“I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2b)
“Favor” means an act of kindness bestowed on another person who needs it. An “unmerited” favor is the definition of God’s grace. So, Isaiah describes for us the kind of people who are the recipients of God’s grace, His unmerited favor.
One such person is someone who is humble. A humble person is one who would sit at the feet of Jesus listening to Him teach. That’s because the word “humility” means “teachability.” To be humble is to be a disciple, a life-long learner.
Another descriptor of one God graces is someone who is submissive in spirit. Another translation for the word “submissive” is actually “broken.” The idea is that this person is one who is not ego-centric and willful, but one who is willing to follow and willing to serve.
Then God graces one who trembles at His word. This is a person who has respect and reverence for truth and for the God who authored it. This suggests a person who has an absolute commitment to obedience.
God looks favorably at those who are teachable, who serve, and who obey.
Lord, May these descriptions be true of us each day. Amen.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Sun Never Sets
“From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised.” (Psalm 113:3)
The British Empire once boasted that “the sun never sets on the British Empire.” The idea, of course, was that the British Empire had extended itself so much throughout the world that the sun was always shining on at least some portion of it. Things have changed. The Empire is not what it once was.
There is a similar truth now. The sun never sets on the Christian church. That is not a boast but a praise. It means simply that the hope the psalmist expressed has been fulfilled. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is now praised.
Of course, this does not suggest that the job is done. The missionary purpose of the church is far from being completed. We are much closer than we ever have been, but there are still millions upon millions who have not heard. There are still some places and some peoples who live in darkness.
What would the Lord have you do to reach those in darkness with the light of the gospel?
Lord, Help us not to ignore the question but to seek Your face and follow as You lead. Amen.
The British Empire once boasted that “the sun never sets on the British Empire.” The idea, of course, was that the British Empire had extended itself so much throughout the world that the sun was always shining on at least some portion of it. Things have changed. The Empire is not what it once was.
There is a similar truth now. The sun never sets on the Christian church. That is not a boast but a praise. It means simply that the hope the psalmist expressed has been fulfilled. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is now praised.
Of course, this does not suggest that the job is done. The missionary purpose of the church is far from being completed. We are much closer than we ever have been, but there are still millions upon millions who have not heard. There are still some places and some peoples who live in darkness.
What would the Lord have you do to reach those in darkness with the light of the gospel?
Lord, Help us not to ignore the question but to seek Your face and follow as You lead. Amen.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Fishing Boat
“Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping.” (Matthew 8:24)
On the southwest shore of the Sea of Galilee is a museum. Its sole purpose is to house one item for public viewing – a 1st century fishing boat.
During a significant drought in Israel when the waters of the lake drastically receded, fishermen found a small portion of a wood boat protruding from the mud. Archeologists were called in and eventually recovered almost a full hull of a 1st century boat preserved by the mud.
When visiting this museum and viewing this boat, your mind can imagine it once sailing the Sea of Galilee proudly on fishing forays. A Christian’s mind can wonder if this might be a boat that carried our Lord back and forth across the lake. The possibility is there at least. And a sanctified imagination might then take the mind to this story of the storm at sea and ultimately to what Jesus asked His disciples, “Where is your faith?”
A “storm” might arise suddenly in life and begin to swamp your boat, and it is almost automatic that when that happens our attention gets riveted to the storm, to “storm management,” to survival. Fear can push everything to one side, including faith.
When storms come (not if), it is very important that we remember to go straight to our “faith place.” We must disciple ourselves to remember that the Sovereign God is going to fulfill His purposes. No storm can stop that. That is part of Jesus’ intent in asking His disciples that question. We can trust God to achieve His sovereign purposes.
Look beyond the storm.
Lord, We recognize it’s easy to tell ourselves to look beyond the storm but a different thing to actually do it. Still, we recognize we need to always go to our “faith place” when storms arise. May Your commitment to fulfill Your purposes always enable us to rest before You with peaceful hearts. Amen.
On the southwest shore of the Sea of Galilee is a museum. Its sole purpose is to house one item for public viewing – a 1st century fishing boat.
During a significant drought in Israel when the waters of the lake drastically receded, fishermen found a small portion of a wood boat protruding from the mud. Archeologists were called in and eventually recovered almost a full hull of a 1st century boat preserved by the mud.
When visiting this museum and viewing this boat, your mind can imagine it once sailing the Sea of Galilee proudly on fishing forays. A Christian’s mind can wonder if this might be a boat that carried our Lord back and forth across the lake. The possibility is there at least. And a sanctified imagination might then take the mind to this story of the storm at sea and ultimately to what Jesus asked His disciples, “Where is your faith?”
