Tag: Faith

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Reaching for position and power.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭46‬-‭48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus’ closest friends, his disciples, his future Apostles had not only seen all the miracles, they had personally experienced supernatural miracles. Yet, something happened that took them back to a familiar battle of disordered desires of comparison. Like some childish playground rules as old as the first two brothers (Cain & Abel)… they asked – who is better? Who is greater? Jesus, who not only possessed all power and authority over all things, but actively displayed this power over demons, sickness, wind, wave and even death itself, had to deal with this head on.

When the disciples started arguing about position and greatness, they mistakenly believed their affiliation and proximity to Jesus to be an entitled promotion to power. But Jesus doesn’t see position or power the way they saw it. In a very Jesus-style moment, he reaches for someone to make the point.

He brings a little child close to him, inviting the child to help him create an object lesson for the grownup adults. Jesus says, “Anyone who welcomes (receives) a little one like this, on my behalf welcomes me.” And further, it makes sense that when you receive a little one, you receive me, thus you receive God himself! Jesus isn’t talking about salvation, he’s talking about our status, our social standing, our positions of authority and power!

When the disciples were arguing about greatness and comparing themselves to each other, Jesus was getting them to reframe the picture. Don’t reach for others of whom you consider to be equal to or better than for comparison. No, reach for innocence, openness, curiosity, wonder and humility. Like a little child!

When the Pharisees reached for position or power they reached for status, strict rules, and even a rock to throw at someone clearly worthless to them. When the disciples started arguing, they reached for position as well! Peter, reaching for power in the garden, grabbed a sword and whacked off a temple guard’s ear. Notice the things Jesus reached for. Having every right to high position and authority, Jesus reached for a little child. Having all power over all things, Jesus reached for a towel to serve, washing his own disciples feet, possibly even his own betrayer, Judas! Jesus did not reach up for position or power, he reached down to serve and love. Ultimately, Jesus reached for the cross that became power over his own death. And rising from the dead, he gave us the power of his resurrection. We will never be more prominent than the moment we anonymously step into serving someone seemingly invisible. We will never be more powerful than the moment we leverage our strength to lift or shield the weak. In the opposite, right side up, Kingdom of God, being least is being the greatest.

Prayer

​Dad,
The power and position dynamics of this world is VERY different than your Kingdom! Comparing ourselves to anything other than you and maybe the innocence of a child will always lead to grief or grudges. Help me to always reach down or over to properly remove any disordered desire of arrogance or pride. I am only what I am because of your grace and mercy.

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God don’t need no guns.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“So a message was sent to the king of Assyria: “The people you have sent to live in the towns of Samaria do not know the religious customs of the God of the land. He has sent lions among them to destroy them because they have not worshiped him correctly.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yeah, God sent lions! I’ve been thinking about how God led His people in the Old Testament and how God warns and corrects His own people as well as every powerful leader of the ancient world.

When we think about God leading it might seem that He does so gently, even subtly. Truth is, God led Israel, coming out of Egypt, with two of the most powerful destructive forces on Earth. Of the basic elements of nature: earth, air, fire, and water. God used wind and fire to lead His people and water to judge the Egyptians. Even in modern times, even if humankind has mastered both sea and sky, we still fear wind, water and fire! Does God still use these elements to judge?

In the Old Testament, I’ve read about giant holes that swallow complainers and dissidents. I’ve read about bears that devour young mockers. I’ve read about the big ten extraordinarily miserable plagues to push Pharaoh into doing right. And, sure there have been amazing stories of other wild beasts mentioned, like whales, leviathans, dogs, lions and bears – even a talking donkey (not played by Eddie Murphy). All the while, I never noticed that God sent lions to eat people because of disobedience! It made me think of the 1996 movie called, “The Ghost and the Darkness,” where Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas were hired to kill a pair of Tsavo man-eaters, during the building of the Uganda-Mombasa Railway in East Africa in 1898.

