cares so much.
II Kings 11
John 17:11-19
Focus:
John 17:15:"I do not pray you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one."
There is a reason that we are left in the world instead of just being in heaven with God. Jesus doesn't take his disciples with him when he goes; he leaves them behind. We don't really understand all of God's purposes. But for some reason, he wants us to be here in the world.
Jesus cares about us; he wants us to be kept safe from evil. This is not the same as being kept safe from harm, however. His concern is greater than that. He wants us to be kept safe from spiritual evil, which is far worse than illness or injury.
We don't understand everything about this, but we do know that while we are left in the world, God cares about us, and our spiritual wellbeing is his concern. This has eternal consequences for us, and so we can rejoice that he cares so much.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
An Intimate Connection
Readings:
II Kings 10
John 17:1-10
Focus:
John 17:10a:"All that is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine...."
What strikes me when I read this passage from John 17 is the intimacy between Jesus and God the Father. It is clear that they are united. This is part of the mystery of the Trinity. They are separate persons, yet they are one. Jesus mentions the glory that he had with the Father before the world began (v. 5), he says that he came from God the Father (v. 8), and he speaks of all that the Father gave him (v. 7).
The goodness, love, and kindness of Jesus are therefore a true illustration of the character of God, because Jesus is God. And here in John 17, Jesus is praying for those of us who love him and have given ourselves to him. That means that the desire of God himself is for our good, because God and Jesus are one. That, to me, is very heartening indeed.
II Kings 10
John 17:1-10
Focus:
John 17:10a:"All that is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine...."
What strikes me when I read this passage from John 17 is the intimacy between Jesus and God the Father. It is clear that they are united. This is part of the mystery of the Trinity. They are separate persons, yet they are one. Jesus mentions the glory that he had with the Father before the world began (v. 5), he says that he came from God the Father (v. 8), and he speaks of all that the Father gave him (v. 7).
The goodness, love, and kindness of Jesus are therefore a true illustration of the character of God, because Jesus is God. And here in John 17, Jesus is praying for those of us who love him and have given ourselves to him. That means that the desire of God himself is for our good, because God and Jesus are one. That, to me, is very heartening indeed.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Take Heart!
Readings:
II Kings 9
John 16:25-33
Focus:
John 16:33b:"In the world you will have suffering. But take heart! I have conquered the world."
There certainly does seem to be plenty of suffering in the world, as I mentioned yesterday. I know of someone who only has a few months left to live, yet he is not old, and his daughter will be getting married this spring; will he live to see her wedding? A close relative is losing her mental capacities, and is aware of it; she is not happy. In the world we will have suffering.
But the Father loves us himself, if we have loved Jesus and believed that he came from God. And so we can take heart. Jesus has conquered the world. Nothing that it can dish out will ultimately overcome us. Jesus has the last word, and all will be well in the end.
II Kings 9
John 16:25-33
Focus:
John 16:33b:"In the world you will have suffering. But take heart! I have conquered the world."
There certainly does seem to be plenty of suffering in the world, as I mentioned yesterday. I know of someone who only has a few months left to live, yet he is not old, and his daughter will be getting married this spring; will he live to see her wedding? A close relative is losing her mental capacities, and is aware of it; she is not happy. In the world we will have suffering.
But the Father loves us himself, if we have loved Jesus and believed that he came from God. And so we can take heart. Jesus has conquered the world. Nothing that it can dish out will ultimately overcome us. Jesus has the last word, and all will be well in the end.
No One Shall Rob Us of Our Joy
Readings:
II Kings 8
John 16:16-24
Focus:
John 16:22b:"I shall see you again, and then you will be joyful, and no one shall rob you of your joy."
There are many difficulties that we encounter as we go through life. I myself have already endured cancer and open-heart surgery. Many people fare even worse: they have to suffer oppression, starvation, war, and other horrors.
But when we know Christ, we know that we will see him in the end, and then we will be joyful, and no one will rob us of our joy. It will be an everlasting joy, more satisfying than any joy we have ever known. Jesus has promised it to us, and we can trust him. I would like everyone to know about that coming joy.
II Kings 8
John 16:16-24
Focus:
John 16:22b:"I shall see you again, and then you will be joyful, and no one shall rob you of your joy."
There are many difficulties that we encounter as we go through life. I myself have already endured cancer and open-heart surgery. Many people fare even worse: they have to suffer oppression, starvation, war, and other horrors.
But when we know Christ, we know that we will see him in the end, and then we will be joyful, and no one will rob us of our joy. It will be an everlasting joy, more satisfying than any joy we have ever known. Jesus has promised it to us, and we can trust him. I would like everyone to know about that coming joy.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Advocate
Readings:
II Kings 7
John 16:1-15
Focus:
John 16:7:"Nevertheless I assure you that it is in your interest that I am leaving you. If I do not go, the advocate will not come, whereas if I go, I will send him to you."
I often think about how the advantage to us of Christ's death and resurrection was to take the punishment for our sins, and bring us the possibility of eternal life, and indeed that is a very great advantage of it. But there is another aspect that is important, and that is that when Jesus left the world, he sent the Holy Spirit in his place. The Holy Spirit teaches us about God's truth, and gives us the comfort of his presence. It is wonderful that God cares so much for us, that he would provide for us in this way.
This makes me think of one of my favorite hymns, by the 15th-century writer Bianco da Sieno, set to the tune Down Ampney by Ralph Vaughn Williams:
Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine,
And visit it with Thine own ardor glowing.
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
And kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
Shall far outpass the power of human telling;
For none can guess its grace, till he become the place
Wherein the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling.
II Kings 7
John 16:1-15
Focus:
John 16:7:"Nevertheless I assure you that it is in your interest that I am leaving you. If I do not go, the advocate will not come, whereas if I go, I will send him to you."
I often think about how the advantage to us of Christ's death and resurrection was to take the punishment for our sins, and bring us the possibility of eternal life, and indeed that is a very great advantage of it. But there is another aspect that is important, and that is that when Jesus left the world, he sent the Holy Spirit in his place. The Holy Spirit teaches us about God's truth, and gives us the comfort of his presence. It is wonderful that God cares so much for us, that he would provide for us in this way.
This makes me think of one of my favorite hymns, by the 15th-century writer Bianco da Sieno, set to the tune Down Ampney by Ralph Vaughn Williams:
Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine,
And visit it with Thine own ardor glowing.
