“None of the disciples dared ask Him, ‘Who are You?’ because they knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:12b CSB)
Not only did the disciples not ask, “Who are You?’ but there are very likely some additional questions they did not ask aloud.
This was the third resurrection appearance of Jesus, and it occurred by the Sea of Galilee. At least eight of the disciples were away from Jerusalem at the time, for reasons unknown. Maybe they were in need of money and went to the only means they knew for earning money – fishing. Maybe they were being impatient and seeing no need to remain in Jerusalem at that particular moment. We do not know the reasons or the motivations. They were somewhat in the same boat with regard to Jesus and His post-resurrection activities.
We can imagine – and probably accurately – that the disciples had a number of questions which either they did not ask or were not recorded. At least one of those questions would be obvious: “Lord, now that You have been resurrected, why do You not stay with us now? Why do You keep coming and going?” Undoubtedly, the time between the crucifixion/resurrection and the Day of Pentecost were perplexing days for these disciples. There was no shortage of the unknown. Only on the Day of Pentecost, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, did they finally begin to understand the Lord’s purposes.
Disciples today have many questions as well. Some are asked, such as, “Lord, when are You coming again?” Others may ask, “Lord, why do You allow Your people in some places in our world to suffer so much?” Questions abound, and some are simply unasked. Answers do not appear to be forthcoming for some of those questions. It may well be that only when the Lord comes again or calls us home to be with Him will we understand.
For now, we need simply to move forward in faith, plowing the ground as we go, sowing the seed, following in obedience, and trusting Him to produce the fruit and the harvest as we abide in Him in trust.
Lord, The discomfort of the unasked questions and the non-answers leaves us perplexed sometimes, but we are grateful for the opportunity to know You and follow after You. Help us today to simply move forward in trust. Amen.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Many Compassions
“Your compassions are many, Lord.” (Psalm 119:156a CSB)
Indeed, they are. The compassions of God are more than can be counted, and that is the literal truth. Just start with creation. The creation itself expresses the compassion of God. And every breath we take is the compassion of God expressed. Our living and our dying to go be with Him forever in heaven – all is part of God’s compassion. The compassion of God touches everything and everyone, acknowledged or not.
God, in His compassion, never leaves us or forsakes us. He is with us at all times. In those robust moments of exuberance in life, God is with us. In those times of affliction when nothing much makes sense, still God is with us. He walks through all the events of life with us, whether we understand those events or not. This is why Paul was able to say, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
The next time you go through some event that is perplexing to you, or an event that feels as though it may be crushing you, remember that the compassions of God are many. You may not feel that way at the moment, but a faithful trust in God will lead you through to the victory and to the realization anew that His compassions are many.
The next time you experience a monumental victory in your personal life, that, too, is the time to remember that the compassions of God are many. God deserves that recognition because He is the God of compassion.
Lord Jesus, We thank You for Your compassion, especially as we see it played out in our minds in a vision of the crucifixion and resurrection. We thank You that You love us this much. Remind us through the day of Your compassions that are ever with us. Amen.
Indeed, they are. The compassions of God are more than can be counted, and that is the literal truth. Just start with creation. The creation itself expresses the compassion of God. And every breath we take is the compassion of God expressed. Our living and our dying to go be with Him forever in heaven – all is part of God’s compassion. The compassion of God touches everything and everyone, acknowledged or not.
God, in His compassion, never leaves us or forsakes us. He is with us at all times. In those robust moments of exuberance in life, God is with us. In those times of affliction when nothing much makes sense, still God is with us. He walks through all the events of life with us, whether we understand those events or not. This is why Paul was able to say, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
The next time you go through some event that is perplexing to you, or an event that feels as though it may be crushing you, remember that the compassions of God are many. You may not feel that way at the moment, but a faithful trust in God will lead you through to the victory and to the realization anew that His compassions are many.
The next time you experience a monumental victory in your personal life, that, too, is the time to remember that the compassions of God are many. God deserves that recognition because He is the God of compassion.
Lord Jesus, We thank You for Your compassion, especially as we see it played out in our minds in a vision of the crucifixion and resurrection. We thank You that You love us this much. Remind us through the day of Your compassions that are ever with us. Amen.
Monday, August 11, 2008
A Diligent Worker
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 CSB)
One of the most significant ways we can honor our parents is in how we live our lives. The living of life is a reflection of values and a reflection of influences, so how we live is at least as important as that we live. Just as this is true for honoring our parents, it is true as well in terms of relationships with all of our family members. And certainly, it is true of our relationship with God.
