Month: March 2022

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Singing is an extraordinary gift

Reading Time: 2 minutes 
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.” Psalms‬ ‭105:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​Sing to him. Yes, sing his praises. Have you ever thought about it? Singing, making a melody and giving that to song to God. Does everyone feel comfortable singing? CAN everyone sing?

Humans are not the only species to make melodies. Birds sing all the time, but mostly when they feel they are safe. Dogs sing, cats sing, whales, dolphins and donkeys sing. We had a dog that, in certain moods, sounded like she was singing the blues!

I have a strange habit that I’ve developed over the years. I hum without being aware of it. Oftentimes, I’ll be with a group of people praying and someone will nudge me and say, “you know you’re humming, right?” I didn’t know. I seem to do it unconsciously.

Do you sing in the car? The shower? In a group? At church? It’s not at all like talking to yourself! Even though some feel self conscious about singing, it’s perfectly acceptable and often welcomed – even in a crowd of people. You’ve seen the videos of someone on a subway just singing away, sometimes others just join in!

Here’s the thing, as people we get the privilege of putting words to our songs and melodies. Many of the Psalms we read were songs to be sung. In times of joy and in times of fear, my mind has reached into my memories and sang a psalm to express what I’m feeling at that time.

What song comes to mind when you think about how good God is to you? 🎶🎶🎶 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.”

Jesus even made a very stark musical remark when he told the Pharisees if his disciples had kept silent, the rocks themselves would cry out. Luke used the word “krázō – an onomatopoetic term for a raven’s piercing cry.” Because all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God! In perfect Jesus style he was saying, “We should be embarrassed if we DON’T sing about God!” For us humans, singing is and should be as normal and natural as breathing!

An old song put it this way, you can sing it if you know it: “I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.”

PRAYER:

Dad,
I’m pretty sure I didn’t sing much or not at all before I knew you. I thought songs were interesting, but I don’t remember singing them. And, thankfully I married a singer who loves to sing and express her love and thankfulness to you constantly. Remember, the first time I saw her, she was singing a solo in big church and I was smitten! David’s Psalm reminds and challenges me to sing more, express more about your greatness and your goodness. I think I’ll sing my way to the office today, no radio, no yelling at traffic – just singing. What a privilege we have to sing, make melodies and songs expressing deep feelings towards about you and even towards you.

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Don’t be like the ancients

Reading Time: 2 minutes 
“These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:6-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​Here we have Paul giving us a great example of how a well trained, former Pharisee interprets an ancient passage of scripture from Exodus. I read Exodus and see lessons of Old Testament theology and practical advice for living while looking through the lens of Jesus’ saving grace.

Not so much with Paul. Paul tells the church in Corinth – it’s a WARNING. Paul gives the text the same amount of veracity that Moses gave when he wrote it! I see the Old Testament as a little outdated. Paul sees it as current. My sense of context is therefore dulled by a distorted view of grace when I do this with scripture. Paul’s high TRUTH, high LOVE compels him to admonish (warn & encourage) the modern, metropolitan church filled with a city bursting with immoral opportunity to sin!

Paul starts with our commonality with the ancient wanderers (same baptism, same food and water, same God) and writes, “Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” Paul – haven’t you read “what’s so amazing about grace?” Don’t you know that God isn’t mad at us and we live in a very long season of mercy? Oh, Paul knows alright. He wrote much, if not most of the theology on the topic of God’s grace. But it’s never an excuse to sin more! And, Paul never throws shade on God’s holiness, wrath or judgment?

Paul tells the Church, don’t be like the ancients in these areas: partying, feasting and drinking, indulging in pagan revelry. Don’t engage in sexual immorality, don’t TEST Christ [mercy], and don’t grumble. Paul suggests that these human behaviors only INCREASE as the end approaches! God’s grace covers my sin, but will never accommodate my sin!

PRAYER:

Dad,
I am thankful for your word. I am thankful for Pastor Paul who’s words still preach about holiness and godliness. I am thankful for your Holy Spirit to lead away from temptation not towards it, who leads me in confession of sin, not denial of it. I am thankful for your mercy. I am also thankful for your wrath – your pure sense of justice for all wrongs, not just the ones I agree with. I am most thankful for your grace that came at the ultimate price of death of the Son who was completely innocent and perfect.

