Tag: love

Running Towards

Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 7:1–11; 1 Timothy 6:11–12

When we read Deuteronomy, we often evaluate it upon our understanding of life, nations, and ancestry. In many respects, Deuteronomy contains thinking that is alien to Western thinking. Part of this is tied into the relationship between peoples, their gods, and their places of habitation. There was a thought process that tied land to a particular god, and often to a particular bloodline.

This is portrayed here when Moses talks to the Israelites about the current inhabitants of the Promised Land. We look at Moses’ command as rather harsh, which it is (and will be a question of mine on the other side). Moses takes such a strident tone for the sake of the Israelites themselves. By this point in their journey, an entire generation has died wandering in the desert as a consequence of their sin. During this journey, they questioned, God, Moses, Aaron, the whole Promised Land thing. Moses was likely very concerned that were they to leave the peoples who didn’t worship God, they would be more likely to fall away.

The purity of blood and land was probably more due to faithful worship of God than anything else. The Israelites had already shown their struggles in that area over the previous 40 years, including allowing themselves to be married into some of these tribes and worshiping other gods. Thus, Moses was deeply concerned. Let’s also acknowledge that God knew the Israelites would turn from God again.

The corollary to this for Christians is also the world. In our case, it is the entirety of the world that isn’t Christian. This does not mean that we are to live in isolated communities sequestered from the world. It’s hard to be the light unto the world when you put it behind walls or under baskets.

For Christians, we are called to be in the world, but not of it. This can be a slippery slope. One person wrote that this is like walking along a very narrow path on the top of a mountain with the wind blowing in all directions. It is impossible to stay on top of the mountain by our own strength. It is only through the strength of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of other Christians that we can stay on that trail.

Sometimes, the right choice (sorry, “I can do it myself”, and “I can do it alone” people) is to run away from whatever it is. Paul’s advice to Timothy isn’t cowardice. It is wisdom. Often our greatest strength is when we are together. Actually, other than with God, our only strength is with fellow believers in Jesus Christ.

Run away from sin? Yes. Run away from the world? Perhaps. When one runs away, one runs toward something else. To what or to whom will you run?

※Prayer※

Lord, you called to be the light unto the world. Help us to keep each other’s light shining as the enemy tries to extinguish the light of your love and hope. Amen.

2021-05-10
Messianic or Messiah
Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1–6; John 15:9–17

When we read the Scriptures, as has been written often in these devotions, we bring in our understanding of things. Those who have been indoctrinated (in a good way) into the faith and theology of orthodox Christianity will read into the Scriptures that which they have been taught. The opening verse in today’s reading from 1 John is a good example.

As we read it, we have a particular understanding of what the “Christ” means. Theologians and Biblical scholars will often differentiate between messianic and Messiah for this very reason. It is important for us to understand, too, because it gives us insights into the perspectives of the other 2 Abrahamic religions (Judaism and Islam) and also remind us of how revolutionary the resulting Christian orthodox stance was.

Prior to the birth of Jesus, Judaism had evolved its understanding of messiah. Within messianic narratives, one person may not fulfill all the aspects of a messiah. A messianic figure could be solely for social reform or religious reform or solely for governmental reform. Christian scholars and theologians will often simplify it to Prophet, Priest, King. The evolution of messianic (any combination of the 3) to Messiah (all 3) is one of those changes that occurred between the time of the book of Malachi to the advent of John the Baptist (around 400 years).In Luke’s birth narrative, we read about where “the” Messiah would be born. This is the written acknowledgment that Judaism had become Messiah-oriented, more than messianic-oriented. Of course, Judaism (as a whole) does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Islam (and even some in Judaism) looks at Jesus as a messianic figure. It gets a little messy from there as the 3 main branches of Islam have different outlooks from there and the 2 recognizable branches (Shia and Sunni) have their own interpretations within them, too.

Even in the modern era, the messianic figure exists. Stalin, Mussolini, Hitler, FD Roosevelt, Mao Zedong, Castro, Reagan, Putin, Obama, Trump, Biden all had (have) messianic attributes associated with them. It’s jarring to see these names tied together, especially for so-called Christian countries (and only one of these countries didn’t have Christian cultural roots). It is arguable that John’s statement about the Messiah is even more true today than it has ever been before!

Where we “hold” Jesus in our lives is critical to our Christian walk, or whether we are a Christian at all! How we view Jesus, as Messiah or merely messianic, critically feeds into this as well.

If Jesus is merely messianic, then while his words hold significance, they aren’t particularly life-changing. If Jesus is Messiah, his words are life- and orientation-changing.

One of the primary orientation changes is how we love. We often talk about a God of love, but that is so very much removed from us. If he is the Messiah, Jesus’ words telling us to love each other (and the context is within community), then we really ought to be doing that.