What in our lives brings honor to our God? At least one thing is certain: how we handle the truth of God placed in our hands brings either honor or dishonor to Him. When we handle the word of truth correctly, that brings honor to God and results in our approval from Him and, thus, no need to be ashamed of anything. If we handle the truth in a haphazard, slovenly way, or if we treat the word flippantly, that will dishonor God before others. That is something God does not approve, because His word is important to Him. Because that is true, we need to take all diligence in making sure that we treat His word as He Himself does. When we approach His word in that manner, He approves. We then have nothing to be ashamed of.
Father, Thank You for the opportunity to serve You. Help each of us today to exert all diligence in our service to You and especially in our handling of Your truth. Amen.
One of the most significant ways we can honor our parents is in how we live our lives. The living of life is a reflection of values and a reflection of influences, so how we live is at least as important as that we live. Just as this is true for honoring our parents, it is true as well in terms of relationships with all of our family members. And certainly, it is true of our relationship with God.
What in our lives brings honor to our God? At least one thing is certain: how we handle the truth of God placed in our hands brings either honor or dishonor to Him. When we handle the word of truth correctly, that brings honor to God and results in our approval from Him and, thus, no need to be ashamed of anything. If we handle the truth in a haphazard, slovenly way, or if we treat the word flippantly, that will dishonor God before others. That is something God does not approve, because His word is important to Him. Because that is true, we need to take all diligence in making sure that we treat His word as He Himself does. When we approach His word in that manner, He approves. We then have nothing to be ashamed of.
Father, Thank You for the opportunity to serve You. Help each of us today to exert all diligence in our service to You and especially in our handling of Your truth. Amen.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Loyalty to the Faith
“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you… And you know how much he ministered at Ephesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13-18 CSB)
Paul gave Timothy three admonitions which were intended to help him maintain his loyalty to the Christian faith. It isn’t likely that Paul was worried about Timothy wandering away, but he knew that some others in the church at Ephesus where Timothy was serving were, in fact, wandering away. He knew that Timothy as the leader had to set an example for others to follow. Thus, these admonitions.
The first admonition was to hold to the pattern of sound teachings. Paul first modeled these for Timothy. That’s what good leaders do. Now, Timothy was to hold on to that pattern and in turn teach others to do the same. His approach was to be from faith and love.
The second admonition was to guard what was entrusted to him by the Holy Spirit. That would include: truth, spiritual gifts, and the opportunity to serve. It was necessary to “guard” these because they were under attack by those who were deserting the faith and the truth.
Paul mentioned two men – Phygelus and Hermogenes – who were among those who wandered away, and he then mentioned Onesiphorus, one who had remained faithful, both in serving Paul’s needs in Rome as well as having ministered effectively in Ephesus. These mentions underscored the second admonition, and they pointed also to a third one.
The third admonition was to minister to the needs of people from the heart, thereby building relational loyalty. Onesiphorus was the example of this. Paul noted both his commitment to relationships and his determination to minister effectively from people. This man was thus a man of great heart, and Timothy was admonished to observe the example of Onesiphorus and thus seek to minister to the needs of believers in Ephesus from the heart.
Loyalty to the faith includes thus holding on to sound teachings, guarding all that is entrusted to us, and ministering from the heart.
Lord, Help us today to put all of these into action. Amen.
Paul gave Timothy three admonitions which were intended to help him maintain his loyalty to the Christian faith. It isn’t likely that Paul was worried about Timothy wandering away, but he knew that some others in the church at Ephesus where Timothy was serving were, in fact, wandering away. He knew that Timothy as the leader had to set an example for others to follow. Thus, these admonitions.
The first admonition was to hold to the pattern of sound teachings. Paul first modeled these for Timothy. That’s what good leaders do. Now, Timothy was to hold on to that pattern and in turn teach others to do the same. His approach was to be from faith and love.
The second admonition was to guard what was entrusted to him by the Holy Spirit. That would include: truth, spiritual gifts, and the opportunity to serve. It was necessary to “guard” these because they were under attack by those who were deserting the faith and the truth.
Paul mentioned two men – Phygelus and Hermogenes – who were among those who wandered away, and he then mentioned Onesiphorus, one who had remained faithful, both in serving Paul’s needs in Rome as well as having ministered effectively in Ephesus. These mentions underscored the second admonition, and they pointed also to a third one.