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God wouldn’t travel with them

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.” When the people heard these stern words, they went into mourning and stopped wearing their jewelry and fine clothes. For the Lord had told Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you.” So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes.” Exodus‬ ‭33:3-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​I’m sorry, but reading this first part reminds me of every long road trip I’ve taken when my children were small. Oh, I wanted to go and I wanted to arrive, but in between… I thought, for sure, one of them was gonna die!

There is SO MUCH going on here in this conversation with Moses and the people of Israel. And, I never forget – we are just like Israel in so many ways. I don’t know what’s going on here with the whole “fashion show” mentality among the people with their jewelry and fancy clothes. If God hated that he must get a real kick out of all our entertainment shows (Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes & Grammys).

It’s kinda ironically sad that God didn’t want to be seen associating with whatever nonsense the people were into. He was like, “oh, I’m not with them!” It’s pretty strong to say, “if I have to… for even a moment… I’d destroy you.” The people must have been adorned with more than just gold, they were dripping with aires of arrogance. They continued to carry the cultural moniker of “stiff-necked” stubborn people.

Maybe it wasn’t ALL of them, maybe it was just the rich or former royals in the bunch, but it made God angry to be around while they flaunted their sin.

It was an act of mercy for God NOT to travel with them, he literally and physically couldn’t stand the sin and seeing it would mean immediate judgement and justice – no one would survive a trip with God. A regular visit with Moses and a dispatched angel would have to suffice. God was about to lay down some laws, some boundaries to temporarily make it possible to get through ALL OF HISTORY and put up with us until Jesus’ sacrifice and death for sin’s payment once and for all.

PRAYER:

Dad,
I get it. It’s hard to imagine how tolerant your grace and mercy is towards us as humans. It’s hard to grasp how patient you are with our sin. I don’t like my sin either, by the way. I know if the whole scene in the garden were reset and each of us faced the same circumstances we would choose to disobey, and step over the boundaries set to keep us safe and sinless. But you also created us with this drive, this craving of independence, this self will to choose you. And you created us in a war zone, a planet were Satan was thrown down to make his miserable existence. The garden may have been perfect but the earth already had an evil presence just aching to take out his revenge on you. So, yes, I’ve chosen to love you and trust you even when you found me broken in my own sin, unaware that there was a war or that I was at risk of following my own path away from you. However, I also know you’ve chosen me, rescued me and redeemed me. So, I can’t wait to find out what a world without sin even looks like. My imagination can’t even begin to fathom it.

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Co-Signing a loan is super risky!

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger— if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said— follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.” Proverbs‬ ‭6:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This proverb falls under an NLT heading of “Lessons for Daily Life.”

I should have paid better attention to this advise from ancient wisdom writers. If you ever wondered how some advice given back in ancient times could possibly guide someone today just keep reading.

I had read this proverb as a youth. There was a problem then. I was broke and could not see myself EVER being in a position of loaning someone money or having a credit rating that would or could guarantee someone else’s loan. And, I didn’t understand this concept of co-signing a loan back then, but I sure do now.

Fact, if you ever co-sign on a loan, you better just be ready to see it as a gift! I’ve done this a few times in my lifetime. One for a young friend and the others for our children. The co-signing on a child’s loan is up to you. One of our child’s was a school loan and we (Robin and I) would have gladly payed it if we could afford it. So, we took on the risk and that loan will be paid off in a couple of months. Whew.

The other one was a rollercoaster ride of stress and could have been a complete financial disaster that my friends could have never foreseen. That co-signed loan went sideways. It grew in size because it was delayed in payment twice. In other words, if the student is still in school or has financial difficulties making the monthly payment after graduation or asks for extensions, the loan payment is paused but keeps accruing interest. This loan ballooned to twice the amount originally borrowed! And, as a co-signer, I was equally on the hook for it. It also deeply effected our credit score (you know the one I didn’t have or care about when I was younger). At one point I had to manage both co-signs in regards to our credit score! Let’s just say it was super stressful and I was praying for my friend to regularly make his payments.

NOTE: Not knowing the consequences did not save me from almost ruining our financial future. And, that’s the point of this proverb really. The warning(s) seems so silly, so far-fetched, futuristic, so old man/Dad-advise when you’re young.