There is, so it seems, a division between the love within the community (sacrifice), and the love of neighbor (mercy). It may all be a hairbreadth’s difference, it may be a mile. Regardless, there should be a change in us.

※Reflection※
- Where have you looked at people or things as messianic? What makes something or someone messianic?
- What are other reasons that we need to differentiate between the Messiah and messianic?
※Prayer※

Lord, you are the Christ, Messiah, Savior. As such you call upon us to live changed lives. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to do exactly that. Amen.
2021-05-09
Enter In
Psalm 80; Isaiah 65:17–25: John 14:18–31

I might be a nerd (okay, “might” should be replaced by “am”). When I was young I was fascinated by the stories of elves. In particular, I grew up with the Pinis’ Elf Quest. As I got older, I learned about the “real” elves of The Silmarillion (Tolkien’s Elves). I was fascinated by their mythic slowness. Life, death, marriage, war, and all those things that define much of human life changed in such strange ways.

This came to mind as I read the passage of Isaiah. A person who dies at a hundred will be as if cursed. These days, we celebrate those who live beyond one hundred, trying to learn their secret (there doesn’t seem to be one).

As Isaiah continues, he shares how God will provide the life essentials to everyone. God will provide a way where everyone need not fear for their well-being. The implication of no orphans or widows (the weakest and most vulnerable) is there too.

How these verses end is also interesting. The serpent is definitely an allusion to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, whose food continues to be dust. On the other hand, the life and death (and the taking of life to live) of Creation and its creatures ends, too. It indeed would be a new creation, or perhaps Creation as intended before the Fall.

The totality of this promise of warmth and belonging won’t be experienced on this side of life. The Father does still love us, however, and that is ours to hold onto.

Remaining “in” the Father and “in” Jesus though is a little more than just sitting. It is an active pursuit of a relationship with God, through the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that remains to teach and guide us, even today.

Yet, just because the Holy Spirit is here and present, does not mean that we do nothing. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would teach us. Teaching, though, requires students. Until we die (and maybe even after), we are all, to be constantly learning about God.

※Reflection※
- How can the finite (us) not continue to learn more about God (infinite) day-by-day?
- What are you doing to learn more about God?
- Who are you bringing with you as you learn?
- Is anyone bring you along with them as they learn?
※Prayer※

Holy Spirit, nudge our hearts and minds to pursue relationship with you that we know God better than we did yesterday. Amen.
2021-05-05
Dirty Work
Psalm 80; Isaiah 32:9–20; James 3:17–18

“Tremble, all of you who are at ease;
shudder, all of you who are secure!”
—Isaiah 32:11 (CEB)

Isaiah’s words were directed towards people who were confident that the military might and influence of Egypt would protect them from other enemies. Something along the lines of, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Except that alliances switched all the time. Relying on Egypt—especially Egypt—was not a good long-term plan.

The church, too, often practices the same thing with its Egypt…the government. This is not a new thing. It is not a Democrat or Republican thing. It isn’t a Tory or a Labour thing (political parties in the UK). Whether we gather from history the intertwinings of the church with the later years Roman Empire, to the Roman Catholics ties to many Western European countries, to the Orthodox ties with Eastern European countries.Many critics and critiques of the church claim that the church lost its way when Emperor Constantine. True, the church was blinded by the freedom to be and impose with power. However, that wasn’t the real issue. The real issue was the people of the church.

Slowly, ever so slowly, discipleship became catechism. Passing the catechism test (which could be very stressful) was all that was needed to be a “member”. Catechism faded away too, to a point where many people don’t even know some of the core tenants of the faith they espouse. Then people were baptized into a faith their parents didn’t practice (i.e., the Church of England) or thought they were Christian because of the place they were born (the US).

There were a lot of steps in between. There were even successful attempts to fix the situation (John Wesley’s bands, classes, and societies; the Sunday School movement). However, they lost steam as the world changed. They also lost steam as the church chose to both withdraw from the world and to attack the world.

One cannot be the light to a people one does not know; one cannot be the light to people one acts towards as if hatred were the motivation, rather than love.

“What of the wisdom from above? First, it is pure, and then peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine. Those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts.”
—James 3:17–28 (CEB)

Part of the spiritual work that we are called to is creating the healthy spiritual soil from which the green of life. Healthy spiritual soil is pure (and is being purified), gentle, obedient, merciful, acts in the ways of Christ, fair, and genuine. From that healthy spiritual soil, we have the strength, drive, ability, and even natural response to bring peace and justice into the world.