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
And kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
Shall far outpass the power of human telling;
For none can guess its grace, till he become the place
Wherein the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Those Who Are For Us Are More Than Those Who Are Against Us
Readings:
II Kings 6
John 15:11-27
Focus:
II Kings 6:16:"Elisha answered, 'Do not be afraid, for those on our side are more than those on theirs."
John 15:19:"If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but you do not belong to the world, now that I have chosen you out of the world, and for that reason the world hates you."
These readings were actually quite pertinent to me at the moment. I sometimes get involved in discussions on other people's denominationally-related blogs, or in the Christians@Microsoft discussion list, and sometimes the discussions are with theological opponents and/or with self-proclaimed atheists. It so happens that I have been involved in not one but two such discussions the last few days, one with people who disagree with me (and others) theologically, and one with some atheists.
In both cases I have had to endure being called a liar, a bigot, and prejudiced, and other such labels, although I and those arguing with me never use labels for those we debate with. After a while, although one can dismiss these things as unreasonable, it does start to wear one down a little.
But tonight when I read these Bible passages I found some very helpful reminders. The world hated Jesus. Jesus is our master, and a servant is not greater than the master. If the world hated Jesus, it will hate us, too. It's no more than we should expect. Where Jesus is, there should we be, too. And we are in good company, with someone able to shelter us.
But also, those who are for us are more than those who are against us. Ultimately, we have all the power of God and his saints and angels on our side. We will be with him in the very end, and all will be well.
II Kings 6
John 15:11-27
Focus:
II Kings 6:16:"Elisha answered, 'Do not be afraid, for those on our side are more than those on theirs."
John 15:19:"If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but you do not belong to the world, now that I have chosen you out of the world, and for that reason the world hates you."
These readings were actually quite pertinent to me at the moment. I sometimes get involved in discussions on other people's denominationally-related blogs, or in the Christians@Microsoft discussion list, and sometimes the discussions are with theological opponents and/or with self-proclaimed atheists. It so happens that I have been involved in not one but two such discussions the last few days, one with people who disagree with me (and others) theologically, and one with some atheists.
In both cases I have had to endure being called a liar, a bigot, and prejudiced, and other such labels, although I and those arguing with me never use labels for those we debate with. After a while, although one can dismiss these things as unreasonable, it does start to wear one down a little.
But tonight when I read these Bible passages I found some very helpful reminders. The world hated Jesus. Jesus is our master, and a servant is not greater than the master. If the world hated Jesus, it will hate us, too. It's no more than we should expect. Where Jesus is, there should we be, too. And we are in good company, with someone able to shelter us.
But also, those who are for us are more than those who are against us. Ultimately, we have all the power of God and his saints and angels on our side. We will be with him in the very end, and all will be well.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Dwelling in Jesus
Readings:
II Kings 5
John 15:1-10
Focus:
John 15:5b:"Anyone who dwells in me, as I dwell in him, bears much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
We want to be good people. We want to do what is right and to live good lives. But we can't do that on our own. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.
Moreover, if we don't dwell in him, we are barren of goodness, like withered branches, much like Elisha's servant Gehazi. Gehazi thought he could secretly get some of the bounty that Naaman had brought with him to reward Elisha for curing him of leprosy, so, even though Elisha had turned it down, he lied to Naaman about it and ended up getting some of it. But Elisha knew about the lie, and Gehazi ended up punished. Gehazi was not dwelling in God's ways, and this was the result.
No, if we want to be better people, if we want to live good lives, we need to dwell in Jesus.
II Kings 5
John 15:1-10
Focus:
John 15:5b:"Anyone who dwells in me, as I dwell in him, bears much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
We want to be good people. We want to do what is right and to live good lives. But we can't do that on our own. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.
Moreover, if we don't dwell in him, we are barren of goodness, like withered branches, much like Elisha's servant Gehazi. Gehazi thought he could secretly get some of the bounty that Naaman had brought with him to reward Elisha for curing him of leprosy, so, even though Elisha had turned it down, he lied to Naaman about it and ended up getting some of it. But Elisha knew about the lie, and Gehazi ended up punished. Gehazi was not dwelling in God's ways, and this was the result.
No, if we want to be better people, if we want to live good lives, we need to dwell in Jesus.
Heeding What Jesus Says
Readings:
II Kings 4
John 14:15-31
Focus:
John 14:23a:"Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will heed what I say....'"
Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is to come. He is soon going to be taken from them, and they will have to learn to deal with a new reality. But he will send a comforter to them, the Holy Spirit.
Comfort and help is not the only thing that Jesus has in mind for them, however. Yes, they are to love him, and yes, they will be comforted and helped. But there is something for them to do as well. They must heed what he says: hear it and act upon it. It is not enough for them just to receive what he has to offer. They must make it part of their lives.
That is what we must do as well. If we love Jesus, we must heed what he says. We must hear it, act upon it, make it part of our lives.
II Kings 4
John 14:15-31
Focus:
John 14:23a:"Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will heed what I say....'"
Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is to come. He is soon going to be taken from them, and they will have to learn to deal with a new reality. But he will send a comforter to them, the Holy Spirit.
Comfort and help is not the only thing that Jesus has in mind for them, however. Yes, they are to love him, and yes, they will be comforted and helped. But there is something for them to do as well. They must heed what he says: hear it and act upon it. It is not enough for them just to receive what he has to offer. They must make it part of their lives.
That is what we must do as well. If we love Jesus, we must heed what he says. We must hear it, act upon it, make it part of our lives.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Show Us the Father
Readings:
II Kings 3
John 14:7-14
Focus:
John 14:9:"Jesus answered, 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and still you do not know me? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. Then how can you say, "Show us the Father"?'"
Sometimes we learn a lot about Jesus, but still we keep searching to know what God is like. Yet Jesus has made it quite clear to us. If we have learned about Jesus, then we know what God is like. Jesus became a human manifestation of God. Through him we can picture God. It's simple. Anyone who has seen him has seen the Father. We don't have to endlessly search. We have found him.
II Kings 3
John 14:7-14
Focus:
John 14:9:"Jesus answered, 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and still you do not know me? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. Then how can you say, "Show us the Father"?'"
Sometimes we learn a lot about Jesus, but still we keep searching to know what God is like. Yet Jesus has made it quite clear to us. If we have learned about Jesus, then we know what God is like. Jesus became a human manifestation of God. Through him we can picture God. It's simple. Anyone who has seen him has seen the Father. We don't have to endlessly search. We have found him.
The Way
Readings:
II Kings 2
John 14:1-6
Focus:
John 14:6:"Jesus replied, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me.'"
Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead of them to heaven, and Thomas wants to know the way there. Jesus answers that he himself is the way; he is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus is completely explicit about this. He does not say that he is a way. He is not one of the ways. He is the way. And just to make that even clearer, he says, "No one comes to the Father except by me."
This Jesus who loves us enough to die for us is someone that we want other people to know, too, not because we want other people to be like us, not because we're looking for conformity, but for the other people's good. That's because Jesus is the way.
II Kings 2
John 14:1-6
Focus:
John 14:6:"Jesus replied, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me.'"
Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead of them to heaven, and Thomas wants to know the way there. Jesus answers that he himself is the way; he is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus is completely explicit about this. He does not say that he is a way. He is not one of the ways. He is the way. And just to make that even clearer, he says, "No one comes to the Father except by me."
This Jesus who loves us enough to die for us is someone that we want other people to know, too, not because we want other people to be like us, not because we're looking for conformity, but for the other people's good. That's because Jesus is the way.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
As Jesus Has Loved Us
Readings:
II Kings 1
John 13:31-38
Focus:
John 13:34:"I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I have loved you, so you are to love one another."
The new commandment that Jesus gives his disciples, to love one another, is one of the most famous and well-known things that Jesus has said. But I think that often what is generally remembered about it is that Jesus said "Love one another." Often what is forgotten as that he also said, "As I have loved you."
It is fairly easy to be warm and sentimental, singing "All You Need Is Love," like my favorite group, the Beatles, being friendly and kind to others when the occasion occurs, and avoiding being unfriendly and deliberately selfish. But it is actually quite a tall order to love each other the way that Jesus loved us. Jesus ended up actually giving his life for us. His whole life was focused on benefitting others. He didn't just do this at times; he did it all the time. It wasn't something he did as a part-time ministry when he got off work, or on the weekend. His life was oriented around loving others.
If we are to love one another as Jesus has loved us, it will take a radical re-orienting of our lives. But we might be delightfully surprised at the joy it will bring us. I know I'd like to try it.
II Kings 1
John 13:31-38
Focus:
John 13:34:"I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I have loved you, so you are to love one another."
The new commandment that Jesus gives his disciples, to love one another, is one of the most famous and well-known things that Jesus has said. But I think that often what is generally remembered about it is that Jesus said "Love one another." Often what is forgotten as that he also said, "As I have loved you."
It is fairly easy to be warm and sentimental, singing "All You Need Is Love," like my favorite group, the Beatles, being friendly and kind to others when the occasion occurs, and avoiding being unfriendly and deliberately selfish. But it is actually quite a tall order to love each other the way that Jesus loved us. Jesus ended up actually giving his life for us. His whole life was focused on benefitting others. He didn't just do this at times; he did it all the time. It wasn't something he did as a part-time ministry when he got off work, or on the weekend. His life was oriented around loving others.
If we are to love one another as Jesus has loved us, it will take a radical re-orienting of our lives. But we might be delightfully surprised at the joy it will bring us. I know I'd like to try it.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
What Are We to Do?
Reading:
Luke 3:1-17
Focus:
Luke 3:10:"The people asked him, 'Then what are we to do?'"
This is the passage my husband Jim preached on this Sunday morning.
John the Baptist was busy preparing the way for Jesus. He was announcing that the Messiah was going to come. As my husband put it, he was the first Christmas caroler.
What is fascinating is that so many people responded to John's message by asking what they should do to live differently. When they heard what John had to say, they wanted to repent and live new lives.
This is not a common reaction now when people hear Christmas carols. Instead, most people seem to think of gifts, of pleasant times around a fire, of parties, of seeing family, and so on. But back in the time of John the Baptist, the response of many people to the announcement of the coming of the Messiah was, "What are we to do?"
May this also be our response.
Luke 3:1-17
Focus:
Luke 3:10:"The people asked him, 'Then what are we to do?'"
This is the passage my husband Jim preached on this Sunday morning.
John the Baptist was busy preparing the way for Jesus. He was announcing that the Messiah was going to come. As my husband put it, he was the first Christmas caroler.
What is fascinating is that so many people responded to John's message by asking what they should do to live differently. When they heard what John had to say, they wanted to repent and live new lives.
This is not a common reaction now when people hear Christmas carols. Instead, most people seem to think of gifts, of pleasant times around a fire, of parties, of seeing family, and so on. But back in the time of John the Baptist, the response of many people to the announcement of the coming of the Messiah was, "What are we to do?"
May this also be our response.
Deep Distress, Yet Deeper Love
Readings:
I Kings 22:29-53
John 13:18-30
Focus:
John 13:21:"After saying this, Jesus exclaimed in deep distress, 'In very truth I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.'"
It's always something when I remember that Jesus felt deep distress over things such as the fact that Judas was going to betray him. It's easy for me to remember that he is God and knew everything, and was above everything and in control. What's hard for me to remember is that he was also human and felt dread. Yes, he is divine and knew that the sacrifice he was going to make would take away the punishment for our sins, and make it possible for us to be with him eternally. But he was also mortal and could feel pain and fear, and could deeply dread the agony he was about to go through. Yet he did not hesitate. His love for us was that great. For this kind of love, I want to give everything back to him.
I Kings 22:29-53
John 13:18-30
Focus:
John 13:21:"After saying this, Jesus exclaimed in deep distress, 'In very truth I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.'"
It's always something when I remember that Jesus felt deep distress over things such as the fact that Judas was going to betray him. It's easy for me to remember that he is God and knew everything, and was above everything and in control. What's hard for me to remember is that he was also human and felt dread. Yes, he is divine and knew that the sacrifice he was going to make would take away the punishment for our sins, and make it possible for us to be with him eternally. But he was also mortal and could feel pain and fear, and could deeply dread the agony he was about to go through. Yet he did not hesitate. His love for us was that great. For this kind of love, I want to give everything back to him.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Popular Will or God's Will?
Readings:
I Kings 22:1-28
John 13:1-17
Focus:
I Kings 22:25:"Micaiah retorted, 'That you will find out on the day when you run into an inner room to hide.'"
John 13::"Peter said, 'I will never let you wash my feet.' 'If I do not wash you,' Jesus replied, 'you have no part with me.'"
