Devotion.al

Tag: Scriptures

  • Pridefully Divine

    Pridefully Divine

    Psalm 29; Isaiah 5:15–24; John 15:18–20, 15:26–27

    When we read about “divine beings” we, understandably, think about angels. What, however, makes a divine being…divine? Apart from God, there is no divine being that isn’t of God. Which becomes a little daunting theologically when we recognize we have the Imago Dei in us.

    To be clear, we are not gods (except, perhaps in our deluded fallen minds). We a created beings with the spark of divinity inside of us. It may be a fine line to some. It is a line as large as Creation itself to . Yet, part of the divine spark responds to God, and God completes us. So, it’s not wrong (totally) to think in terms of the divine beings in Psalm 29:1. Just like those divine beings, we are called and made to glorify God.

    This seems contrary, in some ways, to the initial verses of Isaiah. Humanity will be brought low. Yet, it is often the arrogance of humanity that results in wars, animosity, and the general inability of getting along. It is also that particular thing, that when brought low, places humanity in the position of accepting God. One cannot truly accept God through arrogance.

    Even as we read further, the arrogance continues with demanding that God hurry up and accomplish God’s work. This all merely so humanity can understand it. Perhaps arrogance is the wrong . Self-absorbed is probably closer, while arrogance remains part of it.

    There there is a lot of doom.

    The last of today’s verses in Isaiah though starts with purifying. If you catch the wording, “ of fire”, might it remind you of when tongues of fire appeared? In this case, the tongues of fire are more of purification rather than empowerment. But that God and the “ one” are tied into the same verse as “tongues of fire” really do seem to be somehow tied to Pentecost. Then again, that very well be reading too much into it (but it’s fun).

    And, while it doesn’t seem to be related when we understand the pride and arrogance of humanity as observed in Isaiah, ‘ words to his disciples (and thus to us) make more sense. The fallen nature of humanity has striven against God. For far too many, it evolved into hate. To be, once again, more along the lines of a divine being rather than fallen creation would indeed cause striving fallen humanity to hate and lash out at those who have been touched by God in such a way.

    If we take all of today’s into the picture, it makes perfect sense why Jesus warns the disciples that no matter how much they now have (or will have after Pentecost), they are still not greater than God. A good warning, as not too long after Pentecost, Peter performed his first miracle. The Companion (Comforter, Counselor) would come, and they would be tempted to think more of themselves, and even be called gods ( and Barnabas).

    ※Reflection※

    • When has your pride hampered your with others?
    • When has your pride hampered your relationship with God?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, guard our hearts against the pride of the world. Let our pride be that you us and that you work through us recognizing that it is for you and for ourselves that we move about the world. Amen.

  • Divided Beauty Multiplied

    Divided Beauty Multiplied

    Psalm 104:24–34; Genesis 11:1–9; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

    The US is not the biggest country in the world, not by landmass, not by population. Just like other countries our size and bigger, there are some weird things that happen as you states, regions, and sometimes even counties. There is a certain section of Washington that adds an “r” so that Washington becomes Warshington or washing becomes warshing. It’s an oddity that has even others of those born and raised in Washington confused.

    There are certain things one can say in the Western states that one avoids saying in the Eastern states. There is definitely a divide between the Northern states and the Southern states in regards to language. Sometimes the differences are functional, sometimes they are just some differences that bubbled up as languages and peoples came or divided.

    Sometimes, even more strangely, is that when a number of people come together and form a new language, that becomes even more confused and nuanced. The , and all things connected through it, is like that now. New ways of communicating (emojis and abbreviations) are being used and often very misunderstood. There are even manufactured languages (Esperanto, Klingon, for example). We are constantly looking for new ways to communicate.

    The fall of the Tower of Babel echoes this need but in reverse. Humanity had this universal language. Humanity could communicate apparently quite well. Humanity, however, had lost its praising of God and now wanted to become God. Perhaps, even more than the story of the Fall in the Garden of Eden, this short story of the Tower of Babel illuminates the fallen human .

    As with many things in the Scriptures, though, still breaks through. Paul comments that the (the Body and of Christ) is made of many parts. Humanity is made of many parts and many languages. God is not limited by “the many”.

    Arguably, God is actually more glorified by the many differences that make up humanity and its languages. There are a few (sadly, too few) worship songs that can cross language barriers, where one can translate the original language into a different one, and still keep the meter and rhythm. Hearing a song you know sung in a different language and still being able to sing along is a beautiful sign of what God can do.

    It is humanity that is divided by language, people, skin color, nation, or ideology. The Holy speaks through all of God’s people that they can sing praises to God from the depths of their hearts the best way they know how.

