Jesus: The Great I Am - May 31 Readings: 2 Samuel 9-10, John 8:31–59, Psalm 69:1–6, Proverbs 14:5–7

Links to May 31 Readings: 2 Samuel 9-10, John 8:31–59, Psalm 69:1–6, Proverbs 14:5–7

The last half of John 8 is one of the most interesting conversations between Jesus and his detractors that is recorded. Our Savior is direct, confrontational and in the end, makes the most clear assertion of his own divinity that is found in the Gospels.

He began, in verses 31-38, to challenge the core belief of the Jewish leaders. They trusted in their special favor with God based on their descent from Abraham, but Jesus intimated that they were serving the wrong father (insinuating that they were children of Satan). They challenged him in verse 39, reasserting that they were Abraham's children, but Jesus renewed his objection to this. He told them, in verses 40-47, that if they were truly the children of God and the descendants of Abraham, then they would recognize that he comes from the Father and would honor him.

That's when the religious leaders just got angry, accusing Jesus both of racial impurity (calling him a Samaritan) and of having a demon. Jesus denied it and the conversation escalated as Jesus asserted his own place in the work of God in the world. Look at verses 54-56.

“My glory is nothing. My Father—you say about Him, ‘He is our God’—He is the One who glorifies Me. You’ve never known Him, but I know Him. If I were to say I don’t know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see My day; he saw it and rejoiced.”

Jesus shocked the Jewish leaders by claiming that instead of drawing his greatness from Abraham that Abraham recognized the greatness of Jesus. Was he actually saying that he was superior to Abraham? No Jew would say that!

They challenged him on it. He was less than 50 years old, and he'd seen Abraham? Absurd, they thought. This man was crazed, a megalomaniac!

That is when Jesus dropped the bomb!

Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58). 

This was the most startling claim Jesus ever made. The name of God in Hebrew is Yahweh, and it is built on the Hebrew verb "to be." It was revealed to Moses when he asked God what his name was. "I am who I am," God replied. Yahweh (sometimes misspelled Jehovah) - that is God's name. He is the great "I Am."

And here was this Galilean carpenter asserting that in fact HE IS the I AM! Is it any wonder that verse 59 says that they picked up stones to stone him. They knew exactly who he was claiming to be. He was not just claiming that he was eternal or pre-existent. He did not say, "I was." No. "I AM!

Jesus is Yahweh, the Great I Am, the Creator and Sustainer of all that is, the Lord of Heaven and Earth.

It is interesting that Jesus did not hide his glory to please the crowd. In fact, God had to save him miraculously from that crowd that day, because it wasn't his time. But whether or not the world likes it, they need to know who Jesus is.

And we need to tell them!

Father, I glorify your Son, the great I Am, the one who shares your divine nature and in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. May I devote my life to making him known in this world. 

Light of the World - May 30 Readings: 2 Samuel 7-8, John 8:12–30, Psalm 68:29–35, Proverbs 14:3–4

Links to May 30 Readings: 2 Samuel 7-8, John 8:12–30, Psalm 68:29–35, Proverbs 14:3–4

The thought today is simple but profound. In John 8:12 Jesus made a bold claim.

I am the Light of the World.

This world is darkened by sin and only Jesus can do anything about it. Education is a wonderful and positive thing, but education can never enlighten the human soul. Only Jesus can. Philosophers argue the riddles of life and psychologists try to understand the workings of the human mind. But they cannot do anything but help people live a little better in the darkness. The neon lights of entertainment try to shine but they are fleeting and can never provide true light. The world tells us to look inside ourselves for the light but our inborn sin guarantees that this will never succeed.

We human beings will look to everything and everyone for the light we need, but too often we fail to look to the source of real life. Jesus is that light. When you are confused, look to him. When you are discouraged and depressed, look to him. When you are overwhelmed and stressed, look to him. His light is the true light.

But the fact that Jesus is the light of the world requires one more thing of us. Jesus told his disciples that they were the light of the world. Jesus is the Sun, but we are the moon. We reflect the light of Jesus Christ into this world. The light of Jesus, our Savior, shines not only on us and in us, but through us to the world of darkness.

Father, may the light of Christ shine in me to guide and strengthen me, and may it shine through me to this world of darkness. 

Descendants of Michal - May 29 Readings: 2 Samuel 5-6, John 7:40–8:11, Psalm 68:22–28, Proverbs 14:1–2

Links to May 29 Readings: 2 Samuel 5-6, John 7:40–8:11, Psalm 68:22–28, Proverbs 14:1–2

2 Samuel 6:23 makes a strong statement, which in context seems to carry a warning of judgment.

And Saul’s daughter Michal had no child to the day of her death.

This was not a random statement and is in no way a general teaching that the inability to have children is always a judgment of God. In this situation, though, there was meaning behind what was said about her. Her inability to have children seems to grow from the spiritual barrenness she exhibited when David worshiped God with joy and abandon. 

The Ark of God was returning to Israel and David was overjoyed. As the ark was brought down the streets of the city, David was "leaping and dancing before the Lord." Michal despised him because she thought his actions lacked the dignity that was proper for the King of Israel. She scorned David as he let loose a volley of public praise.  He was thinking about the glory of God; she was concerned with the reputation of the king.  She did not participate in the praise, but she certainly would criticize those who did. She was barren of soul.  She did not know what it was like to lose herself in the praise of God, and she had no desire to find out. 

David rebuked her sharply and let it be known that he was going to worship God with all his heart whether she was happy about it or not. He intended to celebrate the Lord passionately and constantly. His heart belonged first to God. 

Just after her expression of disdain is this note that she was  unable to have children, and in this case it seems that her physical barrenness was an outward expression of the inner barrenness of her soul. 

Michal never bore a child, but she has many descendants. Her descendents scorn those who get emotional and expressive when they worship. Yes, there is an  unhealthy emotionalism that infects much of worship today and we need to be biblically grounded so as not to fall prey to every wind of doctrine that blows through our churches. 

But the worship of God is expressive, it is enthusiastic, it involves not only the mind but also the will and the emotions. And we ought never denigrate those who express their joy to God. May the joyous spirit of David, not the barren heart of Michal, characterize our worship, both personal and public. 

Father, may I never be a child of Michal - barren of soul and disdaining those who love you. May I know your truth, know your Son, and celebrate his love and grace with all my heart. 

Who Is Jesus? May 28 Readings: 2 Samuel 3-4, John 7:25–39, Psalm 68:15–21, Proverbs 13:23–25

Links to May 28 Readings: 2 Samuel 3-4, John 7:25–39, Psalm 68:15–21, Proverbs 13:23–25

It is the ultimate question of life - who is Jesus Christ? Was he just a good man whose example we can follow today? Was he a teacher whose insights and principles can help us to greater success? Was he a visionary who had found the way to tap into his full human potential? Was he the evil fraud his enemies claimed? Or was he, perhaps, the person that John knew him to be - the Incarnate God.

