From Generation to Generation

 

Psalm 79:13 "Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise." 

Yesterday, Cyd set up my office Christmas tree. This year though we used ornaments from a memory tree that Nancy made and used a few years after Dad passed away. The tree is a reminder that in the difficult journey of grief, believers have the opportunity to pass along the faith to the next generation. The last 20 years or so of my Dad's life he proclaimed the praise of the Lord loudly to anyone who would listen. I'm grateful that his faith challenged and encouraged me to lean into Jesus. 

We all have things in life that remind us of loved ones who have now joined the throng of saints proclaiming the praise that God alone deserves. Those artifacts could be books, clothing, or ornaments that remind you of a small part of their life and personality. Treasure those memories. Thank God for those memories. Then proclaim his praise to the next generation. 

A Weary World Rejoices

The line, "The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices" in O, Holy Night always catches my attention. Perhaps this year more than ever I, as well as most people on the planet can identify with the sentiment. We know deep in our b
ones just how weary the world is. We realize how broken and hopeless life can seem to be, yet...hope, the thrill of hope. 

Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved (Psalm 80:3). 

The theme of the Psalm is about God's restoration. This phrase is repeated three times. Restoration brings hope. Restoration brings salvation. One might say that salvation and hope are interchangeable. The hope of Israel was that Messiah would come. He did. He came to restore. He came to save. In his grand restoration and salvation endeavors, he brings hope. 

My prayer this Advent season is that the thrill of hope would fill our hearts in the midst of this weary world. 

Thankful for Discipleship

 For over a year now I've been meeting with a group of men most Wednesday mornings at 9 to help spur one another on to growth in Christ. We have un-officially adopted Proverbs 27:17 as our theme. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." We meet usually for about 90 minutes, sometimes we go longer, sometimes its shorter. We share concerns and prayer needs in our lives and the lives of our families. We pray together. We read and study scripture together. It's not fancy. Even during 2020 we met via Zoom several weeks. This time together each week helps me to know there are others trying to follow Jesus, who I can identify with. We don't pretend to be super spiritual. We each readily acknowledge that we need Jesus...desperately. We need grace, because as Brennan Manning said, we know that our cheese is falling off our cracker. I'm thankful for these men, their wives, and their families. 

Discipleship is essential for one to grow in our faith. My prayer this Thanksgiving is that you would be able to foster relationships with others that can help sharpen your faith commitment. 

The Contemplative Pastor

I have long admired Eugene Peterson. The former pastor, professor, and translator of The Message has a way of speaking truth in the most subtle of ways. Peterson's primary vocation was as a pastor. His knowledge of pastoral ministry and his insight into the demands and joys of pastoral ministry is in many ways unmatched. Perhaps his experience and knowledge is so significant because he is able to use the precision of a surgeon's knife to trim the dead parts of the pastor's heart so it can beat as God intends.

I have not read everything by Peterson, but I'm working on it. A book I ordered a while back from a second hand book website was sitting on my shelf in my office when I was looking for a different book for a quote last week. As my eyes scanned the shelf, they fell on The Contemplative Pastor. I pulled it off the shelf and considered re-shelving it right away, because it wasn't on my list. Yes, I made the discipline to sketch out a reading list at the beginning of each year to help guide my reading time. I'm a bit of a nerd with it, I sketch several titles under different headings and genres. When I complete the book, I note the date of completion on the list. I also write a few sentences or a paragraph in the back of each book as a summary of what I thought of the book. I told you, I'm a bit of a book nerd. I add some books to the list through the year, but I try to stick to the list as much as possible. I had two other books by Peterson on my list, so I thought, I don't need to read that one right now. I thumbed through it for a minute and decided I'll read a few pages and see if it grabs me. Well, it did.

The world is at a standstill because of Covid-19. Last week was Holy Week. I was feeling overwhelmed by the reality of doing ministry in this new paradigm while also trying to be the husband and father God has called me to be. If social media posts and conversations I have had with other people over the last few weeks are any indication, most people regardless of their vocation are struggling with caring for family, doing their jobs, and practicing self-care and well-being. So when I read Peterson's admonitions to pastors to stop, slow down, and look at the world God has made and see where he is at work all around us, I knew this was a book that I needed to read now.

Peterson chooses three adjectives to help redefine what being a pastor means: unbusy, subversive, apocalyptic. I won't spoil the whole book for you, but if you are in ministry, please take the time to add this book to your reading list. You will be stretched and challenged in your own faith and your vocation as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are several quotes I could share with you, but I've chosen to share two from the Foreward and one other.

So the task is not to get God to do something I think needs to be done, but to become aware of what God is doing so that I can respond to it and participate and take delight in it (4).

My job is not to solve people's problems or make them happy, but to help them see the grace operating in their lives (5). 

The cure of souls, then, is the scripture-directed, prayer-shaped care that is devoted to persons singly or in groups, in settings sacred and profane (57).

Lent 2020 Day 47 EASTER

Scripture Reading

Matthew 28:1-10

The message of Easter is that out of utter darkness God gave life and light. At Easter we often have Easter lilies in our homes or at church. A lily begins as a flower bulb that is kept in a cool, dark place. Out of this dark place a beautiful flower grows. "Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light things that are now hidden in darkness" (1 Corinthians 4:5). In the same way, God turned the darkness and despair of Christ's death on the cross into something beautiful. This season of Lent that we have committed ourselves to, have been preparation for today. Today is the day we have awaited.  We have touched the ashes in repentance over our sins, we have remembered the Last Supper that Christ had with his disciples, we have been reminded of the servanthood of Christ by seeing his example of washing the disciple's feet. We mourned on Good Friday as we recalled the events of Christ's suffering and death. Finally, today we come to our celebration. It is not about the candy, the baskets, the Easter Bunny, the new clothes or anything else that preoccupies our hearts and minds. It is about the incredible passion of Christ's love for us. Greater than the love of family or friends, it is love that exceeds our expectations, imaginations, or even what we deserve. Grace, God's grace is pouring down from heaven to us. Not because we are worthy of his love, but because he loved us enough to provide a way for us to have a relationship with him. Christ's blood was shed. His resurrection from the dead was the ultimate victory over the death and the grave. Today we celebrate. Let us worship and adore God the Father, Jesus his son, and the Holy Spirit. May our hearts be turned to him alone and our mouths be dripping with thanksgiving and praise. We worship a God that has conquered death. 

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparable great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 1:18-20). 

This same power that God used to raise Christ from the grave we have inherited as his children. As believers we have this incredible power and strength at work in our lives. God is at work in our lives, the same as he was in Christ's life. This Easter I pray that we will embrace the power of the resurrection. It is already ours. We must claim it as our own and let it infiltrate every part of our soul and body. May Christ's power shine through us a bright light to a dark world. Praise God! Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again!

Prayer: Praise God from who all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above the heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Lent 202 Day 46

Scripture Reading

Matthew 27:62-66

The Jewish religious leaders wanted to make sure that Jesus' death was final. They knew the dedication and commitment of the disciples. The religious leaders believed that the disciples would even try to steal Jesus' body so that it looked like he had risen from the dead.

Pilate agrees to have extra protection against such a thing from happening. The details of the security of the tomb are included in Matthew to illustrate the supernatural event of the resurrection. Jesus did NOT faint or go into a coma while he was on the cross, he really died. His heart stopped. His life expired. He stopped breathing. Jesus' death was as real as your life. His resurrection wasn't something that humans could have accomplished, it was completely and totally the work of God. How can we do anything but believe it?