    ※Reflection※

    • Where are places you have seen the of humanity bring glory to God?
    • How do you see divided humanity overcome its divisions?
    • Do you think artistic activities are better able to overcome the differences than non-artistic? Why are why not?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, we recognize that we are divided. Through the Holy Spirit we are not called to be united, we are united through. Transform our lives so that they match what the Spirit has done. Amen.

  • Moved To Change It Up

    Moved To Change It Up

    Psalm 104:24–34; Ezekiel 37:1–14; John 15:26–27; John 16:4b–15; Acts 2:1–21

    The music artist Mandisa has a song, “”. It’s a pretty simple song (and catchy, of course). It talks about “you” (the listener) being an overcomer by the grace and power of God. It’s a cross-genre song (crossing into the pop-commercial genre) where people who are not believers the message, but probably don’t get it.

    The way Mandisa uses overcomer is slightly different than Ezekiel’s overcome by the , but there is a commonality…God. Mandisa’s overcomer is how a Christian has the ability to overcome the emotional and spiritual battles of through the power of God and the Spirit. Ezekiel is overcome (perhaps, taken over) by the Spirit and through this brings life (in ) to bones that are dead, dry, and useless.

    Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit onto the disciples) is that same sort of thing. The dry spiritual bones of the People of God imbued by the Holy Spirit revitalizes, changes, and reconciles the People of God to God. Just like in the Old Testament, however, not all the dry bones want to be alive again. Yet, here the disciples (as promised by Jesus) stand publically (in contrast to hiding away as they had been) declaring the of God.

    We do have to understand that it is Peter that is the frontman. While the were with him (or he with them), they were not the focus. Does that mean they had no place? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit “fell” upon them, too! Did they have some sort of impassioned impressive speech? The don’t say they do, except that they were saying something, for they were recognized by others.

    You are probably not, in this context, Peter. Most of us aren’t. However, you are like one of the other disciples. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you have the Holy Spirit. You have the right, ability, and responsibility to speak to others about the redemptive work of God. You have been gifted to speak to at least one person in a “tongue” they understand, what it means to follow Jesus.

    ※Reflection※

    • Who is your “one” that your hearts burns for, whom you are stirred to talk about Jesus with? How are you specially prepared or placed to speak to that person that others aren’t?
    • How will you commit yourself to God’s mission and your commission to tell a person, people, or even the world about Jesus in a way they will understand?

    ※Prayer※

    Jesus, thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, the Son told us that we would be empowered by you to do more amazing things than He had done. While we cannot understand how that can be, we know that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit do not let the Truth fail. Amen.

  • Sackcloth and Ashes

    Sackcloth and Ashes

    Psalm 115; Ezra 9:5–15; John 16:16–24

    Collective guilt has been on the top of many lists in the last year. Regardless of your political, philosophical, or religious perspective of the collective guilt issues, it does allow us to better understand the pressure that Ezra felt…somewhat.

    Ezra was trying to make up for generations of sin against God. Granted, with the of slavery, it’s not as if the US doesn’t have its own weight to bear. Yet, it is not the same insofar as the US is not Israel (whether ancient or modern). There were expectations of ancient Israel that they chose not to follow. The Scriptures were clear. They forgot God and disregarded God so much that they followed false gods made of metal and/or wood.

    Ezra knew that there really was no way to “make up” what had occurred. The order of Ezra’s actions should be noted. Ezra “ended” his penitential acts and THEN prayed to God, asking for forgiveness and acknowledging that it would only be by God’s will, , love, mercy, and grace that the Israelites could be forgiven.

    While many reject the US guilt-debt, the guilt-debts are really quite small in comparison to all the guilt and shame we bear because of our personal, family, and corporate sin (this is not to belittle them). As an overly individualistic culture, we object to being held to account for something we think we have no responsibility for. Perhaps it is not the US collective guilt that will be the big turning point for the US and the . Perhaps it will be the recognition that scripturally we do have corporate responsibilities, and it is our individualistic framework that has led us to ignore them.

    This continues to be a cultural time of learning. We are learning about ourselves (both good and bad). We are learning about (again, both good and bad). It’s not as if this is particularly different than how it should be. The exception is that the world is holding a mirror to the church, and the church doesn’t like what it sees. One might that the world is holding up a distorted mirror, except that much of the church sees the same distortion as the world.

    This that we are feeling is one of death and birth. The old self must die. The new one must come alive.

    Out of pain, despair, and being overwhelmed, many are understandably asking God, “what next?” It could be regarding finances. It could be about loving and serving your neighbor. It could be about what’s next for “the church”. It could be how to be more like Jesus.

