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Devotion.al

Tag: restoration

  • Die to Resurrect

    Psalm 98; Micah 7:7–9, 18–20; 1 Timothy 6:11–20 (read online ⧉)

    Micah’s unwavering loyalty and trust in God can be hard to swallow for many. Micah believes that he can wait for and trust in God.

    What is fascinating with Micah’s words is that he admonishes his enemy who is gloating over Micah’s fallen state. Micah doesn’t defend himself. In fact, he openly and forthrightly acknowledges that he has sinned against God. What a fantastic pattern that we should all follow! When we hide our sins in the dark, they can fester and rot deep within us. Yet, when we shine the light on them, they cease to rot. The consequences may be awful and shameful, but the light cleanses them.

    Micah owned his transgressions. Micah owned the consequences.

    Micah believed that God would redeem and rescue him. He had decided to wait upon God’s timing for his restoration. That is often courageous for us when we are in the midst of trials and tribulations. Micah was in the middle of them, too.

    The redemptive expectation that Micah had of God was immense. He understood that God’s grace and mercy were beyond comprehension. In addition to his own redemption, he looked to the redemption of his people…of God’s people. Micah understood that the people were far off from God. Micah also understood that God’s faithful and unfailing love was always waiting to Resurrect the repentant heart.

    While the Jews had the Law to define the particulars of their holy calling, gentiles (non-Jews) still had the Imago Dei (the Image of God) in them telling them deep down what they were doing was not in line with the Creator of the universe, even when they didn’t understand. Hence that is why Paul talks to Timothy about fleeing from much of what is common to the temptation of humankind. Timothy was both Greek and Jew (thus dirty to both “sides” of the family). He probably has some awareness of the Jewish Law, but he would have also been quite familiar with what was common (and considered acceptable) in Greek/Roman circles.

    Thus Paul was calling Timothy to something greater than either bloodline or culture. He was calling Timothy to Jesus Christ. When Paul recalls Timothy’s “good” confession. Instead of confession, a better (and longer) way of saying it would be a strong, firm, public declaration of allegiance. Timothy had (effectively) declared that Jesus Christ was more important than all of that, and Paul was holding him to it. Timothy, as the “successor” to Paul and a leader in his own right, was to hold on tight to what he “confessed” he believed, and to not let others draw him away.

    Paul reminded Timothy that all that was going on now was in preparation and was before the age to come, the age of Resurrection. The underlying truth being that if Timothy let go of the faith in the here and now, the age of Resurrection might very well not come to him.

    Timothy may not have had the depths of pain that Micah did, though it’s likely that his heart was broken at the (martyr’s) death of Paul and other Christians. For Timothy, the Resurrection life held hope in the midst of pain. The Resurrection life that Micah was expect was, without question, different in scope than Timothy was expecting. Both, however, were dependent upon a relationship with God.

    God, may we continue to place our sins and failures before you in hopeful expectation, not to avoid the consequences of our actions, but to restore and maintain right relationship with you. May your father’s heart continue to be gracious to us. May the sacrifice of you, Jesus, continue to remind us of the cost, drawing us closer to you through the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

    1) How do you balance the fear of and concern for punishing or consequences with hope and faith with God?

    2) The life of a Christian is full of many little deaths. What is the latest death that you have experienced that has drawn you (or is drawing you) closer to God?

    3) There is an old saying that a coward dies a thousand deaths, and a hero only one. What is the difference between that and the deaths that a Christian experiences?

  • Resurrecting Hope

    Psalm 39; Luke 24:8–35; Acts 26:1–8 (read online ⧉)

    Brian Sanders (Executive Director of Tampa Underground) shared some very interesting thoughts regarding the Emmaus Road story.

    Cleopas and the unnamed disciple hadn’t yet seen the Resurrected Jesus. Like any of the “outer circle” disciples, they didn’t see Jesus immediately, and many of the inner circle missed him too. So, they were “stuck” on the outside. They knew of the wrongful conviction, abuse, and death. They’d heard this impossible to belief story—from people they trusted—that Jesus had died, but was now risen!