In John 7:25-36 the people of Jerusalem were debated this issue. Jesus taught in the streets and stories of his miracles spread throughout the land. But the opposition of the religious leaders was also known. Who was right? Jesus would spend much time in the book of John asserting that he was the Christ, the Son of God and the Word made flesh.

Standing before the crowd, Jesus made this assertion (John 7:28-29):

“You know Me and you know where I am from. Yet I have not come on My own, but the One who sent Me is true. You don’t know Him; I know Him because I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

He was the one sent from God to reveal God to us, to provide reconciliation for us and to bring spiritual rebirth to us. 

The ultimate question that any of us can ask is who Jesus is. If he is who he claims to be, who John presented him to be, then there are only two appropriate responses to him. First, we must each repent of our sins and place our faith in him - to acknowledge his right of Lordship over our lives. Second, we must devote our lives to proclaiming the truth of the Son of God in this world. 

Who is Jesus? That is the question each of us must answer and eternity hangs in the balance. 

"You are the Christ, the son of the living God. You are my life, and hope and joy, my path to God and my strength for the day. By you I am justified and by you I have life. Glory to your Father's name."

Sticks and Stones - May 27 Readings: 2 Samuel 1-2, John 7:1–24, Psalm 68:8–14, Proverbs 13:20–22

Links to May 27 Readings: 2 Samuel 1-2, John 7:1–24, Psalm 68:8–14, Proverbs 13:20–22

'Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

Is there less truth in any of the bromides we learned as children. I've been hurt by sticks and stones (generally from horsing around - I do very little ninja fighting!) and they leave a few bruises and a scar or two. The pain goes away and is forgotten.

But when people say insulting, degrading things to me it hurts far more than any physical injury I've had. If I allow myself to, I can think back to words people said to me many years ago and I can still experience pain from the memory. Words have a powerful impact on us.

One of the most devastating results of these hurtful words is discouragement. We are trying to do God's work and someone drops a verbal bomb on us. It feels like the shrapnel strikes us deep in our hearts and churns us up inside - troubled days and sleepless nights ensue. And the tendency is to want to give up, to wilt under the criticism and simply seek to quit.

When we are tempted to quit because of criticism or hurtful words, all we need do is read the gospels. Jesus, the sinless Son of God was unfairly criticized and slandered time and again. If the perfect Christ received such criticism how can imperfect folks like us hope to escape it?

In John 7 Jesus was at a feast in Jerusalem and he began to confront the religious leaders over their sin. Jesus saw through to their hearts and accused them of wanting to kill him. They denied it and in the process, they said this, in verse 20.

"You have a demon." 

That's pretty harsh, isn't it? They denied that Jesus was a servant of the Father in heaven and accused him of being under the control of the Evil one. It was absurd, of course, but it was the kind of criticism that hurts and discourages us.

Jesus did not allow himself or his ministry to be derailed. He continued to serve the Father in spite of what anyone said about him. He cared only for the approval and pleasure of the Living God of heaven. We must do the same.

Father, too often I live for man's approval and under slavery to man's opinions of me. Help me to serve you with all my heart and live for your glory alone. 

When the World Crashes - May 26 Readings: 1 Samuel 30-31, John 6:49–71, Psalm 68:1–7, Proverbs 13:17–19

Links to May 26 Readings: 1 Samuel 30-31, John 6:49–71, Psalm 68:1–7, Proverbs 13:17–19

It was a terrible moment for David, the future king of Israel. When he returned with his men to his home in exile, Ziklag, he was horrified to see the city burned to the ground and all the wives and children of his army captured. These men were mighty warriors, but they wept when they saw their homes burned and their families gone.

In a time like this, people tend to want to find someone to blame and this tragedy was no different. "It must be David's fault," some of his men started saying in their hurt, lashing out at the man they usually loved so much. There was a move afoot to stone David to death as a reaction to their grief and pain (a totally worthless reaction, to say the least - killing David would not bring their families back!).

David walked a different path, one that led away from bitterness and rash, hurtful actions. It says, in 1 Samuel 30:6

"David found strength in the Lord his God." 

In his grief and hurt he sought God and God lifted up his soul. Instead of just lashing out in bitterness and anger, he gave himself to God and in the power of God he went to find his family. He led the men who had wanted to kill him and inspired them to go after the Amalekites who had captured their families. Everything that had been taken from them - wives, children, livestock, and possessions - was recovered by David and his men.

Instead of feeling sorry for himself, instead of finding someone to blame, instead of getting depressed and angry, he sought God and found strength there. Those who turn to God may find conviction of sin, they may find their lives redirected, they may find themselves in hard times, in deep waters, but they will always find the strength of God to go through the day.

Father, when things are hard, I so often resort to self-pity and anger. May I, like my namesake the king, find strength in you to continue in your work regardless of how difficult the days become. 

Duh! May 25 Readings: 1 Samuel 28-29, John 6:22–48, Psalm 67, Proverbs 13:15–16

Links to May 25 Readings: 1 Samuel 28-29, John 6:22–48, Psalm 67, Proverbs 13:15–16

So often, Saul had gotten the wisdom of God through the prophet Samuel. Now, Samuel was gone and God was no longer speaking to Saul because of his sin. That didn't stop him from trying though. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul needed some information. He saw the Philistine camp at Shunem and felt  surge of fear and panic inside. He needed advice. Should he fight them or not? So he inquired of the Lord, seeking God wisdom and guidance.

And God said nothing.

So, Saul had a choice. He could repent of his sin and seek God's mercy and grace. Saul had sinned grievously and repeatedly - that was the reason that God would no longer guide him. But God responds to repentance. David had been anointed to the next king, but if Scripture teaches anything it is that those repent before God find mercy.

Saul chose a different path. He went to the foot of Mt. Tabor to a village named En-dor where a medium still resided. In his better days, Saul had removed those who practiced the occult from Israel, but now he sought one out - how far had he fallen.

The strange encounter raises more questions than it answers - if Samuel was "absent from the body and present with the Lord" how on earth did he appear to the medium? It seems this might have been an anomalous moment in which God allowed what was normally either fake or satanic to be used to accomplish his purposes. But what is clear is that Saul had once again chosen the dark path of sin.

In Saul's folly, he ignored this basic truth - you cannot gain God's wisdom unless you first seek God's mercy. You cannot bypass repentance and obedience and still hope to experience his hand of blessing. Yes, we relate to God on the basis of his grace but we cannot expect to know the joys of God's mercies while walking in rebellion and sin.

Duh!

Saul, like so many since him, have forgotten that basic truth. Our God is gracious, loving and merciful, but those who flaunt his grace in rebellion and refuse to repent cannot expect to know that love!

Father, I come to you in repentance for my sin, which is so great. Show me your way, your grace and your wisdom. 

More Than I Can Do - May 24 Readings: 1 Samuel 26-27, John 6:1–21, Psalm 66:16–20, Proverbs 13:12–14

Links to May 24 Readings: 1 Samuel 26-27, John 6:1–21, Psalm 66:16–20, Proverbs 13:12–14

It is one of the few stories of Jesus that is recorded in every one of the four gospels. Jesus, with an enormous crowd surrounding him, called on his disciples to feed the multitude. They threw up their hands in failure - what could they do? There was not enough food among them to feed the Twelve, much less the thousands around them. But Jesus was there that day not primarily to do a miracle that would amaze the crowds, but to reveal himself to his disciples and to build their faith.