    Jesus told his disciples that they wouldn’t for anything from God when Jesus left. This is the true gift of the Holy Spirit. When we are fully in tune with God through the Holy Spirit (rather than wants, desires, and even needs), then we don’t need to ask for anything for we will already be in the midst of God’s will, plan, and action.

    The most dangerous thing to both our individualistic notions and our corporate notions is when we pray to be in God’s will. When we ask that in Jesus’ name and mean it from the heart, we begin to surrender our will to God’s…and that truly is only the beginning.

    ※※

    What is your perspective of collective guilt? What brings you to that?How are collective and personal guilt different? How are they the same?

    ※※

    Lord, our initial turn to you included our repentance. We know that as fallible beings, repentance needs to be a constant companion. Guide us into perseverance and to be people who pursue your righteousness in the face of our unrighteousness. Amen.

  • Inside Fruit

    Inside Fruit

    Psalm 115; Exodus 28:29–38; Philippians 1:3–11

    The Spirit as gift can often lead us to wonder if the Israelites ever had the Holy Spirit or spiritual gifts of any sort. The answer is some did and some didn’t. The Urim and Thummim were used by the high priest to make decisions regarding the will of God. They were devices of some sort. Some think similar to coins that you tossed. Yep, so-called chance items.

    In the Scriptures, they aren’t even mentioned as being used until…the from exile. It wasn’t until Ezra and Nehemiah were working with the priests that the Scriptures mentioned the Urim and Thummim actually being used. Does this mean they weren’t used? Probably not by those in a prophetic role. It makes sense, as those in a prophetic role moved by the of the Holy Spirit.

    One of the other oddities of the priestly uniform is the flower ornament with the engraving of “Holy to the Lord.” The Church of the Nazarene has a similar saying on its seal, “Holiness unto the Lord.” This seal (whether the Israelite or the Nazarene) is to remind us (or the people) that we are sealed to God (which means something different to Israelites and to Christians). In both situations, it is God who calls us to holiness and it is God who declares us holy and sanctified (set apart) for God’s work.

    As the Psalmist says, it is all to bring to God. The Lord remembers his people. Those that and the Lord will receive .

    And when Paul writes to the Philippians, he observes that they are being blessed as God continues working on them from the inside out. Paul knows that God will continue this good work.

    God does the good work through all those who follow God, as long as they are receptive to it. Paul says, “…sincere and blameless…,” and our sincerity in regard to being changed is crucial to our being transformed into being more like Christ. Paul continues on with being filled with the fruit of . Note that it isn’t producing fruit, but being filled with it. It is an odd turn of phrasing, but it is a reframing of being transformed, just a different image to convey the same message.

    Fruit can also be filling and sweet. So, perhaps Paul is implying that the sweetness of God’s righteousness can fill us spiritually, keeping us from succumbing to temptations. For if we truly filled, then we will not hunger. If it is sweet, we will not be tempted by those things that seem sweet at the beginning but are truly only bitter fruit.

    ※Reflection※

    • Why do you think the fruit of righteousness is internal, rather than external such as we expect with spiritual gifts?
    • How might internal versus external fruit affect our lives differently?
    • How might our internal and external fruit affect the lives of differently?

    ※Prayer※

    Holy Spirit, shape us from the inside out to be more like . Amen.

  • How We Wait

    How We Wait

    Psalm 1; John 17:6–19; 1 John 5:9–13; Acts 1:15–17; Acts 1:21–26

    One of the most heart- and eye-opening realizations for me was when I recognized that the provide didn’t provide all the of life, but did provide a framework from which to operate. Some this a worldview, but the reality is that worldviews may be slightly different among the same group.

    When we look at the selection of Matthias, we can question the wisdom of selecting a disciple by casting lots. Though in this case, it’s really a toss-up (pun intended). The disciples had narrowed it down to two, which is pretty amazing. While we elevate the original 12 disciples (though it’s funny that we seem to remove Judas Iscariot automatically without thinking about there only being 11), Acts tells us that there were a total of 14 that spent the greatest amount of time with . Barnabas went on to be a successful evangelist and is closely associated with Paul (the “13th Apostle”). In other words, the events that followed seem to validate the result of the lots.

    Every Jew would understand the significance of there being 12. They would understand that this was a symbol to them; this was part of their .

    The stage is being set. The Disciples are getting ready. Jesus told them to in Jerusalem. They didn’t wait in a state of inaction. They readied what they believed was right and in such a way that they could . Then they waited for the fulfillment of the promise Jesus made.

    ※Reflection※

    When have you waited for God passively? When have you waited for God while preparing? How did God in those different situations? How did you respond in those different situations?

    ※Prayer※

    Jesus, we know that something is coming, for your is never still. Help our hearts and minds and looking for where you are moving. Amen.