    Sanders suggests that our 2 Emmaus Road disciples were running away from the confusing situation in Jerusalem. They were feeling overwhelmed. They were probably hurting. They were probably confused. Sanders also suggests that they were “packing” their “escape route”. The day we just celebrated, possibly people were trying to escape it.

    Sanders’ suggestion just seems wrong in so many ways. How could these disciples be so confused and hope destroyed that they were trying to escape? Yet, Sanders makes a good point in that they were leaving Jerusalem. Leaving. They weren’t joining the other disciples. They were leaving.

    They didn’t understand, not really. How many of us ourselves have been at the point where there was an internal disconnect between what we thought we knew/believed, and what we think we should have known? That point in our lives that we started to run away in some small way: alcohol, drugs, partying, gambling, videos, gaming, even reading.

    Then Jesus shows up. That’s a pretty common story in the Christian world. It’s a pretty common story in the world outside of Christians, but far too many people are self-blinding and cannot (or will not) see Jesus. Sometimes that is us, too. Then Jesus shows up and life is changed.

    Paul went from accuser and abuser of Christians to defender of the faith. He stood before people who could, at their whim, cause him to live or die. Instead of renouncing Christianity, he wouldn’t just defend, he tried to convert! Unlike the Emmaus Road disciples, Paul wasn’t hopeless or lost when he met Jesus. Quite the contrary. Paul was a rising star in the Jewish world. He was going to fix this minor annoying Nazarene sect, and get them back on the right path of the Law. Paul’s conversion story is the opposite of many’s conversion stories. He is in power. He has had—to our knowledge—no qualms seeking to fix the wrong-thinking of this new sect. It on his way with even more power in his hand, that Jesus turns the script. While many convert on their knees and in desperation with nothing to lose, Paul converted when he only had something to lose, a lot of something.

    It really is the question Paul asks in Acts 26:8 that is Resurrection of hope that the Jewish people, and the world, really needed. “Why is it thought incredible by you people that God raises the dead?” Today we are told that this Resurrection is a fairy tale. In Paul’s day, it may have been far fetched, but it wasn’t unbelievable. In a time when people believed that gods could raise the dead, Paul still had to defend Jesus’ Resurrection. This should tell us something. Jesus’ Resurrection was something far greater than just a dead person coming to life! A dead person “just” coming to life wasn’t the greatest concern. It was Jesus’ Resurrection that was. The Jewish leaders knew and understood (no matter how much they opposed it), that this was no normal come-back-to-life tale.

    This means that this Resurrection is something greater. Perhaps its the kind of thing that causes those who have lost hope or who have run away from their confusion, become empowered and full of hope and faith. When those who have a Resurrection hope and faith not only turn toward what almost destroyed them; they walk (or even run) to it with the ability to overcome it with a power that comes through the restoring power of God.

    God of all mercies, grant us the power, faith, and hope to look at all the troubles of the world, whether they be distant or near, and know that through you the world can have the hope it seeks. Give us the eyes and hearts to see where we are called to be the agents of restoration, so that the hopes of the world may find true hope through the Resurrection of Jesus. This we pray in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

    1) Was your conversion at a height or at a low? Why do you think it was there, rather than the opposite? If you’ve known no other life than life with Jesus (i.e., from childhood), what cemented your faith in Jesus Christ?

    2) What are some characteristics of “Resurrection” hope versus “normal” hope? What could be the difference between Resurrection hope and Saving hope?

    3) Often we look at the weaknesses of people in the Scriptures and respond with, “glad that’s not me.” Except it is. When were you like the Emmaus Road disciples? When were you like Paul?

  • Mindful Restoration

    Psalm 118:19-29; Jeremiah 33:1-9; Philippians 2:12-18 (read online ⧉)

    Through Jeremiah, God is promising restoration of Jerusalem. This is not “just” spiritual restoration, but physical restoration, as well. As we read the passage, it would seem that God is going to do this regardless of the state of the hearts of the people. However, there is a very strong implication that their restoration and salvation occur with their repentance. While God does the work of restoration, they need to unbend their hearts and mind, repenting of the wickedness that caused God to turn his eyes away from his beloved.