God sent several lion prides to bring judgment and send a strong message to the Assyrian king – “I’ve let you capture my people and even allowed you to have other nations live among them – but they better not mess with the way I have commanded my people to worship me!” What! God is wild and will not be tamed, and there are things He just will not tolerate. Who’s really in control? This powerful king of Assyria, Shalmaneser V, would find out who is really in charge of all the affairs on this dark third planet from the sun.

With all the forces of the earth at God’s disposal, He doesn’t need men, guns, missiles or drones. One little 6.0 tremor in Afghanistan resulted in a death toll of over 2,205 people, with thousands more injured. I’m not saying it was God’s judgement. I wouldn’t pretend to assume to know the why behind any loss of life. But talk about the raw power God has at his disposal. Any of us, any world leader who thinks they have full authority and power to rule as they please is just delusional! God was merciful enough to warn Shalmaneser and the king responded accordingly. “The king of Assyria then commanded, “Send one of the exiled priests back to Samaria. Let him live there and teach the new residents the religious customs of the God of the land.” So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria returned to Bethel and taught the new residents how to worship the Lord.” 2 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬-‭28‬. Oh how funny Shalmaneser was, “the God of the land…” He is God of ALL lands! The “new” residents brought in the most detestable, wicked behaviors – “the people from Sepharvaim even burned their own children as sacrifices to their gods Adrammelech and Anammelech,” God had warned and set the Assyrian king and His own people straight on who is really in charge!

Prayer

It is still very surprising to me that even a quick summary reading of who you are wouldn’t put some fear or respect in the hearts and mind of folks here on earth. So many have really done well at fooling themselves into believing you don’t even exist, let alone are the just judge of all the earth and all human affairs on the planet. Their biggest error is they think they have gotten away with it – mistaking both mercy and your providential purposes for proof that they are untouchable. I am just thankful that I know you and belong to you. Even in my sin, I would never be so arrogant to pretend you would let me get away anything contrary to Your Word! Thank you for grace. And may those who seek you find mercy and yield to Your will.

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Afraid to ask?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.” But they didn’t know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn’t understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭43‬b-‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are so many hard things to understand throughout the scriptures. I am constantly reminded that God’s ways and thoughts are above mine. Meaning, my lens will be blurred until Jesus clears it in heaven. But even then, God will still forever be beyond our thoughts.

The irony of Luke’s observations are worth noting, when we may ponder, “why couldn’t the disciples just see it!” Luke writes, “While everyone was marveling…” Miracles were happening all around them. The amazing outdoor picnic where Jesus feeds 5000 families. The mountaintop chat with Moses and Elijah. The expulsion of a demon out of a child. The disciples minds were constantly being blown away in awe and wonder. Luke writes, at the “megaleios,” majesty of God!

Then Jesus tells them, “I’m going to be betrayed and handed over.” Like falling down a flight of stairs, looking up and wondering how you’re still alive – the disciples minds were instantly tied into tiny knots! What just happened? What changed? And, why now? They had no idea what Jesus was talking about. Their lives, their future now clear as mud.

Luke remarked, “it was purposely “parakaluptó” veiled.” This tumultuous twister of events, these whiplash moments left them “phobeó” full of fear. Have you felt frozen by the chaotic changes around you? This fear left them unable to ask Jesus, “what are you talking about… what is happening right now?” Fear of uncertainty is paralyzing. And we desperately want to ask the questions of clarity! Yet, we don’t know what, who or how to ask. We’re stuck and it’s painfully debilitating. What do we do when we are stuck, afraid and uncertain?

Our only choice is to focus on what we do know and move our hearts towards trusting God who knows all. When we can’t see, don’t understand and feel trapped by fear, it’s not questions that will help us, it’s declaration of who will help us. Sure, we can and should ask God, ask trusted friends and family. But it is likely there will not be any clear answers because of the way things have to unfold. Jesus told them he was going to die. But the how, when, where and who would have to wait within the sequence of time that God had ordained to take place. From our perspective, our lens, things will not make any sense! Oh, what strange fantasies take place when folks try to explain the unexplainable of the future! The only smart choice is not to guess, worry or stay frozen in fear, but to trust and obey God who knows all things and makes all things work out well.

