Today’s Reading: Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20
Scripture: Luke 20:41-44
41 Then Jesus said to them, "How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:
"'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet."' 44 David calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"
Observation: Jesus poses a problem -- an apparent contradiction from the scriptures -- to the teachers and the people. No one knew the answer. And Jesus doesn't give the answer.
Application: Of course, now that we know "the rest of the story" about who Jesus is, we understand that it is not a contradiction at all, but is a part of the great mystery of the incarnation, that is, God "became flesh and dwelt among us."
But what I love about this passage is that Jesus, after being challenged with contrived trick questions, poses a truly deep mystery and is content to leave it hanging out there without an answer. Most of us want to have our theology and Biblical interpretation all neatly packaged in nice, orderly categories. We want to have a pat answer for everything. But I think that's bunk. I still have loads of scriptures that I don't fully understand and even some where it seems to me like God does the wrong thing! Now, don't worry about my theology. I know that the fault lies with me and not with the Bible. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God. But I acknowledge my own limitations in understanding it fully. And I think if Jesus is OK with leaving a little unexplained mystery, we should be too. I'm not sure I could believe in a God that I could fully explain.
Prayer: Lord, You are great beyond my understanding. I thank You that You give me the ability to grasp enough of You to feel like I know You and to love You. You are a great God. Help me to understand as much as I can, and to be growing in my knowledge of You. But may I also be OK with the facets of You that I won't understand until I enter into Your presence on the other side.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Title: The Critical Crowd / Topic: Pleasing God
Today’s Reading: Genesis 47; Genesis 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19
Scripture: Luke 19:5-7
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"
Observation: Jesus reaches out to a notorious person, Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector which meant he was a collaborator with the Romans against his own people and he profited greatly from it. He was hated and resented by the people. I notice the contrast between the responses of Zacchaeus and the people. Zacchaeus obeyed instantaneously and welcomed Jesus with joy. The people were critical and spoke negatively against Jesus. They didn't like the fact that He was being nice to Zacchaeus.
Application: It's amazing that people get so ugly because something good is happening to another person. It shows the propensity for people to go negative easily. This is one of the great challenges of leadership. Even if you do something really wonderful, like Jesus was doing here, showing mercy to Zacchaeus, people will attack you for it. This is another reminder that Jesus' opinion is the only one that counts. If you please Jesus, it really doesn't matter who you displease.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being a just and merciful God. I thank You that people like Zacchaeus get a second chance to experience Your grace. Help me to do good, as Jesus did. And help me to focus on pleasing You, regardless of the approval or disapproval of others.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Luke 19:5-7
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"
Observation: Jesus reaches out to a notorious person, Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector which meant he was a collaborator with the Romans against his own people and he profited greatly from it. He was hated and resented by the people. I notice the contrast between the responses of Zacchaeus and the people. Zacchaeus obeyed instantaneously and welcomed Jesus with joy. The people were critical and spoke negatively against Jesus. They didn't like the fact that He was being nice to Zacchaeus.
Application: It's amazing that people get so ugly because something good is happening to another person. It shows the propensity for people to go negative easily. This is one of the great challenges of leadership. Even if you do something really wonderful, like Jesus was doing here, showing mercy to Zacchaeus, people will attack you for it. This is another reminder that Jesus' opinion is the only one that counts. If you please Jesus, it really doesn't matter who you displease.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being a just and merciful God. I thank You that people like Zacchaeus get a second chance to experience Your grace. Help me to do good, as Jesus did. And help me to focus on pleasing You, regardless of the approval or disapproval of others.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Title: Bad Judge vs. Good God / Topic: Persistent Prayer
Today’s Reading: Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18
Scripture: Luke 18:1, 7-8
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Observation: This is one of the rare cases where we are told the meaning of the parable before the parable is told. Jesus gives the parable of the unjust judge in which a corrupt judge gives justice to a widow because she is hounding him and the only way he can rid himself of the bother is to give her justice. The meaning is that we "should always pray and not give up."
Application: And the message is that if this unjust judge gives justice to the persistent widow, how much more will our loving and just Father God answer the persistent prayers of his people. But the problem with this is, we have to pray with persistence. Do we? No. At least I don't see much of it. I think that is why Jesus asks the question, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" In other words, Jesus was asking about us -- will Jesus, upon His return, find people who "cry out to him day and night"? That's a good question. I want to be that kind of person.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man of persistent prayer. Give me the ability to focus and dedicate myself to the pursuit of passionate prayer. I desire to see You do amazing things -- to bring justice to Your people. Help us to be seeking You with persistence. I know You will answer our needs.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Luke 18:1, 7-8
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Observation: This is one of the rare cases where we are told the meaning of the parable before the parable is told. Jesus gives the parable of the unjust judge in which a corrupt judge gives justice to a widow because she is hounding him and the only way he can rid himself of the bother is to give her justice. The meaning is that we "should always pray and not give up."