This is one area I beg people to listen to! The phrase, “if you trapped yourself” haunted me for many years because of the one co-signed moment. It was so easy to sign the paperwork. It was so easy to want my friend to get into the school, get a great education and be a hero in his life. None of those feelings were there when we almost could qualify for a home loan!

God was merciful to us and our friend. He was eventually able to make the payments on time and eventually paid off the loan! I was so thrilled, so relieved and so proud of him – all at the same time. Would I do it again? Absolutely not!

People still co-sign for friends thinking they are helping them get the degree, get the car, get the house. I can’t believe it! This proverb is still true, and often it’s still ignored with horrible consequences. I know how hard it is to say “no” as well. The person is so sincere and can prove their need for the loan. They can’t figure out why someone won’t let them “borrow” your credit, your reputation and your future to pay if that loan defaults! And, trust me, it may not be for the amount loaned at the time. It may be double or triple that amount because of delays or missed payments in the life of the loan. If you aren’t in a position to outright GIVE someone the money, DO NOT co-sign for them.

Have you co-signed a friend’s loan? How did it turn out?

PRAYER:

Dad,
Your grace and mercy in this area has been so generous. It turned out well, but I would not have done it if I had known the true cost of co-signing! Thank you for the lessons from proverbs.

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A demon goes to church one day

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority. Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon—an evil spirit—cried out, shouting, “Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it came out of him without hurting him further.” Luke‬ ‭4:31-35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One day a demon and the Son of God walk into a church. In older movies, evil is portrayed as mystically being afraid of going into “holy” places or crossing thresholds of good. Along with the symbols and odd objects writers thought would repel or put fear in an agent of evil, the idea is that Satan knows his boundaries and certainly cannot have access to or reside in a space that’s been dedicated to God. Well Luke and the other gospel writers told us thousands of years ago – none of that is true.

Evil spirits, can and will inhabit humans and pretty much go anywhere they want and cause problems and suffering anytime they can.

We should learn truth from the Bible because God is the creator of all things and tells us about things we should be aware of in His word. None of these stories of evil or demonic possession are to be given any more attention than necessary. The point of these stories isn’t to highlight demons or sickness or really even healing. The point of the story is who Jesus is – God in flesh and all authority and power is at his disposal to do the will of his father.

In this story, Luke tells us there was a demon in church that day and had full control of a human being. The demon used the man to shout out its questions and concerns, and the questions are pretty telling. “Why are you interfering?” Like they owned the place – and the man himself. And, “Have you come to destroy us?” They knew their destiny was destruction, but had no sense of when it would happen. Then the confession – “I know who you are.”

That was enough talking so Jesus commanded it to come out of the man. Then after one more dramatically staged protest, throwing the man to the ground, out he comes. Luke adds another interesting note, “without hurting him further.”

Folks wickedly romanticize these interactions with demons or agents of the enemy. They highlight “deals” or “promises” being made to give power, fame or money. The Biblical writers write truth – the enemy’s plan is always the same – killing, stealing and destroying. Anyone who toys with demons ALWAYS gets a prison sentence of death.

The New Testament folks were far smarter and aware of these physical, spiritual interactions of demons and the human soul. We, as westerners, just pretend that evil entities are psychological states of mind and are basically emotional manifestations of our wounds from our origin stories.

We are such fools to ignore the realities of a personal, evil entity at war with God and humans. We just prescribe drugs and group therapy! I’m sure that those who actually have a demon controlling them are frustrated that we keep medicating their bodies without treating their soul. Our modern streets seemed to be filled with these Zombies that wander, hopelessly waiting to be free.

PRAYER:

Dad,
I’ve seen these hopeless victims, not in our churches (although some are probably there), but in the streets of my own city. My heart breaks for them. I pray, sometimes I give them food or money, not to “further” their addictions or illusions, but to let them know that I care and trust that a moment of hope transfers in my words. I want to give them so much more – life, hope, freedom, love. Lord, please continue to lead and direct me to be bold and compassionate just like Jesus.