They brought him the five loaves and the two fish that a young boy had brought - all the food that was in the crowd. Jesus took it, blessed it and started to divide it among the crowds. After everyone had their fill, there were 12 baskets of food left over for fish sandwiches later.

It was a stupendous display of supernatural power. But it was more than that. It was a template for how God works in his followers.

First, God always calls us to tasks that are beyond our power, abilities and resources. In one of the other gospels, Jesus commands the disciples to feed the people. He ordered them to do what they could not. God calls us to tasks that are beyond our abilities and resources. He doesn't just give you what you can handle. He doesn't ask you for your best. He calls on you to give and to do that which is so far out of the range of your abilities that it is absurd.

Second, God demands that what little we have be given to him. It is not about how much ability we have, how many talents or what our resources are. But whatever we are, whatever we have, it must be given to God and devoted to God's glory. We are called to give our bodies to him as living sacrifices.

Third, God does in and through us by his power what we are incapable of doing on our own. He sanctifies us, cleanses us, empowers us and uses us in ways that only he can get the glory. The disciples took food to every person that was there that day in spite of the fact that they didn't have the food. They gave to others what God provided for them.

Finally, God works abundantly through his people. There were 12 baskets of leftovers after the meal. God did not just give enough, he lavished his blessing. God lavishes his love on us and gives us blessings beyond our imagination.

Father, I thank you that when I give myself to you, you do your work through me, by your power and grace. Amen!

Why, God, Why? May 23 Readings: 1 Samuel 24-25, John 5:30–47, Psalm 66:9–15, Proverbs 13:10–11

Links to May 23 Readings: 1 Samuel 24-25, John 5:30–47, Psalm 66:9–15, Proverbs 13:10–11

Why did God let that happen?

It is one of the most frustrating questions people ask, because it is one for which I seldom have an answer. I don't understand the glory of God nor do I have a playbook describing the purposes behind everything he does. I do have a Bible, though, and it reveals many reasons that God allows us to go through hard times. Sometimes, it is to discipline us, sometimes to give us spiritual exercise by which to grow, often it is for reasons that are mysterious.

But Psalm 66:10-12 shows us another. That psalm reveals God's marvelous work to deliver his people, though we do not know the specifics of the issue they faced. But the Psalmist understood why God was letting them walk through "fire and water."

For You, God, tested us;You refined us as silver is refined.You lured us into a trap;You placed burdens on our backs.You let men ride over our heads;we went through fire and water,but You brought us out to abundance.

God had a purpose for the suffering - it was to test them and to refine them. God often allows hard things to come into our lives to simply demonstrate the status of our faith in him. Job suffered greatly so that God could demonstrate that his faith was genuine. Abraham demonstrated the sincerity of his faith by putting his love for God ahead of his deep love for his only son.

But God was also using suffering to refine them like silver. When silver is melted the impurities come to the surface and can be removed so that the silver can be made pure. To purify our lives God will sometimes allow the heat to build up all around us. Our impurities can then be dealt with so that we might truly be pure in heart.

The Psalmist accepts that it was God who put them in the fire - he "lured" them, placed burdens on their backs and allowed others to "ride over their heads." But he knew the end result would be the abundant blessing of God. God would lead them through deep waters to set their feet on solid rock. God would allow pain to produce blessing at the end.

We seldom have the answer to the question "Why?" We are called to trust the God who knows what is best for us and who uses everything, even our suffering, for his glory and for our good.

Father, help me to trust that your goodness will be revealed in the end and that even that which is bad in my eyes can (and will) result in your glory!

Empty Religion - May 22 Readings: 1 Samuel 22-23, John 5:1–29, Psalm 66:1–8, Proverbs 13:7–9

Links to May 22 Readings: 1 Samuel 22-23, John 5:1–29, Psalm 66:1–8, Proverbs 13:7–9

Two amazing things happened in John 5:1-14. First, Jesus healed a man at the pool of Bethesda. Sick and crippled people sat around the pool waiting for an angel to stir the waters so they might be healed, but this man, having no one to help him, could never get into the water in time to receive the healing. He'd been trying and failing for 38 years. That is a long, long time.

One day, Jesus came along and asked the man a strange question. "Do you want to get well?" The man did, but could not see any way to find the help he needed. He was trapped in his illness. But Jesus did not need the waters of Bethesda to heal. He just gave the man a simple command. "Take up your mat and walk." And he did. He stood up and his 38 years of suffering were over.

That is when the second amazing thing happened. The miracle took place on the Sabbath and the Jewish leaders had a fit. Why? Because this man who had been seeking healing for 38 years picked up his mat on the Sabbath after Jesus healed him. A man had been healed but all they were concerned about were their human rules. Nothing in God's law prevented a man from picking up a mat on the Sabbath. They had added their own laws to those of God and created this silliness.

And they care about their rules and their power and control more than they cared about the man. They were more concerned that their authority had been violated than that a man had been healed.

May we care about people as we do God's work. It ought never be about power and control, but always about God's love for sinful people who need him.

Father, thank you for the example of your son who served and healed without regard to anything religious men added to your word.  

A Friend Like Jonathan - May 21 Readings: 1 Samuel 20-21, John 4:46–54, Psalm 65:8–13, Proverbs 13:5–6

Links to May 21 Readings: 1 Samuel 20-21, John 4:46–54, Psalm 65:8–13, Proverbs 13:5–6

I sometimes wonder how David kept his sanity. He was a man after God's heart, but throughout his life he had one person after another coming after him for no good reason. Saul, consumed with jealousy, sought to destroy David. He tried to kill him more than once. But through all of this David just carried on in the Lord's power.

There are a number of reasons for this, but one of the main reasons was a man named Jonathan. He was Saul's son but he was also David's friend. Their bond was deep.

All we need to get through life is the presence and power of God. If everyone turns away from us we can depend on our "friend who sticks closer than a brother" to be there to bear us up. He's all we need. But it helps a lot to have a friend like David's. Jonathan helped him face the hurt in his life as Saul pursued and persecuted him. 1 Samuel 20 describes that friendship in detail, and from that story we can see some of the things that made Jonathan such a great friend.

A "Jonathan" seeks your good even at his own sacrifice. Jonathan was due to ascend to the throne until Samuel anointed Jesse's son. He could have been jealous and angry. He could have joined his father's campaign to protect his position. But he did not. He sacrificed his own position for the sake of his friend. True friendship requires people who are willing to lay down their lives for one another.

A "Jonathan" is not governed by the opinions of others about you. No matter how much trash Saul talked about David, Jonathan remained loyal to his friend.

A "Jonathan" makes such a difference in life. No matter what life throws at us, it is easier to handle when someone is walking along the path with us.