The disciples, staying close to Jesus, found out what God was up to as He unfolded the events just as they needed to be. I think most folks think they want to know their future. It’s sad to see people dabble in darkness with palm readers, seances, tea leaves, horoscopes and wiccan practices. God has definitely shown some people their future, but I’ve seen it drive em a little crazy still not knowing the details. I knew what God called me to as a teenager, but there was no way that alone was going to predict the different assignments within that calling that God had for me. Honestly… I’m glad He didn’t show me! God knows, so it means I need to stay close to Him no matter what. This makes Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 so powerful in times of chaos, confusion or conflict. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Prayer

​Dad,
This whole dynamic of wanting to know, wanting to understand and make sense out of the things that happen in life compared to trusting you is tough. You created us to be solvers and fixers so it comes with this tension. I’m pretty sure it all has to do with faith. Trusting you above and beyond what we see, feel or experience. I also know that sin plays a huge role in our fears and doubts. Your redemption means that we can have Your peace even in difficult times of waiting or silence. Thank you for your mercy and patience as we learn to depend on you.

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Three moments of faith in mission.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Luke and Mark record this cataclysmic event in the life of the twelve. Jesus sends them off on their first mission’s trip! Luke gets right to it, while Mark first tells us Jesus sent them out in twos. The Chosen, Season 2, Episode “Spirit,” captures it perfectly!

The mission: cast out all demons and heal all diseases. Telling everyone about the Kingdom of God.

Travel instructions: Take nothing. What? Yeah, no walking stick, travel bag, food, money or extra clothes. Wow. no stick, bag, cash or snacks – I’d feel naked! When they go into the town and stay at someone’s house, they should stay with that family until it’s time to leave the town. Later on, when Jesus sends out 70 people, Luke includes a phrase that modern mission’s organizations still use today. The idea is to look for the person of peace – “if a son of peace is there…” Realizing that every town has that unique person, likely ordained by God to be the “key” to the city. Jesus sets the high bar of faith for his followers.

First faith is this “power and authority to cast out demons and heal all diseases.” That’s a big faith. I have been on some mission’s trips and do not remember one of them including that in the mandatory pre-training!

The second faith is that God will use people to provide ALL the needs of the missionaries. It is well known that hospitality is a high priority in middle eastern cultures. If a family sees that its guest has some need, they are prepared and honored to meet that need, even sacrificing their own needs to provide for others. I’m sure the disciples were well cared for in that area.

Luke records Jesus third faith requirement. What happens if I am rejected? Rejection is hard, no matter what century or circumstances you’re in. Jesus tells them, if the town refuses to welcome you – it’s on them NOT on you! Isn’t it interesting that Jesus gives them a framework to understand the possibility of failure? How often when things go sideways on a mission’s trip do we feel that it is our fault and we take responsibility for it. In Jesus training, he forewarns them that it is more likely it’s the people in the town, rather than something they might do wrong.

We might see these passages out of Luke and Mark as only applicable to the first twelve or the second seventy. We’ve got to realize, these stories are meant to be seen as critical for ALL disciples, then and now. As a follower of Jesus, the same three faith experiences in our mission of spreading the gospel is a part of the Kingdom of God. It’s fine for us to classify certain callings to full time or lifetime missionary work, especially in countries not of our own origin. But the reality is Jesus calls us all to the three part faith excursions to GO.

Go, cast out demons.
Go, heal all diseases.
Go, trusting God to provide our needs.
And GO, knowing that rejection may happen.