  • Writings Valued

    Writings Valued

    Psalm 47; Exodus 24:15–18; Revelation 1:9–18

    have always been important. Note that the “s” wasn’t capitalized. This isn’t just the Holy Scriptures we define as the Bible (the 66 books of the Old and New Testament). This could include many things.

    The Apocrypha, for example, is a collection of books of Jewish origin that are significant but are not held at the same revealed stature as the other books. Certain traditions (both Jewish and ) look a the books as and guidance, but not something one bases one’s theology on. There is the Qur’an (Islam), the Kangyur (Tibetan Buddhists), and the Vidas (Hindu).

    Then there are the other holy scriptures, the secular ones. They are “holy” insofar as people seem to venerate them as if they were truly inspired by God. This list may be off-putting, but bear with me: the Communist Manifesto, Mein Kampf, the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution.

    Before you think of tar-and-feathering me, think about how many people (from fully atheist to devout religious followers) put many of the so-called secular “scriptures” in the place, it seems, of idols. Often when we speak of “holy” things, we separate what we think of as holy (religious) things from non-holy (secular) things. However, many secular texts are elevated to a point of religious fervor. So, it behooves us to recognize that there are Holy and not-so holy scriptures and they can be held in a fervent way.

    Moses and John wrote stuff down as directed. Their words became part of what we recognize and the Holy Scriptures (the Bible). They, along with other writers, contributed to the Bible under the auspices (or under the spiritual influence/directive) of God. We often this God-breathed or plenary inspiration.

    This means that, to us, the Bible is not just a collection of stories, poems, visions, or rules. It is so much more than that. It is, as some would say, the letter of God to his people, or the story of God for his people.

    To many people, though, Moses’ time in the clouds on the mountain and John’s Spirit-inspired trance are just empty stories. They put more weight in the Communist Manifesto or the US Constitution than the Bible.

    As we interact with the world around us, it is critically important to understand that there are writings that people hold as holy scriptures that are not the Bible. Our first step to sharing Christ is to understand that, for this begins to tell us what they value. If our first is to dismiss their holy scriptures, their response is that they (the people in question) are not valued.

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, as we your Word, for you are the Word of Life, help us to honor others so that we can bring your of love and into their lives. Amen.

  • Up and Away

    Up and Away

    Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15–23; Luke 24:44–53; Acts 1:1–11

    If you’re of a certain age, you’ll probably know the source of, “Up! Up! And away!” (Superman). If you’re of another age or particular family/church origin, you’ll probably know the song, “I’ll Fly Away”. Then there is the airline advertising slogan, “Wanna’ get away?” If none of these strike a chord, then perhaps Prince Hamlet’s soliloquy from Shakespeare’s Hamlet that talks about escaping the “mortal coil”.

    Regardless, there is a constant desire to “escape” or “get away.” Sometimes it’s couched in heroic language (Superman). Sometimes it’s couched in resonative religious language (“I’ll Fly Away”). Sometimes it’s couched in depressing or dismal language (the soliloquy of Prince Hamlet).

    Often, that desire to escape is the outpouring of emotions that seem to have no place to go when massive comes. It might be only with a larger emotional event that we can beyond our desire to fly away.

    No matter what, the disciples knew that the tension between ‘ resurrection and whatever was coming next (as Jesus promised) would , somehow. They were still living in that uncomfortable and awkward in-between. Then Jesus takes them out to the mountain…and up he went.

    While Jesus’ Ascension is an important part of the story in the Scriptures, Jesus’ Ascension is also the that the disciples must go forward.“…why are you standing here, looking toward heaven?” In other words, Jesus is gone. Time to do your end of the .

    Sometimes, even if the tension is uncomfortable, we rather stay with it, because moving forward means leaving something behind, and emotionally it may feel like . We can see this in the seasons (at least in the less temperate climates). Fall has these bursts of beauty, but the tension is that the bursts are leading to endings.

    Then winter comes and the land is not-so lively anymore. The question for us is do we want to remain in a spiritual winter? Whether the disciples were in a spiritual Fall or Winter is probably more for the poets to determine. Spring is coming, however. As Paul says, “I pray that the eyes of your will have enough to see what is the hope of God’s call…”I don’t know what spiritual season of life you are in. In fact, different aspects of your life may have different spiritual seasons, so you may not even be able to tell.

    ※Reflection※

    What endings are you seeing that you need Paul’s prayer for your life?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, many of us feel completely out of sorts, and we can’t figure out why. We try to name and analyze, but we will likely fail. Help us to stop looking back, and help us to look forward, and that our hearts will seek, see, and embrace the light that is you. Amen.