※Reflection※
- What is the condition of your spiritual soil?
- What does your soil need more of? Fertilizer, minerals, water, sand, loam?
- Why does ignoring the state of your soil endanger your continued spiritual health and growth?
※Prayer※

Holy Spirit, guide us to nourish the soil that will bring honor and glory to you, the Father and the Son through our lives. Amen.
2021-05-04
Open Invite
Acts 8:26–40; Psalm 22:25–31; 1 John 4:7–21; John 15:1–8

In many respects, the story of the Ethiopian is one of my favorites. It, along with the Samaritan woman, reflects the love and grace of God.

Yesterday, in Amos 9:7, Cushite was used as a disparaging term toward the Israelites infidelity to God. A Cushite is what the Old Testament calls…an Ethiopian. So, the people group used to disparage the Israelites…can have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Then there is another issue. The Ethiopian was a eunuch. Per the Law, a eunuch was not permitted in the Temple. Granted, tradition had redefined things a bit.

One thing often disappears in this is the reality that one cannot reproduce biologically when one is a eunuch. However, as a Christian one still produces children…spiritual ones (think Paul and Timothy).

The Ethiopian was already on the spiritual journey, for he was going to worship at the Temple. It means that he was a worshiping as a Jew. He was, then, almost there.

The Ethiopian is symbolic of just how outside of God’s “family” a person can be, and still be called into relationship. We could dismiss the so-called minor issues of the Ethiopian, however, the Law helped to define what was holy for the Jews.

So, this isn’t a minor thing. Instead, it shows that while God is holy and separate, God still makes a way for those whose hearts are open to the movement of the Holy Spirit. That’s pretty open. God’s grace is wide open.

※Reflection※
- Have you ever felt so separated from God, that God would never take you back?
- How would you explain this grace to a person who does not understand holiness?
※Prayer※

Jesus, you are the reason for this grace that we have been given. Thank you for what you did for us on the cross. Amen.
2021-05-02
Even Smaller Than That
Psalm 22:25–31; Amos 9:7–15; Mark 4:30–32

The Lord’s condemnation of Israel puts Israel in the same category as the people that were pushed out of the Promised Land in the beginning. In many respects, the church in the West probably is similarly categorized. You may have had your instantaneous response of, “Yes, THAT part of the church has THAT issue.” Yes, they probably do. And don’t forget that they see some issue with you.

This is human. It is also the future saving grace of the church. Yes, that there are two such severe wings of the church is actually a great potential for the greatest grace lived out since the last reformation.

Viewing Amos as a vision of the church (a very loose interpretation, granted), there was a silver lining to being categorized alongside the enemies of God. God wasn’t done with them (Israel or the church), and they would eventually be restored.

In these times, we (even we cynics) must look for both the silver linings and the little ways that God is moving in the world, especially the Western World that appears to be alienated from or directly opposing God (including or especially in the church). We need to be actively looking for God’s mustard seeds.

※Reflection※
- What mustard seeds are you seeing in your life?
- What mustard seeds are you seeing in the lives of others?
- What will you do to nourish these mustard seeds you see?
※Prayer※

Lord, you are never sparing in sowing the seeds of grace. Help us to be equally generous as we share our lives which you have changed through your love. Amen.
2021-05-01
A Different Movement
Psalm 22:25–31; Amos 8:11–13; Acts 8:9–25

The diminished place in American society that the American church is finally beginning to truly wrestle with is where the church was in many other Western countries many decades ago. As it processes what this means, the American church what it means when “its place” is not the one of honor nor power.

God, however, isn’t as concerned about the church, per se, but about its people. The people (e.g., the future descendants of Psalm 22:30) will still proclaim the glory, mercy, and love of God. How it’s done, however, will be changing rapidly over the next few years. This isn’t the first time.

Much of what Jesus opposed during his time of ministry developed when God was quiet (the time between Malachi and John the Baptist). God was very quiet. Yes, there were pious and spirit-led people during those times. They led the people and helped the people. Sadly, over that same time period, others developed ways to “meet the mark” that resulted in broken hearts and spirits, and not in a good way.

The Western church may be in such a place. On the other hand, some of the Western churches aren’t experiencing decline; they are experiencing revival! While they are the exception, it just shows that God is moving.

There are plenty of Simons in the world. They are successful. They have influence. They have money. Yet, there will be those who, like Simon, will find the message about Jesus to be irresistible and abandon it all.

Like Peter, though, we will still need to disciple them so that they understand what it means to follow Christ. Even in the church today, there are people who bargain with God. Some will give so that God will give them what they think they want. There are a lot of Simons even in the church.

How God will speak, how God will move, how people will respond are all in question at this point. We cannot make any assumptions. Nor can we remain comfortable or complacent. God will act, let’s hope we’re beside God as it happens.

※Reflection※
- What changes in church do you see?
- What changes in you do you see toward God’s movement?
- How do you see how you will share about Jesus changing?
- What are your expectations for how God will move?
※Prayer※

Lord, as we wait for your movement, help us to be aware of the little movements all around us, so that we may be present when the big movements come. Amen.
2021-04-30
Joy to Tears
Psalm 22:25–31; Amos 8:1–7; Acts 8:1b–8

For many people, singing in worship of God is a significant part of their life of faith. They love the joy-filled worship of God.