But here's the twist. As we read this, we all think how great it would be (or is) to have a friend like Jonathan. And it is! But we must not read this and pine for friends like this, but ask how we can become a friend like Jonathan to others. We must focus more on BEING Jonathans than on finding them.

Father, I thank you for loyal friends. But help me to lay my life down for others and to be the friend I need to be. 

Jesus Broke the Rules - May 20 Readings: 1 Samuel 18-19, John 4:20–45, Psalm 65:1–7, Proverbs 13:2–4

Links to May 20 Readings: 1 Samuel 18-19, John 4:20–45, Psalm 65:1–7, Proverbs 13:2–4

Jesus always obeyed the Father and the rules of the Word, but he seemed to take pleasure in violating human rules that were not of God. When it was time to travel to Galilee, Jesus routed his group through Samaria. Most Jews traveled along the Jordan Valley so they would not have to move through the area inhabited by those they disdained. Jesus broke the rule and ministered where no one else would go.

And then he did something that shocked the disciples. They had made a supply run into town and when they came back they were horrified to see Jesus conversing with a Samaritan woman. Not just a Samaritan. Not just a woman. But a Samaritan woman. Jesus was bound by the Father's laws but he was not bound by silly rules that would hinder his ministry.

And look what happened as a result. The woman put her faith in Christ and went to turn out the entire village. They came out (John 4:39-42) to see what this woman with the bad reputation was saying, but they came to believe in Jesus on their own.

“We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”

Because Jesus broke the rules of prejudice and hate, because he engaged those whom the Jews disdained, because he cared about those few others did, an entire village came to faith. 

The gospel is not just for people we like or people who are like us. It is for the lonely, the outcasts, for those whom life has chewed up and spit out; for the people no one else wants to engage. We cannot treat others as untouchables, but must reach out as Jesus did. 

Father, help me to see those others ignore, to love those that are hard to love and to engage those others would see as undesirable, for the glory of your kingdom. 

The Difference - May 19 Readings: 1 Samuel 17, John 4:1–19, Psalm 64:5–10, Proverbs 13:1

Links to May 19 Readings: 1 Samuel 17, John 4:1–19, Psalm 64:5–10, Proverbs 13:1

David brought supplies from his father to his brothers who were camped with Israel at Ephes-Dammim, facing the Philistines. When he walked into camp, he saw what was causing everyone else to cower in fear - Goliath, the giant from Gath. He defied the Israelites with words of derision and no one could find the courage to face him.

David entered the camp and was incensed that this Philistine was insulting the armies of God. He volunteered and after suffering derision and disdain, he went out to face the gigantic foe and defeated him.

What was the difference between David and the experienced, trained soldiers of Israel? Why did he act when others cowered? Why did he take the challenge when no one else would? It is not that complicated.

The difference between David and everyone else was God! David sought the glory of God and made his decisions on the basis of the belief that Yahweh was the Living God!

When the soldiers saw the giant, they feared for their lives. When David saw him, he feared only for the glory of God.

"Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26)

He was not concerned about himself, but about how this Philistine's insults reflected on the Living God!

Israel's best soldiers cowered because they saw only their own lack of capability compared to Goliath. David assumed that the power of God would go with him to guide and strengthen him.

“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

David's absolute confidence in and dependence on God was demonstrated in his words to Goliath himself.

“You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, the God of Israel’s armies—you have defied Him. Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, cut your head off, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”

David did not fight in his own power and abilities, but in the name of Yahweh himself. He did not fight to glorify himself or to make himself famous, but to demonstrate to the world that "Israel has a God" and that the God of Israel was awesome an powerful.

The difference? God! David sought God's glory, served God's purposes, and saw God at the center of all things.

Father, you are the Living God. May my life be lived for your glory, your purposes and in the complete knowledge that you are who the Bible says you are and you do what the Bible says you do!

He Must Increase - May 18 Readings: 1 Samuel 15-16, John 3:16–36, Psalm 64:1–4, Proverbs 12:25–28

Links to May 18 Readings: 1 Samuel 15-16, John 3:16–36, Psalm 64:1–4, Proverbs 12:25–28 

There was no one else like John the Baptist, and I am not talking about his dress or diet. John 3:22-30 describes a unique and godly episode that defines the unique character of the man.

John was immensely popular. People were coming from all over Israel to hear him and to be baptized by him. It was the name John that was on the lips of Israelites.

Then, suddenly, this man Jesus came out of nowhere to be baptized by him. He disappeared for 40 days into the wilderness to be tempted, then returned in the power of the Spirit to preach the gospel of the kingdom and do amazing miracles. Disciples of John the Baptist left him and followed after Jesus. Jesus' ministry was on the rise as John's popularity waned.

Think about how most people would respond to such a thing. Jealousy. Rivalry. Anger. Perhaps rumors and slander. They would not respond as John the Baptist did.

“No one can receive a single thing unless it’s given to him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of Him.’ He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete.”

He realized that his status had been given to him by God and that his role was to be the groom's friend. He was here to announce the coming of Christ and he knew his place and his purpose. Then he spoke these insightful words.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

For John, it was literal. Jesus' popularity and scope of ministry was going to increase and John would fade into the background. John knew that was how things were meant to be and embraced it. 

John's challenge is also our challenge. In a sense, we are all John the Baptists. We go into a lost world to "prepare the way for the Lord." Our goal always is to make Jesus famous and to point the way to him. As we walk in this world, Jesus must increase and we must decrease. 

Father, use me to increase the knowledge of your Son, Jesus. May my selfishness and arrogance decrease. as you increase in me. 

Water in the Desert - May 17 Readings: 1 Samuel 13-14, John 2:13–3:15, Psalm 63, Proverbs 12:23–24

Links to May 17 Readings: 1 Samuel 13-14, John 2:13–3:15, Psalm 63, Proverbs 12:23–24

A few years back I completed a marathon in the New Mexico desert, trudging over a mountain, through deep sand and across the desert flats in searing heat. One thing I learned that day, walking in the desert creates a deep thirst. It didn't seem to matter how much water and Gatorade I drank, I was always craving more. 

David spoke, in Psalm 63, of the thirst of a deer in the wilderness. 

God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.

In a dry and desolate land, a land without water, David experienced thirst. This world offers so many types of poison water; libations that look satisfying but do not quench the soul's thirst. Money. Pleasure. Entertainment. Selfish ambition and achievement. All present themselves as the satisfaction of the soul, but they do not provide what they promise. 

This world is a desert, a spiritual wasteland. The best if offers is mirages that cannot slake the deep thirst of the human heart. If we seek contentment, joy and life from this world we will be deeply disappointed. 

But David knew where to go for the living water, the water of life. He eagerly sought God and thirsted for him. Not just his blessings or the good things he gives, but for God himself. His desire for God was so strong that his body actually felt faint! 

God is the source of life and those who seek him will be satisfied. 

Father, you are my life. All too often I forget that and seek the bitter water of this world or dive into the mirages that deceive. But you are life and hope and joy, and I seek you. 