Prayer: God, thank you that the resurrection was not a trick by the disciples but was the most real and amazing thing that could ever happen. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 45 Good Friday

Scripture Reading

John 19:23-30

Imagine that you were there. You are one of Christ's followers and you are there at the foot of the cross. Can you hear the crying, the moans of Christ's pain? Can you see him as he gasps for air and struggles to speak? Do you see his mother weeping and the crowds around her cheering his death? The stench of hatred and death are around you and the one that you love and believe to be the Messiah is hanging on a cross before you? Now...someone tells you that this is "good." It seems unreal that anything good could come from what is around you. You want to believe, but how can it be good? 

The Christian life at times is hard for us to understand. Throughout scripture we are told things that on the surface do not make sense. If we give up our lives, we gain life. The poor in spirit will inherit the Kingdom of God. The meek will inherit the earth.  And the death of Christ is good. On that Friday, it must have been unimaginably difficult to believe that what was before their eyes was anything but heinous and painful. How difficult it must have been to try to see beyond the pain. How hopeless they must have felt. It would have been so overwhelming. Surely, it would have been difficult to remember and trust in Christ's words that he would live again. Maybe they didn't believe. Maybe they didn't understand. Oh, how Christ wanted them to know that his suffering was for the good of all mankind.

This day was for us. It is "good" because Christ's sacrifice allowed us to have a relationship with God. It restored what had been broken. For us, it is the single most important act of love that was ever done for us. Out of death, God brought goodness. Out of what was ugly and despicable to the world, God created beauty and hope. Today we grieve over the suffering that Christ experienced for our sake, but we celebrate that God made all things good through him.

Prayer: Father, thank you for sacrificing your Son for me. Thank you for your plan of redemption and the plan you have for my life. I pray that my life would reflect my gratitude. I praise you for your great and matchless gift of Christ. 

Lent 2020 Day 44

Scripture Reading

Matthew 26:26-29

The words of our Lord Jesus as he instituted the Lord's Supper are so precious to my heart. We have all participated in the Lord's Supper many times. The question for each of us is, "How often do we really worship God as we participate in it?" Do we just take it in a ritualistic way not remembering the significance of Jesus' death on the cross? As you reflect on these words remember that the bread and the cup represent the body and blood of our Savior who suffered immeasurable agonies on a hill outside of Jerusalem so that we might have a relationship with God. 

The Lord's Supper is called several different things: The Lord's Supper, Communion, the Eucharist. Whatever we choose to call it, it reminds us fo the love of God stretched across the sky for you and for me. 

There are many theological understandings of how the bread and the cup function as we participate in the Lord's Supper. Some Christian's believe it becomes the actual body and blood of Jesus, others believe that Christ is physically present in the elements (the bread and wine); while some believe that he is only spiritually present in the elements. Still others believe that it is simply a memorial or symbol of the crucified Savior. Regardless of one's theological understanding of the Lord's Supper, whenever we partake of it we should do three things. First, give thanks to God for his love and for sending Jesus to die on the cross to save us. Second, remember the event of the crucifixion and that it was because we were unable to have a restored relationship with God that Jesus had to die. Third, we look forward to Christ's return and his earthly kingdom when we will be able to celebrate the Lord's Supper with him. 

Prayer: Father, I thank you for the death of Christ and for the opportunity that I have to remember it especially during the Lord's Supper. I look forward to Christ's return and his reign that will never end. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 43

Scripture Reading

Matthew 26:14-25

Have you ever betrayed someone? Betrayal...even the word evokes horrible images. Betrayal can take the form of unfaithfulness to a spouse or love one, lying or telling partial truth. It can take many different forms. Have you ever spoken cruelly about someone behind their back or have you chosen to not stand up for someone who is the punch line of an ugly joke? Have you ever broken a promise to a friend or family member? I am guilty of all these things. We are quick to cast stones at Judas. Obviously, with good reason, he betrayed Christ into the hands of those who would crucify him. Judas was a part of God's plan for the world's redemption. I have to ask myself, in what ways am I like Judas? What in my life, in words, in heart and in actions, is betraying my devotion and love for God? What am I willing to "sell" my relationship with God in exchange for something else? There is always something that competes for our loyalty to Christ. Somehow we always find ourselves in situations where we are having to choose to stand out and be different for the sake of our beliefs verses betraying our commitment to Christ and his commandments. Even within the church walls, in fellowship with other believers we are tempted to betray Christ. Gossip, slander, judgmental attitudes, hatred, and selfishness disguise themselves in "I shouldn't say this, but..." I have often wondered if Judas really thought thirty pieces of silver was worth it. I also wonder if my few seconds of a laugh at another's expense is worth the pain it causes my Lord. Instead of standing firm, Judas cracked. He fell to temptation and followed his own desires. Forever, in history he is remembered for his heinous sin. What do we want to be remembered for? For the way we stood boldly for Christ or do we want to be remembered for our betrayals to others and towards God. The other apostles and many early Christians had many opportunities to disown Christ. However, they are examples of the ultimate sacrifice. Many were martyrs for their faith. For the sake of the gospel, Paul was killed by a sword to the neck. Peter was crucified (upside down according to tradition). Matthew was speared to death. Andrew was crucified. Mark was burned. Bartholomew was beaten, crucified, skinned, and beheaded. What is your relationship with Christ? Are you willing to betray him and replace him with silver or some other worldly possession or glory? Judas, as scripture writes, came to a point of guilt and shame for his actions. Are we repentant of our lack of boldness as sin? This Easter, I challenge each of us to stand boldly for Christ and live out the example of Christians that sacrificed everything for Christ and remind ourselves that to betray our God only leads to destruction. 

Prayer: Father, thank you for your forgiveness and tenderness. I ask you to forgive me of the many times I have turned my back on you and selfishly believed that something the world offered was more important than you. I pray that I would learn to stand boldly and be a witness for the gospel. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 42

Scripture Reading

Mark 14:1-9

This is an interesting passage because it clearly points out the role of messiah that Jesus had come to fulfill. What would it have been like to be present at the meal when this happened? If you have time read John 12:1-8. In John's account of Jesus being anointed at Bethany we learn the name of the woman, Mary. Evidently Mary truly recognized the significance of Jesus as the long-awaited savior of the Jews. It was customary for people to have servants wash the feet of their guests as a sign of welcome because of how nasty their feet would have been from walking everywhere in sandals. Mary goes a step further and anoints him with expensive perfume. Remember in Israel's history a sign of kingship and leadership was having one's head anointed with oil. John says that she poured the perfume on his feet and wiped them with her hair. In both cases it is symbolic of Jesus' death. The custom of the time was to anoint kings with spices, oils, and perfumes to prepare them for burial (partly to cover up the smell of the decomposing body.) By Mary anointing Jesus and serving him she is making a bold statement that this simple carpenter is truly the King of Kings who is worthy of our honor, attention, and praise. 

Prayer: God, you are King of Kings and Lord of Lord and you desire our praise and devotion. Help us to glorify you with our lives so that you will continue to be exalted and draw more people unto you. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 41

Scripture Reading

John 12:27-38

This passage reminds us of the importance of the death of Christ while at the same time reminding us of the lack of belief in Jesus' day and ours. The crowd had witnessed several miracles, most recently hearing a voice from heaven (vs. 28-29). The crowd still refused to believe in Jesus and his coming kingdom. 

When we speak of the death of Christ we must understand that Christ's death was the way in which God chose to make peace between us and him. God could have chosen another way to restore our relationship with him but he did not. He chose to offer his son as a sacrifice, so that we might experience the wonder of a relationship with God. 

Jesus promised that through his being lifted up, meaning his death by crucifixion, that he would draw people to himself. The violence of the cross brings peace to all who desire to lose their life for Christ's sake and follow him. God has shown the world how much he loves us by sending his son to die for us. The question for each of us is "Are we going to believe in the miracle of the cross or will we fail to believe in Jesus just like the people of his day did?"