We (the Church) are really good at believing that all these “discipleship” scriptures are for the professionals of faith. Like there are those God has picked and they must really be good at it. Certainly, that is NOT me! Maybe you feel that you can throw God some cash to help others, which is wonderful to be a generous investor into missions. I still believe is a mandatory experience of a true follower of Jesus. Go on a mission’s trip. Cross a cultural boundary and experience God and people in other contexts. Just remember, Jesus has called all of us to both BE a disciple and to MAKE disciples! All those who profess Jesus as Lord have His power and authority to deal with demons and heal the sick. All of us who proclaim to be citizens of the Kingdom of God are called to live by faith, even to the point of experiencing the radical hospitality of others. And all who follow Jesus will experience failure in our witness and rejection by those who are set to oppose God instead of submitting to Him.

Prayer

​Dad,
Admittedly, faith is scary for us… or at least it is for me. I think everything I know about the miracle of my relationship with you is all about faith. You credited Abraham with righteousness because of his crazy faith in you. Faith to believe, faith to go, faith to sacrifice Issac, and faith to foresee the promised inheritance for the nation! When it comes to stepping out to deal with the demonic or to believe for healing of another – it’s really hard. Even now there’s a part of the Christian community that doesn’t believe it SHOULD happen, let alone could happen! I want to believe. Like the man said, “help me in my unbelief.”

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Solomon’s oxymoronic dilemma.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I read about Solomon, in the early years I am impressed by his humility, loyalty and wisdom as he ruled the Israelite Empire. And, an empire it was for sure. Israel extended into the Sinai desert near Egypt in the south and to the Euphrates River in the north. It was roughly three times the size of Israel today and would have included parts of present-day Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Solomon himself was “greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.” God also granted him wisdom beyond any other human being. And yet Solomon finds himself searching, wanting, still “seeking wisdom.” In chapter two, he goes looking for trouble – “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life,”2‬:‭1‬.

It’s the next sentence that boggles my mind. “And while still seeking wisdom… I clutched at foolishness.” What a strange oxymoronic pursuit! God gave him more than enough smarts for several lifetimes, but it wasn’t enough? Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is filled with unfathomable wisdom, plenty to know about God, to love God and how to do right. Everything one needs to fulfill Micah’s self-examined question – what does the LORD require of us? Solomon started out with a life of acting justly, loving mercy, walking humbly with God! It seems as though Solomon’s pursuit of MORE had the strange effect of bewitching his life, family and future.

Solomon had the means and the shadowed motivation of experiencing the only “happiness” most find in the brevity of life? He bought and built anything his heart desired. He was consumed with this one idea, “Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure,” ‭2‬:‭10‬. He did the most dangerous, crazy social experiment any human would attempt, ”So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?).” Solomon did it so that we wouldn’t have to… or want to? Plunging himself into deep stupidity. Who would aspire to simultaneously be the smartest and dumbest human? What drove him? I have no idea!

I do know folks that have an insatiable hunger for more. And, conversely, I also know people that seem insanely driven to failure and oddly addicted to foolishness! Both are so sad to watch. I’m not trying to be self effacing, but I am just not smart enough to be one and certainly not dumb enough to be the other! Oh, I want to be wise, but not so much that it drives me to the edge of insanity. I have learned so much from the wisdom God gave Solomon. I’m hoping I will never need his tips on foolishness, other than avoiding them.

Prayer

​Dad,
When I started following Jesus I dove deeply into Proverbs because I was socially delayed as well as lacked discipline. Going through relationships and exploring love for the first time I also spent time in Psalms to learn how to both express and understand the disappointments of life as a teenager. I never did spend too much time trying to understand Solomon and the life lessons he provided. Now, all these years later I understand a little more, but I am still missing the big WHY of his life and Ecclesiastical writings. To have so much and yet still succumb to all the traps of sin and the lusts in our soul, leaves me puzzled still. I do trust you and know there was great purpose in having Solomon record his experiences as the “teacher.” Maybe by the time life ends I’ll figure it all out. Then again, maybe I won’t 🤨.

