Jonah 4:1-6
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pretty basic distinction here -- Jonah is more concerned about himself and his reputation than the lives of those in Nineveh. Jonah tells God that the reason Jonah fled was because he knew the Lord would repent and not destroy Nineveh. Jonah was thinking about how great he would sound telling the story of how he warned Nineveh, but they didn't repent, and if only they had listened to the great Jonah...
What Jonah should be doing is celebrating the salvation of thousands, but instead he's thinking about potential hits to his reputation. Jonah finds joy in the plant God raised up to give him shade, but not in the lives of thousands who God just saved.
There are a lot of lessons and warnings we can take from this. I think the most important is to examine what brings us true joy. May we pray for the wisdom to find joy in the things that bring God joy, and to watch carefully for the sins of selfishness and pride.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Jonah 3:6-10
Jonah 3:6-10
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isn't it interesting that even the animals aren't supposed to eat? I was reading a National Geographic article about how devastating the decline in insect populations is, and how troubling that is for humanity. I think we forget that sin infests every part of our world -- it's not only limited to how we treat God. Sin infects how we treat one another, how we treat the earth, how we treat ourselves, and so on. Sin matters, and it gets into every part of society -- it happens on individual levels and how societal levels.
Fortunately, when Jesus dies for our sins, he dies for all of them -- for the big sins and the small ones, because even the smallest sin cannot be tolerated by God. God is perfect, and the only way we can enter the throne room of grace is to be perfect, and Christ makes us perfect. You have been washed clean, and so we are bold to hope.
Now, may that hope infect every relationship, including the relationship we have with one another and with the earth and with the systems and the powers and principalities. May we be bold in our living and bold in our prayers!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isn't it interesting that even the animals aren't supposed to eat? I was reading a National Geographic article about how devastating the decline in insect populations is, and how troubling that is for humanity. I think we forget that sin infests every part of our world -- it's not only limited to how we treat God. Sin infects how we treat one another, how we treat the earth, how we treat ourselves, and so on. Sin matters, and it gets into every part of society -- it happens on individual levels and how societal levels.
Fortunately, when Jesus dies for our sins, he dies for all of them -- for the big sins and the small ones, because even the smallest sin cannot be tolerated by God. God is perfect, and the only way we can enter the throne room of grace is to be perfect, and Christ makes us perfect. You have been washed clean, and so we are bold to hope.
Now, may that hope infect every relationship, including the relationship we have with one another and with the earth and with the systems and the powers and principalities. May we be bold in our living and bold in our prayers!
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Jonah 3:1-5
Jonah 3:1-5
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jonah doesn't even make it into the heart of the city, clearly doesn't have much of a speech prepared, and yet at his meager words, a city that takes three days to walk across converts, to the point that everyone in the entire city is wearing sackcloth and fasting. How's that for effectiveness?
There is a very fine line between preaching as engaging and preaching as entertainment. I think every preacher tries a balancing act on the line -- our desire is to direct hearts and minds to God, and there are countless communication tactics that help guide the listener to focus on what God is doing. What's easy to forget in all of this is that it is God who converts hearts and minds. It is God who speaks through the minister. It is God who is responsible for the effectiveness of preaching -- it's not about the minister. It's about the Word of God, active and alive in the world. As with so many things in life, it's not about us -- it's about what God is doing.
In Nineveh, God was clearly at work in the hearts and minds of the people there -- Jonah was the vessel through which the message came. When you think about how God might use you, it's important that you not focus on yourself. When you do that, you worry about your insecurities, and when things go well, you'll inevitably start to think you did a great job. And perhaps you did, but it was God working in and through you. Our goal is to let Christ's light shine through us, that they may see our good works and glorify God in heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jonah doesn't even make it into the heart of the city, clearly doesn't have much of a speech prepared, and yet at his meager words, a city that takes three days to walk across converts, to the point that everyone in the entire city is wearing sackcloth and fasting. How's that for effectiveness?
There is a very fine line between preaching as engaging and preaching as entertainment. I think every preacher tries a balancing act on the line -- our desire is to direct hearts and minds to God, and there are countless communication tactics that help guide the listener to focus on what God is doing. What's easy to forget in all of this is that it is God who converts hearts and minds. It is God who speaks through the minister. It is God who is responsible for the effectiveness of preaching -- it's not about the minister. It's about the Word of God, active and alive in the world. As with so many things in life, it's not about us -- it's about what God is doing.
In Nineveh, God was clearly at work in the hearts and minds of the people there -- Jonah was the vessel through which the message came. When you think about how God might use you, it's important that you not focus on yourself. When you do that, you worry about your insecurities, and when things go well, you'll inevitably start to think you did a great job. And perhaps you did, but it was God working in and through you. Our goal is to let Christ's light shine through us, that they may see our good works and glorify God in heaven.
Monday, April 27, 2020
Jonah 2:10
Jonah 2:10
English Standard Version (ESV)
Once again, Jonah describes 2020 in a sentence.
Would you agree that everything is relative? If you'd ask Jonah two weeks before this how he might feel about being vomited by a great fish onto dry land, he might have felt less than enthusiastic about the concept. But from the belly of that great fish, he was probably excited about the concept, although likely less so about the execution. I can't imagine this process as very appealing or hygenic. There would likely be a considerable stench emanating from Jonah after the process was complete.