King Ahab of Israel wanted to attack the King of Aram and win the city of Ramoth-Gilead back from him. He had a large number of prophets prophesy before him, and all said what he wanted to hear. But the prophet Micaiah, even though he was warned ahead of time to agree with the prevailing opinion, insisted on saying what God had told him to say, which was that a lying spirit had entered the mouths of those prophets in order to entice Ahab to do the wrong thing. One of the prophets is enraged and strikes Micaiah, asking how God's spirit could have left him and gone into Micaiah instead, and Micaiah tells him he will find out when God confronts him. Despite Micaiah's words, he is ignored; the popular will to attack the King of Aram is stronger.
When Jesus sits down to the Passover dinner with his disciples, he gets up and washes their feet. This is a task normally performed by menials, not by the rabbi. The disciples are aghast, and Peter refuses to let Jesus do it. But Jesus tells him that Peter must let Jesus wash Peter's feet if Peter wants to be part of Jesus's new kingdom. Peter is not like Ahab. He doesn't go with popular opinion or customs over what God wants. Instead, he jumps in wholeheartedly, and tells Jesus that in that case, he wants Jesus to wash every bit of him, not just his feet.
Peter is the model for us.
I Kings 22:1-28
John 13:1-17
Focus:
I Kings 22:25:"Micaiah retorted, 'That you will find out on the day when you run into an inner room to hide.'"
John 13::"Peter said, 'I will never let you wash my feet.' 'If I do not wash you,' Jesus replied, 'you have no part with me.'"
King Ahab of Israel wanted to attack the King of Aram and win the city of Ramoth-Gilead back from him. He had a large number of prophets prophesy before him, and all said what he wanted to hear. But the prophet Micaiah, even though he was warned ahead of time to agree with the prevailing opinion, insisted on saying what God had told him to say, which was that a lying spirit had entered the mouths of those prophets in order to entice Ahab to do the wrong thing. One of the prophets is enraged and strikes Micaiah, asking how God's spirit could have left him and gone into Micaiah instead, and Micaiah tells him he will find out when God confronts him. Despite Micaiah's words, he is ignored; the popular will to attack the King of Aram is stronger.
When Jesus sits down to the Passover dinner with his disciples, he gets up and washes their feet. This is a task normally performed by menials, not by the rabbi. The disciples are aghast, and Peter refuses to let Jesus do it. But Jesus tells him that Peter must let Jesus wash Peter's feet if Peter wants to be part of Jesus's new kingdom. Peter is not like Ahab. He doesn't go with popular opinion or customs over what God wants. Instead, he jumps in wholeheartedly, and tells Jesus that in that case, he wants Jesus to wash every bit of him, not just his feet.
Peter is the model for us.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
All It Takes
Readings:
I Kings 21
John 12:37-50
Focus:
John: 12:43-43:"For all that, even among those in authority many believed in him, but would not acknowledge him on account of the Pharisees, for fear of being banned from the synagogue. For they valued human reputation rather than the honor which comes from God."
When Jesus was on earth, to follow him and put one's faith in him might have meant being banned from the synagogue. That would mightily disrupt one's life. It was far easier and actually better for life in general (in the short run) to keep one's faith in Jesus a secret, or to not even pay attention to him at all. People had values upside down.
King Ahab of Israel wanted a vineyard that belonged to Naboth of Jezreel. But since it was part of Jezreel's ancestral lands, he wouldn't sell it. So Ahab's wife Jezebel devised a plot to have Naboth killed, and then Ahab just took the vineyard. He didn't pay attention to God's teachings about greed, theft, and murder, and when Elijah showed up to call Ahab to account, Ahab addressed Elijah as "my enemy." Ahab had values upside down.
But Ahab repented when Elijah accosted him. And God took notice. Although Ahab had been the most wicked of any king of Israel, God spared him because of his repentance.
That is all that we need to do, too. Jesus says, "I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world." If we repent and turn to him, he will save us too.
I Kings 21
John 12:37-50
Focus:
John: 12:43-43:"For all that, even among those in authority many believed in him, but would not acknowledge him on account of the Pharisees, for fear of being banned from the synagogue. For they valued human reputation rather than the honor which comes from God."
When Jesus was on earth, to follow him and put one's faith in him might have meant being banned from the synagogue. That would mightily disrupt one's life. It was far easier and actually better for life in general (in the short run) to keep one's faith in Jesus a secret, or to not even pay attention to him at all. People had values upside down.
King Ahab of Israel wanted a vineyard that belonged to Naboth of Jezreel. But since it was part of Jezreel's ancestral lands, he wouldn't sell it. So Ahab's wife Jezebel devised a plot to have Naboth killed, and then Ahab just took the vineyard. He didn't pay attention to God's teachings about greed, theft, and murder, and when Elijah showed up to call Ahab to account, Ahab addressed Elijah as "my enemy." Ahab had values upside down.
But Ahab repented when Elijah accosted him. And God took notice. Although Ahab had been the most wicked of any king of Israel, God spared him because of his repentance.
That is all that we need to do, too. Jesus says, "I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world." If we repent and turn to him, he will save us too.
Trust to the Light
Readings:
I Kings 20:22-43
John 12:27-36
Focus:
John: 12:36a:"Trust to the light while you have it, so that you may become children of light."
Jesus came into the world to become our light. He shows us the way to go. If we are looking at a way that he shows us, we can trust it. But if there is another way that he has not shown us, no matter how good it looks, it's not a way of the light, and we can't trust it. We should not follow it. We want to be children of light, because we don't want to journey in the dark. We want to know where we're going--toward God and God's goals.
I Kings 20:22-43
John 12:27-36
Focus:
John: 12:36a:"Trust to the light while you have it, so that you may become children of light."
Jesus came into the world to become our light. He shows us the way to go. If we are looking at a way that he shows us, we can trust it. But if there is another way that he has not shown us, no matter how good it looks, it's not a way of the light, and we can't trust it. We should not follow it. We want to be children of light, because we don't want to journey in the dark. We want to know where we're going--toward God and God's goals.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Where He Is, There Should We Be
Readings:
I Kings 20:1-21
John 12:20-26
Focus:
John: 12:26a:"If anyone is to serve me, he must follow me; where I am, there will my servant be."
It's important to remember that we are not to choose where to go and what to do and then ask God to be with us. Those are fine ways to proceed, of course, better than just going on our merry way without God at all. But if we are really going to live as disciples of Jesus, then we need to turn things around. Instead of making our plans and then asking God to bless them, we ask God for his plans and then we follow him.
How do we do this? We pray a lot. We read the Bible a lot. We keep God uppermost in our minds all the time (or, we try to.) And then when it's time for a decision, we do specific praying about it. Often we will know where God is leading us or what he wants us to do. And when he is in charge of things, we can know that where we are, there the best guide and protector of all is, too.