All the Wrong Reasons - May 16 Readings: 1 Samuel 11-12, John 2:1–12, Psalm 62:9–12, Proverbs 12:20–22

Links to May 16 Readings: 1 Samuel 11-12, John 2:1–12, Psalm 62:9–12, Proverbs 12:20–22

I remember eavesdropping on a conversation between my dad and another pastor, in which they were discussing how churches find pastors. Among Baptists, the church chooses its own leader, forming a search committee, fielding resumes, examining recommendations and finally bringing a candidate to the church. In the other pastor's denomination, the district superintendent (whatever his official title was) would select pastors and assign them to churches. My dad asserted that our system had to be the worst way. The pastor from the other denomination disagreed, arguing that their system was even worse.

Selecting leaders for God's people has always been tricky.

1 Samuel 11-12 carries on the story begun in earlier chapters about the selection of Saul as the first king of Israel. He was such an impressive young man. Tall, handsome, energetic and enthusiastic; everything a nation could want in its leader. Israel was excited about the selection of their new king.

Things did not work out so well with Saul though. He was not careful in obedience to God and eventually God set him aside and had Samuel anoint a young shepherd boy from Bethlehem to succeed him. David had few of the physical characteristics or innate talents of Saul, but he was the one whose house was established by covenant as an eternal line.

What was the difference between Saul and David? By many human metrics, Saul was the better candidate. All too many pulpit committees would have chosen him over David. But in God's eyes, David was vastly superior. Why? Because David was a man of obedience, a man after God's heart. Saul was self-confident, willful and often not obedient.

God doesn't need our creativity or our talents. He is an awesome God and is not much impressed with our awesomeness. The sacrifice that pleases God is a sincere heart, a devoted life, a body yielded to his service, a pure and undiluted passion for him.

I wish I knew how to quantify that principle for pastoral search committees. I can't. But the principle is clear in Scripture. The greatest quality of a leader, or any believer for that matter, is simply obedience and a willingness to do whatever God has said.

Father, I am reminded that it is not about my talents, abilities or efforts, but about obedience to you. May I be more like King David than King Saul - a man whose greatest quality is obedience. 

He Brought Him to Jesus - May 15 Readings: 1 Samuel 9-10, John 1:19–51, Psalm 62:1–8, Proverbs 12:18–19

Post to May 15 Readings: 1 Samuel 9-10, John 1:19–51, Psalm 62:1–8, Proverbs 12:18–19

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist until one day when another man walked by. John looked up at the other man and said, "Look, the Lamb of God." Andrew realized the import of these words and decided that it was time to follow Jesus. It is one of John's most godly qualities that he encouraged his followers to leave him and to follow another. That is what he did, along with the man who was with him.

Jesus saw these two men following him and asked, "What are you looking for?" Andrew and his friend answered the question with a question. "Rabbi, where are you staying?" Jesus invited them to join him and they spent the day with Jesus. Evidently they were deeply impressed with what they saw, because Andrew left to do the most important thing anyone can do. He went out and found his brother Simon and John 1:42 tells us what he did next.

And he brought Simon to Jesus. 

He realized quickly that this one was The One, the promised messiah, the hope of Israel. And he went and told his brother about it and brought him to see Jesus. Simon's life changed dramatically after that - he became know as Cephas, or Peter. All because his brother took the time to bring him to Jesus.

Sometimes, perhaps, we get too bogged down in the minutiae of witnessing, trying to deal with deeper theological issues, methodologies and strategies, or learning canned gospel presentations. Each of those has their place. But evangelism is really much simpler than that.

Sinners find a Savior and bring other sinners to find the same Savior. We find our family, our friends and our neighbors and we bring them to Jesus. When they meet him, things change.

Father, I thank you for the people who brought me to you. May I pass along that blessing as I bring others to meet the Savior who saved me. 

The Word Made Flesh - May 14 Readings: 1 Samuel 7-8, John 1:1–18, Psalm 61:4–8, Proverbs 12:15–17

Links to May 14 Readings: 1 Samuel 7-8, John 1:1–18, Psalm 61:4–8, Proverbs 12:15–17

Though we believe that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful, we are not required to pretend hat all Scripture has the same force and power. There are high points among the words of God. I've maintained that the Mt. Everest of the Bible is Romans 8 - if you are ever going to memorize one chapter of the Bible, make it that one! Psalm 23 is part of the Himalayas as well. So is Hebrews 11, Matthew 5-7, John 14-16 and several other great peaks of revelation.

Among the highest of the high peaks we find John 1:1-5. Frankly, the whole book of John is a high mountain range, but this introduction is powerful.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
All things were created through Him,
and apart from Him not one thing was created
that has been created.
Life was in Him,
and that life was the light of men.
That light shines in the darkness,
yet the darkness did not overcome it.

Permit me to point out a few of the wondrous beauties on this mountaintop of Scripture.

First, God spoke to us. He did not turn his back on sinful humanity, but he spoke to us. He gave us a "Word." That Word was Jesus, as this passage makes clear. The Creator spoke to creation by sending the Co-Creator to live among us, as verse 14 tells us.

The Word became flesh
and took up residence among us.
We observed His glory,
the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.

Jesus took up residence among us to reveal who God was and to demonstrate his love for us. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Second, this passage, as clearly as any in Scripture, affirms the deity of Christ. "The Word WAS God." He was not "a god", nor was he some kind of emanation from God, a secondary deity or or a deified human. He was the God of glory come to dwell in a human body.

Third, Jesus is life. Through the Word that came among us, we have life. John later tells us, in his first epistle, that "he who has the Son has life and he who does not have the Son does not have life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Jesus Christ became the point of division for all of humanity. Eternity is not about following a a religion or doing enough good works or any other human activity. It's about Jesus. Do you "have him"? Then you have life. If you do not have Jesus you do not have life no matter how good you think you are, how busy you are at church or how many good things you try to do.

Finally (for this post anyway), Jesus is the light. This world is blanketed in the darkness of sin and Jesus was the light of God to show us the way to him. "I am the way, the truth and the life," Jesus would later say. Jesus IS life and he GIVES light.

As you read John 1 today, take a few minutes to let the Spirit guide you to amazing truths about Jesus revealed in this passage. Besides these high points I hit today, there are many more. Just thank God that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us!

Father, thank you for the Word who told us who you were, who demonstrated your love for us, who gave us life by sacrificing his own and who shines the light of truth and righteousness on our sinful lives. Praise his holy name!

Yahweh Disses Dagon! May 13 Readings: 1 Samuel 5-6, Luke 24:36–53, Psalm 61:1–3, Proverbs 12:13–14

Links to May 13 Readings: 1 Samuel 5-6, Luke 24:36–53, Psalm 61:1–3, Proverbs 12:13–14

It was a time of tragedy and sadness in Israel, but it is one of the gloriously hilarious stories of the Bible, as long as you are not a Philistine. In yesterday's reading, the glory departed from Israel as the ark was taken by the Philistines, Eli and his sons died and Israel was defeated. And the reason for all of this was that Israel tried to use God and his ark as a magic talisman rather than coming to him in repentance and faith. God refused to help Israel on their terms if they did not come to him on his terms.