    In his letter to the Philippians, Paul notes that the Philippians have their own tasks to do. Paul tells the Philippians to obediently submit to God, who is actively working in them in regard to their salvation. The similarity between the Philippians and the Israelites shouldn’t be ignored. Both groups often reflect our own nature and character. As such, they both (as do many people in the Scriptures) act as a mirror suitable for self-reflection.

    Paul tells the Philippians that they are to be “of one mind”, not arguing with one another. Paul is alluding to the murmuring that the people of Israel did, which got them into so much trouble with God, from the Red Sea to entering the Promised Land. Paul wants the Philippians to not be those people who become so obsessed with “their way” that they forego the right ways of God and thereby setting aside their salvation by not cooperating with God (and each other) who is working in them and their progressive sanctification.

    1. Why does Paul concern himself with the Philippians being of one mind?

    2. Why do you think being “of one mind” affects one’s salvation?

    3. If it was you, how would you address the Philippians? How about the Israelites (as in Jeremiah)? In both cases, think of ways to say it as if they did not believe in God or Jesus.

  • Faithfulness Remembered and Expressed

    Psalm 119:9–16; Haggai 2:1–9; John 12:34–50 (read online ⧉)

    Haggai’s message was to encourage people who were feeling worn regarding the temple and its rebuilding. While the people of Israel were rebuilding their lives, the restoration of the temple was not moving as well. There is the political climate regarding the difficulties that would arise with the surrounding powers with the temple rebuilding. For those who were old enough to remember, Haggai reminded them of the glory of the old temple, trying to stir them up so that they could invigorate others. Through Haggai, God reminded them that he was faithful and that things could be great again, should they do their part to honor God through rebuilding his temple. God would then fill his temple with his glory.

    This God’s glory in the temple paradigm was to be cataclysmically changed with Jesus. God could no longer be viewed as distant, but now very much present. Like all huge changes in thinking, it was going to be painful and jarring. The pain of transition would begin with Jesus betrayed and hung on a cross. Jesus foreshadowed what was to occur, but the people seemed to have a sense themselves as they proclaimed that the Messiah would remain forever; a not-so-subtle dig that if Jesus ever died he was not the Messiah.

    Jesus did not allow the nay-sayers to change his story. With his declaration equating denial of him and his words was denying God the Father and his words, Jesus made it clear that their understanding of the Messiah was not complete.

    He ultimately answered their challenge with:”…I know that his commandment [Jesus’ obedience to death] is eternal life.” John 12:50

    In other words, only by dying will Jesus actually become the Messiah who remained forever.

    1. What is your reaction to Jesus’ obedience being death?

    2. When you think of martyrs who also were obedient, what is your response to their choice? Why?

  • Redemption in the Darkness

    Psalm 107:1–16; Isaiah 60:15-22; John 8:12-20 (read online ⧉)

    Psalm 107:2–3
    Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    those he redeemed from trouble
    and gathered in from the lands,
    from the east and from the west,
    from the north and from the south.

    Isaiah’s stirring vision for Jerusalem is that not only of restoration but also claiming a prominent and dominant role in the world. The nations that dominated Jerusalem would then nourish and protect it. This revitalized and restored Jerusalem would have the lost and exiled returning. A city full of woe and misery would become full of life and joy.

    Isaiah’s vision continued where the basics, bronze, and iron, would be replaced by gold and silver. This is not just a sign of wealth, but where what was once the sign of wealth would be commonplace. In the midst of all of this is God. This new vision of Jerusalem has God at the center, and not just as the center of worship, but the center of all life, replacing the sun and the moon. The ebb and flow of life would be fully guided by God. The ultimate crown of success, children, would be so numerous that even the smallest family group would become a clan. This is hope to a people lost. This is hope to a people who feel that they have nothing left.”I am the light of the world,” Jesus said.Often we can find ourselves stuck in darkness. The gift of darkness is being able to see the smallest light. The spark of faith, in the darkness, can feel as if the sun is there.