I Kings 20:1-21
John 12:20-26
Focus:
John: 12:26a:"If anyone is to serve me, he must follow me; where I am, there will my servant be."
It's important to remember that we are not to choose where to go and what to do and then ask God to be with us. Those are fine ways to proceed, of course, better than just going on our merry way without God at all. But if we are really going to live as disciples of Jesus, then we need to turn things around. Instead of making our plans and then asking God to bless them, we ask God for his plans and then we follow him.
How do we do this? We pray a lot. We read the Bible a lot. We keep God uppermost in our minds all the time (or, we try to.) And then when it's time for a decision, we do specific praying about it. Often we will know where God is leading us or what he wants us to do. And when he is in charge of things, we can know that where we are, there the best guide and protector of all is, too.
Monday, November 30, 2009
God Has Our Back
Readings:
I Kings 19
John 12:12-19
Focus:
I Kings 19:18:"But I shall leave seven thousand in Israel, all who have not bowed the knee to Baal, all whose lips have not kissed him."
John 12:12-13a:"The next day the great crowd of pilgrims who had come for the festival, hearing that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem, went out to meet him with palm branches in their hands...."
Elijah hears that King Ahab's wife Jezebel has threatened to kill him, and he flees into the desert. God meets him there and assures him that he has work for him to do, and that, even though Elijah thinks that he is the only worshipper of the Lord who is left, there are actually 7000 more in Israel who still worship him. God still has his back.
Jesus knows that many of the religious leaders want to kill him. Nevertheless, he goes to Jerusalem, their center. There the crowds who have heard of his raising of Lazarus greet him with adulation. God has his back, too. Nonetheless we know that the religious leaders eventually win the crowd over and turn them against Jesus. But God has ultimate control. Jesus knows this, and that is why he can confidently go to Jerusalem.
I Kings 19
John 12:12-19
Focus:
I Kings 19:18:"But I shall leave seven thousand in Israel, all who have not bowed the knee to Baal, all whose lips have not kissed him."
John 12:12-13a:"The next day the great crowd of pilgrims who had come for the festival, hearing that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem, went out to meet him with palm branches in their hands...."
Elijah hears that King Ahab's wife Jezebel has threatened to kill him, and he flees into the desert. God meets him there and assures him that he has work for him to do, and that, even though Elijah thinks that he is the only worshipper of the Lord who is left, there are actually 7000 more in Israel who still worship him. God still has his back.
Jesus knows that many of the religious leaders want to kill him. Nevertheless, he goes to Jerusalem, their center. There the crowds who have heard of his raising of Lazarus greet him with adulation. God has his back, too. Nonetheless we know that the religious leaders eventually win the crowd over and turn them against Jesus. But God has ultimate control. Jesus knows this, and that is why he can confidently go to Jerusalem.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The First Christmas Card
Readings:
Isaiah 53
Focus:
Isaiah 53:5a:"But he was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities...."
Isaiah 53:8a:"He was arrested and sentenced and taken away, and who gave a thought to his fate...?"
My husband Jim preached on this passage this morning, and called his sermon "The First Christmas Card." He discussed how Isaiah announced, centuries before Jesus was born, exactly what Jesus would come to earth to do.
I have reflected on this passage this evening, and about Christmas cards. So often our cards tell about wonderful winter scenes, about happy family occasions, about highlights of the past year, and about hopes for the coming year. But who has given a thought to Jesus?
Jesus came to earth in order to be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. In the midst of the coming Christmas cheer, we must remember to take time to reflect on the Jesus of Isaiah 53, by whose wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53
Focus:
Isaiah 53:5a:"But he was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities...."
Isaiah 53:8a:"He was arrested and sentenced and taken away, and who gave a thought to his fate...?"
My husband Jim preached on this passage this morning, and called his sermon "The First Christmas Card." He discussed how Isaiah announced, centuries before Jesus was born, exactly what Jesus would come to earth to do.
I have reflected on this passage this evening, and about Christmas cards. So often our cards tell about wonderful winter scenes, about happy family occasions, about highlights of the past year, and about hopes for the coming year. But who has given a thought to Jesus?
Jesus came to earth in order to be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. In the midst of the coming Christmas cheer, we must remember to take time to reflect on the Jesus of Isaiah 53, by whose wounds we are healed.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Going to Lengths to Avoid God
Readings:
I Kings 18:21-46
John 11:55-12:11
Focus:
I Kings 18:29:"All afternoon they [the priests of Baal] raved and ranted till the hour of the regular offering, but still there was no sound, no answer, no sign of attention."
I Kings 18:38::"The fire of the Lord fell, consuming the whole-offering, the wood, the stones, and the earth, and licking up the water in the trench."
John 12:10-11:"The chief priests then resolved to do away with Lazarus as well, since on his account many Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him."
When God is put to the test, he comes through. False gods cannot do what God can do. The priests of Baal called upon him to show the people of Israel that Baal was god, but they received no answer. However, the Lord God himself answered abundantly when Elijah called upon him.
Similarly, Jesus had asked God to raise Lazarus from the dead, and he had done so. But, incredibly, instead of putting their trust in God because of this, the chief priests decide instead not only to kill Jesus, but to kill Lazarus as well, to keep people from going to see him and believe in Jesus. And in Elijah's day, the Israelites turned away from God soon enough as well.
It is amazing the lenghths we will go to in order to avoid God's call on our lives, even when we have had proof of his reality. We think of reasons that he must not be real after all, and then we do whatever it takes to avoid him. But what he has to offer us is so much better than what we think we want. We need to rethink our reactions.
I Kings 18:21-46
John 11:55-12:11
Focus:
I Kings 18:29:"All afternoon they [the priests of Baal] raved and ranted till the hour of the regular offering, but still there was no sound, no answer, no sign of attention."
I Kings 18:38::"The fire of the Lord fell, consuming the whole-offering, the wood, the stones, and the earth, and licking up the water in the trench."
John 12:10-11:"The chief priests then resolved to do away with Lazarus as well, since on his account many Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him."
When God is put to the test, he comes through. False gods cannot do what God can do. The priests of Baal called upon him to show the people of Israel that Baal was god, but they received no answer. However, the Lord God himself answered abundantly when Elijah called upon him.