But Jonah emerged from the fish. He had endured suffering and come through the trial. We're never the same after the trials of life -- they always change us. We carry physical scars as reminders of what we endured. We carry emotional scars, wounds that are often much deeper than the physical ones. Unseen by others, these can cause deep suffering.
But we always emerge. This is what it means to be a Christian -- we emerge through the trials of life. When Jesus appeared after the resurrection, he had a changed body that was often initially unrecognized by those he knew best. But it still carried the scars.
You and I, we emerge through our trials, thanks to Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches us that even when our trials end in death, we emerge through those, entering the eternal Kingdom of God, where light and life reign. For the trials that do not end in death, we still emerge, always called and sent by God. Often the scars still torment us, the memory of what we endured stays with us. This can sometimes we used in ministry, to reach out to a fellow traveler along the way, to connect with another scarred individual, and share our common humanity, and perhaps share what hope looks like when one walks with such scars.
I will admit that I don't welcome challenges. I don't like the thought of the belly of the great fish, and the process of being vomited onto dry land, however welcome it may be, makes me somewhat queasy. But I pray for the courage to hope in the midst of challenges, for God's steadfast presence to comfort me in the dark nights of the soul, and for the wisdom to recognize opportunities to share my experiences, in joy and weeping, with others who are in search of hope in this often chaotic world.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Once again, Jonah describes 2020 in a sentence.
Would you agree that everything is relative? If you'd ask Jonah two weeks before this how he might feel about being vomited by a great fish onto dry land, he might have felt less than enthusiastic about the concept. But from the belly of that great fish, he was probably excited about the concept, although likely less so about the execution. I can't imagine this process as very appealing or hygenic. There would likely be a considerable stench emanating from Jonah after the process was complete.
But Jonah emerged from the fish. He had endured suffering and come through the trial. We're never the same after the trials of life -- they always change us. We carry physical scars as reminders of what we endured. We carry emotional scars, wounds that are often much deeper than the physical ones. Unseen by others, these can cause deep suffering.
But we always emerge. This is what it means to be a Christian -- we emerge through the trials of life. When Jesus appeared after the resurrection, he had a changed body that was often initially unrecognized by those he knew best. But it still carried the scars.
You and I, we emerge through our trials, thanks to Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches us that even when our trials end in death, we emerge through those, entering the eternal Kingdom of God, where light and life reign. For the trials that do not end in death, we still emerge, always called and sent by God. Often the scars still torment us, the memory of what we endured stays with us. This can sometimes we used in ministry, to reach out to a fellow traveler along the way, to connect with another scarred individual, and share our common humanity, and perhaps share what hope looks like when one walks with such scars.
I will admit that I don't welcome challenges. I don't like the thought of the belly of the great fish, and the process of being vomited onto dry land, however welcome it may be, makes me somewhat queasy. But I pray for the courage to hope in the midst of challenges, for God's steadfast presence to comfort me in the dark nights of the soul, and for the wisdom to recognize opportunities to share my experiences, in joy and weeping, with others who are in search of hope in this often chaotic world.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Friday, April 24, 2020
Jonah 2:1-9
Jonah 2:1-9
English Standard Version (ESV)
For all of Jonah's failures, this is a beautiful prayer. Remember where we've been -- Jonah was called by God, fled in the exact opposite direction, was caught in a storm and thrown overboard, and he's just been swallowed and is in the belly of a great fish.
And in the dark chaos, the cesspool that is his life, he calls out to God, out of his distress, and God hears Jonah's voice. Despite the waves thundering and the despair circling, Jonah has confidence that he will, one day, look upon the holy temple of God. Though Jonah's life seemed lost, he remembered the Lord, and hope gripped his soul, and he recalled that salvation belonged to the Lord, and no one else.
This is the great news of the Gospel. Salvation belongs to God, and God gives it freely. God pours it out upon us as a gift, so that we might be blessed. Salvation belongs to God, but God comes to us, descending from heaven, searching us out like the Good Shepherd that God is, and bringing us home, blessing us with every blessing, beyond what we can ask or imagine.
We all have a choice of what we can hope in. Everyone makes that choice, some consciously, others on autopilot. Some choose to hope in money or reputation or youth, none of which can bring salvation. May we choose, everyday, to hope in the Lord, who alone can bring salvation, even in this current chaos, no matter how dark it may seem, God brings the light to us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
For all of Jonah's failures, this is a beautiful prayer. Remember where we've been -- Jonah was called by God, fled in the exact opposite direction, was caught in a storm and thrown overboard, and he's just been swallowed and is in the belly of a great fish.
And in the dark chaos, the cesspool that is his life, he calls out to God, out of his distress, and God hears Jonah's voice. Despite the waves thundering and the despair circling, Jonah has confidence that he will, one day, look upon the holy temple of God. Though Jonah's life seemed lost, he remembered the Lord, and hope gripped his soul, and he recalled that salvation belonged to the Lord, and no one else.
This is the great news of the Gospel. Salvation belongs to God, and God gives it freely. God pours it out upon us as a gift, so that we might be blessed. Salvation belongs to God, but God comes to us, descending from heaven, searching us out like the Good Shepherd that God is, and bringing us home, blessing us with every blessing, beyond what we can ask or imagine.
