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Day 362: Genesis 1–Revelation 21 — The Long Journey Home

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

I do not remember a lot of the things preachers have said throughout my childhood, but I do remember one from brother Ken Hoover who ministered at the Southwest church of Christ in Phoenix when I was in Jr. High. He preached a series of sermons taking one book of the Bible at a time and he would start out with the theme of the book which was always “The glory of God and the salvation of mankind through his Son Jesus Christ.” The message is the same throughout. It’s a message of repentance, forgiveness, love, mercy, and grace. There’s some wrath and punishment thrown in there when necessary, but that is not the goal.

My family (12 of us on my wife’s side) have just returned from a 2 day trip to visit my sister-in-law and her 1 year old son at the rehab facility where they currently reside. She has had many struggles and taken many wrong paths, but we can finally see her starting to take responsibility for them and seeking God and family to help her change her heart and her actions. We have prayed and solicited prayers for her over the years and we finally begin to see the fruit of God’s working in her. She has a long way to go, but God is good and willing to forgive. May we all be as merciful as He is. Our visit was such a joy to all of us and we hope she will be encouraged to continue on her path.

When I read today’s passage in Zechariah 1, it really struck a chord:

“The LORD was very angry with your ancestors. Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty. Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever? But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors?
“Then they repented and said, ‘The LORD Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’”

This passage could come from any of the prophets or really anywhere in the Bible as this is the message throughout, which is why I titled the blog post Genesis 1 – Revelation 21. As fellow blogger Powell would say “Read the whole thing. It’s good for you.”

The message of forgiveness is to each one of us, as “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. As we close out this year and start a new, may we remember the message: that God loved me so much that he sent His Son to live and die for me so that I might be with him in this life and the one to come.

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Posted in Forgiveness, Grace, Love, Mercy, Repentance, Salvation | 1 Comment »

Day 355: Amos 3-6; Revelation 9 — By the Light of the Slivery Moon

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

Right now as I write this it is 1:30 AM on the winter solstice and I have awoken to partake in the viewing of the lunar eclipse. Unfortunately it is very cloudy and there are only brief glimpses of the slivery moon. Mildly disappointing. Like someone promised me a grand event and didn’t follow through (at least not with the grand part).

Fortunately God is not like that. He always follows through. Today’s reading in Amos 3-6 is replete with messages from God listing out the warnings and chances he has given Israel to repent. And since they have chosen not to follow him but rather the ways of the nations around him, he will soon destroy them utterly.

Yet just like the small break in the clouds for me tonight, there is a glimmer of hope as there is with every message from the Lord “Seek the LORD and live” (Amos 5:6). God never warns us just to let us know what is coming. He always gives the opportunity to repent and be made right with him.

If we choose not to repent, our fate will be the same as those in Revelation 9. If we do repent, well, you’ll have to read the rest of Revelation to find out how that turns out.

For now, I’m going to head outside one more time and hope for a break in the clouds and then back to bed with the sane people.

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Posted in Amos, Grace, Judgment, Mercy, Redemption, Repentance, Revelation | 2 Comments »

Day 348: Daniel 9 — For Great Mercy

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

In Daniel 9 we read the fervent prayer of Daniel lamenting the sins of Israel. It’s not a finger pointing. In fact he uses the first person plural throughout. Lots of “we”. He includes himself in it all even though he was likely very young when all of it was going on. At no point does he shirk the responsibility or blame anyone else. He bears the full brunt of the shame and punishment for the nation he loves. Quite a different picture from what we would expect, a distinct contrast to the Pharisee that Jesus mentioned who was so thankful to not be as sinful the tax collector just around the corner.

Later, in his prayer for mercy he once again assumes a posture of humility. As he pleads for forgiveness, it is not because he or Israel deserves mercy but because God is righteous. “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.” And it is for God’s own sake, not his own that Daniel asks for mercy.

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Posted in Blame, Daniel, Forgiveness, Mercy, Repentance, Sin | Comments Off

Day 337: Ezekiel 33:1-20 – Who Watches the Watchman?

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

I want to focus on the first part of Ezekiel 33 today. Here God uses the concept of a city watchman charged with alerting the rest of the people of coming danger. The watchman’s job is to sound the alarm. If he does his job then he is not responsible for those that do not listen. If the watchman fails to do his job, then the deaths of the people will be on his head.
A convicting lesson, yet with a measure of relief. If I am not doing my job of spreading the gospel to the lost, then I need to get to work. Too often what holds me back is fear of rejection or failure. This passage encourages me to proceed anyway, full speed ahead, and not be so concerned with the results. Sure, the goal of the message is to save the lost, but the results are not mine to create nor take credit for. If I take the opportunity, my responsibility is fulfilled. Now we are not to be like Jonah and hope they don’t repent and sulk when they do.

Our motivation should be the salvation of their souls, not the removal of obligation from ourselves. But when things don’t go the way we want, move on, shake off the dust and go find another city to play watchman for.