Prayer: Lord, help me to accept the miracle of the cross. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross. I pray that you will continue to perform the miracle of salvation throughout your world. May you be lifted up for all the world to see. Amen.

Lent 2020 Day 40

Scripture Reading

Matthew 21:1-9

Today is Palm Sunday, the day that we prepare for Easter by celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Some churches celebrate Palm Sunday by having children enter the sanctuary waving palm branches as a reminder of this sacred day. Other churches will have people waving palm branches lining the center aisle of the church as someone dressed as Jesus enters the sanctuary. In both instances, what is happening is a visual reminder of the majesty of Jesus Christ who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

The reaction of the crowd represents their acknowledgement of Jesus as the long-expected Messiah. The greeting that Jesus received (vs.9) was used in Psalm 118 to greet pilgrims as they entered Jerusalem during the Feast of the Tabernacles. Hosanna essentially means "save," but was probably used here as an exclamation of praise to Jesus. The phrase Son of David describes Jesus' fulfillment that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" is also a phrase that acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah who had been foretold in the Old Testament. 

Can you imagine being one of the disciples and witnessing this warm welcome that Jesus received and then face what lay ahead of them in just a matter of days? No wonder most of the disciples scattered for fear of their life when Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane.

Prayer: Lord, you are exalted above everyone and everything. I want my life to honor you and serve you just like Jesus' life did. Help me to be faithful to the end of my life. Amen.

Lent 2020 Day 39

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

The fourth and final Servant Song is one that we are most familiar with because it is often quoted in the New Testament. It presents an image of the Servant of God as one who must suffer hardship and persecution and ultimately death. This is contrary to what Israel believed about God and his servant. The Jews were expecting a mighty, majestic Messiah who would come and defeat their enemies and rule with strength and force, but that is not the picture that Isaiah gives us here. 

We learn in this passage that the Servant of the Lord was not really anything special or impressive, he was rejected by men, and he was all too familiar with suffering and pain, and "he poured out his life unto death" (vs. 12). Our Savior suffered and died for us, not just for us, but because of us. Jesus endured the cross because it was the Lord's plan to save the world through the redemptive death of his son. Could God have chosen another way to forgive us and restore us to a right relationship with himself? Yes, but he didn't. He chose to use the cross to point the way home to him. 

The depiction of the servant in Isaiah 53 is also a reminder to us that if we are truly disciples of Christ then we must take up our own cross and follow him. We have believed a lie if we think that living for God is going to be easy, happy, and never have problems. If Christ experienced the things that Isaiah 53 mentions then why do we think that we won't? God is with us when things are good, but he's also with us when things are bad, the same way he was with Jesus. 

Bill Leonard writes, "The life of the living Christ is with us, even in the darkest places of our lives. So let us come once more to the cross and observe with trembling the suffering God-despised, rejected, rejected, wounded, and bruised. And perhaps with him, in the midst of our own suffering, we shall be made whole. Who would ever have believed it? A suffering God! Hallelujah!"

Prayer: Father, thank you for your servant Jesus who suffered and died so that I might have a relationship with you. Help me to see you in the midst of the darkness and suffering of my own life and cry out to you for help. 

Lent 2020 Day 38

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 50:4-11

This is the third Servant Song found in Isaiah. As you read this you probably noticed striking similarities to Jesus' death. Mark reads, "Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him" (Mark 15:15-20). Notice that the servant submits not to the authority of his accusers and oppressors but to the authority of the sovereign Lord. The Servant knew that in spite of the difficulties and trials that he faced, God would strengthen him and sustain him. 

Isaiah 50:6 points out the horrors of Jesus' crucifixion, while verse 9 points out the source of Christ's strength, the Lord. This Servant Song seems dark and hopeless much like it was for Jesus' followers on that Friday he was crucified. Their leader had been killed, what were they going to do now? But we see the bigger picture and the hope that is to come from the hand of the Lord. Those who are in the dark are encouraged to trust in God who is the ultimate source of light. Jesus knew this truth, that's why he could endure the cross. Today we must cling to God's promise of light and life even in the darkest times of our lives. 

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, you who brought hope out of despair, you who brought light out of dark, you who brought good out of evil. I praise you, for you alone are worthy to be praised. Help me to remember that you are faithful when I doubt, get discouraged, and become angry. Help me to rely on you when it seems like there is nothing good that can happen in my life because I know that you are with me just as you were with Jesus in his darkest hour. Amen.

Giving During Covid-19

One of the things that has been challenging for many churches and other Christian ministries is how to approach the subject of financial giving during the past several weeks. I've had discussions with leadership at our congregation about what our best options moving forward are to ensure that we can continue to facilitate ministry in the days ahead. Each church and ministry must do what they feel is best.

Allow me to offer some thoughts, not from a church standpoint but from an individual standpoint.
Many around us have had hours reduced or jobs completely lost due to Covid-19, we should seek ways to help and minister to them accordingly as the Lord leads us. Fear of the unknown can make us hoard our money during difficult days. Christian ministries and churches are still ministering to people and so we must not give in to the temptation to withhold our gifts and contributions to them. In fact, this may be a time, when we look at our family resources and see if there are ways to contribute over and above what we normally give to ministries and churches to help compensate a loss of financial gifts from others. This is also a time when people may be facing health issues or other burdens that we find ways to help minister to them and meet their needs in tangible ways. Maybe that's a meal, a gift card to a local restaurant, or simply an extra $20 cash for whatever they may need.

In a world that has seen people being greedy and selfish (toilet paper and hand sanitizer depleted in stores) this is a time for Christians to embrace generosity on a completely different level. Again, I know that there is fear of the unknown for many if not all of us, especially financially, but as Christians our faith is not in the stock market or cash reserves, it is in the Lord. We must relearn what it looks like to be dependent on God for all our provisions. Even still, living generously is something we are each called to do. If you are able, be sure to be generous to someone around you in need. If you feel led, give to a ministry around you, to help give them a boost during this difficult season. If you are in a situation in which you can't give financially, pray. Pray for your church and its leaders. Pray for ministries all around your area. Pray for those who are walking through health concerns or job concerns. Pray for our governmental leaders. Pray for healthcare providers. Pray for truck drivers. Pray for grocery store workers. Pray for your family. Just pray.

Lent 2020 Day 37

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 49:1-6

Yesterday we looked at the first of four "Servant Songs" found int Isaiah 40-66. The first one introduced the servant, and we stated that as Christians we have come to understand the Servant of the Lord to be Jesus Christ. The second Servant Song, found in Isaiah 49 captures the thoughts of the servant and Yahweh's response. 

As one reads verses 1-4, it is easy to identify with the words of the servant. We feel that we as servants of the Lord were called before we were born (vs. 1), that the Lord has protected us and kept us in the palm of his hand (vs.2), and that at times we feel we have labored in vain for the Lord (vs.4). However, that is where our identification with these verses stops. We must remind ourselves that this is about the Servant of the Lord-Jesus. 

The Servant's words have been heard and now Yahweh responds in verses 5-6. In verse 5 there is a description of the Lord-Yahweh that is essentially a summary of verses 1-4. It is also a reminder that the original role of the Servant of the Lord was to bring Israel back into a right relationship with God. Then God speaks in verse 6. Basically God says, "Bringing Israel back is easy, let's make it a real challenge, go save the Gentiles (everyone else in the world besides the Jews) as well. So we see in this second Servant Song a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed. God's purpose has always been to save both Jews and Gentiles because they are all part of the sacred human race that God created to bear his image. The Servant of the Lord was supposed to bring salvation to all the earth and that is exactly what Jesus did. 