A “storm” might arise suddenly in life and begin to swamp your boat, and it is almost automatic that when that happens our attention gets riveted to the storm, to “storm management,” to survival. Fear can push everything to one side, including faith.
When storms come (not if), it is very important that we remember to go straight to our “faith place.” We must disciple ourselves to remember that the Sovereign God is going to fulfill His purposes. No storm can stop that. That is part of Jesus’ intent in asking His disciples that question. We can trust God to achieve His sovereign purposes.
Look beyond the storm.
Lord, We recognize it’s easy to tell ourselves to look beyond the storm but a different thing to actually do it. Still, we recognize we need to always go to our “faith place” when storms arise. May Your commitment to fulfill Your purposes always enable us to rest before You with peaceful hearts. Amen.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Wall Is Gone
“For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14)
At the core of the temple complex was the Holy of Holies, the sacred place where Jews believed God dwelled. Only the high priest could enter and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. Just adjacent to that was the Holy Place, a room set off from the Holy of Holies by a heavy curtain. This is the curtain that tore from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross. Beyond and around these rooms was the Court of the Men where Jewish men were allowed, and beyond that was the Court of the Women. Then, beyond all of this was the Court of the Gentiles, where Jesus overturned the money tables. Between the Court of the Women and the Court of the Gentiles, there was a physical wall. Attached to this wall were warning signs both in Latin and Greek, uncovered by archeologists, which warned foreigners not to go beyond that point, and that if they were caught beyond that point, they would have only themselves to blame for their death.
This was the “dividing wall of hostility” that Paul was talking about. But it was more than just a physical wall. The wall represented the hostility that existed toward Gentiles that was spiritual, social, and relational.
Jesus tore down this wall. He removed all of the barriers that prevented anyone from having access to the Father. He replaced all this hostility with peace, and this peace was derived from the shedding of His blood. The giving of His life brought peace with God and peace among the true people of God, those who approach Him in faith and trust.
Since Christ has torn down a wall of hostility, let us make sure that we do not erect any new ones. Let us be committed to pursuing the shalom of God and living our lives by it.
Lord, Help us to walk with one another in the peace that passes understanding. Amen.
At the core of the temple complex was the Holy of Holies, the sacred place where Jews believed God dwelled. Only the high priest could enter and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. Just adjacent to that was the Holy Place, a room set off from the Holy of Holies by a heavy curtain. This is the curtain that tore from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross. Beyond and around these rooms was the Court of the Men where Jewish men were allowed, and beyond that was the Court of the Women. Then, beyond all of this was the Court of the Gentiles, where Jesus overturned the money tables. Between the Court of the Women and the Court of the Gentiles, there was a physical wall. Attached to this wall were warning signs both in Latin and Greek, uncovered by archeologists, which warned foreigners not to go beyond that point, and that if they were caught beyond that point, they would have only themselves to blame for their death.
This was the “dividing wall of hostility” that Paul was talking about. But it was more than just a physical wall. The wall represented the hostility that existed toward Gentiles that was spiritual, social, and relational.
Jesus tore down this wall. He removed all of the barriers that prevented anyone from having access to the Father. He replaced all this hostility with peace, and this peace was derived from the shedding of His blood. The giving of His life brought peace with God and peace among the true people of God, those who approach Him in faith and trust.
Since Christ has torn down a wall of hostility, let us make sure that we do not erect any new ones. Let us be committed to pursuing the shalom of God and living our lives by it.
Lord, Help us to walk with one another in the peace that passes understanding. Amen.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Abundant Mercy
“But God, who is abundant in mercy…” (Ephesians 2:4a)
This verse states a wonderful core truth – we were dead, but God acted. God acted on our behalf because of who He is, because of His nature. Mercy is part of the nature of God, and we know through the word and through experience that God is abundant in mercy. This mercy flows from His great love for us.
Paul points us to several results of God’s mercy: 1) He made us alive when we were dead and separated from Him, 2) He raised us up spiritually and seated us with Christ in the heavenly realm, 3) He saved us from the penalty of our sins, and 4) He prepared in advance a life of good works so that we could help others find their way to Him also.
Mercy sounds like some abstract concept until you need it and experience it. That is when you realize the power of its healing ability.
Lord, Your mercy is new every day, and we thank You for it. Amen.
This verse states a wonderful core truth – we were dead, but God acted. God acted on our behalf because of who He is, because of His nature. Mercy is part of the nature of God, and we know through the word and through experience that God is abundant in mercy. This mercy flows from His great love for us.