Application: And the message is that if this unjust judge gives justice to the persistent widow, how much more will our loving and just Father God answer the persistent prayers of his people. But the problem with this is, we have to pray with persistence. Do we? No. At least I don't see much of it. I think that is why Jesus asks the question, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" In other words, Jesus was asking about us -- will Jesus, upon His return, find people who "cry out to him day and night"? That's a good question. I want to be that kind of person.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man of persistent prayer. Give me the ability to focus and dedicate myself to the pursuit of passionate prayer. I desire to see You do amazing things -- to bring justice to Your people. Help us to be seeking You with persistence. I know You will answer our needs.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Title: Three Short Messages / Topic: Godly Living
Today’s Reading: Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17
#1 Scripture: Genesis 42:38 But Jacob said, "My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow."
#1 Observation: Jacob may be a great patriarch but he is a terrible father. His words here show such utter disregard for the other ten sons that are listening. Here are ten men hearing their father say that they don't matter -- almost that they don't exist. It's shameful.
#1 Application: Favoritism is so damaging in families. It is especially prevalent with today's blended families: his, hers, and theirs. But favoritism promotes rivalries, jealously and destroys family unity. Steer clear.
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
#2 Observation: David presents this simple exchange with God. There is a time (in the morning) when he talks with God. Apparently out loud. And he lays out his requests, then he waits.
#2 Application: It is the waiting part that we don't do so well. We may be good at making requests of God. But waiting in expectation is something that I need serious work on.
#3 Observation: Sometimes people rationalize bad behavior by saying, it was going to happen anyway. If I didn't do it, somebody else would have. Like, "If I don't let my teenagers drink beer at home, they will just drink it somewhere else." Or, "They're going to get their condoms from someone, it might as well be me." But Jesus makes it clear that this kind of argument won't work on judgment day.
#3 Application: Do the right things. There is never a good reason to do something wrong. Any time I have to rationalize a behavior, I am probably doing the wrong thing.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
#1 Scripture: Genesis 42:38 But Jacob said, "My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow."
#1 Observation: Jacob may be a great patriarch but he is a terrible father. His words here show such utter disregard for the other ten sons that are listening. Here are ten men hearing their father say that they don't matter -- almost that they don't exist. It's shameful.
#1 Application: Favoritism is so damaging in families. It is especially prevalent with today's blended families: his, hers, and theirs. But favoritism promotes rivalries, jealously and destroys family unity. Steer clear.
-----
#2 Scripture: Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
#2 Observation: David presents this simple exchange with God. There is a time (in the morning) when he talks with God. Apparently out loud. And he lays out his requests, then he waits.
#2 Application: It is the waiting part that we don't do so well. We may be good at making requests of God. But waiting in expectation is something that I need serious work on.
-----
#3 Scripture: Luke 17:1 Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.#3 Observation: Sometimes people rationalize bad behavior by saying, it was going to happen anyway. If I didn't do it, somebody else would have. Like, "If I don't let my teenagers drink beer at home, they will just drink it somewhere else." Or, "They're going to get their condoms from someone, it might as well be me." But Jesus makes it clear that this kind of argument won't work on judgment day.
#3 Application: Do the right things. There is never a good reason to do something wrong. Any time I have to rationalize a behavior, I am probably doing the wrong thing.
-----
Prayer: Lord, lead me in wisdom in Your paths. May I be a seeker of Your face, and may I, in all my seeking, find You and know You more and more closely.This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Title: Unstoppable Character / Topic: Integrity
Today’s Reading: Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
Scripture: Genesis 39:2-4
2 The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant...
Observation: What does it mean, "the Lord was with him..." I believe it means that Joseph had character. He lived his life with integrity and honesty before God, and even though he was a slave in a foreign land, his character shown through. It wasn't that Joseph had the Midas touch. No he was a good, honest, honorable man. And his Egyptian master saw it. It was obvious to anyone who met Joseph.
Application: What a great testimony! Joseph had character that was obvious even in distressing conditions. Because of his character, Joseph was promoted and his life became an even bigger blessing to his master. Later, in prison, the same thing happens. Joseph had unstoppable character. He walked the walk.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a man of such great integrity that people see it and take notice. And I want the people I lead to be likewise, so that our community will take notice. Help us to stand in strong integrity and godly character, so that Your reputation is reinforced in unbelievers because of who we are and what we do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Genesis 39:2-4
2 The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant...
Observation: What does it mean, "the Lord was with him..." I believe it means that Joseph had character. He lived his life with integrity and honesty before God, and even though he was a slave in a foreign land, his character shown through. It wasn't that Joseph had the Midas touch. No he was a good, honest, honorable man. And his Egyptian master saw it. It was obvious to anyone who met Joseph.