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Posted in Ezekiel, Repentance, Salvation | Comments Off

Day 334: Ezekiel 24:15-26:21; James 3, 5 — When Words Collide

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

There is so much to talk about today. I’d like to reference Matt Wilson’s post from Sunday for a few reasons. If you have not read it, please stop now and go read it. It’s a beautiful remembrance of a beloved family member. Now imagine if he and his family were commanded not to show any sign of sorrow at her passing. It seems that is just what God asked of Ezekiel at the passing of his wife (Ezekiel 24:15-18). It’s a strange object lesson, but no stranger than some of the others God passed along through his prophets over the years.

In addition, since Matt did not cover James 3 that day I’d like to do so now. It is a powerful passage and one of my favorite. Simple, and yet extremely difficult. James is one of my favorite letters because of its simple practicality for everyday Christian living. Paul sometimes puts my mind in a twist, but James gets right to the everyday issues that I face as a Christian. James starts out by admonishing those of us in leadership (specifically teachers) to be extra careful especially in what we say (or write on a blog I suppose). The ability to keep my tongue in check is a skill I have not yet mastered and James sheds some light on just why that is. If I can control my tongue, I stand a good chance of keeping my whole body in check. Already this week in a single day I have had the opportunity to speak out harshly on two different occasions. Thankfully, in both cases I refrained from speaking immediately. In one case, others were able to say with grace and tact what I would have said with anger and spite. In another instance, I was able to think through my words with prayer and deliver a measured response. Now that I’ve used up my quota of patience and control for the week I would advise everyone to steer clear or you may receive a tongue lashing.

Finally, I’d like to consider James 5. James starts out by slamming the rich that will be put in their place because of their uncompassionate treatment of others. The words are a striking parallel to the condemnation of Tyre in Ezekiel 26. Go read it. If you are a fan of fantasy fiction like I am, it will remind you of many of the battle sequences throughout the genre (such as the Battle of Palennor Fields in Tolkien’s The Return of the King). God is very detailed in what he’s about to do to them. Our treatment of those who are suffering and downtrodden is extremely important to God apparently. Who would have thunk it?!? James continues by encouraging the Christians to patience in their sufferings.

Then we come to a passage that has long stumped me in trying to discern its meaning. I like to take the words of the Bible at face value, and yet there seems to be something missing in my understanding here. What does James mean when he writes:

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

I have heard different interpretations across the entire spectrum, but nothing seems to fully explain what will actually happen when I faithfully pray over someone (being the righteous person that I am). The tie in between physical and spiritual health is reminiscent of Jesus’ own words when the lame man was lowered through the roof and Jesus forgave him then healed him. Whatever the case, there is the aspect of faith when praying, confession of sins to each other, and praying for each other. Maybe I don’t need to worry about the results and just practice the process more and leave the hard part up to God.

“Who is wise and understanding among you?” Not I.

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Posted in Anger, Ezekiel, faith, James, Redemption, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | 2 Comments »

Day 320: Jeremiah 49:7-50:46; Hebrews 5:10-6:20 — Are we there yet?

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

Oh my! Won’t this guy ever shut-up. I’m sure that’s what people were saying about Jeremiah after all the things he has said.  It’s kinda the same feeling I had upon seeing today that the blog entry was still coming from the book of Jeremiah.  He just goes on and on and it’s the same thing every time. Repentance, punishment, forgiveness, more punishment. In his day, I’m sure everyone was thoroughly sick of Jeremiah. And I’m sure Jeremiah wished he could go on to talking about other things, perhaps helping the people in other ways. But he was always stuck on the same message because the people just didn’t get it. And after 50 chapters, we are still not done with the book of Jeremiah (not till tomorrow anyways).

The writer of Hebrews seems to be going through a similar situation in Hebrews 6. He really wants to move on past the basics of becoming a Christian and move on to the more mature topics of being a Christian. Babes need milk. Adults need solid food. But when the people won’t listen, you have to repeat yourself over and over.  It can be very frustrating as a teacher (and as a parent). “How many times have I told you to pick up your coat?!? I’ve already told you why, just do it. Pick it up NOW!” Sound familiar? How many times are we like this with God? He wants so much for us to have a mature relationship with him but we argue and fight about the basic things and can’t just get it though our thick skulls to follow and obey. When we finally do, perhaps we can move on to bigger and better things leaving elementary school behind.

Posted in Jeremiah, Obedience, Repentance | Comments Off

Day 313: Jeremiah 31:1-32:15, 2 Timothy 4:9-Titus 1:5 — Real Estate

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

It’s interesting some of the object lessons that God uses to get his points across. We find one here in Jeremiah 32 involving a real estate transaction. With the recent economic woes in our country over the last 2 years centered around the housing market, many people are panicking that their homes will never sell or be worth what they once were. Many economic forecasters are optimistic and many are pessimistic about a recovery. Whatever the case, no one really knows what will happen till it happens. It seems that the war torn nation of Israel has suffered a similar dip in their real estate market. The king was mad at Jeremiah for being so negative about their outlook. So Jeremiah tells him a story. God had Jeremiah invest in a field as a demonstration of the recovery that would one day come. He didn’t say when and hinted that it might be a long way off, but it would come.