We all have a choice of what we can hope in. Everyone makes that choice, some consciously, others on autopilot. Some choose to hope in money or reputation or youth, none of which can bring salvation. May we choose, everyday, to hope in the Lord, who alone can bring salvation, even in this current chaos, no matter how dark it may seem, God brings the light to us.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Jonah 1:17
Jonah 1:17
English Standard Version (ESV)
2020 in a sentence, right? When do we get out of the fish?
Just a few short notes here. First, we all end up in the fish sometimes. At times, maybe it's due to a bad choice you made. Other times, life just happens. It's terrible. Here, the fish actually saves Jonah from drowning, as he certainly would have otherwise, but I'm not going to say that everything bad in life translates into good things. Scripture tells us that everything works together for good, but that doesn't mean everything is good. Sometimes, life just feels like you're in the belly of a fish, and it's rotten.
Second, this is not the end for Jonah, and it's not the end for you or I, either. Life continues after the valley of the shadow of death. We move through these things. A very wise woman in Chattnooga would tell me, after the death of her husband, that these things come to pass -- they don't come to stay. We mourn and grieve in the belly of the fish, and sometimes those scars stay with, occasionally forever, but the darkness cannot overcome the light, and death cannot overwhelm life.
Jonah was in a fish for three days, before he emerged back into the light. Jesus was in the tomb for three days before he burst forth into life. You and I will, on occasion, end up in the belly of a fish. There is life on the other side.
English Standard Version (ESV)
2020 in a sentence, right? When do we get out of the fish?
Just a few short notes here. First, we all end up in the fish sometimes. At times, maybe it's due to a bad choice you made. Other times, life just happens. It's terrible. Here, the fish actually saves Jonah from drowning, as he certainly would have otherwise, but I'm not going to say that everything bad in life translates into good things. Scripture tells us that everything works together for good, but that doesn't mean everything is good. Sometimes, life just feels like you're in the belly of a fish, and it's rotten.
Second, this is not the end for Jonah, and it's not the end for you or I, either. Life continues after the valley of the shadow of death. We move through these things. A very wise woman in Chattnooga would tell me, after the death of her husband, that these things come to pass -- they don't come to stay. We mourn and grieve in the belly of the fish, and sometimes those scars stay with, occasionally forever, but the darkness cannot overcome the light, and death cannot overwhelm life.
Jonah was in a fish for three days, before he emerged back into the light. Jesus was in the tomb for three days before he burst forth into life. You and I will, on occasion, end up in the belly of a fish. There is life on the other side.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Jonah 1:7-16
Jonah 1:7-16
English Standard Version (ESV)
What is so fascinating to me about this passage is that everyone else in the story appears to be more religious than Jonah. Remember -- Jonah is the prophet, and Jonah is going to end up being wildly successful in his prophecy to Nineveh -- but not by his own brilliance or might.
Who is it that recognizes the sin in Jonah's life and fears the repercussions? The sailors. When Jonah is ready to end his life in the watery chaos, who prays for forgiveness? The sailors. In the midst of watery chaos, threatening death to all, who is it that fights for life? The sailors. They're the ones who offer a sacrifice. When all is said and done at the end of the story, they're the ones that come out looking the best in this chapter.
Through Jonah's presence on the boat, the men all learn to fear the Lord. He gets everything wrong, and yet somehow has successful ministry. So let's not pretend we have to be perfect in our ministry. Hopefully, we can come with a better approach than Jonah, but God can use our mistakes, even our worst moments, and show the world the grace and love of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What is so fascinating to me about this passage is that everyone else in the story appears to be more religious than Jonah. Remember -- Jonah is the prophet, and Jonah is going to end up being wildly successful in his prophecy to Nineveh -- but not by his own brilliance or might.
Who is it that recognizes the sin in Jonah's life and fears the repercussions? The sailors. When Jonah is ready to end his life in the watery chaos, who prays for forgiveness? The sailors. In the midst of watery chaos, threatening death to all, who is it that fights for life? The sailors. They're the ones who offer a sacrifice. When all is said and done at the end of the story, they're the ones that come out looking the best in this chapter.
Through Jonah's presence on the boat, the men all learn to fear the Lord. He gets everything wrong, and yet somehow has successful ministry. So let's not pretend we have to be perfect in our ministry. Hopefully, we can come with a better approach than Jonah, but God can use our mistakes, even our worst moments, and show the world the grace and love of God.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Jonah 1:4-6
Jonah 1:4-6
English Standard Version (ESV)
Apathy is a dangerous thing. It's the stage of a relationship where things fall apart because people have stopped fighting for the relationship -- they've accepted that's over and stopped caring what happens. This is what Jonah experiences here -- he is burdened with guilt, but when the storm comes, he believes himself fated to a watery grave, and so he gives up on life, gives up on God, and can sleep, having nothing left to strive for.
Little does Jonah realize that God doesn't give up on people, even those who run from him. It's interesting that the captain is the one urging people to pray, while Jonah, the would-be prophet, is fast asleep in a time of calamity. You'd think a storm like this would be the easiest time to be a prophet, as everyone is already crying out to their gods, but instead Jonah retreats. Not exactly a great resume-builder for his eventual journey to Nineveh, is it?
Just goes to show how amazing and powerful God is, and how God can do anything through anyone at any time, whether we are prepared or not!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Apathy is a dangerous thing. It's the stage of a relationship where things fall apart because people have stopped fighting for the relationship -- they've accepted that's over and stopped caring what happens. This is what Jonah experiences here -- he is burdened with guilt, but when the storm comes, he believes himself fated to a watery grave, and so he gives up on life, gives up on God, and can sleep, having nothing left to strive for.