Similarly, Jesus had asked God to raise Lazarus from the dead, and he had done so. But, incredibly, instead of putting their trust in God because of this, the chief priests decide instead not only to kill Jesus, but to kill Lazarus as well, to keep people from going to see him and believe in Jesus. And in Elijah's day, the Israelites turned away from God soon enough as well.
It is amazing the lenghths we will go to in order to avoid God's call on our lives, even when we have had proof of his reality. We think of reasons that he must not be real after all, and then we do whatever it takes to avoid him. But what he has to offer us is so much better than what we think we want. We need to rethink our reactions.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Troubler of Israel?
Readings:
I Kings 18:1-20
John 11:45-54
Focus:
I Kings 18:17:"As soon as Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, 'Is it you, you troubler of Israel?'"
John 11:47-48:"Thereupon the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a meeting of the council. 'This man is performing many signs,' they said, 'and what action are we taking? If we let him go on like this the whole populace will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and sweep away our temple and our nation.'"
Ahab, King of Israel, thought of Elijah as the troubler of Israel, because Elijah kept pointing out the things that Ahab was doing that were wrong. Instead of repenting and changing his ways, Ahab just blamed Elijah. Similarly, when Jesus did notable deeds, including even raising Lazarus from the dead, instead of being overcome with awe and placing their faith in him, the religious leaders were concerned of the effect this would have on the status quo.
People who have vested interests in power, or in their comfortable way of life, or in their standing with other people, or in their jobs or money, or in any number of things, miss the point when God intervenes in their lives. Instead of throwing themselves at his feet in wonder, they say that God is too demanding and must not be real, because if they took him seriously, he sure would mess things up, or he sure is counter to current ideas, and who would want to go counter to current ideas?
Yet here is someone who can raise the dead. Isn't that a lot better than anything we have going for us?
I Kings 18:1-20
John 11:45-54
Focus:
I Kings 18:17:"As soon as Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, 'Is it you, you troubler of Israel?'"
John 11:47-48:"Thereupon the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a meeting of the council. 'This man is performing many signs,' they said, 'and what action are we taking? If we let him go on like this the whole populace will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and sweep away our temple and our nation.'"
Ahab, King of Israel, thought of Elijah as the troubler of Israel, because Elijah kept pointing out the things that Ahab was doing that were wrong. Instead of repenting and changing his ways, Ahab just blamed Elijah. Similarly, when Jesus did notable deeds, including even raising Lazarus from the dead, instead of being overcome with awe and placing their faith in him, the religious leaders were concerned of the effect this would have on the status quo.
People who have vested interests in power, or in their comfortable way of life, or in their standing with other people, or in their jobs or money, or in any number of things, miss the point when God intervenes in their lives. Instead of throwing themselves at his feet in wonder, they say that God is too demanding and must not be real, because if they took him seriously, he sure would mess things up, or he sure is counter to current ideas, and who would want to go counter to current ideas?
Yet here is someone who can raise the dead. Isn't that a lot better than anything we have going for us?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Death and Resurrection
Readings:
I Kings 17
John 11:1-44
Focus:
John 11:25-26a:"Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever has faith in me shall live, even though he dies; and no one who lives and has faith in me shall ever die.'"
It was through Jesus' death that the punishment for our sins was laid on him instead of us, and it was through his resurrection from the dead that God's power and victory over death were shown. But beforehand these things were also shown in prefiguring events pointing to Jesus' ultimate death and resurrection. When Elijah stays with the widow and her son, the boy becomes ill and dies, but Elijah prays and God raises him back from the dead. And when Jesus' friend Lazarus dies, Jesus comes and raises him back from the dead. These things foreshadow Jesus' own resurrection. Jesus is so moved by the death of Lazarus and the grief of his family that he weeps. God truly loves us and cares about our sorrows. That is why he provided Jesus' death instead of ours, so that we don't have to take the punishment for our sin; if we have faith in him, we can live even though we die, and if we live and have faith in him, we shall never die.
I Kings 17
John 11:1-44
Focus:
John 11:25-26a:"Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever has faith in me shall live, even though he dies; and no one who lives and has faith in me shall ever die.'"
It was through Jesus' death that the punishment for our sins was laid on him instead of us, and it was through his resurrection from the dead that God's power and victory over death were shown. But beforehand these things were also shown in prefiguring events pointing to Jesus' ultimate death and resurrection. When Elijah stays with the widow and her son, the boy becomes ill and dies, but Elijah prays and God raises him back from the dead. And when Jesus' friend Lazarus dies, Jesus comes and raises him back from the dead. These things foreshadow Jesus' own resurrection. Jesus is so moved by the death of Lazarus and the grief of his family that he weeps. God truly loves us and cares about our sorrows. That is why he provided Jesus' death instead of ours, so that we don't have to take the punishment for our sin; if we have faith in him, we can live even though we die, and if we live and have faith in him, we shall never die.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Believe the Deeds
Readings:
I Kings 16
John 10:31-42
Focus:
John 10:37-38:"If my deeds are not the deeds of my Father, do not believe me. But if they are, then even if you do not believe me, believe the deeds, so that you may recognize and know that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
People are confronted with what Jesus has done--miraculous deeds of healing and restoration. And then he says that he is one with the Father. Ignoring his amazing deeds, they decide to stone him for his supposed blasphemy in saying this. It is incredible that this is more logical to them than thinking, "He has done miracles that no one else can do! He must be the awaited Messiah!"
Before the day of Jesus, the kings of Israel turned to Baal rather than follow the God who had brought Israel out of Egypt with great signs and wonders.
It is the same today. People hear not only of the miracles of Jesus, but also of his rising from the dead. Yet it seems easier for many people to believe in "vibes", or the occult, or new age spirituality, or a host of other things, than in Jesus and the good news he offers. Perhaps it is easier to believe these other things than to change behaviors in order to follow Jesus.
I Kings 16
John 10:31-42
Focus:
John 10:37-38:"If my deeds are not the deeds of my Father, do not believe me. But if they are, then even if you do not believe me, believe the deeds, so that you may recognize and know that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
People are confronted with what Jesus has done--miraculous deeds of healing and restoration. And then he says that he is one with the Father. Ignoring his amazing deeds, they decide to stone him for his supposed blasphemy in saying this. It is incredible that this is more logical to them than thinking, "He has done miracles that no one else can do! He must be the awaited Messiah!"
Before the day of Jesus, the kings of Israel turned to Baal rather than follow the God who had brought Israel out of Egypt with great signs and wonders.