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Prayer for Ukrainians

Reading Time: 2 minutes 
“Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. They are without pity. Listen to their boasting! They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground. They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart— like young lions hiding in ambush.” Psalms‬ ‭17:8-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The whole world’s eyes are on Ukraine right now. And, as followers of Jesus, I think we should all be praying in unity. I don’t know how this works, but I’m praying Psalm 17 over the Ukrainian people.

We’ve ALWAYS had tyrants in our world history. There have always been men, obsessed with power and control and a hunger for more. Men who’s egos needing to be constantly fed. As I try to sort out what, who and why – there is a glaring sad fact no matter my understanding or opinion.

The poor, the mothers and their children always seem to pay the biggest price. We’ve had a decade of Syrians fleeing their homeland because of one man’s thirst for war and annihilation. Now we have another madman and the refuges are pouring out of their homes and land to seek safety and peace.

David writes about what he wants God to do about it with Israel’s enemies. I’d like God to do that to this pompous leader who craves for more. I ask that you “Arise, O Lord! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue [Ukrainians] from the wicked with your sword! By the power of your hand, O Lord, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants.” Psalms‬ ‭17:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬. Bring judgment down on the tyrant and bring peace to the innocent. Intervene Oh Lord and rescue those who have no defense from the wicked.

PRAYER:

Dad,
Let your mercy flood the earth. Let your righteousness, your justice prevail to protect those who have lost everything and seek peace. You brought Syrians out of their own country, where they were betrayed by their own people to see the one true God and find Jesus. I ask for similar for Ukrainians who lost all but will find everlasting peace and joy through your salvation. Raise up your mighty hand of judgement on the wicked and with the other hand shield to protect the innocent. In all of this turmoil may your Kingdom come and your will be done. Amen.

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What is the sin of census?

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.” But Joab replied, “May the Lord increase the number of his people a hundred times over! But why, my Lord the king, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?” But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭21:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​Whoa. I’m not sure which is MORE shocking? The fact that Satan shows up in Chronicles. Or that his big move is to get David to count the people. Or that everyone, including David seems to know this census is wrong. What is going on?

All I know is that David stubbornly goes through with it and God rains down massive judgment on Jerusalem – it’s pretty creepy.

God commanded Moses to take a census and the heading said, “census tax.” “The Lord said to Moses, “When you take the census of the people of Israel” Ex 30:11-12. God told Moses that everyone, rich or poor would give a half a shekel to the tabernacle and half to God. God even told Moses it was a ransom payment, AND their would be no plague associated with this numbering or tax, “ransom for his life to the Lord when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them.” Ex 30:12. Now I’m more curious than ever!

It’s not completely clear about why David wanted a census or why God was so mad at him for taking it. There is an interesting tie-into the eventual plot of land where the first temple would be built. And the fact that David doesn’t take the land or receive it as a gift from Araunah, the Canaanite, “And David said to Ornan, “Give me the site of the threshing floor that I may build on it an altar to the Lord—give it to me at its full price—that the plague may be averted from the people.” https://ref.ly/1Ch21.22-25;esv. There is another interesting theory though…

Most of the Bible commentators are far more interested in the fact that the. word “Satan” shows up here in Chronicles. This is the same story that shows up in Samuel 24:1, except God incited David to do the census! It eventually leads to a deeper, long-standing question about leadership responsibility and accountability. One commentator asks the obvious question – “Why would Yahweh incite David to do something for which he would later punish him? Both accounts begin by saying Yahweh was angry with Israel, not David. Yahweh chose to use David as his instrument of judgment against the nation, similar to the way he would use Nebuchadnezzar centuries later. As the Babylonian king was still accountable for his actions, so was David.

Judgment (and its means) both belong to the Lord, but human agents are still accountable.” (https://ref.ly/o/stbblpssycllctn/62845?length=464).

This is a doozy! This pairs well with the whole, “and God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” We clearly understand that God didn’t MAKE Pharaoh resist, but rather Pharaoh’s stubbornness to yield would mean that his heart was hardening with every rebellious “No.”

Well, as for the Sin of Census, I can see how God is NOT happy with anyone who uses taxation as a means of payment for sin – even if that payment was going towards building a house for himself. God is the ONLY one who receives a sacrifice or any kind of “payment” for sin. No human is capable or worthy to ask for it, nor receive it. Even that points to the future, “One payment for all” through Jesus.