But in 1 Samuel 5, God made it absolutely clear that there was no problem with his power. He was still the one true God of heaven and earth. The Philistines defeated Israel, but it was because of Israel's failures, not the superiority of Dagon, the Philistines' God.

The ark was taken into Dagon's temple in Ashdod as an act of triumph. The Philistines gloried in Dagon's greatness and the defeat of Israel, putting the Ark before the idol as a tribute. But God would not be disrespected. When the Philistines entered the temple in the morning, their idol was bowing down on its face toward the ark. They set things right, but the next day the idol had fallen again and this time its head and hands fell off.

Then, things got even worse. A mysterious illness (a wide range of horrific diseases have been suggested) broke out in Ashdod. These folks had enough, so they blessed their neighbors in Gath with the ark's present. Let them "revel" in Dagon's victory. Gath fared no better than Ashdod and the same mysterious disease broke out. Gath decided to share the blessing with Ekron, but those people wanted no part in it.

So, they called a confab with the Philistine elders and they decided to send the ark back to Israel, even attaching some golden offerings with it.

The point of this story is clear. Israel was defeated because of their sin, not because of the lack of power on God's part. He remains strong, but often we fail to experience that power because of our own sin and our failure to walk in faith. When that happens, it is not as though the power of the Cross has lessened, but that we have failed to look to Calvary.

Father, your power is real and great. May I experience that power as I walk in humility, repentance and faith. 

Magical Religion - May 12 Readings: 1 Samuel 3-4, Luke 24:1–35, Psalm 60, Proverbs 12:10–12

Links to May 12 Readings: 1 Samuel 3-4, Luke 24:1–35, Psalm 60, Proverbs 12:10–12

Israel couldn't figure it out. The Philistines had defeated them soundly in battle. Where was God? Why was he not delivering his people and defeating their enemies? Why had God failed them? So, they came up with a plan; one that would bring them success on the battlefield.

"Let’s bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh. Then it will go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

All they had to do was get the Ark of the Covenant and bring it down to the battlefield. When they marched into the war against the Philistines with the Ark in their midst, the power of God would surely manifest itself and they would be victorious.

Alas, it did not happen. In fact, it became one of the most horrible defeats Israel ever had. Over 30,000 men were killed in the battle, the sons of Eli were killed and the Ark itself was captured by the Philistines, leaving Israel devastated. When Eli heard of this, he fell off his chair and died.

This was, perhaps, the low point in Israel's era of the Judges.

What happened? Why didn't it work? The people had the ark which represented the powerful presence of God and still they did not succeed. How did it all go so wrong?

It is simple. God is not moved by magical religion. Magic is the manipulation of spiritual forces to achieve one's goals. Israel wanted victory so they brought in the Ark as a talisman to attempt to summon God's presence on their terms. But God would not be controlled or manipulated.

Israel did not have to summon a talisman. All they had to do was repent of their sinful ways and seek God. If they returned to him in faith his promises would be restored to them. The way to defeat the Philistines was to seek God, not to seek to use God through their own manipulative efforts.

We don't gain brownie points with God by going to church, giving money, doing nice things for others or any other work. There are not magical words of prayer or positive confession that can manipulate and control God's power. We gain the presence of God and his power when we repent and trust him, when we submit our lives to his control.

Our faith is not about magic, but about yielding fully to him!

Father, forgive me for when I've foolishly tried to manipulate you with my fleshly actions. You are God and I yield today to you and your glory. 

A Mother's Revival - May 11 Readings: 1 Samuel 1-2, Luke 23:44–56, Psalm 59:14–17, Proverbs 12:8–9

Link to May 11 Readings: 1 Samuel 1-2, Luke 23:44–56, Psalm 59:14–17, Proverbs 12:8–9

It was one of the true low points in Israel's history, the end of the period of the Judges. Depravity, violence, immorality and perversion abounded in the land and there seemed to be no hope that things would get better. The moral spiral only promised to worsen. Israel was idolatrous and evil, and its leaders were spiritually calloused and insensitive to the voice of God.

But the fact is that when the book of Judges closed and 1 Samuel opened, Israel was half a century away from its greatest moment, the reign of David as king. When things looked like they couldn't get any worse, God had another plan, a plan of renewal and revival that would raise up his people to heights never imagined before.

It is appropriate that this passage is read on Mother's Day, because it contains one of the most hopeful messages a mother could read. The early chapters of 1 Samuel record the genesis of Israel's revival. It all started with one mother who prayed to God. Hannah went to Shiloh to pray. Her intensity led Eli the priest to believe she was drunk, but when she poured out her heart about her inability to conceive, he was moved and blessed her.

God heard her prayers and she had a son, Samuel. When he was weaned, she took him to Shiloh and gave him to the Lord. That son grew up to be the man of God, the prophet, the mentor of both Saul and David, the man who led Israel back to loyalty to God.

And it all started with one woman who gave her son to God.

Of course, God does not ask us to give our sons away literally, as Hannah did. But we are called to raise our children not just to get an education and a good job, not just to be happy, but to be servants of the Living God.

A mother who gives her child to God and raises that child to be a warrior in the kingdom of God is the most powerful person on earth. Pastors can preach, teachers can teach, leaders can lead; but mothers can change the world by raising sons and daughters who love God and serve him faithfully.

Mom. It's not a glamorous position and it certainly doesn't pay well. But Hannah changed the course of Israel's history simply by giving her son to God. Mom, I know it's hard, thankless, drudgery, and many times you feel worthless and insignificant. But if you are doing it right, if you are pointing your children toward Christ and leading them in his ways, you have a role more significant to the future than perhaps any other.

Father, I pray for mothers today, that you would fill them with the sense of the significance of the task they perform. When they feel burdened, give them a sense of eternity. When they feel insignificant, help them see the future. When they feel tired, give them divine energy. Thank you, Lord, for mothers with a heart for your kingdom. 

"Consume Them, Lord" May 10 Readings: Ruth 3-4, Luke 23:26–43, Psalm 59:7–13, Proverbs 12:5–7

Links to May 10 Readings: Ruth 3-4, Luke 23:26–43, Psalm 59:7–13, Proverbs 12:5–7

David is a model for us as a man of praise and a man of prayer. When things were good, he thanked God and praised him for his beneficence. When things were rough, he fell on his face before God and called to him for help. Whatever was happening, David talked to God about it and sought his help.

But there are some of his prayers, some of his psalms, that sound a little strange on our modern ears. Look at Psalm 58:11-13.

By Your power, make them homeless wanderersand bring them down, Lord, our shield.For the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips,let them be caught in their pride.They utter curses and lies.Consume them in rage;consume them until they are gone.

That is pretty harsh, isn't it? He asked God to make his enemies homeless wanderers and bring their lives low. The prayer that they would be caught in their pride and in their lies - that doesn't sound too strange, but in verse 13, when he calls on God to consume these people in divine rage until they are completely gone, we recoil a little. 

These are called imprecatory Psalms and this one is fairly mild compared to some of the other such Psalms that David prayed. Check out Psalm 109 for an example. 