Application: What a great testimony! Joseph had character that was obvious even in distressing conditions. Because of his character, Joseph was promoted and his life became an even bigger blessing to his master. Later, in prison, the same thing happens. Joseph had unstoppable character. He walked the walk.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a man of such great integrity that people see it and take notice. And I want the people I lead to be likewise, so that our community will take notice. Help us to stand in strong integrity and godly character, so that Your reputation is reinforced in unbelievers because of who we are and what we do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Title: Take A Stand / Topic: Courage
Today’s Reading: Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15
Scripture: Genesis 37:18, 21-22, 28, 28-30
18 ...they saw [Joseph] in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him...
21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. "Let's not take his life," he said. 22 "Don't shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him." Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father...
24 ...they took him and threw him into the cistern...
28 ...Midianite merchants came by, [and] his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
29 When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. 30 He went back to his brothers and said, "The boy isn't there! Where can I turn now?"
Observation: Rueben wanted to save Joseph, but he lacked the courage to take a stand against the rest of his brothers. It seems he had a plan in mind to do it in such a way that they wouldn't know about it. But his inability to resist them directly had a terrible result. While he was away, they sold Joseph as a slave. And when he returned and discovered that Joseph was gone, he was horrified. But it was too late. The time to speak up had passed and the damage was done. What resulted was a conspiracy of lies that tainted the entire family forever.
Application: It takes courage to rise up and face opposition and take a stand. But it is so important to speak truth and especially to stand with the weak and oppressed. We live in a culture that can be quite hostile toward Christian ideas and people. It isn't easy to speak up when the crowd is piling on against the good. But it is something that we are called to do. I believe that if one good person will take a stand, there well may be others who will join in to see that the right is done.
Bottom line: Take a stand. Speak up.
Prayer: Lord, give me courage to speak truth, even when it is unpopular. Give me wisdom and persuasive power to generate support for truth and justice. May Your will be done, in all I do and say.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Genesis 37:18, 21-22, 28, 28-30
18 ...they saw [Joseph] in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him...
21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. "Let's not take his life," he said. 22 "Don't shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him." Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father...
24 ...they took him and threw him into the cistern...
28 ...Midianite merchants came by, [and] his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
29 When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. 30 He went back to his brothers and said, "The boy isn't there! Where can I turn now?"
Observation: Rueben wanted to save Joseph, but he lacked the courage to take a stand against the rest of his brothers. It seems he had a plan in mind to do it in such a way that they wouldn't know about it. But his inability to resist them directly had a terrible result. While he was away, they sold Joseph as a slave. And when he returned and discovered that Joseph was gone, he was horrified. But it was too late. The time to speak up had passed and the damage was done. What resulted was a conspiracy of lies that tainted the entire family forever.
Application: It takes courage to rise up and face opposition and take a stand. But it is so important to speak truth and especially to stand with the weak and oppressed. We live in a culture that can be quite hostile toward Christian ideas and people. It isn't easy to speak up when the crowd is piling on against the good. But it is something that we are called to do. I believe that if one good person will take a stand, there well may be others who will join in to see that the right is done.
Bottom line: Take a stand. Speak up.
Prayer: Lord, give me courage to speak truth, even when it is unpopular. Give me wisdom and persuasive power to generate support for truth and justice. May Your will be done, in all I do and say.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Title: Give It Up / Topic: The Cost Of Salvation
Today’s Reading: Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14
Scripture: Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Observation: Jesus gives a challenge. To be His disciple, the cost is total. Unlike some "easy grace" teachings, Jesus makes no bones about a "high demand" requirement.
Application: I have to give up everything to follow Him. It cost Jesus everything to become my Savior, so of course, it must cost me everything to follow Him. That's what I want to do.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving me so much that you give Your only begotten Son that I may believe in Him and have everlasting life. Help me to give my all -- it's really a small price for so great a salvation. But help me just the same.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Observation: Jesus gives a challenge. To be His disciple, the cost is total. Unlike some "easy grace" teachings, Jesus makes no bones about a "high demand" requirement.
Application: I have to give up everything to follow Him. It cost Jesus everything to become my Savior, so of course, it must cost me everything to follow Him. That's what I want to do.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving me so much that you give Your only begotten Son that I may believe in Him and have everlasting life. Help me to give my all -- it's really a small price for so great a salvation. But help me just the same.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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