So the idea of taking a census for taxation in order to receive worship – forget about it. Think about the Census that the Roman emperor, Augustus took in Luke 2:1! Interesting huh?

PRAYER:

Dad,
Just a personal note. I don’t plan on taking any census’ for worship taxation, ok?

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Proverbial warning labels

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house! If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.” Proverbs‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​Doors are an interesting way of illustrating wisdom’s point. My feeling on this, once we’ve opened a door, be it out of curiosity, peer pressure or even escape, I don’t believe we have the power to ever close it.

When I was a young-er (cough, cough) pastor I imagined standing in the middle of a round room full of doors. Each door had a label. Each one seemed have a invitation that just begged me to open it. Maybe it was a sexual door or a drug experience door an alcohol or gambling door. Maybe even an abusive relationship door.

These are doors that I’m sure my parents opened because I experienced a childhood where I watched them struggle with various addictions and emotional attachments that I knew were not healthy. But I also had my own set of doors. And, as I wrote, once opened I’ve not figured out how to ever close them.

What about deliverance from sin you ask, or freedom and redemption? Yes, absolutely. However, I don’t think the door ever fully closes – remember I’m the one who opened it. There are doors my family of origin may have opened “for” me, exposing me to things that should never be seen or experienced as a child.

Let’s take gambling for example. My family had a history of gambling. They would call it “social” gambling, even “gaming” and had “calculated” losses. I had my little experience with the “one-arm-bandit” (slot machine). It was fun and exciting, colorful and intriguing sounds, plunk, boing, ching ching ching. My nickel was gone and I didn’t win. It was fun, but I had no desire to do it again. As I got older I would feel the pull of those feelings of risk and reward, the sights and sounds of machines and people having fun sitting around a table with fast moving cards or dice. Knowing that door had even slightly been opened, I made a decision as a teenager. I would not be a gambler, not a social one or a gaming one or even a simple little lottery ticket player. Why? Because I saw the damage it caused in my family and I didn’t want that kind of life in my own future. IF I were to gamble now, I’m pretty sure I’d be hooked and sucked in.

BTW, same goes for drinking alcohol if you’d like to know the truth.

This door of immorality that the wisdom writers warned of – it is very real. It’s also ridiculously spun as fun and free in our sex-saturated-society.

WARNING: Don’t open this door wisdom says, don’t go near they cry OR – YOU WILL LOSE! Proverbs writes the consequences of those who opened it and can’t ever shut it. “Strangers will consume your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor. You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”

These proverbial warning labels are no joke and the very real life consequences are devastating. See those doors around you? The ones that say, “just try me,” “just take a peek,” “what’s one time gonna hurt.” DO NOT OPEN THEM.

You’ve been warned.

PRAYER:

Dad,
You know the doors I’ve opened and you know the doors that, thankfully, I’ve stayed away from. I absolutely love your mercy, patience and forgiveness I’ve experienced from those doors I have opened or the ones my family opened and shoved me in for a peek. I really want to put a bunch of caution tape around the ones that have devastated my family as a kid. I want to warn others about experiencing or experimenting with these awful and alluring sins. Help us O’Lord. Help us men and women, fathers and mothers. We need your wisdom and grace.

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From fame to furious

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.” Luke‬ ‭4:22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This curious scene out of Luke is an interesting story about US – our human nature and how consistently enduring and predictable it can be. This little side-bit is full of information about who WE are. Jesus goes home, and goes to his local synagogue. Nazareth may have been small and considered the “armpit” of Jerusalem, but there were a good number of very devout religious men there – enough to qualify for a synagogue.

Jesus goes to the front of the gathering, confidently unrolls the scroll and finds his text – in Isaiah! I’m sure whispers and eye-raised glances bounced around the room at that point. That day was “Isaiah” day, reading from the longest and most complicated Old Testament prophet book in the history of Judaism. There are no coincidences! And, he thinks he’s going to comment and give a Jewish sermon on it? Yeah right.

Luke, in his punchy wit writes, “He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently.” Then Jesus gives his homily…“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Whoa.