Little does Jonah realize that God doesn't give up on people, even those who run from him. It's interesting that the captain is the one urging people to pray, while Jonah, the would-be prophet, is fast asleep in a time of calamity. You'd think a storm like this would be the easiest time to be a prophet, as everyone is already crying out to their gods, but instead Jonah retreats. Not exactly a great resume-builder for his eventual journey to Nineveh, is it?
Just goes to show how amazing and powerful God is, and how God can do anything through anyone at any time, whether we are prepared or not!
Monday, April 20, 2020
Jonah 1:1-3
Jonah 1:1-3
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rachel mentioned that Jonah might be a great example of social distancing, seeing as how he spent 3 days in the belly of a whale. Only 11 days short of what he needed to ensure he's not contagious, but he certainly gets the most unique quarantine award.
I'll admit that I'm often unsure of exactly what the Lord wants me to do. There are a few times in my life where I think it's clear, but I often feel like I'm guessing. In those moments of clarity, though, it'd be extremely hard to turn in the opposite direction and run. Then again, God has never sent me directly to a city described as evil! And note that Jonah doesn't just flee from the call to go -- Jonah flees from the very presence of the Lord, as though that's possible. It's in direct contrast to Moses. When Moses is less than enthusiastic about God's initial call to be a part of God's liberation plan, Moses stays and argues with God. It's not the perfect response, but he stays in dialogue, continues the conversation. It's far better than trying to flee from the presence of the Lord.
Scripture affirms to us that we cannot flee from God's presence -- God is always there, even if we descend to the depths, as the Psalmist says. If you're uncertain of a call, or less than enthusiastic, stay in dialogue. Ask for help. Ask for clarity. But don't run. Even if you do run, God is already there, waiting, like the father in the Prodigal Son, with arms open wide to welcome you home.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rachel mentioned that Jonah might be a great example of social distancing, seeing as how he spent 3 days in the belly of a whale. Only 11 days short of what he needed to ensure he's not contagious, but he certainly gets the most unique quarantine award.
I'll admit that I'm often unsure of exactly what the Lord wants me to do. There are a few times in my life where I think it's clear, but I often feel like I'm guessing. In those moments of clarity, though, it'd be extremely hard to turn in the opposite direction and run. Then again, God has never sent me directly to a city described as evil! And note that Jonah doesn't just flee from the call to go -- Jonah flees from the very presence of the Lord, as though that's possible. It's in direct contrast to Moses. When Moses is less than enthusiastic about God's initial call to be a part of God's liberation plan, Moses stays and argues with God. It's not the perfect response, but he stays in dialogue, continues the conversation. It's far better than trying to flee from the presence of the Lord.
Scripture affirms to us that we cannot flee from God's presence -- God is always there, even if we descend to the depths, as the Psalmist says. If you're uncertain of a call, or less than enthusiastic, stay in dialogue. Ask for help. Ask for clarity. But don't run. Even if you do run, God is already there, waiting, like the father in the Prodigal Son, with arms open wide to welcome you home.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Friday, April 17, 2020
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
English Standard Version (ESV)
The first part of verse 20 sums up the Gospel so well -- in Christ, the promises of God find their 'Yes'. God has reached out to us, established us in Christ, anointed us, put God's seal on us, given us the Spirit -- all of this God has done, and all of the promises of Scripture are affirmed in Christ. It's all been leading up to this moment, this life, and we can rejoice in knowing how the story ends.
In our lives, we're wandering through without knowing how things turn out -- none of us know how coronavirus will end. None of us know how family drama will unfold, or how diseases will end, or how relationship stress will work its way out. We're figuring it out, day by day. But the Gospel -- that tells us the end of the big story. We have the benefit of looking back in history and knowing, giving us the confidence to grasp the promises that God has given us. We don't have to guess -- the stone has been rolled away, the tomb is empty, and death is no more!!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The first part of verse 20 sums up the Gospel so well -- in Christ, the promises of God find their 'Yes'. God has reached out to us, established us in Christ, anointed us, put God's seal on us, given us the Spirit -- all of this God has done, and all of the promises of Scripture are affirmed in Christ. It's all been leading up to this moment, this life, and we can rejoice in knowing how the story ends.
In our lives, we're wandering through without knowing how things turn out -- none of us know how coronavirus will end. None of us know how family drama will unfold, or how diseases will end, or how relationship stress will work its way out. We're figuring it out, day by day. But the Gospel -- that tells us the end of the big story. We have the benefit of looking back in history and knowing, giving us the confidence to grasp the promises that God has given us. We don't have to guess -- the stone has been rolled away, the tomb is empty, and death is no more!!
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Matthew 28:1-10
Matthew 28:1-10
English Standard Version (ESV)
Resurrection hope is a wonderful thing -- it means that we can face death with confidence and hope that the God who conquers death will also lead us to conquering death. We are baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, and so that means we don't have to be afraid when we approach ultimate fears.
But Easter hope is more than just hope in the face of death. We all have to figure out how we carry this within us, but Easter hope should give us the courage to face whatever opposes us. Knowing Christ's ultimate victory, combined with the awareness of the great love with which God loves you, these should help you face every challenge, every day, with peace. Whatever opposes you is like the guards outside of the tomb -- though they were alive, armed with the powers of the Roman army, they shook and became like dead men, rendered powerless by the power of God. Soldiers backed by the greatest army in the world were terrified before an angel of the Lord.