The image provided in Amos takes those joy-filled songs and turns them into songs of pain, sorrow, and lament. The misery of the people of Israel (as conveyed by Amos) is that even their praise and worship had become crying and wailing. Think of a church service where all the joy was gone.

In many respects, after a number of incidents (9/11, Oklahoma City, and others) people would come to the church and grieve. Their feelings of pride and courage buried in the ashes of death. Yet, now, people don’t. We’ve had horrific things happen in our society and people aren’t looking to the church.

Perhaps we need a Saul. Perhaps COVID or Trump or Biden is our Saul. Perhaps it will be something else.

Saul persecuted the church. The members of the church left Jerusalem. The faith spread. The number of people who came to Christ grew.

We are in a state of discomfort. We, the church, are no longer sure of where we belong. We look at ourselves (the church) and wonder what’s wrong. We look at the world and wonder what’s wrong.

※Reflection※
- It can be hard to sit in the dark, when we want to be in the light of Jesus. Why is part of our purpose to be in (not of) the dark?
- What can the darkness teach us about the light?
※Prayer※

Lord, you called from the darkness into your light. You sent us back into the darkness to share your light. May we do your will. Amen.
2021-04-29
Restoration
Psalm 95; Micah 7:8–20; Mark 14:26–31

In this passage in Micah, Zion is the personification of Jerusalem and the Promised Land. Zion also takes on the aspect of the people themselves. What is interesting is that Zion proclaims guilt in regards to God, but the actual people weren’t open to that way of thinking.

The recognition that the consequences of destruction are well-earned is also something many of the people would not understand. If we are honest with ourselves, none of us like the negative consequences of our actions. We only want the positive ones.

The poetic hyperbole of the rebuilding of Zion is about the speed of restoration versus the speed of falling into one’s own mire. God gave the descendents of Israel plenty of time to allow themselves to descend into the mess of their own making. God also gave them plenty of time to repent. They chose not to.

God still loved them, though, just as God still loves us even when continue to do things that God does not want us to do. That is the beauty and the grace in the poetic rebuilding of Zion. In many respects, we can see a resemblance to what occurs when a person first truly gives their heart to Jesus Christ. Restoration! Restoration of our relationship with God is always there waiting for our surrender.

When the disciples made such sure and quick promises to Jesus that they would never betray him, their words were honest to the best of their understanding. However, once the hard times came, they quickly ran away (granted, after today’s verses). They were truly overwhelmed by the power (physical, religious, cultural, and political) that came to take Jesus.

They made a rash proclamation and broke it quickly after. Jesus still came and restored the relationship. Restoration is always around the corner.

※Reflection※
- How has God restored you? Can you recall how many times? What lessons were learned from them? What person or people were common in any of these experiences (whether individuals or roles)?
- What does this tell you about God? What does it tell you about yourself?
※Prayer※

Lord, under your grace and love, we are always under construction. Thank you for working on us. Help us to surrender each wall, door, or room of our hearts that is not like you. Amen.
2021-04-28
We Maybe Sheep

Psalm 23; Genesis 48:8–19; Mark 6:30–34

“They’re running around like chickens with their heads cut off!”

For someone who wasn’t raised on a farm (me), it is probably a bad phrase to use, though I understand the concept. I’m sure it’s different were one to experience it. Oddly, that phrase comes to mind when Jesus has compassion on the crowd because “they were like sheep without a shepherd.”

Add that to another phrase I’ve heard, “we love the sheep, but sheep bite,” and it all sounds very similar to the current reactive culture that surrounds us. It also sounds like far too many people who call themselves Christian.

“We have our shepherd…Jesus.” Christians should, but Jesus says that His sheep will know the sound of his voice. Look around you. Does it seem as if people are hearing the voice of Jesus? This may sound harsh, yet one of the biggest accusations thrown at Christians is that they are hypocrites.

If people who call themselves Christians are not listening for and to God, then hypocrite is pretty accurate. I’ve heard many people (of varying political/economic/ cultural/career/personality types) say that the world is so angry, harsh, judgmental that they want nothing to do with it. We are called to be salt and light.

The world around us needs to figure out how to have conversations again. The church has the Great Shepherd to guide us. We should probably figure out how to guide the world, but first, we must allow ourselves to be guided.

※Reflection※

Is there one “voice” that you listen to above all others? Whose? How do you deal with that voice when it leads you into apparent conflict with your dreams, family, or other relationships? How do you test that “voice”?

※Prayer※

Lord, helps to develop ears that hear you and hearts that follow you. Amen.

2021-04-24