The third admonition was to minister to the needs of people from the heart, thereby building relational loyalty. Onesiphorus was the example of this. Paul noted both his commitment to relationships and his determination to minister effectively from people. This man was thus a man of great heart, and Timothy was admonished to observe the example of Onesiphorus and thus seek to minister to the needs of believers in Ephesus from the heart.
Loyalty to the faith includes thus holding on to sound teachings, guarding all that is entrusted to us, and ministering from the heart.
Lord, Help us today to put all of these into action. Amen.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Fan the Flames
“Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7 CSB)
Why is it that believers sometimes get discouraged in trying to carry out the ministry God has given them?
Frustration is probably the biggest culprit in this process, and it is a process. When someone begins a ministry there is typically a lot of enthusiasm. What we soon discover, however, is that it isn’t as easy or simple as it may have first appeared, and along the way there may be someone who doesn’t particularly like what we are trying to accomplish, for one reason or another. Repeated attempts met with sporadic success and frequent failure produces frustration, and frustration often leads to the dissipation of enthusiasm, with the result that additional ministry attempts lessen or altogether cease. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Paul advised Timothy to “keep ablaze” the spiritual gift that was in him. What we want to know, though, is: How exactly do you do that?
The first action you have to take is to remind yourself of your faith. That’s what Paul did for Timothy actually. He said very clearly to Timothy that he clearly recalled Timothy’s sincere faith, that first lived in his grandmother Lois and then in his mother Eunice. Timothy needed to return to his roots in terms of being reminded of Whose he is, and that success was more dependent on the Lord than on him. And the reminder of faith is also a reminder of the call to faithfulness. God doesn’t call us to success but to faithfulness.
The second action needed is a fresh recognition of the Author of the spiritual gift or gifts that are in us. God is Himself NOT a Spirit of fearfulness, but a Spirit of power, love, and sound judgment, and He imparts His Spirit to us, leading us to overcome any timidity or fearfulness and to operate on the basis of His power, love, and sound judgment.
Faith and faithfulness, along with a fresh recognition of the powerful and loving God we serve, can serve to keep the spiritual fires ablaze in us, so that we can move on in faithful stewardship of who we are in Christ.
Lord, This day before us is filled with opportunity. May those spiritual fires in us burn hot and blaze upward in praise of You as we walk through the day. Amen.
Why is it that believers sometimes get discouraged in trying to carry out the ministry God has given them?
Frustration is probably the biggest culprit in this process, and it is a process. When someone begins a ministry there is typically a lot of enthusiasm. What we soon discover, however, is that it isn’t as easy or simple as it may have first appeared, and along the way there may be someone who doesn’t particularly like what we are trying to accomplish, for one reason or another. Repeated attempts met with sporadic success and frequent failure produces frustration, and frustration often leads to the dissipation of enthusiasm, with the result that additional ministry attempts lessen or altogether cease. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Paul advised Timothy to “keep ablaze” the spiritual gift that was in him. What we want to know, though, is: How exactly do you do that?
The first action you have to take is to remind yourself of your faith. That’s what Paul did for Timothy actually. He said very clearly to Timothy that he clearly recalled Timothy’s sincere faith, that first lived in his grandmother Lois and then in his mother Eunice. Timothy needed to return to his roots in terms of being reminded of Whose he is, and that success was more dependent on the Lord than on him. And the reminder of faith is also a reminder of the call to faithfulness. God doesn’t call us to success but to faithfulness.
The second action needed is a fresh recognition of the Author of the spiritual gift or gifts that are in us. God is Himself NOT a Spirit of fearfulness, but a Spirit of power, love, and sound judgment, and He imparts His Spirit to us, leading us to overcome any timidity or fearfulness and to operate on the basis of His power, love, and sound judgment.
Faith and faithfulness, along with a fresh recognition of the powerful and loving God we serve, can serve to keep the spiritual fires ablaze in us, so that we can move on in faithful stewardship of who we are in Christ.
Lord, This day before us is filled with opportunity. May those spiritual fires in us burn hot and blaze upward in praise of You as we walk through the day. Amen.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
“Repaying” the Lord
“How can I repay the Lord all the good He has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12 CSB)
An interesting question. And one that applies to everyone actually, because He “causes the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust.”
When we look back on our life and consider where we once were and where we are now, the reality is that we have a great deal to be thankful for. So the question is a fair one: How can we repay the Lord for all the good He has done for us?