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Highlight reels of life.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭122‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In this psalm David starts off ecstatically and enthusiastically expressing how he feels coming to the temple, the highlight of the city of Jerusalem. “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Jerusalem, being the city of God, and the temple representing the presence of God, this psalm was sung as the Jewish people made their way back to their homeland after 70 years of Babylonian captivity. David had written this at a time when all things were good in the kingdom!

You know as people, we love reminiscing and reliving the highlight reels of our life. Remember when things were so good? We talk about the seasons, long gone, that were exciting, and everything worked so well. Maybe it was that season of a grand adventure or vacation, when the children were happy and everyone got along. Maybe it was the time when the church was full and everyone could sense the presence of God. Life was grand, the city, the house, even our job felt like it was all going so well. Those were the kinds of moments David was writing about, while he was king of that era in Jerusalem.

Yet, this psalm was inserted at the end of David’s life. And, this psalm was sung as the people were returning to absolute devastation of their beloved city. There was no temple, no protective walls – houses, businesses, parks and plazas had all been destroyed. This song of remembrance was sung to enlist gratefulness and hope in the hearts of the people. It was not sung to go back to “those” days! Instead it was sung to rebuild confidence and faith that God was with them – therefore He will help them rebuild to make a new Jerusalem, with new memories, fresh moments of glory and peace!

The best way to use the highlight reels of life is not to try to relive them, but to parlay those memories into building new ones. Don’t get stuck, like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation trapped in his attic watching old film reels of his childhood. Make new moments! And make them matter!

Thank God for what was, then move on to thank God for what will be.

Ache to create a sense of peace and prosperity of a future city, church, or season where God will meet us once again. Keep moving forward. Moving forward does not tarnish the past, it honors it.

Prayer

​Dad,
It is so hard to have grand and happy memories of past seasons and NOT go back, regressing into wanting something similar to happen in the future. Time is such a bizarre experience as a human! Yet, my head knows that I cannot go back, I cannot experience the past in the present nor the future. I think this has a lot to do with faith and trust. You are not just outside of time, with you it is always NOW. We live sequentially. Plus, the fact that we don’t know the future and could not handle it well even if we were told. One thing I get from your Word is that Israel was told time and time again and warned over and over again, yet they had little chance of recognizing your promises coming to pass, even when it happened right in front of them. Even though the disciples were told what Jesus was going to do and what he would go through. I believe that none of them got it until they experienced it in their past. Until Jesus left. I’m convinced it is near impossible to process what happens in the now, trying to understanding what is happening while in the present – while we are in a specific season, good or bad. You have created us to live linear, one season, one step at a time – no skipping, no shortcuts, no tap-outs. It takes courageous boldness to continue to move forward in faith. I think that’s why our faith in you is pleasing to you.

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Does God hear me?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.” Psalms‬ ‭39‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David, in writing many of the Psalms, never held back what he thinks, and how he feels about his life, his sin and his relationship with God. This Psalm gets super introspective, almost metaphysical, sounding much like the words of his son, Solomon, writing Ecclesiastes. Stuff like, ”We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it” (39‬:‭6‬).

David wrote this when he was younger, going through extremely difficult times while running for his life, even though God had promised that he would be the future king. In those early years he grew close to God while hiding in caves and living by faith alone. While he was processing thoughts about his own life, he gets pensive and moody.

Yet, in this Psalm, David concludes by begging God to listen and see his pain. This Psalm helps us as well. Does God hear us, does He see our pain, our tears? The answer is YES! God does hear and see us. As you read through the Psalms, it becomes clear that David discovered this many times over. Even though this Psalm was inserted towards the end of David’s life, the experiences happened at very low times early in his life. And, thankfully, God does not “leave him alone,” He continues to show up in David’s life just as God shows up in our life. I am thankful that God hears and listens to our cries. He sees us and is working on our behalf.

Prayer

​Dad,
I am so thankful for David’s honest expressions and that you let us see those experiences in Psalms. The raw, authentic words David writes is helpful when I go through difficult times as well. I am grateful that you hear me and see me, drawing close when I am afraid and bringing peace and comfort when my mind whirls and my heart wavers.