    1) Have you ever experienced an inescapable (real/physical) darkness? What happened when you saw a light?

    2) How does Christ fit into your idea and/or experience of darkness?

  • A Bad Mix?

    Psalm 84; Ezra 6:1-16; Mark 11:15-19 (read online ⧉)

    The restoration of the temple was not only of religious significance; it was also of cultural, societal, and political significance. This would be perceived as the raising of the Hebrews to a point of greater significance than in the past, though not in the highest levels of power. Also, as empire resources and taxes would also be going to restart then maintain the sacrificial system, there is an implied assumption of loyalty of the Hebrews, a people not always known as being loyal and obedient to their foreign kings.

    King Darius states part of his rationale, “…pray for the life of the king and his children.” This is not just a political decision by Darius, but it is also a contingency plan for divine protection. While there was an official religion, it was not uncommon for rulers (and people) to cover their bases by trying to appease other deities. King Darius also knew that the local powers would not appreciate the Hebrews being given more power, so he made clear that this was his will.

    Those who perceive a loss in their power, or a threat to their power, will often point to others as rebels or troublemakers to try and maintain their power and/or influence. While the rules guiding the use and practices of the temple were clear, leaders still felt the need (or were convinced of the need by those with ulterior motives) to add more rules and requirements. Ultimately, this led to Jesus clearing the temple and insulting those in power.

    The leaders “…kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him….” People tend to become corrupted by the power they hold, no matter how small or how large. It takes a strong will and humility to keep that from happening.

    1) Religion is a powerful tool for the powerful or those seeking power. Where do you see religion, or the lack of it, as the tool being used by those in or seeking power?

    2) Even a small amount of power, such as in our circles of influence, can be corrupting. Review how you have used power in your circle of influence. Was it humble? Was it Christ-like?

    3) Fear is also a common tool of power. How have you seen fear and religion combined so that people have power over others?

  • Temple by Proxy

    2 Chronicles 29:1–11, 16–19; Psalm 84; Hebrews 9:23–28 (read online ⧉)

    King Ahaz, King Hezekiah’s father, destroyed utensils used in the worship of God, and shut the doors of the temple (prevention of worship), and put altars all around Jerusalem to worship other gods. King Hezekiah sought the restoration of the temple and the right worship of God. Hezekiah knew that the priests—those charged with the care and work of the temple—had not been fulfilling their duties.

    King Hezekiah commanded the priests to properly prepare themselves and the temple for worshipping of God. The priests did so and informed the King of the completion of their tasks. They had to be directed to do what their entire tribe had been assigned by God to do.

    The temple was supposedly the heart of Hebrew life and the heart of Jerusalem. However, just based on the kings, it really wasn’t the case but for a few. There was a lot of ritual that went with that worship, and a lot of effort. While the restoration was important, for it was a symbol of God, for a time, being the rightful center of Hebrew life, it wasn’t the end.

    The writer of Hebrews takes a key element of Hebrew religious life—the temple with its rituals—and flips it on its head. The author interprets them as foreshadowing the tabernacle in Heaven. The author interprets Jesus as the true expression of the priestly rituals of sacrifice. The shadows of the true temple of Heaven are important. It is the reality that Christ is both the eternal offeror of sacrifice and the sacrifice itself that is essential to our understanding of our faith. It is foundational (see yesterday’s devotion). It is essential.

    1. Do you see Jesus as your sacrifice to God to atone for your sins?
    2. How does Jesus being the eternal sacrifice affect your appreciation of it?
    3. How do you understand Jesus’ sacrifice in regard to the sins you have committed since you were saved?

  • Looking for Light or Dark?

    Jeremiah 30:12–22; John 12:36–43; Psalm 105:1-11 (read online ⧉)

    The people of Israel were in turmoil. Their kings changed allegiances to the bigger powers on the world stage. They were in the middle of two warring empires. They were devastated by war and taxes. Today’s passage in Jeremiah starts as a summary of the pain Israel is feeling. The pain is the self-inflicted consequence of walking away from God.