It would not be wise to use the imprecatory prayers of David as a template for our own prayer life. Several observations can be made here. 

First, it is right and good to take your anger and hurt to God. When you are injured by someone, tell God about it. He knows already, but you can vent your anger to him. God hears our prayers, but he also hears our laments, our sighs and our tears. Tell God about your pain. 

Second, David is not seeking vengeance here. He knew the biblical principle that vengeance belonged to God. He called out for God's vengeance but he did not seek it on his own. And, in fact, God is one who dispenses justice. If someone has has injured one of the children of God, he will repay. He will deal with those who attack his children. 

Finally, we must respond to the revelation we have. David lived in a different era. He worshiped the same God but did not yet have the revelation of Jesus. Jesus gave us a new ethic, a new way to treat our enemies. We are to love them and pray for them - not imprecatory prayers of destruction, but prayers for God's blessing and his righteous power in their lives. The teachings of Jesus have superseded David's imprecations. We must live by the revelation we have been given in Christ and in the New Testament writings. 

So, we can learn a comforting lesson from David's harsh prayers. God cares about our hurts and will listen to our cries. He will act to protect and preserve us. So it is right that we would carry our hurts to God and call to him for help. But when we pray for our enemies in this era we ought to pray for God's blessings on them, to love our enemies as Christ commanded. 

Father, I thank you that I can bring my hurts to you and that you care about me. Protect me from those who would seek my harm, and transform their lives by the power of your Spirit. 

Illusion and Reality - May 9 Readings: Ruth 1-2, Luke 23:1–25, Psalm 59:1–6, Proverbs 12:3–4

Links to May 9 Readings: Ruth 1-2, Luke 23:1–25, Psalm 59:1–6, Proverbs 12:3–4

We live in a world of illusion. Think about Jesus as he stood before Pilate, in Luke 23:1-5, and before Herod in Luke 23:6-13. These were powerful men and Jesus was a prisoner, a pauper, seemingly under their thumb.

Consider what everyone else thought as Jesus stood before Pilate, thinking that Pilate held Jesus' life in his hands. People stood there wondering what Pilate was going to do with Jesus, what decision he would make. Jesus was at the mercy of the Roman governor - so thought everyone who was there that day.

But that was nothing but an illusion. Pilate was not running the show that day. Satan moved in hearts and tried to destroy Jesus, but he was not in charge. Evil men did evil things, but the religious leaders were not dictating the course of events. Despite appearances, nobody was doing anything to Jesus. He was doing as he willed, according to the Father's plan devised in eternity past for the redemption of man. God was doing what he purposed to do.

That is the illusion we live with. It appears that evil men are doing evil things and that the purposes of God are threatened. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is still on the throne. Does it seem like things are so bad that nothing good can come from them? That is an illusion. Do you feel abandoned by God? It's not real. Does it seem certain that evil will prevail and the cause of righteousness be defeated in this world? A mirage in the desert. That is not reality.

God is at work. His purposes are sometimes hidden and his plans are often confusing to us. He works on his own time table, not ours. But make no mistake, our God is in control. He is still working out his plan in this world and all his promises are still true - no matter how it looks.

Our job as believers is to look at God and his word and hold on to the truth, regardless of what seems to be real in this world. We walk by faith and not by sight. We have to believe what we cannot see.

Father, sometimes I get my eyes on this world and begin to despair. It is so wicked all around. But I thank you that you are in control, completely trustworthy and faithful in every way - regardless of what my eyes see or my heart feels. 

I Am NOT Like Jesus - May 8 Readings: Judges 21, Luke 22:47–71, Psalm 58:5–11, Proverbs 12:1–2

Links to May 8 Readings: Judges 21, Luke 22:47–71, Psalm 58:5–11, Proverbs 12:1–2

One day I will be like Jesus. One day I will be like Jesus because of the work that God is doing in me. It is his power and grace that is at the root of spiritual transformation. One day I will be like Jesus.

Today is not that day.

As I read through the gospels and see who Jesus was in his earthly journey, I am constantly reminded of how unlike him I am. In Luke 22:51 Jesus does something so unlike me, something I would never do in a million years without the power of his Spirit.

Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, having just finished praying, when the mob shows up to arrest him, accompanied by his betrayer, Judas. Some of the disciples had a sudden attack of boldness and wanted to fight. One of them (in another gospel we learn it was Peter) even picked up a sword and took a wild swing, cutting off a servant's ear.

What Jesus did next was something so different from anything I would do. He picked up the ear and healed the servant. A slave! In the midst of the uproar, when a mob was there to arrest him, Jesus was concerned about someone no one else cared about. His own master probably wasn't too concerned about whether the slave had an ear. But Jesus cared. And in the middle of all his troubles, when his own life was threatened, he focused on a hurting slave.

I'm sure I would have been focused on my own troubles, on the mob that had come to arrest me, on what lay ahead. I doubt I would have been too concerned about one of the enemy's slaves.

I am different from Jesus, but I need to become more like him, seeking the Spirit's transforming power in me. I need to focus on the work of God not the hurts of the world. Jesus' world was crashing down around him, but his heart went out to a hurting slave. All around me are hurting people. Sin wreaks devastation on human beings. So often, as I go about my day, I ignore those people that Jesus never overlooked. I need to look for the injured, the hurting, the battered, beaten and broken and seek to bring the love and healing of Christ to their lives.

Father, I rejoice in my destiny; that one day I will be like Jesus. But I realize how far I still have to go, how little progress I've made toward that destiny. Work in me by the power of your Spirit to make me more like Jesus. 

No King in Israel - May 7 Readings: Judges 19-20, Luke 22:31–46, Psalm 58:1–4, Proverbs 11:29–31

Links to May 7 Readings: Judges 19-20, Luke 22:31–46, Psalm 58:1–4, Proverbs 11:29–31

What an awful story.

Judges 19-20 recounts a story of murder, perversion, depravity, and brutality - all of which was the work of the people of God. These were not pagans, not Canaanites or Egyptians or Babylonians or Assyrians. These were God's chosen people, behaving like absolute cretans.

The root of all this is found in Judges 19:1 in a phrase that will be repeated often in the remaining chapters of Judges.

There was no king in Israel. 

Later the most telling words will be added to that statement.

Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 

This simple phrase describes this awful period of decline in Israel's history at the end of the time of the Judges. Israel did not have a leader; someone to show them the way and guide them in the things of Yahweh. So, everyone just followed his own conscience. Contrary to modern belief, that is a very bad thing.

Since we are sinful human beings whose hearts are drawn toward deception, it is never a good idea to follow your heart or simply do what you think it right. We need to both the truth of the Word of God and good leaders to guide us in the ways we should go.

Father, thank you for guiding and directing me. I admit that I cannot simply do what is right in my own eyes and serve you. Guide me, Lord. 