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God hears and answers.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. ‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

John answers the question many new believers often ask after praying or being led to repent and/or repeating a prayer by another. For some, the idea of a simple prayer holding such immediate and meaningful change in their life is hard to believe and understand. Of course the words are important, but God is looking and listening to our hearts! God knows the status of our need, faith and honest conversion.

John’s words here to the churches, likely in the Ephesus region, are an admonition, an encouragement to continue to follow through with faith, in “parrésia,” boldness, confidence that God is listening and active in our salvation. It is faith that pleases God, so beginning to grow and practice faith, right from the start is critical. Given those kinds of request, earnest and aligning with God’s desires (will), John is confident that God will give us what we ask for. This is good news! Not only that God hears us, but also is at work to answer those requests.

Our whole existence is an exercise and expression of faith. Jesus said, “we have not because we don’t ask.” Jesus also asked, what father doesn’t want to give good gifts? When a child asks for something they need does a good Dad trick them and give them a snake, stone or scorpion instead? No, good Dads only give good gifts! God only gives us good!

These are reminders for those who have walked with Jesus for many years or they are just starting their journey. Asking and believing for eternal life is just the beginning of a long, lasting relationship with our eternal and gracious God. Each prayer, matched with God’s answers help us grow in our faith and grow in our ability to share truth experiences with others. If these letters were written to the believers in Ephesus, this confidence, these moments of faith, plus watching God answer those requests would be quite the powerful testimony.

This is especially important in light of the city where the majority placed their lives and livelihoods in the hands of the fake god – Diana (Artemis). The cultural wars within the city would have as big as the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Except in this case, instead of a massive gathering with fire consuming the altar, the people John is writing to would be shining their light one miracle at a time.

This is another example of Jesus commanding his followers to both BE a disciple and MAKE disciples. Being a disciple is growing in faith, confidently asking God for what we need. Making disciples is sharing the good news that the one and only living God does more than just listen – God answers our requests!

Prayer

​Dad,
I knew that you heard me when I pray, when I ask for help, guidance or specific needs. John’s encouragement to the churches in Ephesus remind me that you also answer! It reminds me that you are always working in and through my life. But even more, that those answers to my prayers become a way to share with believers and unbelievers alike. To those in the church it becomes a testimony, and encourages others to pray as well. To those who are curious about you or are frustrated talking to the “universe,” useless statues or believing they are their own god. Hearing my faith stories allows them to experience truth. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers! Amen.

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A blameless man gets blamed.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area.” ‭‭Job‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let’s be honest, God is certainly not overly concerned about creating mystery and tension in our human experience! The book of Job is one of those proofs. Job is the oldest written book in the Bible, from an unknown author about an unknown man. Job presents more questions than it does answers, but it is a fascinating read!

We are introduced to Job in poetic storytelling fashion – “There was once a man…” But remember, this is no fairytale! He lived in the land of Uz. Where is Uz and why does it sound so similar to Oz? Uz is a bit of a mystery as well. It is believed to be ancient Edom, and was located in the northwest corner of Arabia, southeast of Israel. Today it would possibly be Uzbekistan. When was Job alive? Many scholars place Job in the patriarchal period, around the same time that Abraham lived (Genesis 11:28–29). Even though we know very little about Job, he was noted to be blameless (“tam” perfect), a man known for absolute integrity (“yashar” refers to living in accordance with God’s laws and principles, embodying integrity and righteousness). Additionally, he stayed clear of evil in his dealings with others.

Not only was he a straight up solid, honest man – he was really wealthy. Not just wealthy in the currency of the day (animal stock), but also in the amount of ranch-hands he employed. And, he and his wife had 10 kids! Wow, Mrs. Job must have been a very busy woman as well. It is noted that he was the richest guy in the region. It doesn’t take much of a stretch to realize this, the people who knew Job and saw what he had would have completely believed this guy was BLESSED by someone. I would say he was blessed by God, the creator of all things. Others, may have thought he was blessed by nonexistent little g-gods. Some may have even thought that Job was such the richly righteous guy that he was PERFECT and deserved the wealth, massive land ownership and large family. This is just the kind of setup to tell us what ended up happening to Job and it would rattle everyone’s ideology AND theology!