Prayer: God, may your salvation be proclaimed throughout all the earth as you call men, women, boys, and girls into a relationship with you. Thank you for including me as part of your people. Thank you for expanding your salvation to include Jew and Gentile. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 36

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 42:1-4

The second half of Isaiah (chapters 40-66) focuses on the Servant of the Lord. This recurring image has been interpreted in various ways throughout the years. The two main interpretations are to see the Servant of the Lord as a collective group (such as the nation of Israel or a remnant of faithful Israelites) or as individuals (such as Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, or Jesus). Some scholars suggest that the best way to understand this theme is to interpret it both as a group and an individual. 

An important theme found in Isaiah is the idea of a remnant. This represented a group from the nation of Israel that God was preserving even though he was bringing judgment of sin through battles with other nations and eventually defeat and slavery in Babylon. Through all of these difficulties, God was preserving a chosen group for himself. So in one sense, these verses represent the faithfulness of God to use Israel to bring justice and to be faithful to living for God in the world. the remnant of Israel was going to be used to accomplish God's purposes. What were those purposes? To call a people to himself. To call a people to live in relationship with himself. This began with the call of Abraham in Genesis 12 but was fully realized through Jesus. Therefore, Jesus is the individual interpretation of the Servant of the Lord. Jesus' life and ministry embodied all the descriptions found in Isaiah of the servant of the Lord. 

At Jesus' baptism the gospels tell us that the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove (Isaiah 42:1). Jesus brought justice to the world in that he righted all of our wrongs by making peace with God available to everyone through his death. Unlike some other prophets and religious leaders, Jesus didn't come shouting and hollering, but he came bringing hope, faith, and love in a gentle spirit (Isaiah 42:2-3). Jesus' work in the world is not complete yet because there are still people groups who have yet to be reached with the message of the gospel (vs. 4). 

For us as Christians, we cannot read the passages from Isaiah about the Servant of the Lord without equating Jesus with this role of servant. Jesus himself said that he came to serve not to be served. The message of Isaiah for us is really a challenge to be more like our Lord and Savior who was concerned about bringing justice to the world. This includes things like decent housing (Habitat for Humanity), eliminating racism (in our own hearts and the world), and treating others like Jesus treated them with love and compassion. Bringing justice to the world also means telling everyone we meet about Jesus through our words and our actions. Will you accept Isaiah's challenge? 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have worked in the world to bring peace and justice through Israel and through Jesus. Work through me to bring peace and justice to the people around me. Burden my heart for people all over the world who have never experienced your love and never had the opportunity to hear the gospel. Provide people to go to the unreached peoples of the world so that they might have a chance to be saved. Call me to go, and help me to follow. Amen.

Lent 2020 Day 35

Scripture Reading

Matthew 28:18-20

What do you do when you find out good news? What is your reaction when something great happens? You tell somebody! Usually the first person you see is the one that gets an earful about that great deal on shoes, the healing of a relative, or the birth of a baby. Can you imagine holding it in? It feels like your going to burst and it is impossible to sit still because you are so anxious to tell people so they can celebrate with you. Celebration...how would you like to celebrate alone? What a horrible birthday party it would be if it was only you. Easter is all about celebration. It is when we rejoice that he lives! We are created to have a relationship with God and with each other. We are created to tell and celebrate the good news of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. 

The Great Commission was given to the eleven disciples and it is given to us as well. Tell others! The irony in the lives of so many Christians is that they proclaim that Christ is Lord of all and that he has changed their lives, but they would rather talk about the weather with someone than about what God is doing in their lives and the world around them. If we are celebrating this Easter, shouldn't we also be sharing this celebration with others? If we are truly excited and really believe that Christ's resurrection is the best news the world ever received, why are we not about to burst to tell someone? During this season of Lent, I challenge each of us to look at ourselves and see what it is that is preventing us from sharing Christ's love with others? Whatever it is that is holding us back, God is capable of helping us work through it and wants to see us carry out his calling to tell the world about Christ. God is with us, and he has called us to go out and make disciples. Are you ready and willing?
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord" (2 Timothy 1:7-8, NLT). 

Prayer: God, I pray that you would show me what is preventing me from sharing the good news of Christ with others. Help me to boldly proclaim Christ to those around me. May I invite others to come and share in the celebration of Christ's resurrection. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 34

Scripture Reading

Matthew 7:21-27

The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who do the will of God the Father. It's interesting that Jesus says that there will be some who will have done miracles, cast out demons, and preached in his name who will not enter heaven because they didn't have a relationship with God. It seems that there are some who will appear to be followers of Jesus but really aren't. Perhaps it is also possible that there are some who by most standards one would not consider a Christian but who are actually busy doing the will of God and thus will be allowed entrance into the kingdom of heaven. It is not left up to us to make those decisions, our responsibility is to be doing God's will as we serve him on this earth. 

Jesus illustrates his point by telling the story of the wise and foolish builders. Do you remember the children's song about this story? "The wise man built his house upon the rock/the foolish man built his house upon the sand/the rain came down and the waters rose up/and the walls come tumbling down." What Jesus wants us to see is that the foundations of our faith must be built upon him alone. Just as when you build a house, you don't want to build it on swamp land, because it will eventually begin to sink. The same is true with our faith in God. If our faith is based upon our good works (telling others about Jesus, doing miracles, casting out demons, church attendance, tithing, and reading our Bibles) then we are building on sand. None of those things will ever save us or make God love us anymore than he already does. Our faith must be built on the saving work of Christ! This means we accept God's free gift of salvation that Christ made possible through his life, death, and resurrection so that we as sinners might have a relationship with the holy God who created us. Because of God's holiness and our sinfulness we needed a mediator who would connect us to God, that mediator is Jesus Christ. It is only as our faith is based on the acceptance of what Christ did for us that we can say that we are like the wise builder. 

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I will be like the wise builder and make my foundation the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't want to be turned away and told that you never knew me, I want to be a faithful servant who knows you in the most personal and intimate way possible. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 33

Scripture Reading

Matthew 13:44-46; 6:33

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were willing to give up anything in order to get it? I believe we have all at one time or another used our bargaining powers to get what we want. "You don't have to buy me anything else all year, if I can have this jacket." "I promise these are the only shoes I will ever need." "If I can have a car you don't have to buy me anymore Christmas or birthday presents!" I can vividly remember searching my room to try to figure out what I could sell in order to make money to buy whatever it was that week I just had to have. I was willing to give up everything to get what I saw as something more valuable. But what about eternal things, am I as passionate about them as I am materialistic things? What do we value? What are we willing to do to gain eternal riches? 

The characters in this parable went to drastic measures to keep what they found to be the most valuable thing they had. For both it involved giving all they had to keep what was more valuable. Jesus is not asking us to sell all of our material items to show our love for him, but he is asking us to give up our own desires and let God's desires be ours. We have to give all of ourselves to God. He does not want bits and parts. He wants all of us! He wants to be in control of who our friends are, what career we choose, what we wear, what we eat, where we go...there is not one part of our life that God does not want us to hand over to him. Are we willing to do that? Have you ever been irritated with someone for doing something "halfway?" They did the job, but by the skin of their teeth. This is bothersome with everyday things like school projects, cleaning rooms, running errands. Why would we let these things bother us; yet, we approach our faith in the same manner. Our spiritual life and relationship with God is the most valuable part of our existence, but we approach God "halfway." Seek him first and everything else will fall into place. It seems too simple doesn't it? God's grace is unbelievable sometimes. We give him our lives and he does everything else. 

Prayer: Let the words of a song by Keith Green be your prayer today. "Make my life a prayer to you you. I wanna do what you want me to. No empty words and no white lies, no token prayers, no compromise." Amen.

Lent 2020 Day 32

Scripture Reading

Matthew 13:31-32

Jesus loved to use parables to teach people the truth of the kingdom of God. When Jesus taught using parables he was taking an example from the everyday life of his followers and using it to explain something about heaven or what it means to be a Christ follower. 