It is the same today. People hear not only of the miracles of Jesus, but also of his rising from the dead. Yet it seems easier for many people to believe in "vibes", or the occult, or new age spirituality, or a host of other things, than in Jesus and the good news he offers. Perhaps it is easier to believe these other things than to change behaviors in order to follow Jesus.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
No One Can Snatch Us From God's Care
Readings:
I Kings 15
John 10:22-30
Focus:
John 10:28-29:"I give them eternal life and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my care. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father's care."
When we put our faith in Jesus, we are secure forever. God is greater than everyone and everything. There is no reason to fear anyone or anything whatsoever. There may be pain and trouble and distress to go through, but ultimately, we cannot be snatched out of God's care. In the end we will be free and safe.
I Kings 15
John 10:22-30
Focus:
John 10:28-29:"I give them eternal life and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my care. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father's care."
When we put our faith in Jesus, we are secure forever. God is greater than everyone and everything. There is no reason to fear anyone or anything whatsoever. There may be pain and trouble and distress to go through, but ultimately, we cannot be snatched out of God's care. In the end we will be free and safe.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Laying Down Our Lives and Receiving Them Back
Readings:
I Kings 14
John 10:14-21
Focus:
John 10:17:"The Father loves me because I lay down my life, to receive it back again."
Jesus laid down his life, of his own will, in order to save us. He did it of his own volition. We also can give our entire lives to him. Jeroboam, king of Israel, took the easy way, and allowed his subjects to worship other gods so that their loyalty to him would not be distracted. The result for Jeroboam was death of his son, and ultimately the destruction of his family's rule of Israel. But when we give our lives to God, like Jesus, we receive them back again. Not, of course, in the same way that Jesus did; our giving up of ourselves does not result in the eternal salvation of others. But in God's economy, as my husband calls it, the more we give, the more we receive, and what we receive is so much better than what we might have gotten had we been merely looking out for ourselves. It's the best pattern to follow.
I Kings 14
John 10:14-21
Focus:
John 10:17:"The Father loves me because I lay down my life, to receive it back again."
Jesus laid down his life, of his own will, in order to save us. He did it of his own volition. We also can give our entire lives to him. Jeroboam, king of Israel, took the easy way, and allowed his subjects to worship other gods so that their loyalty to him would not be distracted. The result for Jeroboam was death of his son, and ultimately the destruction of his family's rule of Israel. But when we give our lives to God, like Jesus, we receive them back again. Not, of course, in the same way that Jesus did; our giving up of ourselves does not result in the eternal salvation of others. But in God's economy, as my husband calls it, the more we give, the more we receive, and what we receive is so much better than what we might have gotten had we been merely looking out for ourselves. It's the best pattern to follow.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Always There
Readings:
Romans 9:30-10:13
Focus:
Romans 9:32b-33:"They tripped over the 'stone' mentioned in scripture: 'Here I lay in Zion a stone to trip over, a rock to stumble against; but he who has faith in it will not be put to shame.'"
On Sundays I break from my regular sequence of Bible readings and think about the passage my husband Jim preached from in the morning. As Jim was going through this passage, he emphasized that whether people believe in Jesus or not, nevertheless they always run into him. Either he is a rock that they trip on, or he is the source of salvation, but he is never nothing. I reflected that great thinkers always deal with the question of God (I thought of diverse people such as Mark Twain and Woody Allen) even if they don't put faith in him. Literature, art, music, all are filled with humankind's wrestling with the question of God. God is unavoidable. That's because he puts himself in our path; he is a rock to stumble against, or he is the source of our faith, and he will not put us to shame.
Romans 9:30-10:13
Focus:
Romans 9:32b-33:"They tripped over the 'stone' mentioned in scripture: 'Here I lay in Zion a stone to trip over, a rock to stumble against; but he who has faith in it will not be put to shame.'"
On Sundays I break from my regular sequence of Bible readings and think about the passage my husband Jim preached from in the morning. As Jim was going through this passage, he emphasized that whether people believe in Jesus or not, nevertheless they always run into him. Either he is a rock that they trip on, or he is the source of salvation, but he is never nothing. I reflected that great thinkers always deal with the question of God (I thought of diverse people such as Mark Twain and Woody Allen) even if they don't put faith in him. Literature, art, music, all are filled with humankind's wrestling with the question of God. God is unavoidable. That's because he puts himself in our path; he is a rock to stumble against, or he is the source of our faith, and he will not put us to shame.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The One and Only Door
Readings:
I Kings 13
John 10:6-13
Focus:
I Kings 13:18:"The old man urged him, 'I also am a prophet, as you are; and an angel commanded me by the word of the Lord to bring you to my home to eat and drink with me.' He was lying...."
John 10:7b & 10:"I am the door of the sheepfold....A thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and may have it in all its fullness."
The passage in John continues to speak of paths to God. Jesus is again very clear that the many ways to God that our culture speaks of do not exist. Instead, Jesus says that there is only one way, and that he is that way. To get to God, one must go through the door, and Jesus is that door. But it is a good door. It offers life. In I Kings a man of God--someone one ought to trust--offers good-sounding words to another prophet, and convinces him to deviate from what he had already learned from God. But when he does that, the ultimate result for him is death. It is only in following God's way that we find life. And as Jesus says, it is life in all its fullness.
I Kings 13
John 10:6-13
Focus:
I Kings 13:18:"The old man urged him, 'I also am a prophet, as you are; and an angel commanded me by the word of the Lord to bring you to my home to eat and drink with me.' He was lying...."
John 10:7b & 10:"I am the door of the sheepfold....A thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and may have it in all its fullness."
The passage in John continues to speak of paths to God. Jesus is again very clear that the many ways to God that our culture speaks of do not exist. Instead, Jesus says that there is only one way, and that he is that way. To get to God, one must go through the door, and Jesus is that door. But it is a good door. It offers life. In I Kings a man of God--someone one ought to trust--offers good-sounding words to another prophet, and convinces him to deviate from what he had already learned from God. But when he does that, the ultimate result for him is death. It is only in following God's way that we find life. And as Jesus says, it is life in all its fullness.
Friday, November 20, 2009
False Shepherds and Gods
Readings:
I Kings 12
John 10:1-5
Focus:
I Kings 12:"After taking counsel about the matter he made two calves of gold and said to the people, 'You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough; here are your gods, Israel, that brought you up from Egypt.'"
John 10:1:"In very truth I tell you, the man who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in some other way, is nothing but a thief and a robber."