God is with you today, whatever you may face, be it the entire world or your own personal struggles. You are not alone and you are not forgotten -- you are loved by the same God who has overcome the grave. Your Easter hope does not wait until the end of life to be realized -- it is at work here and now, binding us together as one church.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Resurrection hope is a wonderful thing -- it means that we can face death with confidence and hope that the God who conquers death will also lead us to conquering death. We are baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, and so that means we don't have to be afraid when we approach ultimate fears.
But Easter hope is more than just hope in the face of death. We all have to figure out how we carry this within us, but Easter hope should give us the courage to face whatever opposes us. Knowing Christ's ultimate victory, combined with the awareness of the great love with which God loves you, these should help you face every challenge, every day, with peace. Whatever opposes you is like the guards outside of the tomb -- though they were alive, armed with the powers of the Roman army, they shook and became like dead men, rendered powerless by the power of God. Soldiers backed by the greatest army in the world were terrified before an angel of the Lord.
God is with you today, whatever you may face, be it the entire world or your own personal struggles. You are not alone and you are not forgotten -- you are loved by the same God who has overcome the grave. Your Easter hope does not wait until the end of life to be realized -- it is at work here and now, binding us together as one church.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Luke 24:1-12
Luke 24:1-12
English Standard Version (ESV)
Sometimes the least glamorous tasks turn into something miraculous. The women here were taking spices to embalm the broken and defeated body of Jesus Christ, but when they showed up, they discovered that something far greater was in the works. Their ordinary task had transformed them into bearers of great news, spreading miraculous joy to the eleven and to all the rest. Not that it was the women's job to make them believe -- Peter went to see for himself -- but it was their responsibility to invite others to experience the miraculous.
In the same way, we often go about the mundane, without an awareness that God may be doing something grand in our midst. When we elect to serve, even in the most basic tasks, we put ourselves in a place where we may experience the power of God beyond what we can imagine. There is something about serving others that opens us up to an awareness of God is doing. It's not formulaic, in that if we do X, God will do Y, but when we choose to live in certain ways in infuse habits in our lifestyles, we place ourselves in the thin places in the world, where we are far more likely to experience God's presence and power.
So may we serve with boldness and courage, without expectation and yet with open hearts and minds, that we may sense God in our midst, active and at work in our hearts and in the world.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Sometimes the least glamorous tasks turn into something miraculous. The women here were taking spices to embalm the broken and defeated body of Jesus Christ, but when they showed up, they discovered that something far greater was in the works. Their ordinary task had transformed them into bearers of great news, spreading miraculous joy to the eleven and to all the rest. Not that it was the women's job to make them believe -- Peter went to see for himself -- but it was their responsibility to invite others to experience the miraculous.
In the same way, we often go about the mundane, without an awareness that God may be doing something grand in our midst. When we elect to serve, even in the most basic tasks, we put ourselves in a place where we may experience the power of God beyond what we can imagine. There is something about serving others that opens us up to an awareness of God is doing. It's not formulaic, in that if we do X, God will do Y, but when we choose to live in certain ways in infuse habits in our lifestyles, we place ourselves in the thin places in the world, where we are far more likely to experience God's presence and power.
So may we serve with boldness and courage, without expectation and yet with open hearts and minds, that we may sense God in our midst, active and at work in our hearts and in the world.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Mark 16:1-8
Mark 16:1-8
English Standard Version (ESV)
If you were going to make something up in the 1st century, this is about the last story you would make up. The testimony of women would have not been culturally acceptable in that day and age, so you would have had some men going to the tomb to show their devotion. They would have walked up the tomb in bravery, certain of what they were going to find, and when the confronted an angel who confirmed their trust that Jesus would rise from the dead, they would have gone forth praising God, likely converting a Roman soldier or two on the way just for good measure. If they were going to put together a real hit, maybe they would've performed a musical number with the angel before departing joyfully.
Instead, Mark records a very different story. Why does he record it in a way that would have made it suspicious for that day and age? Likely because this is the way it actually happened. The women had seen Jesus be crucified, and their experience told them that dead people stayed dead, so they went to mourn and weep, desperate for closure, hoping to see Jesus at peace rather than the victim of Roman violence. They wanted to care for his wounds and express their love in one final way.
Instead, they are struck with fear. The angel tells them not to be afraid, but they have just become the first people to know that death no longer means death -- and they are immediately sent to deliver the news, but they are afraid and astonished. The Gospel records that they said nothing to anyone, but we know that changed over time -- because word got out.
I choose to believe the Gospels for many reasons -- these books have been examined and questioned and scrutinized for thousands of years. We use the rule of embarrassment as one way to conclude they are likely true -- the Gospels are full of things that wouldn't have been written that way if you were making it up. If you were an apostle, would you record that you abandoned Jesus at the hour of his death? Would you want to appear clueless throughout the Gospels? No, unless it actually happened that way.
The tomb was empty. The stone was rolled away. Jesus is risen!
Now, how will you react?