In this very short parable, which is followed by an even shorter one, Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. As Jesus says in the parable, the mustard seed was the smallest seed used by farmers during that time. The amazing thing about it was that it would grow and become quite large. The comparison that Jesus is making is that the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven starts out small but grows into something very large. 

Think about it this way, the kingdom of heaven began with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, but through God's plan of redemption through Jesus' death on the cross it has grown to include millions of people throughout the centuries. The neat thing is that it hasn't stopped growing, the kingdom of heaven gets larger and larger as more and more people come to know God and experience his love. Just as the old hymn says, "Though millions have come, there's still room for one, yes there's room at the cross for you." The kingdom of heaven doesn't have a maximum seating capacity so we need to make sure that we are doing our part to tell others about the kingdom of heaven. Ask God to give you the boldness to tell someone about him today or tomorrow. 

Prayer: God, thank you for your kingdom that doesn't turn anybody away or ever get full. Help me to live for you today by sharing with someone the love that you have given us. Help me to be faithful to the work of the kingdom by living for you each day. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 31

Scripture Reading

Matthew 2:1-6

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,though small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2

The prophet Micah prophesied the coming of the Messiah, from Bethlehem out of the land of Judah, seven centuries prior to Jesus' birth. Again scripture is fulfilled and Jesus' Davidic background is brought to our attention. The Jews, although blind to the servant king that the Messiah would be, were very well versed with the prophet Micah's words which said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem from the lineage of David. King Herod, appointed by the Roman government to rule Judea, Galilee, and other territories, was distraught over this question the magi from the east asked, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?" To the reigning king, this must have been quite alarming. he asked the chief priests and teachers of the law what they knew about this king. The fulfillment of Micah's words shook Herod. He was a man known for his ruthlessness and vengeance. It is known that he murdered his wife, sons, and other family members. Out of his fear and anger he sought out this child the Magi claimed to be king and wanted him dead. 

You can imagine how Herod must have felt. He was the king and all of a sudden your subjects, wise men from another place and the religious leaders are claiming that a new king is born. He was threatened and afraid that his rule as King of Judah would be ending. He most likely believed that this king would try to overthrow him and leave him with nothing. He did not know that this king was not a king of military might or government power. He was not seeking war or tyranny. He was a servant. One whose very voice sparked peace and hope. Jesus was not the king Herod was expecting. The Jews also did not expect a Messiah that would come into the world in such a lowly manner. They wanted to see Herod overthrown. They wanted a savior that would restore Israel with military might and glory. 

As we know, Jesus was not at all what the world expected. But yet, God had a plan that exceeded the expectations of Jews and Gentiles. The Jews must have been disappointed that this messiah would wash the feet of others, eat meals with prostitutes and not even have a place to lay his head. How could a man like this save anybody? Herod and the people of Israel are not any different than we are today. We find it hard to believe that being a servant is the key to true peace and joy. It is our nature to want to choose the mighty warrior to save us, rather than the meek servant. The Israelites were focused on their earthly lives, the tangible. Wouldn't you say we struggle with this as well? However, Jesus came to restore what was far more important, our eternal lives. God knew exactly the kind of king that the Israelites needed. He knew that a political leader, military power, or a new government was only temporary. His plan for his people was to care for them eternally. The Jews questioned God's plan. Do you question God's plan for your life? Ever wonder why things are not working out at all the way you want or the way you have prayed for them to? Do you know that God has a plan? Often we, like the Jews, only see the present, but God has our entire life in mind. Yes, for us, he has a plan that far exceeds our expectations. All we have to do is trust.

Prayer: Father, help me to trust you with my life. Thank you for the plan you have for me. I know that it might not be what I imagine, but your will is what I want for my life. Give me the patience to wait and see how you will work your plan out in my life and give me peace for the answers I may never know while here on earth. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 30

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah is one of my favorite prophets. His life and ministry have always been sources of encouragement for me. The first part of chapter 9 foretells the birth of a child who will bring change to Israel and the world. We could spend a day talking about each of the four names of Jesus mentioned in verse 6 but we don't have the time. Wonderful Counselor, Jesus is our counselor through all the things that we go through. When we have a really bad day at school or a fight with our parents or brother or sister he is there. When we have a really great day, Jesus is still with us. He longs for us to share our thoughts with him when things are going great in our lives and when things are not so great. Jesus is the might God. We can never over-emphasize the divine nature of Jesus, He is God the Son. He is strong and mighty and able to do anything if he wants to. He is also the Everlasting Father. Jesus wasn't alive for just 33 years, he was the beginning of all creation. The Prince of Peace is another name of Jesus. This means that he will one day bring ultimate peace to the world he created. Part of this means that as believers we can experience the peace of God in the midst of difficult circumstances like failing a test, losing a loved one, or feeling rejected by friends. 

These two verses give us hope in the person of Jesus. We, like Isaiah's audience, can anticipate the ultimate ruler of God over all the earth. This began when Jesus suffered and died for the sin of the world, but it will be fully realized when Christ comes back to establish the new heaven and the new earth to reign forever. 

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending the Prince of Peace into a world of turmoil for my sake. I ask that you would help me to be an instrument of your peace that others might see the difference that you have made in my life. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 29

Scripture Reading

Psalm 2, Mark 1:11

Psalm 2 is what scholars call a messianic psalm and a royal or kingly psalm. It is royal or kingly because it describes the reign of the Anointed One of the Lord. The psalm depicts a rather mighty, vengeful ruler who has no mercy upon those who oppose the Lord. One cannot read Psalm 2 without realizing the power, majesty, and terror that the Lord and his Anointed One evoke in the world. The psalm is written so that the reader gets a big view of God as the ruler of the universe. If we are to understand part of the grandness of God then we must affirm the kingly depiction of the Lord and his Anointed One. 

Psalm 2 is also a messianic psalm, which means that it refers to the messiah. Psalm 2 has been interpreted throughout the history of the church as a Psalm that describes the Messiah and his actions as he rules from on high. Messiah means "anointed one," and as we see in verse 2, the Anointed One is counted as one who rules with Yahweh, the Lord. This messianic psalm looks forward to the coming of the Son of God. Jesus is the subject of these verses because he is the Messiah. Jesus came to "proclaim the decree of the Lord." Jesus brought with him the message of God's judgment on sin and God's mercy on sinners. 

Jesus was the fulfillment of all of Israel's hopes, yet so many of them failed to recognize him for who he was. When he was baptized, Mark records a voice from heaven quoting Psalm 2. It was at his baptism that Jesus inaugurated his earthly ministry and his reign as the Anointed One of Yahweh. What was said to Jesus at his baptism is proof of his messiahship. He has fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 2 and brought about the completion of the promise of God to David. 

Look again at verse 12 of Psalm 2. In it we see the directive given and the blessing that follows when one is obedient to what God has called us to do. We are told to kiss the son, an act of honor and worship to kings of ancient days. "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Jesus as the Messiah is our refuge, a place we can go to in times of trouble and distress. He provides safety and security, a refuge. Jesus, the Messiah, the King of all Kings is our refuge in the good and bad times of life. 

Prayer: Yahweh, thank you for the Messiah. I praise you for crowning him as your King who provides for his people. I pray that I will live a life worthy of your name. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 28

Scripture Reading

Luke 1:26-33

Can you for one second imagine yourself in Mary's sandals? You are a young teenage girl, probably around the age of 15 and you find out that you are pregnant. If that's not terrifying enough you know you are still a virgin, and the child you are carrying is the son of God, the Messiah, the Savior of his people. What would be going through your mind? Fear, nervousness, anxiety, maybe a little joy and happiness, these are all emotions you might experience. 