The story shifts from a scene on earth to a scene that takes place in the heavens. “One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.” Job‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬. Read the story for yourself, but be warned, it’s a rough ride to figure out the one thing we all want to know – WHY? Lots of Biblical scholars try to explain Job as though it were simple and clear. I have some thoughts, but I enjoy the mystery more than clarity at this stage of my life.

Prayer

​Dad,
Early on in my faith journey I learned a very important lesson. You are God, I am not. You are always right, true and just. When things don’t seem right or make sense this side of eternity, I am 100% sure that it is my human perspective that cannot see nor understand the full scope of your will and your ways while here on earth. I knew then what I am still confident about today – I live on a broken planet among broken people and we all exist in the shadows until the full light of Jesus Christ is revealed at the end of days. Amen.

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Is it really you?

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“John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

After 400 years of silence, 700 years since Isaiah made his bold proclamations about the ONE, THE Messiah, expectation had almost disappeared. Think of that! In our modern times, what stories, predictions or promises have made it further than fifty years or even a hundred years? None. Our social, generational structures aren’t strong enough to even pass down events or stories from our great grandparents!

The Jewish people had an amazing ability to teach and pass down their stories – much of it because of the way they stored their ancient scrolls, the writings of God’s laws. It is a spectacular miracle that 100% of the copies of the original Old Testament parchments has remained intact for thousands of years! The first book of the Bible was written some three thousand five hundred years ago, while the last one was completed nearly two thousand years ago. The text of the Bible not only has survived throughout the centuries, it has survived virtually unchanged.

John the Baptist as well as every religious leader during the time Jesus walked this earth had patiently waited for the messiah. Jesus coming as a baby, born in Bethlehem and preaching in the area of Galilee, had fulfilled anywhere from 300 to 570 Old Testament prophecies. Although there were a few who proclaimed to be THE Messiah before or during the time of Christ, there have been hundreds of false messiahs since! Jesus did not just align and fulfill every single prophetic promise, he also performed about forty miracles, ranging from turning water into wine to raising Lazarus (and others) from the dead. For John and his disciples to ask Jesus if he indeed was the one and only Messiah was more of a desire of an announcement than proof. They wanted Jesus to clearly articulate the proclamation the he is the messiah and would ascend to the throne of David, defeating Rome and restoring Israel to its previous glory.

Listen to Jesus’ response – he gives God’s plan of healing and saving people not kingdoms! The good news, the gospel, was given to all who are suffering, poor and needy. The more I learn about the facts, the truth of what the Bible declared and fulfilled, plus the life of Jesus himself, I realize this – for people who want proof of the existence of God, the reality of Jesus living among us to bring salvation to all human kind, there is more than enough. Most do not need proof, they need faith. The answers are all written and have been proven to be trustworthy and consistent throughout all human history. Yet, folks, bent on denying God, desiring their own way, their own will, pick at popular lies and stories “disproving” God’s Word. It is by faith that one comes to Christ. The same reports that John’s guys brought back to him still are true today – the miracles of Jesus still exist today. Jesus still heals, saves and preaches good news to the poor and those who know they are in need of a savior!

Prayer

​Dad,

My generation, my cultural existence, has no sense of connected history beyond my grandparents! Our stories, our history, is nowhere as beautiful and significant of those who are Jewish. Even our own “God stories” and testimonies of your greatness rarely make it past our children. So the idea of waiting for hundreds of years for the fulfillment of a promise has no real understanding today. We can mentally imagine waiting for the promised Messiah, but have no way to emotionally bear that weight of time and patience of faith. I can see how your faithfulness extends far beyond what I can comprehend! Thank you for keeping Your promises. Amen.