The Suicide of Evil - May 6 Readings: Judges 17-18, Luke 22:1–30, Psalm 57, Proverbs 11:26–28

Links to May 6 Readings: Judges 17-18, Luke 22:1–30, Psalm 57, Proverbs 11:26–28

Luke 22:3 contains four interesting words. "Then Satan entered Judas..." The time of the death of Jesus Christ was drawing near and Satan was at work to bring his enemy down. He had set himself against the Creator and was committed to bringing all of the Father's work to nothing.

So, he "entered" Judas, one of Jesus' own disciples, to lead him to betray Jesus. This did not absolve Judas of his guilt in Jesus' death, but it did produce one of the greatest ironies in history.

Think about it. Satan, the great enemy of God, moved in the heart of Judas to betray Jesus to the Romans and bring his life to an end. It must have seemed like a great victory. If Satan can feel joy or glee, it must have happened as he saw Jesus tried, convicted, tortured, ridiculed and eventually crucified. But here is the irony. The events that Satan put into place when he entered into Judas, the events he thought were his moment of glory, were actually suicide. He was destroying himself. When Jesus died, Satan was finished. When Jesus rose, Satan's death blow was inflicted. He is still thrashing around and seeking to destroy, but Jesus has mortally wounded the enemy.

Sin is suicide; it always destroys itself. When Satan rebelled against God, his destiny was sealed. When he moved in Judas to betray Jesus, he was actually causing his own destruction. That is the nature of sin. It presents itself as fun, as pleasure or as profit. But in the end, it is nothing but destruction. Self-destruction.

Christians are often called unloving when we identify sin as sin. But if the Word of God is true, then we are simply trying to prevent people from engaging in spiritual suicide. Is it love to stand by and watch as someone destroys themselves?

Satan's schemes resulted in his own destruction. My sinful choices may seem fun at the moment, but they are spiritual suicide. Each time I choose sin I am not only offending God but hurting myself.

Father, you are the Creator of Life and the one who blesses me with life both eternal and abundant. Help me to remember that rebellion against you is not only offensive, but destructive to all that you have intended to bless me with. 

Our Near Redemption - May 5 Readings: Judges 16, Luke 21:25–38, Psalm 56:9–13, Proverbs 11:24–25

Links to May 5 Readings: Judges 16, Luke 21:25–38, Psalm 56:9–13, Proverbs 11:24–25

Like many today, people in Jesus' day wanted to know when the end was going to come and how to know that those days were nearing. What kind of signs would serve as markers of the end? Jesus' answers were not wholly satisfactory, I am sure. He told them that they would never really know when the end was near, that Jesus would return "as a thief in the night - without warning - and that their job was to be continually prepared for whenever Jesus returned.

It is easy (and dangerous) to become morbidly fascinated with the details of the end times that we miss the greatest message of all. Jesus reminded his disciples of the message in Luke 21:27-28.

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!

I cannot tell you whether Jesus will come back in my lifetime. I just don't know and Jesus said that was the way the Father wanted it. But I do know two things. First, I know that Jesus is coming back one day. He is not gone forever. He will descend from heaven with "power and great glory."

I also know that Jesus intended his second coming to be a source of comfort to us - not just curiosity or debate. We live in a sinful world in which wickedness is increasing and often seems to prevail. But we can rest assured that the enemy's days are numbered and one day this world will give glory where glory is due.

In that day, all the promises of God will be fulfilled. Our sin will be done away with and Jesus will be Lord of all. Lift up your head, believer, our redemption is near. Our Redeemer is near. You can trust him and rely on him. He will stand in victory over this earth.

In the midst of difficult days, we have the assurance of the final victory of Jesus Christ!

Father, I rejoice in your victory over sin in my life and in this world. I long to see that day. Comfort me with that hope today. 

Kryptonite May 4 Readings: Judges 14-15, Luke 21:1–24, Psalm 56:1–8, Proverbs 11:21–23

Links to May 4 Readings: Judges 14-15, Luke 21:1–24, Psalm 56:1–8, Proverbs 11:21–23

Samson is a biblical character who is both heroic and tragic. He was set apart for God's service from birth and given special abilities to help God's people and fight God's enemies. The tales of his exploits would make the greatest mythical superheroes jealous. In real life, the Philistines cringed at the mention of his name.

Had he developed character and self-control, he might be remembered with some of the great ones of the Bible - Moses, David, Elijah and others. But, alas, no. Samson won many great battles but he lost the one that mattered the most, the battle against the power of this own flesh.

Superman had his kryptonite. Samson had women. Because he could not control his passions, his enemies were able to use women of questionable moral character to destroy him.

The moral to the story of Samson is pretty simple. What matters most is the character we build, not just the tasks we undertake. It is of utmost importance that we yield to the Spirit of God as he remakes us in the image of Christ. Too often we focus on doing great works for God instead of focusing on becoming people like Christ.

Oh, every blood-bought believer should aspire to significant service to God, but that can never come at the expense of significant transformation. Who we are in Christ is foundational to what we can do for Christ.

Father, I've always wanted to serve you in significant ways, but sometimes I forget about who I am in you. Transform me by your Spirit to become like your Son. 

Cast Your Burden - May 3 Readings: Judges 12-13, Luke 20:27–47, Psalm 55:19–23, Proverbs 11:19–20

Links to May 3 Readings: Judges 12-13, Luke 20:27–47, Psalm 55:19–23, Proverbs 11:19–20

Ever feel weighed down and burdened by life?

Maybe it is a financial issue that constantly gnaws at you. Perhaps there is a family conflict or concern for a child who is not walking with God as you would wish. Maybe there is just a series of circumstances that pile up one on top of the other that has you stressed out and overwhelmed. All too often, it is a person who has hurt or harassed you in some way and you just cannot seem to put the past in the past.

David dealt with such issues all the time and in Psalm 55:22 he told us what to do when circumstances such as this arose.

Cast your burden on the Lord,and He will sustain you;He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Give it to God. Don't try to cope as best you can. Don't seek for motivation, inner strength, escape in a pill or a bottle, vengeance or any one of the myriad solutions we come up with in the flesh. Take it to the Lord and cast the burden on him. "Here, God, this belongs to you!" 

When we do that, we have God's promise that he will sustain us, hold us up, and see us through. God is faithful and good. 

It is important to remember the basis of that promise. God will never allow the "righteous" to be shaken. If we are his, if we are righteous before him, then we have this glorious privilege of casting our burdens on him and knowing his sustaining grace. 

But too often, we think our answered prayers depend on our own righteousness and strength. We forget where the righteousness comes from. It comes from the Lord. He is the one who justifies us by the blood of his son, declares us righteous and enables us to walk in his holiness day by day. 

It is because we belong to God, because we have been saved by grace through the work of Christ, that we can come to him for this sustaining grace. 

So, my friend remember a couple of things today, as you struggle with burdens. If you have put your faith in Christ, you are righteous and you have access to the grace of God. You do not have to carry your burdens alone. You can cast them on the broad shoulders of God and he will bear them for you. He will never allow you, his righteous child, to be shaken. 

Father, thank you that through Christ I have the right to come to you with my burdens. I cast them upon you and trust in you. Lord, sustain me in your grace.