English Standard Version (ESV)
If you were going to make something up in the 1st century, this is about the last story you would make up. The testimony of women would have not been culturally acceptable in that day and age, so you would have had some men going to the tomb to show their devotion. They would have walked up the tomb in bravery, certain of what they were going to find, and when the confronted an angel who confirmed their trust that Jesus would rise from the dead, they would have gone forth praising God, likely converting a Roman soldier or two on the way just for good measure. If they were going to put together a real hit, maybe they would've performed a musical number with the angel before departing joyfully.
Instead, Mark records a very different story. Why does he record it in a way that would have made it suspicious for that day and age? Likely because this is the way it actually happened. The women had seen Jesus be crucified, and their experience told them that dead people stayed dead, so they went to mourn and weep, desperate for closure, hoping to see Jesus at peace rather than the victim of Roman violence. They wanted to care for his wounds and express their love in one final way.
Instead, they are struck with fear. The angel tells them not to be afraid, but they have just become the first people to know that death no longer means death -- and they are immediately sent to deliver the news, but they are afraid and astonished. The Gospel records that they said nothing to anyone, but we know that changed over time -- because word got out.
I choose to believe the Gospels for many reasons -- these books have been examined and questioned and scrutinized for thousands of years. We use the rule of embarrassment as one way to conclude they are likely true -- the Gospels are full of things that wouldn't have been written that way if you were making it up. If you were an apostle, would you record that you abandoned Jesus at the hour of his death? Would you want to appear clueless throughout the Gospels? No, unless it actually happened that way.
The tomb was empty. The stone was rolled away. Jesus is risen!
Now, how will you react?
Monday, April 13, 2020
John 20:19
John 20:19
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples didn't know what to do. They'd never been in this situation before, and despite how much Jesus talked about his death and resurrection, I don't think they had a lot of plans for this, because, well, who plans for their leader to be crucified and then rise from the dead three days later? You may be an expert planner, and you may have contingency plans A through F ready to go, but I'm willing to be you haven't planned for that. And the disciples, not knowing what to do, were locked in a room together, afraid.
And Jesus showed up.
Similarly, the church is in a new situation today. Our doors are locked, we're dispersed, and many of us are locked in our homes, afraid. We don't know what the future holds, and we don't know what society looks like on the other side of COVID-19, whenever that happens.
But Jesus shows up.
No matter what, with faithfulness and consistency, Jesus shows up now and will in the future. God will not abandon us, God will be with us, and the church will continue on, forever and ever. God gets the last word, and it is a word of grace, love, and truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples didn't know what to do. They'd never been in this situation before, and despite how much Jesus talked about his death and resurrection, I don't think they had a lot of plans for this, because, well, who plans for their leader to be crucified and then rise from the dead three days later? You may be an expert planner, and you may have contingency plans A through F ready to go, but I'm willing to be you haven't planned for that. And the disciples, not knowing what to do, were locked in a room together, afraid.
And Jesus showed up.
Similarly, the church is in a new situation today. Our doors are locked, we're dispersed, and many of us are locked in our homes, afraid. We don't know what the future holds, and we don't know what society looks like on the other side of COVID-19, whenever that happens.
But Jesus shows up.
No matter what, with faithfulness and consistency, Jesus shows up now and will in the future. God will not abandon us, God will be with us, and the church will continue on, forever and ever. God gets the last word, and it is a word of grace, love, and truth.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Friday, April 10, 2020
John 19:28-30
John 19:28-30
English Standard Version (ESV)
When Jesus says that it is finished, he means so much more than his earthly life. He means that the reign of sin and death, the power they wielded over humanity, is finished. While they'll still exist, they can't strike fear into the hearts of us anymore, because Christ has made a path, restored a way back into right relationship with God. Because he was willing for the cross to finish his life we don't have to see death as the finish line, but rather as a beacon we cross, a veil through which we pass, into eternal life. Because of what Jesus did, we are free to look forward in hope.
All of this should give the church hope on this Good Friday. Around the world, death is threatening so much -- it's tearing apart families, economies, relationships. It's threatening to break apart so many lives, and on Good Friday, we can look to the cross and see what happens to death. Ultimately, coronavirus and every other thing that threatens us will be finished, while in Christ, we are only getting started.
English Standard Version (ESV)
When Jesus says that it is finished, he means so much more than his earthly life. He means that the reign of sin and death, the power they wielded over humanity, is finished. While they'll still exist, they can't strike fear into the hearts of us anymore, because Christ has made a path, restored a way back into right relationship with God. Because he was willing for the cross to finish his life we don't have to see death as the finish line, but rather as a beacon we cross, a veil through which we pass, into eternal life. Because of what Jesus did, we are free to look forward in hope.
All of this should give the church hope on this Good Friday. Around the world, death is threatening so much -- it's tearing apart families, economies, relationships. It's threatening to break apart so many lives, and on Good Friday, we can look to the cross and see what happens to death. Ultimately, coronavirus and every other thing that threatens us will be finished, while in Christ, we are only getting started.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
John 13:1-11
John 13:1-11
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here's Jesus, the Savior of the world, the King who reigns co-eternal with God, and one of the last things he does before offering himself up as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity is wash the feet of the disciples.
This is how important it is to serve one another. And it doesn't always have to be someone distant or a stranger -- these are Jesus' closest friends, and he's washing their feet.
So look at the people around you -- how can you serve your spouse? How can you serve your children or your parents? How can you honor those who you know best? We should know their needs better than anyone else's.