We often hear these days that all religions are the same and that there are many paths to God. But Jesus was clear that this is not the case. He says that there is a shepherd who goes in by the door, and that shepherd is the correct one for the sheep to follow. Others who don't go in by the door are thieves and robbers. Giving a different path for the sheep to follow, a path that doesn't go through the door, is not something that will help the sheep. It will do them harm.
I Kings 12
John 10:1-5
Focus:
I Kings 12:"After taking counsel about the matter he made two calves of gold and said to the people, 'You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough; here are your gods, Israel, that brought you up from Egypt.'"
John 10:1:"In very truth I tell you, the man who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in some other way, is nothing but a thief and a robber."
We often hear these days that all religions are the same and that there are many paths to God. But Jesus was clear that this is not the case. He says that there is a shepherd who goes in by the door, and that shepherd is the correct one for the sheep to follow. Others who don't go in by the door are thieves and robbers. Giving a different path for the sheep to follow, a path that doesn't go through the door, is not something that will help the sheep. It will do them harm.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
How extraordinary!
Readings:
I Kings 11
John 9:6-41
Focus:
John 9:30:"How extraordinary! Here is a man who has opened my eyes, yet you do not know where he comes from!"
I love this story of the man born blind who is healed by Jesus. I love it partly because there is quite a bit of ironic humor in it. People try to duck the real issues just to stay safe, and they profess not to understand what is going on, because they are trying to keep Jesus down. But the man born blind cuts right through their pretensions and calls them on their obfuscations.
There is more than that, though. Jesus comes to a man who has been blind all his life, and takes away his blindness. This is an astonishing healing. And yet the Pharisees and religious leaders of the time are taken up with concern about procedural details; they are bothered that Jesus healed on the Sabbath. As the man born blind says, how extraordinary! They miss the wonder of the miracle because they are too concerned with trying to oppose Jesus. The sad thing is, Jesus is there for them to see. As he says, if they were truly blind, they would not be guilty, but because they claim to see, their guilt remains.
This is why, if we claim that we can see, we must look to God and ask him to clear away our blindnesses, so that we will truly see what he wants us to see, and not what we think we ought to be seeing. Even Solomon, the wisest king, son of David, who was a man after God's own heart, became unfaithful to God. His wisdom was not sufficient. We must always keep asking God to keep us looking the right direction.
I Kings 11
John 9:6-41
Focus:
John 9:30:"How extraordinary! Here is a man who has opened my eyes, yet you do not know where he comes from!"
I love this story of the man born blind who is healed by Jesus. I love it partly because there is quite a bit of ironic humor in it. People try to duck the real issues just to stay safe, and they profess not to understand what is going on, because they are trying to keep Jesus down. But the man born blind cuts right through their pretensions and calls them on their obfuscations.
There is more than that, though. Jesus comes to a man who has been blind all his life, and takes away his blindness. This is an astonishing healing. And yet the Pharisees and religious leaders of the time are taken up with concern about procedural details; they are bothered that Jesus healed on the Sabbath. As the man born blind says, how extraordinary! They miss the wonder of the miracle because they are too concerned with trying to oppose Jesus. The sad thing is, Jesus is there for them to see. As he says, if they were truly blind, they would not be guilty, but because they claim to see, their guilt remains.
This is why, if we claim that we can see, we must look to God and ask him to clear away our blindnesses, so that we will truly see what he wants us to see, and not what we think we ought to be seeing. Even Solomon, the wisest king, son of David, who was a man after God's own heart, became unfaithful to God. His wisdom was not sufficient. We must always keep asking God to keep us looking the right direction.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
We Must Carry on While Daylight Lasts
Readings:
I Kings 10
John 9:1-5
Focus:
John 9:4:"While daylight lasts we must carry on the work of him who sent me; night is coming, when no one can work."
This little passage, John 9:1-5, was so loaded that I hardly knew which part to concentrate on. I finally decided to think about verse 4. It fits with my thoughts of my cloud of witnesses (see the sidebar). I want to carry on for them in doing the work of him who sent Jesus. And it does seem that night is coming. There is so much hostility in our culture towards Christian values, or where there is not hostility, there is great indifference. When night does come, no one can work, so while daylight lasts, we must carry on the work of him who sent Jesus--that is, the work of God our Father. This is something to do consciously and proactively. We must actively love others and serve them in his name, and show others what God's love is about. We will have the help of Jesus, the light of the world.
I Kings 10
John 9:1-5
Focus:
John 9:4:"While daylight lasts we must carry on the work of him who sent me; night is coming, when no one can work."
This little passage, John 9:1-5, was so loaded that I hardly knew which part to concentrate on. I finally decided to think about verse 4. It fits with my thoughts of my cloud of witnesses (see the sidebar). I want to carry on for them in doing the work of him who sent Jesus. And it does seem that night is coming. There is so much hostility in our culture towards Christian values, or where there is not hostility, there is great indifference. When night does come, no one can work, so while daylight lasts, we must carry on the work of him who sent Jesus--that is, the work of God our Father. This is something to do consciously and proactively. We must actively love others and serve them in his name, and show others what God's love is about. We will have the help of Jesus, the light of the world.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
If We Obey, God Will Give Us His Gifts of Love and Life
Readings:
I Kings 9
John 8:48-59
Focus:
I Kings 9:4a: "If you, for your part, live in my sight as your father David lived, in integrity and uprightness, doing all I command you and observing my statutes and my judgments, then I shall establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel for ever...."
John 8: 51: "In very truth I tell you, if anyone obeys my teaching he will never see death."
God has always been about the business of promising to us that if we follow what he asks of us, we will have his love and favor. This was not an Old Testament teaching that Jesus nullified, nor was it a new commandment that Jesus brought that differed from before. Rather, it was both an Old Testament teaching and a commandment from Jesus. God wants us to obey him, and when we do that, he promises us his love and our very lives. It's a good promise!
I Kings 9
John 8:48-59
Focus:
I Kings 9:4a: "If you, for your part, live in my sight as your father David lived, in integrity and uprightness, doing all I command you and observing my statutes and my judgments, then I shall establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel for ever...."
John 8: 51: "In very truth I tell you, if anyone obeys my teaching he will never see death."
God has always been about the business of promising to us that if we follow what he asks of us, we will have his love and favor. This was not an Old Testament teaching that Jesus nullified, nor was it a new commandment that Jesus brought that differed from before. Rather, it was both an Old Testament teaching and a commandment from Jesus. God wants us to obey him, and when we do that, he promises us his love and our very lives. It's a good promise!
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