Paul points us to several results of God’s mercy: 1) He made us alive when we were dead and separated from Him, 2) He raised us up spiritually and seated us with Christ in the heavenly realm, 3) He saved us from the penalty of our sins, and 4) He prepared in advance a life of good works so that we could help others find their way to Him also.
Mercy sounds like some abstract concept until you need it and experience it. That is when you realize the power of its healing ability.
Lord, Your mercy is new every day, and we thank You for it. Amen.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Armor
“He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head.” (Isaiah 59:17)
Paul wrote the Ephesians about putting on “spiritual armor” for the struggle against the powers of darkness. He likely drew this imagery from the praetorian guard who guarded him, but interestingly he may also have drawn from Isaiah 59:17 where we see similar imagery. The difference in Isaiah, though, is that God is the One who is clothed with the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation, while in Paul’s statement we are the ones who are to wear this armor.
At least part of what this suggests is that we are to put on GOD’s righteousness and GOD’s salvation as our armor. And to follow suit, we are to put on the belt of GOD’s truth, the boots of GOD’s good news, faith in GOD as our shield, and the sword of GOD’s word. In short, God is the One who provides this spiritual armor we need. Therefore, we are to rely solely on Him for the weapons for fighting the darkness of our world.
It’s all about Him.
Lord, You are the Source of our strength and the weapons of our warfare. We trust in You. Amen.
Paul wrote the Ephesians about putting on “spiritual armor” for the struggle against the powers of darkness. He likely drew this imagery from the praetorian guard who guarded him, but interestingly he may also have drawn from Isaiah 59:17 where we see similar imagery. The difference in Isaiah, though, is that God is the One who is clothed with the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation, while in Paul’s statement we are the ones who are to wear this armor.
At least part of what this suggests is that we are to put on GOD’s righteousness and GOD’s salvation as our armor. And to follow suit, we are to put on the belt of GOD’s truth, the boots of GOD’s good news, faith in GOD as our shield, and the sword of GOD’s word. In short, God is the One who provides this spiritual armor we need. Therefore, we are to rely solely on Him for the weapons for fighting the darkness of our world.
It’s all about Him.
Lord, You are the Source of our strength and the weapons of our warfare. We trust in You. Amen.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Hot Day in the Temple
“…for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” (Isaiah 56:7c)
Remember the cleansing of the temple incident? Jesus made a whip, turned over money changer tables, and drove all the vendors and their animals out of the temple. He said, “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” That was righteous indignation on display.
Many assume Jesus did not like all the animals and the trading going on in the temple, and that this was the motivation for His actions. That may be part of it, but a closer look shows us the real motivation. For that, we look to Isaiah.
Isaiah prophesied a time when the temple would have a place for the Gentiles. Following the exile, the Israelites followed up on that and added the “Court of the Gentiles” just outside the Court of the Women. Its purpose was to provide a place where the Gentiles, the “nations,” who want to worship God could go to pray and give their offerings and sacrifices. By the time of Jesus’ arrival on the scene, the Court of the Gentiles had been turned into a trading post. What incensed Jesus was that worship and prayer were being denied to the Gentiles, so that vendors could make their money. Worse, that was a clear statement that the Gentiles had zero worth. It was evidence that once again the Israelites missed the point: they were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, so that the Gentiles too could enter into fellowship with God. This was the real issue in the heart of Jesus when He took this strong action.
The gospel of Jesus is for everyone or no one.
Lord, Help us to share the gospel with everyone who will listen, and help us to not make excuses for not sharing. Amen.
Remember the cleansing of the temple incident? Jesus made a whip, turned over money changer tables, and drove all the vendors and their animals out of the temple. He said, “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” That was righteous indignation on display.
Many assume Jesus did not like all the animals and the trading going on in the temple, and that this was the motivation for His actions. That may be part of it, but a closer look shows us the real motivation. For that, we look to Isaiah.
Isaiah prophesied a time when the temple would have a place for the Gentiles. Following the exile, the Israelites followed up on that and added the “Court of the Gentiles” just outside the Court of the Women. Its purpose was to provide a place where the Gentiles, the “nations,” who want to worship God could go to pray and give their offerings and sacrifices. By the time of Jesus’ arrival on the scene, the Court of the Gentiles had been turned into a trading post. What incensed Jesus was that worship and prayer were being denied to the Gentiles, so that vendors could make their money. Worse, that was a clear statement that the Gentiles had zero worth. It was evidence that once again the Israelites missed the point: they were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, so that the Gentiles too could enter into fellowship with God. This was the real issue in the heart of Jesus when He took this strong action.
The gospel of Jesus is for everyone or no one.
Lord, Help us to share the gospel with everyone who will listen, and help us to not make excuses for not sharing. Amen.
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