We're called to serve the stranger as well. But it's easy to overlook those closest to you. On this Maundy Thursday, pray for those closest to you as well, and pray that God may help you see opportunities to serve that you may have been overlooking.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here's Jesus, the Savior of the world, the King who reigns co-eternal with God, and one of the last things he does before offering himself up as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity is wash the feet of the disciples.
This is how important it is to serve one another. And it doesn't always have to be someone distant or a stranger -- these are Jesus' closest friends, and he's washing their feet.
So look at the people around you -- how can you serve your spouse? How can you serve your children or your parents? How can you honor those who you know best? We should know their needs better than anyone else's.
We're called to serve the stranger as well. But it's easy to overlook those closest to you. On this Maundy Thursday, pray for those closest to you as well, and pray that God may help you see opportunities to serve that you may have been overlooking.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
John 17:6-19
John 17:6-19
English Standard Version (ESV)
The big truth that I take from this is how intimately Jesus loves us. This is a deeper love than we can imagine -- he lived for his children, and he dies for his children. Throughout his time on earth, his heart was focused on his children. He does not forget them, and speaks of them, of you, with a passion that is greater than you can imagine.
Jesus loves you, and Jesus looks out for you, and Jesus will not forget you, and he will not lose you.
In the midst of the world's chaos, it is my hope that you will stop for 5 or 10 minutes and allow the love of God to embrace you. Before Jesus went to the cross, he was praying for you. He poured his Word into the apostles that it may be shared to the world, and because of their faithful ministry, we know of his great love for us.
You are loved, today, tomorrow and forevermore, and even death cannot and will not change that.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The big truth that I take from this is how intimately Jesus loves us. This is a deeper love than we can imagine -- he lived for his children, and he dies for his children. Throughout his time on earth, his heart was focused on his children. He does not forget them, and speaks of them, of you, with a passion that is greater than you can imagine.
Jesus loves you, and Jesus looks out for you, and Jesus will not forget you, and he will not lose you.
In the midst of the world's chaos, it is my hope that you will stop for 5 or 10 minutes and allow the love of God to embrace you. Before Jesus went to the cross, he was praying for you. He poured his Word into the apostles that it may be shared to the world, and because of their faithful ministry, we know of his great love for us.
You are loved, today, tomorrow and forevermore, and even death cannot and will not change that.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
John 17:1-5
John 17:1-5
English Standard Version (ESV)
This is Jesus' high priestly prayer that he prays before he goes out to the garden, is betrayed and arrested. In the last week of his life, he's completely focused on what it takes to glorify God, even though the path to that leads through the cross, through his humiliation and crucifixion, through pain and betrayal and abandonment. Despite all of this, and having the weight of the world's sins placed upon his human shoulders, Jesus is focused on God's glory.
I wish I had this kind of focus. My focus definitely wavers, as I don't have the same courage Jesus has. I am human, and sometimes hold a little too tightly to the things around me. I know in my head that the more I focus on God, the better I will love the people in my life, but I'll admit I'm often too afraid of losing them, so I'll put other things in front of God.
Jesus teaches us, Jesus shows us, that when we love God with heart, soul, and mind, that all these things will be given unto us, the rich relationships and a community of faith. He also understands our weakness, and he comes to us, he comes to me, he comes to you in our weakness, and extends grace. He did what he did because we could not, and so we are able to hope for a better tomorrow because of the unconditional love with which he loves us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This is Jesus' high priestly prayer that he prays before he goes out to the garden, is betrayed and arrested. In the last week of his life, he's completely focused on what it takes to glorify God, even though the path to that leads through the cross, through his humiliation and crucifixion, through pain and betrayal and abandonment. Despite all of this, and having the weight of the world's sins placed upon his human shoulders, Jesus is focused on God's glory.
I wish I had this kind of focus. My focus definitely wavers, as I don't have the same courage Jesus has. I am human, and sometimes hold a little too tightly to the things around me. I know in my head that the more I focus on God, the better I will love the people in my life, but I'll admit I'm often too afraid of losing them, so I'll put other things in front of God.
Jesus teaches us, Jesus shows us, that when we love God with heart, soul, and mind, that all these things will be given unto us, the rich relationships and a community of faith. He also understands our weakness, and he comes to us, he comes to me, he comes to you in our weakness, and extends grace. He did what he did because we could not, and so we are able to hope for a better tomorrow because of the unconditional love with which he loves us.
Monday, April 6, 2020
Job 38:1-7
Job 38:1-7
English Standard Version (ESV)
I'm trying to make sense of all of this, and sometimes I like to open Scripture and be reminded that it just doesn't always make sense. Job had plenty of reasons to ask big questions -- his life had been devastated and he was lost. He asked all of his questions, but when he was confronted with the majesty of God, he suddenly didn't need those answers anymore. God was sufficient.
In these times, I pray that we find sufficient peace in the majesty and mystery of God. It's not easy, what we're going through, but God is here, even if we don't fully understand it. There is peace in knowing that the God who crafted the mountains is still reigning in heaven, and that will never change.
English Standard Version (ESV)
I'm trying to make sense of all of this, and sometimes I like to open Scripture and be reminded that it just doesn't always make sense. Job had plenty of reasons to ask big questions -- his life had been devastated and he was lost. He asked all of his questions, but when he was confronted with the majesty of God, he suddenly didn't need those answers anymore. God was sufficient.