Questions fill the room, sucking centuries of religious pretense right out of the room! In those stunning moments they began to comment, “Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips.” Then seconds later, someone just had to connect the dots of who and where this young buck came from. So then they mumble into the now religious-free air, “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Then Jesus being the truth-teller, breaks their murmurs mid-thought and hijacks their conclusions saying, do you really want to know why I’ve done no miracles here? Of course it’s a lack of faith, but more than that, you guys won’t let ANYONE grow and mature as God intends and expects. You guys got STUCK and you want everyone around you to lower to your level back to AD 00 or BC 700!

Jesus masterfully does a commentary on two other very famous Old Testament spokespersons: Elijah and Elisha. “Ever wonder why these guys did miracles with foreigners and not Israel?” – Jesus hints. He tells them, there were a lot of needy widows in Israel and their were a lot of sick, skin diseased men in Israel. Why didn’t the prophets do any miracles among their own – the Jews?

Can you feel the tension building in this quiet little synagogue in the small, dusty city of Nazareth? Big pause here as they followed their stale, self-righteousness breadcrumbs to a finger-pointing conclusion.

I knew that Naaman wasn’t Jewish, but I had no idea the Sidon widow wasn’t either. Did you? OUCH!

Obviously, they got the point, the civil and religious leaders in old Israel sucked all the faith out the country, and right out of the people they were leading! One moment they were all having a nice pleasant day in the tabernacle, the next moment they’re foaming at the mouth with arrogant-anger, grabbing pitch forks and torches – “When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.” I think once Jesus was safely out of town, he stopped at the city border and dusted off his sandals, signifying he wouldn’t be returning home again.

PRAYER:

Dad,
Wow, I love it when Jesus interprets and does a great commentary on the Old Testament, pointing out things I never knew or ever saw! This really challenges my own beliefs and faith as well as in leading others. Am I sucking faith out of the air with others in my community? I want to believe and not put any restraints or restrictions on a move of your Spirit. In fact, I want to be for more faith, not less! Help me in my own lack of faith and help our leaders in their faith as well.

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Vengeance is NOT mine and neither is justice

Reading Time: 2 minutes 
“For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.” Psalms‬ ‭51:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​David’s recorded repentance is an absolute model of transparency and accountability in a leader’s life. Sure, he had been caught and his judgment had also been recorded and carried out by God and God’s spokesperson, Nathan.

The judgment was quick and severe. You can read about it in 2 Samuel 12. Nathan lays out the charge: “you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife.“ Nathan also tells David, “You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.” God had told David, I gave you EVERYTHING and if that had not been enough, I would have given you MORE!

David’s sin, quick trial by God himself and his pronounced judgment lays out how God is faithful and just to deal with sin and deal with a leader who thinks they can do anything they want and get away with it. God’s quick justice was a display of his deep love for David and for any future lives David’s unprecedented power would have destroyed.

Here in this psalm is David’s response. David owns his decisions, his sin and receives the judgment understanding what many leaders try to avoid – “your judgment against me is just!” David’s sin, his “rebellion” as he admits is exactly what happens when we get everything we want, yet want MORE.

We become seduced into thinking we deserve it, can get it and most of all – NOT get caught. All of this is a LIE. There is never a scenario where we “deserve” what a moral and deplorable act of power over another, or seeing and stealing whatever we want is justified! Even if we manipulate and manage to “get” it – that person, that position, that power, it is never right. And, even if NO ONE is watching, no one seemingly has seen us and we delusionally believe we got away with it – it is still wrong and the one true God of all justice SEES it and will judge it. There is no way ANYONE gets away with it.

The Bible just gives us this story to confront our own sin, but also to let us know that no one gets away with it. Judgment and justice may be slow because we are unaware of the trial and sentencing by God, but it is as sure as God’s name and nature. And, (this is hard to believe but true) God does it better, more thoroughly than we can even understand. In this sense, it doesn’t matter if a tyrant or con escapes or avoids a judge, court or trial judgment, NO ONE escapes God’s justice – ever! This is why God tells us “vengeance is mine.” – Romans 12:19.

PRAYER:

Dad,
Knowing that I want judgment on other’s evil but mercy for myself, David’s repentance gives me a sober hope. One that I always come clean before you and two, that I can leave the deep hurt and grief of injustice to you. You alone are capable of carrying out justice. Our courts and trials, juries and judges can’t possibly do as good a job as you!