The words that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, carry the weight of the world with them. The hope and future of humanity's relationship with God rest on these words. We often only think about this encounter that Mary had with Gabriel at Christmas time, but they are verses that we need to read throughout the year because they hold the hope of the world in them. 

These verse are the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. How wonderful it is to know that a young teenage girl was not afraid to face her fiance or the world because she knew the truth about what God was doing in and through her. My prayer for you today is that the example of Mary will strengthen and encourage you to be committed to God even in the most difficult of circumstances. 

Prayer: Lord God, I confess my tendency to doubt you and my reluctance to be obedient during the difficult times in my life. I ask that you would use the example of Mary as she learns about being the mother of Jesus to strengthen me during trials. Help me to cling to your promises as Mary did. I want to be obedient and faithful to the calling that you have placed on my life. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 27

Scripture Reading

Acts 2:29-36

Peter's sermon at Pentecost ties together so many important aspects of the Jewish tradition and the connection that it has with our faith as Christians. Peter's sermon was addressed primarily to other Jews (Acts 2:14). Peter's own faith was as a Jew who came to believer that a Jewish carpenter from Nazareth was the promised Messiah, who would reign forever on David's throne. Peter was pleading with his fellow Jews to open their eyes to the reality of their Messiah who had recently been crucified and resurrected from the dead. 

Peter turns his sermon's focus to the greatest leader and hero of Israel, David. The shepherd boy, turned king was remembered as Israel's greatest leader and a spiritual giant for his radical obedience to God. Peter knew that to gain his audience's attention he had to focus on the greatest figure in their history. 

Peter points out that David himself realized that the promise of a descendant to reign on his throne was temporal but was also referring to the promised Messiah. Peter emphatically claims that this promised Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth. Peter quotes from David's own confession to Jesus as his (David's) Lord. This confession illustrates the importance and esteem that David placed on Jesus as the Savior of his people (Israel). 

For Christians in 2020, we do not really question Jesus as being the Messiah. What we question is whether or not we will submit to his Lordship over our life. Will we call Jesus Lord of our life or the one that keeps us out of the doors of hell? As the old preacher always used to say, "If he's not Lord of all, he's not Lord at all!" Have you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life? 

Prayer: God, I confess that Jesus, your son is the Messiah that you promised many years ago. I acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior of all my life. Help me to live each day for you. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 26

Scripture Reading

Matthew 22:41-46

The religious leaders of Jesus' day had been asking him questions in order to trap him in a lie or blasphemy. In this passage the Pharisees are asked a question that every person must answer at some point their lives. "What do you think about the Christ? Whose sone is he?" The Pharisees answered according to what the Jews believed about the lineage of the Messiah. They knew that God had promised David that the Messiah was to be one of David's descendants. Jesus responded to the Pharisee's answer by quoting scripture in which David calls the Messiah (Christ) his Lord. Jesus' question confuses the Pharisees. What Jesus was pointing out and what the Pharisees refused to see was that the Messiah was not only a descendant of David, he was David's Lord. 

The question for each of us is what do we think about the Christ? Are we silent and confused like the Pharisees? Do we acknowledge God with our lips but nothing in our heart testifies that we know him? Can we, like David, call him our Lord? The truth that Jesus is the Christ is a truth that each of us must either accept or reject. After we have acknowledged Jesus as our Lord we must live each day of our live for him. Today Jesus is asking you the same question he asked the Pharisees, "What do you think about the Christ?" 

Prayer: Lord, I confess that Jesus is the Christ, the long awaited Messiah. I believe that he is your son, a descendant of David, a David's Lord, as he is my Lord. May my life reflect the Lordship of Jesus today and everyday. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 25

Scripture Reading

Ezekiel 34:1-24

Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the time when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and thousands of Israelites were taken back to Babylon to live in exile as refugees. In addition to the Jews who had been taken into captivity, other Jews had been scattered throughout the Middle East. 

This passage is both a critique of the leaders of Israel for their selfishness and poor leadership of the people of God, and a message of hope in the coming restoration of the people of God. The hope of this passage is that God will place a shepherd over them like David (vs.23). This does not literally mean David, because David has already come and gone in Israel's history but it is a leader who will not be self-serving and will ten to the sheep that God has entrusted to him. This is another reference to the coming Messiah. A shepherd who will gather all of his scattered sheep and bring love, healing, peace, and hope to their lives. the other leaders of Israel had been criticized for not caring for all of the needs of the people. This new shepherd who will come is coming to serve the sheep. 

It is only through this expectant leader that Israel's hopes and dreams can be fully realized (the hope of being God's people). God's covenant promise is renewed with them again in this chapter. "I the Lord will be their God, my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken" (vs. 24). The promise of being God's people and God being their God is a reminder of his promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David. It is part of God's sovereign plan to redeem a people for himself. He wants to live in relationship with his people so that they can experience his love and grace. 

For Ezekiel's audience the promise of returning to Israel with a new leader who was like David was the best news they had ever heard. Eventually they would return to Israel, but most of their descendants would reject rather than accept the promised shepherd, who is Jesus. The hope and promise held out by God was missed by Israel because they failed to understand what God was doing in the world. Are you aware of what God is doing in the world? Are you aware of what God is doing through his shepherd-king Jesus? Don't miss the opportunities for ministry that God has for you because your too busy waiting around for some kind of grand sign or miracle. Learn to see God at work in the midst of the every day circumstances of life. After all, when Jesus fed the 5,000 it was not because he wanted to perform a miracle to draw attention to himself, but it was because he saw a need that had to be met...hungry people. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the Good Shepherd who has gathered his sheep together and gives us the opportunity to love and serve you. Help us to be like Jesus and be aware of the needs and opportunities for ministry that are all around us. Amen.

Lent 2020 Day 24

Scripture Reading

Jeremiah 23:5-6

One of our professors in seminary would always tell us, "context, context, context...those are the three most important principles of properly interpreting a biblical text." This is certainly true with this passage. Jeremiah was a prophet who constantly reminded the Israelites of the future hope of Yahweh that was contained in the promises of the Messiah. 

The first four verses of Jeremiah 23 are Yahweh pronouncing his promise to gather his people back unto himself. It is important that we see the faithfulness of God in these verses. His purpose has always been to call a people to himself who would live in relationship with him. The Lord demonstrates his covenant commitment. Remember his covenant with Israel was always contingent on what he did, not what Israel did. So we also see in the context of this passage the overarching theme of God's faithfulness to his promises. 

Bound to God's covenant promises to David was the promise of his descendants who will sit on the throne and reign wisely. As we look at these verses today our immediate thought is Solomon. He was David's son. He was noted for his wisdom and justice. In one sense this is referring to Solomon and his reign as King of Israel. Solomon was a great king who spread the influence and territory of Israel throughout the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean worlds. However, there is a bigger context that we need to see in this passage and that is the messianic aspect of these verses. Jeremiah's prophecy through Yahweh is recording the nature of the Messiah's reign. The characteristics of "safety, salvation, being just, righteousness" are all things that characterize Jesus and his role as the Messiah, which was what God promised to David. So then the context of this passage is both immediate and future and as believers we must understand it for its implications for Israel during Solomon's reign and as Jesus Christ reigns eternally with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

As followers of the promised Messiah we are called to live lives that reflect the justice, righteousness, safety, and salvation of God. Are we doing that? Do we help people around us who are in desperate need? Do we as individuals and as the church offer a safe place to people who are broken, hurting, and desperate to experience the love of God? Are we telling people about the promise of salvation that is only found in Jesus?

Prayer: Father, help me to offer justice, righteousness, safety, and most of all salvation to people around me. I pray that I will learn more and more what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and to take up my cross daily. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 23

Scripture Reading

2 Samuel 7:1-29

Throughout Lent we have talked about God's covenant with Abraham that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We now turn our attention to God's covenant with David. This was not a new covenant; rather it was a renewal of God's eternal covenant with his people that he redeemed from Egypt. God's covenant with David was renewal for his people with specific details and promises to David. 