In these times, I pray that we find sufficient peace in the majesty and mystery of God. It's not easy, what we're going through, but God is here, even if we don't fully understand it. There is peace in knowing that the God who crafted the mountains is still reigning in heaven, and that will never change.
Friday, April 3, 2020
Psalm 24
Psalm 24
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this moment, I realized that what I need is a reminder that God is so much bigger than this instant, this week, this shelter-in-place time, however long it may be. The God we worship is the God who founded the sea and set the rivers in their places, a God who knows the depths of the oceans and whose Spirit has soared above the mountains. God's reign is bigger than this earth, and it cannot be shaken by the turmoil of this world, no matter how violently storms may rage.
The Good News in all of this is that we may ascend to God's holy place, and we have the merit to stand there. Certainly not by anything we've done -- no, if we were to attempt such a feat based on our own qualifications, no matter how good we may feel we're doing in life, we'd be cast out. Instead, Christ selflessly gives us his perfect qualifications, and because the price has been paid, we receive blessing and righteousness.
And so we are joined with an eternal kingdom. The ancient doors that are lifted up welcome us as well. No matter what happens today and tomorrow and next week, we are welcomed into this ancient and holy place, where the winds of time do not blow, where the rivers of change pass by, not through, where songs of lament are forgotten in favor of rejoicing. My true home, the one that calls to the depths of our hearts, is beyond the reach of death. Our God is bigger than the storm, and so we can look forward with confidence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this moment, I realized that what I need is a reminder that God is so much bigger than this instant, this week, this shelter-in-place time, however long it may be. The God we worship is the God who founded the sea and set the rivers in their places, a God who knows the depths of the oceans and whose Spirit has soared above the mountains. God's reign is bigger than this earth, and it cannot be shaken by the turmoil of this world, no matter how violently storms may rage.
The Good News in all of this is that we may ascend to God's holy place, and we have the merit to stand there. Certainly not by anything we've done -- no, if we were to attempt such a feat based on our own qualifications, no matter how good we may feel we're doing in life, we'd be cast out. Instead, Christ selflessly gives us his perfect qualifications, and because the price has been paid, we receive blessing and righteousness.
And so we are joined with an eternal kingdom. The ancient doors that are lifted up welcome us as well. No matter what happens today and tomorrow and next week, we are welcomed into this ancient and holy place, where the winds of time do not blow, where the rivers of change pass by, not through, where songs of lament are forgotten in favor of rejoicing. My true home, the one that calls to the depths of our hearts, is beyond the reach of death. Our God is bigger than the storm, and so we can look forward with confidence.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Psalm 23:6
Psalm 23
English Standard Version (ESV)
The 6th verse doesn't say that happiness will follow you -- it says goodness. Life won't always be easy and there will be plenty of bumps in the road, but when we align ourselves with God's grace, allowing the anxieties and fears fall away, ignoring the false idols that distract us and steal our attention and our energy, we come to a deeper understanding of how God's love pursues us and shelters us in ways that aren't always obvious. As our faith matures, we recognize that our eternal life has already begun and death is a defeated shadow, no threat to us, and our dwelling place is with God, here and now and always and forever, no matter what.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The 6th verse doesn't say that happiness will follow you -- it says goodness. Life won't always be easy and there will be plenty of bumps in the road, but when we align ourselves with God's grace, allowing the anxieties and fears fall away, ignoring the false idols that distract us and steal our attention and our energy, we come to a deeper understanding of how God's love pursues us and shelters us in ways that aren't always obvious. As our faith matures, we recognize that our eternal life has already begun and death is a defeated shadow, no threat to us, and our dwelling place is with God, here and now and always and forever, no matter what.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Psalm 23:5
Psalm 23
English Standard Version (ESV)
I don't have enemies in the sense that King David had enemies -- he was leading troops into battle. In front of armed soldiers interested in killing him, what would it take for him to say that he was ready to sit and eat in such a scenario? That's a special kind of peace, a special kind of trust, to be able to let go of the anxiety and fear related to having such enemies and appreciate an overflowing cup. Also, if such enemies exist, then the overflowing cup must blessings of an entirely difference category.
Thinking about the current environment, with Americans sheltered in place due to a virus, what does it mean for your cup to overflow? These blessings, the peace and shelter of God, are of an entirely different category than many other blessings, in that we can't lose them, and no enemy can take them from us. Similarly, for us to sit down and enjoy a fully set table in the face of such anxiety and fear, we have to lean deeply into God for salvation and peace. This is not easy -- and it takes a lifetime of faith, and a lifetime of learning that enemies cannot separate us from the love of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
I don't have enemies in the sense that King David had enemies -- he was leading troops into battle. In front of armed soldiers interested in killing him, what would it take for him to say that he was ready to sit and eat in such a scenario? That's a special kind of peace, a special kind of trust, to be able to let go of the anxiety and fear related to having such enemies and appreciate an overflowing cup. Also, if such enemies exist, then the overflowing cup must blessings of an entirely difference category.
Thinking about the current environment, with Americans sheltered in place due to a virus, what does it mean for your cup to overflow? These blessings, the peace and shelter of God, are of an entirely different category than many other blessings, in that we can't lose them, and no enemy can take them from us. Similarly, for us to sit down and enjoy a fully set table in the face of such anxiety and fear, we have to lean deeply into God for salvation and peace. This is not easy -- and it takes a lifetime of faith, and a lifetime of learning that enemies cannot separate us from the love of God.
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