Actually, we cannot. There is no way we can ever come close to repaying the Lord for all He has done for us. But we can at least respond with several important actions that the psalmist mentions to us.
First, we can take up “the cup of salvation.” In other words, we can receive the Lord into our hearts by faith and thus receive His salvation. And for those of us who have done that, we can simply affirm that salvation and live out that relationship.
Second, we can give the Lord the worship of our hearts. He is worthy of it, and it is at least something we can give when there is no other response that can be given. It is one thing that is uniquely ours to give.
Third, we can carry out the commitments we have made to the Lord. “Foxhole Christians” make commitments when the artillery shells are flying overhead, and once they stop they conveniently forget the promises they made. If we make a commitment to the Lord and give our word to Him, we need to keep our word, follow through, and carry out all commitments we make to Him.
So, although we can never repay the Lord, we can at least respond with positive actions that demonstrate our gratitude to Him for all He has done for us.
Father, We thank You for the opportunities before us today to respond to what You have done for us. May all our life actions reflect our gratitude to You. Amen.
An interesting question. And one that applies to everyone actually, because He “causes the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust.”
When we look back on our life and consider where we once were and where we are now, the reality is that we have a great deal to be thankful for. So the question is a fair one: How can we repay the Lord for all the good He has done for us?
Actually, we cannot. There is no way we can ever come close to repaying the Lord for all He has done for us. But we can at least respond with several important actions that the psalmist mentions to us.
First, we can take up “the cup of salvation.” In other words, we can receive the Lord into our hearts by faith and thus receive His salvation. And for those of us who have done that, we can simply affirm that salvation and live out that relationship.
Second, we can give the Lord the worship of our hearts. He is worthy of it, and it is at least something we can give when there is no other response that can be given. It is one thing that is uniquely ours to give.
Third, we can carry out the commitments we have made to the Lord. “Foxhole Christians” make commitments when the artillery shells are flying overhead, and once they stop they conveniently forget the promises they made. If we make a commitment to the Lord and give our word to Him, we need to keep our word, follow through, and carry out all commitments we make to Him.
So, although we can never repay the Lord, we can at least respond with positive actions that demonstrate our gratitude to Him for all He has done for us.
Father, We thank You for the opportunities before us today to respond to what You have done for us. May all our life actions reflect our gratitude to You. Amen.
Monday, August 4, 2008
All to Him
“Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of your faithful love, because of Your truth.” (Psalm 115:1 CSB)
The gods of this world demand their “pound of flesh” from those who worship them. Sometimes these gods are gold and silver fashioned into some grotesque shape similar to a human or an animal, and people even in this day and age of extreme technology still worship them. Sometimes folks just leave the silver and gold in a bland shape called a “bar” or “ingot” and worship them as is. Some prefer to just worship a general “spirituality” or the mystical. But one thing is true of them all – they all demand the slavish devotion of the adherents.
The Lord, however, releases us to freedom on the basis of our faith in Him, so that we may freely seek Him and through worship given from the heart find that which satisfies our souls overflows with abundance. We thus agree fully with the psalmist that no glory is due us in any fashion, but the name of the Lord, that is, the character of the Lord, is fully deserving of all glory and honor. We believe this because by experience we know that God’s love for us is personal and faithful and that God’s truth is absolute and final. We therefore put our trust fully in the Lord.
Lord, We glorify Your name for who You are, and we put our trust in You. Amen.
The gods of this world demand their “pound of flesh” from those who worship them. Sometimes these gods are gold and silver fashioned into some grotesque shape similar to a human or an animal, and people even in this day and age of extreme technology still worship them. Sometimes folks just leave the silver and gold in a bland shape called a “bar” or “ingot” and worship them as is. Some prefer to just worship a general “spirituality” or the mystical. But one thing is true of them all – they all demand the slavish devotion of the adherents.
The Lord, however, releases us to freedom on the basis of our faith in Him, so that we may freely seek Him and through worship given from the heart find that which satisfies our souls overflows with abundance. We thus agree fully with the psalmist that no glory is due us in any fashion, but the name of the Lord, that is, the character of the Lord, is fully deserving of all glory and honor. We believe this because by experience we know that God’s love for us is personal and faithful and that God’s truth is absolute and final. We therefore put our trust fully in the Lord.
Lord, We glorify Your name for who You are, and we put our trust in You. Amen.
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