David's greatest desire was to build a place for the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence with his people. David thought it was ridiculous that he should be living luxuriously while God's ark was still housed in a tent. God had other plans for David. God's plan for David's life was different than David's plan for his own life. God knew that the best thing for David was not what he wanted but what God had ordained for him. The Rolling Stones have a song that says, "You can't always get what you want but you just might find, you get what you need." That was true for David's life. That might also be true for you in your life. There may be something that you really wanted or wanted God to lead you to do but he has other (better) plans for your life.

God's promise to David was for an everlasting kingdom. This was realized through Solomon, David's son, who built the Temple as a place for the Ark of the covenant to reside. More importantly, God's promise to David (vs. 13) of a kingdom that will last forever is a foreshadowing of the promised Messiah who would come to deliver the children of Israel. This verse goes beyond Solomon and other descendants of David to Jesus of Nazareth, a descendant who would establish a kingdom to last forever through his life, death, and resurrection.

As you think about the promises of God to David and his descendants remind yourself of the promises of God to you as his child. He has promised you eternal life with him. He has promised that he will always be faithful to you even when you are not faithful to him. He has promised to provide for your needs. He has promised to love you unconditionally. Use David's prayer at the end of this chapter as your own today. 

Prayer: "O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever." Amen.

Lent 2020 Day 22

Scripture Reading

2 Samuel 5:1-5

David has the privilege of being the second king in Israel's history. He followed the reign of Saul. The text points out that even during Saul's reign that David proved that he was a might military leader which was absolutely necessary for a ruler during that time period. The interesting thing here is that the people recognized the leadership qualities of David and sought him out as their king. David was anointed king at Hebron and then the writer says that he ruled for forty years as king over Israel. 

This passage seems rather odd as we focus our attention on the cross of Christ, but we must read between the lines. Remember David was the person to whom God said that the Messiah will come from your lineage. He promised David that his descendants would rule Israel forever. What God meant was that Jesus Christ would be the eternal king to rule on David's throne. In many ways the life of David serves as an example to his peers of what the Messiah will be like. 

The anointing of David as king over Israel also serves to us as a reminder to Israel of the covenant promises of God. God renewed his covenant that he first made with Abraham. God reminded the people that he would always be faithful to his promises. His promises of hope, peace, security, and salvation. These promises can only be realized when we place our trust in Christ as our Lord and Savior. 

David was also a man after God's own heart. As you think about your own life, could people say that you are a person after God's own heart? Do you desire to love and serve God so much that nothing will stand in your way of doing that? This is certainly a radical call to obedience but it is the only option if we call ourselves a Christian. 

Prayer: Lord, I want to be like your servant David. Don't let anything keep me from loving and serving you with my whole heart. Thank you for using David and his descendants to bring about the wonderful Messiah. Please continue to use the life and words of David to draw people to you. Amen.

Top O' The Morning to You

Top O' the Morning to you! 

This was how my grandmother answered her phone every March 17th for years. There's not enough time to explain how the O'Pagliarullo clan came to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The short version is if you live in Savannah, you are Irish even if your not on March 17. Some of my favorite memories from childhood and even as a parent with my own children are centered around this fabled day. Do people celebrate with too much Guinness or Jameson or Bushmills or some other alcoholic beverage? Yes, some do. Do people go crazy and forget that they have responsibilities the next day? Yes, some do. The parade, the floats, the people wearing a sea of green, the corned beef and cabbage, the green bread, green doughnuts, green grits, and just about everything else bring a smile to the faces of young and old. The tradition, the celebration, the friends, the family, and the recounting of what the weather was like for the last few years and where we watched the parade that year are all things that we will miss this year. No bumping into friends you haven't seen in years as you snake your way through the crowds to find that perfect spot to observe. No meeting up with others at their spot, in that square or that house to celebrate the day. This year, 2020, there will be no Mass, no parade, no party on the corner of 40th Street or an alternate location. 

Perhaps in the midst of the chaos that is Covid-19 pandemic, remembering Patrick, the man, the missionary, the faithful member of the body of Christ is what we need most this year. Patrick simply did what he felt called by God to do with his life. In his Confessions he writes, "It was not really I but Christ the Lord who commanded me to come here and to stay with them for the rest of my life." Patrick practiced contextualization in ministry before that was a popular concept. May we all be like Patrick and commit to do life and ministry in the context we find ourselves in this March 17 and each day. Patrick is a faith hero to me, because he was willing to obey God with his whole life...may I be as faithful, may we all be as faithful to the One who called us to follow him. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Lent 2020 Day 21

Scripture Reading

Matthew 5:17-20

The Sermon on the Mount from which these verses come from has been a source of constant controversy in terms of interpretation throughout the history of Christianity. The meaning of these verses is important because it helps to determine one's view of Jesus as Messiah and the role of the Law in the life of a Christian. 

Jesus' use of the Law and the Prophets applies to the entire Old Testament. He emphatically states that he has not come to tear down or do away with the Old Testament but to fulfill it. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament in several ways: 1)he was the fulfillment of the promises of god to Israel, 2)he was the fulfillment of the prophecy that referred to the coming Messiah who would save God's children, 3)he lived a perfect life, never sinning, so he was the only person to ever keep all of the Law (there were only 613 commandments and restrictions). 

So then the questions for us as Christians in the year 2020 trying to be obedient to God and live out our faith is "What role does the Old Testament Law play in our spiritual journey?" Obviously since Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament and kept all of the Law then it must have some role in our lives. Jesus tells us in these verses that as believers we are to keep the commandments and teach others to keep them as well. Then we read that unless our righteousness surpasses the pharisees we won't inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. In his death on the cross, Jesus has become our righteousness. He has made us right with God. He had kept the sum of the Law and the Prophets so that we don't have to in order to be declared right with God. As Christians the Holy Spirit dwells in us so that we are able to keep the Law not as a way of obtaining our salvation or earning favor with God, but as evidence of the change that has taken place in our heart when we accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. The comparison of the righteousness of the pharisees refers to the danger of only keeping the Law externally rather than allowing the truth of the Gospel to change us from the inside out. It is the same as going through the motions of church and Christianity, because that is what is expected of us. The real challenge for us is for our hearts to be softened towards the things of God. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for Christ who fulfilled the Law for me. Help me to live my life in such a way that the people around me see Jesus, not me. May my keeping of the Law be motivated by gratitude for my salvation rather than legalism. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 20

Scripture Reading

Luke 1: 67-79

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was a voice of hope in the midst of despair for the Jewish people. His story started with doubt when he was told he was going to be a father even though he was very old. Because of his doubt he was not able to speak until his son was born. Then he began to praise God for his faithfulness to his covenant with his people (verses 67-75). 

We can never be reminded enough that the story of God and his people began with Abraham, was renewed with Moses and David, and fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. This fact, this hope in the promises of God, was what sustained the Israelites through years of difficulty, hardship, and persecution. This hope is what Zechariah was so excited about. 

The words of Zechariah turn to a more personal note as he rejoices over the wonder that God has chosen to use his son as part of the great salvation story! Zechariah's prophecy reminds us of the choice of Almighty God to use frail, weak, sinful human beings to accomplish his purposes. God still chooses to use you and me to tell others about him, not because he has to depend on humans but because he desires to work through us, so that all people of the world might hear the wonderful news that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. Are you allowing God to use you to accomplish his purposes in your life? Who can you talk to about Jesus this week? Pray for that person right now and ask God to give you the courage to boldly proclaim his message. 

Prayer: God, may your name be praised and exalted high above all other names because you have redeemed your people. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you by telling others about your love in spite of my faults and failures. Amen.