    By no means did God want the Israelites to suffer, yet sometimes the best lessons are the hard ones. Despite their pain, God did not want them to despair. God promised restoration, a magnificent restoration, of children, self-rule, and respect.

    Many people walk far away from God, ways that we may never understand. They could have done (or be doing) things that make no sense from a logical, emotional, moral, or spiritual point of view. Just as the Israelites were blind, so are so many people today. Just like the Israelites, they do not realize that they cannot see.

    Jesus called on his followers to believe in the light. Belief in the light was expected to be transformative. Jesus’ followers would become children of light. Yet, even in Jesus’ day, even with the miracles, people did not believe.

    1) Is there someone in your life that you feel is not walking in the light? Will you commit to pray for that person?

    2) Is there something in your life that you don’t want to be in the light? Will you bring that to a trusted person to confess? If you do not have a person that you trust, pray that God will bring you such a trusted person into your life.

  • Trust, Truth and Restoration

    Daniel 9:16-19, Psalm 25:1-10, 2 Timothy 4:1-5

    Daniel knows that God is holy and righteous. Daniel knows that the people of Israel are in exile and hopeless because they chose to ignore God and the many prophets that He sent. They chose to follow their leaders who looking to earthly things to gain personal value and power. Daniel understood that the current situation was a consequence of unfaithful behavior.

    Yet, Daniel had enough trust in God to know that God would listen and that God, ultimately, wanted Israel restored, not just as a nation or people, but as a people of God. Daniel understood that it would only by God’s mercy that Israel would be restored. He was confessing on behalf of an entire people that they had missed the mark, yet he still asked.

    1) In Psalm 25:6-7 (NIV), the psalmist writes, “Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.”
    Just like Daniel, the psalmist was appealing the consequences based upon God’s mercy and love, knowing that both preexisted the errors of the psalmist. Daniel, too, that God’s mercy and love existed long before he did, or the tribe and nation of Israel existed. The underlying thought here is that there was something that needed to be forgiven; there was something that needed to be repented of. Is there something that you think could be a problem, but aren’t certain that it is a problem that God is concern about? Bring it to God, anyways! That small thing could very well help you heal in other areas in your life, or God may use it to show you what is really hampering your relationship with Him.

    2) In 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul is warning Timothy that people will get to a point where they will not listen because they don’t want to. It is no different than what the people of Israel had done for generations prior to their exile. The very things Daniel was repenting of. We are often quick to say that there is false teaching all around us, even in our church!

    Have you thought there was false teaching? What did you do?

    Do we ever call something false teaching that does not conflict with scripture, but appears to conflict with our understanding or traditions?

  • The Simplest Thing

    Matthew 21:28–32, John 6:28–36 (read online ⧉)

    It’s too easy. What do I have to do? There must be something that has to be done to earn my way. Perhaps I need to be wealthy. Perhaps I have to be powerful. Perhaps I to take a series of convoluted steps, and of course start from zero if I mess up.

    Nope, it doesn’t work that way. Whew! Yet, for some reason, the simplest way oddly seems to be the hardest.

    Jesus called on people to believe. He pointed to John the Baptist, first. John the Baptist came with a message of righteousness and repentance. That was always part of God’s call to those he originally called…the Israelites. The Law effectively revolved around a constant cycle of repentance and restoration to righteousness. The Israelites (now the remnant) didn’t understand and didn’t respond to God’s messenger. It was the people that were not “in” that responded. It was the ones who were “outcasts” who responded to the message.

    When confronted by Jesus, the people asked what they had to do to receive salvation. While Jesus said, “believe,” the parable the accompanied that was about doing the will of God, even when that’s not the desire, and not telling God that it will be done, and then going one’s own way. Belief without action ends up being like the son who said he would do but didn’t. The son who said no, but did still missed the father’s heart.

    Actions speak louder than words. Actions, however, should be motivated by belief.

    1) What is the hardest thing you’ve had to believe? What made it hard?

    2) What action has been the hardest to do? Why?

    3) Which requires greater commitment, belief or action? Why?