For this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land. (Jeremiah 32:15)

Jeremiah 31 is all about God restoring Israel and no longer punishing the whole nation for the sins of some (or many). Each person would be responsible for their own sins. It’s a message of forgiveness and mercy and a message of hope for those who have remained faithful against great trials and opposition.

Paul also practices a bit of forgiveness and mercy in 2 Timothy 4:9-18. First he has forgiven Mark for his past desertion. And to the metalworker who did him harm he urged forgiveness (tempered with caution at further interactions). He left judgment and punishment up to the Lord.

May we have the hope of forgiveness for our many transgressions and the kindness to forgive others and show mercy when they sin against us.

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Posted in 2 Timothy, Forgiveness, Jeremiah, Mercy, Repentance | Comments Off

Day 299: Isaiah 58-61 — Forsaken

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Today’s passages in Isaiah paints a picture of a forsaken people. Much like our country today, the people of Israel had long turned from their roots towards idolatry. And thus God had given them over to the hands of their enemies. In America today, it feels much like this scenario is playing out. As much as we like to sing “God Bless the USA”, reality seems to be taking a different direction. A forsaken people, that’s what we are. But just like the people of Israel, God’s favor was not removed without cause. As we forsake God, he will forsake us. When we return to him he is not far away. Isaiah 58-59 paints the picture of the forsaken nation and why they have been forsaken:

Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.

But 60-61 paints a brighter picture of what will happen if the people return to God:

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

It’s never too late with God. He is faithful and mighty to save. But he will not honor us as long as we are not honoring him.

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Posted in Isaiah, Repentance | 1 Comment »

Day 198: Ezra 8:24-10:44 — You are the man!

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

It’s common to hear that idea in slang form, with one buddy congratulating another, “You da man!” Appearing in Scripture, with the prophet Nathan speaking to King David though, it’s less than congratulatory:

David burned with anger against the [rich] man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who [stole the poor man's one little ewe lamb] deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” 2 Samuel 12:0

The declaration is recorded in today’s reading, with the collective “you” addressing the men of the southern kingdom:

Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt…” Ezra 10:10

It’s seldom a pleasant thing to be confronted with the truth about my sin — especially if I’m not quite ready to repent yet. In David’s case, he responded immediately and with humility. The men of Judah, although they were initially quite perturbed at being called together and having to stand in the rain, likewise responded positively. There’s just something about a public confrontation that provokes a decision — fight or flight; repent or remain in sin. Perhaps that’s why Jesus tells us as a last resort to take matters of church discipline before the entire congregation (Matthew 18:15-20).

Although not pleasant for either party, direct confrontation is sometimes the only way to wake up an erring brother. My prayer is that the direct confrontation of God’s Word piercing my heart will be confrontation enough for me to see my sin. Hurray for honest, soft-hearted sinners like David and the men of Judah & Benjamin who weren’t afraid to bow before Holy God and admit, “I have sinned.”

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Posted in Ezra, Repentance, Sin | 2 Comments »

Day 193: 2 Chronicles 33:10-35:19; Acts 8:26-9:9 — drastic measures to make drastic changes

Monday, July 12th, 2010

My dad used to say that it takes drastic measures to make drastic changes. So it was for those in the readings for today. Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, became more evil than those before him. God moved him into a position from which he could see things more clearly. Repent or die. Although so evil and abusive, the pleas and repentance of Manasseh were heard by God and he was returned to Judah. A short book in the Apocrypha, the Prayer of Manasseh reflects a broken and contrite heart. I still wonder how Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, came to be evil in the first place.

Josiah was blessed with a good heart and good advisers at a early age. In his zeal to restore loyalty to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he reached north into Syrian territory to destroy the pagan shrines and brought back the tribute money from those peoples to refurnish the temple. He ground to dust the idols, burned the bones of pagan priests, and turned the Place of Burning, Topheth, into that infamous of all New Testament places Gehenna, valley of the sons of Hinnom, the ever burning, foul, city dump. Then of all things, they find the Torah in the Temple! As a teacher of mine in school said, “What a place to lose the Bible, in the church (building)!”

How do you deal with a raging inferno like Saul?! Jesus struck him down, dead in his tracks, made him to be led, not the leader of this band on their way to Damascus. He was blind three days. His story continues later.

How can you stop a world that is hell bound? What great, extreme drastic measures could it take to change an entire world?

Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” (Acts 8:32-33 ESV)

What will it take for you to break down the lurking shadows of evil in you? the places of unfaithfulness? What do you need today to make this a day of praise and victory for God Almighty in you?

Prayer: Holy, Righteous Father: Today help me to remove every idol from my life, to refurnish my heart, my mind, and my body so that I am holy to You, a place of constant praise and renewal by Your Spirit. Thank You, in Jesus name.

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Posted in 2 Chronicles, Acts, Repentance | 3 Comments »

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