Lent 2020 Day 19

Scripture Reading

Hebrews 13:14-21

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the life we now live will not last but that our hope is in the heavenly city that awaits us when we die. As Christians we know that our hope is only in God and the miracle of sending his son to die on the cross for our sin. What then should our response be to God? "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name" (Hebrews 13:15). Our only proper response is to praise God and thank him for his love and grace that made it possible for us to have a relationship with him. How often do you thank God for saving you? How can your whole life become a sacrifice of praise to our God? 

The author of Hebrews reminds us that part of our gratitude to God for our salvation is to "do good." By this he means that we should live godly lives. Everyday we need to remind ourselves that as Christians we are to live lives that reflect Christ in what we say, think, and do. When we live for God and do good to other we are being Christ to the people around us. Their interaction with us may be the only exposure to the love of God that person ever has. 

The last two verses are the writer's prayer for the original recipients of the letter. My prayer for you today is the same as his. I pray that God will strengthen you to live for him everyday, so that he might be glorified and people might come to know our Lord and Savior through our own lives and testimonies. 

Prayer: Holy and might Lord, I ask that you help me to stay focused on the heavenly city that awaits me as a follower of Christ. Thank you for strengthening me to live for you each day. Help me to do good to others, that I might be a witness for you. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 18

Scripture Reading

Jeremiah 31:27-34

"I will be there God, and they will be my people." That is the promise of God to Israel and to us today as heirs of God's covenant with Israel through the death of Christ. Jeremiah reminds us that God's promise to Israel was to establish and everlasting covenant with them. The original covenant promises of God to Israel came to be viewed as the old covenant when Jesus came and said he was establishing a new covenant. This new covenant is what God is referring to in these verses. 

Jeremiah's most important contribution to biblical thought is the concept of the new covenant. God says that there will be a difference in the the old covenant that he made with Israel and the new one that he will make. God recalls the people's unfaithfulness to God. He even compares himself to Israel's husband and Israel as the unfaithful wife. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33)

The Law found its home on the stone tablets that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai. The problem with the Law is that it failed to bring about a change of heart attitude in Israel. They would be obedient to God for a little while and then they would be unfaithful and break the covenant again. God is saying that this new covenant will be written on our hearts so that our lives will be changed. God is talking about a transformation of the heart and life of every person who accepts Christ as Lord and Savior. This new covenant is relational not legal. "I will be their God, and they will be my people." This new covenant is what being a Christian is all about, it is relational...God desires for us to have a relationship with him. My prayer for you today is that you would enter that covenant relationship with God if you are not a Christian. If you are a Christian, my prayer is that you would renew your commitment to God today. 

Prayer: God, thank you for writing the Law on my heart and for establishing a new covenant with me. Help me to be faithful to you each day in big ways and little ways. I want you to be my God, and I want to be part of your people. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 17

Scripture Reading

Romans 7:7-12; 8:1-4

The main point Paul is attempting to make is that through the Law he realized what sin was. "Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'Do not covet'" (Romans 7:7). It's the same principle of when someone tells you not to do something you hadn't even thought about doing until they said something to you about not doing it. For instance, if you are walking in a park and you see a sign that says "Stay off the grass," it will probably arouse in you an intense desire to walk all over the grass even though before you saw the sign you hadn't even thought about walking on the grass. Paul is saying that the Mosaic Law is what points out our sin to us in hopes of driving us to see our need for God. 

In chapter 8 the incredible news for those who are believers is that there is no condemnation. That means because of Christ's fulfillment of the Law and his death and resurrection we are no longer sentenced to death and separation from God. The Law because it pointed out our sin left us in despair because we knew that we wouldn't be able to meet God's standard of holiness. Therefore, the consequences for us were death and hell, but God had other plans. The wonderful fact is that God sent his son to be a sin offering so that we might have eternal life. There is a sense in which Christ literally died in your place and mine when he hung on the cross. Why did he do it? Because he loved us so much that he would die in order for us to have a relationship with him. 

Prayer: Father, thank you for loving me enough to give up your son, Jesus. Your love is more than I can comprehend. Your grace is deeper and wider than my mind can fathom. I know you are holy and I am not. Thank you for the righteousness of Christ which has been credited to my account so that I might live in freedom from sin through you. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 16

Scripture Reading

Galatians 3:15-26

"What then was the purpose of the law?" According to Paul the Law serves to lead us to God. The Mosaic Law which includes the Ten Commandments was given to show them the need for the Promised Seed to come. The Promised Seed was Jesus. It is through Jesus that Abraham becomes a blessing to the whole world. 

The Law is like the signs at Six Flags that say you must be a certain height to ride this ride. If we don't keep the Law, which we can't because we are sinful, then we realize that we don't meet God's standard. So we need someone who can meet that standard for us. Because of Jesus' sinless life he was able to offer his life as a sacrifice for us who as sinners, deserve death. The Law was instituted by God to demonstrate our need for Christ. When we look at the Law and its requirements we realize that we have broken at least one of God's commandments and in most cases all of them (at least in our heart). God's plan with the Mosaic Law was for it to serve as a standard of righteousness that would point out our unrighteousness so that we would see the need for Christ in our lives. 

The key to this passage is understanding that God did not have two ways of saving people (an Old Testament way and a New Testament way). It has always been God's purpose to use faith in who Christ is and what he did to bring people into a right relationship with him. 

When you think about the Ten Commandments does it make you proud that you keep most of them or are you even more thankful for God's grace that sent Jesus to fulfill the Law so that we could have a relationship with God? 

Prayer: Father, thank you for the Law that you gave Moses so many years ago. Use it to continue to point out the sin in my life and my dependence on Christ. I praise you for your grace that you have freely given to me. May my faith rest in you alone. Amen. 

Lent 2020 Day 15

Scripture Reading

Exodus 19:5-6, 20:1-17

Exodus contains the story of God rescuing his people from slavery and bondage and bringing them out of Egypt into the wilderness to prepare them for their inheritance of the land promised to Abraham. In Exodus 19, God leads Moses up Mount Sinai to have a little chat. God talks to Moses about Israel being his chosen people whom he will bless and who are set out to be holy, different from all the other peoples of the land. 

Exodus 20 is the account of Moses telling the people the Ten Commandments God had given to them as guidelines of their covenant with him. God was establishing Israel as a holy nation. These ten commandments were not intended to be posted in every public place in Israel, rather they were intended to serve as the contract or guidelines of God's covenant treaty with Israel. The Ten Commandments were to remind Israel of who God is and who they were. That's why the beginning focuses on God and his act of saving the people from slavery in Egypt. The stipulation of the covenant falls on God. It was not a covenant that was dependent on Israel's faithfulness. All we have to do to see that, is read the rest of the Old Testament and see that time after time Israel breaks God's Law and is continually unfaithful to God. The incredible thing about God's covenant here in Exodus is that God provides his grace to Israel because he knows that they are not going to be able to stay faithful to all the commandments. The good news for Israel and the good news for us is that God does not withdraw his love for us and commitment to us even when we are unfaithful. That's how BIG his love is!

There is one more important thing to point out about the Ten Commandments. Notice how the first part focuses on the vertical, it deals with our relationship to God as individuals and then the second part focuses on the horizontal, the relationships we have with different people. Do you remember what Jesus said when he was asked what the greatest commandment was? Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The Law has always been about loving God and loving others. Can you honestly say that you are trying to live out these two commandments that our whole faith is based on? 

Prayer: Yahweh, thank you for your Law that points out my need for your grace. Jesus satisfied all the requirements of the Law on my behalf so that I might walk in a covenant relationship with you. Thank you for the history of the salvation of your people through the Exodus event and how it reminds me of my own salvation experience. May your name be praised! Amen.