Isaiah 60:1-22 - Verse 19 is telling. "The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." God has been operative in creation (pictured by the imagery of sun and the moon here) but in a "hidden" way with him acting behind the scenes. But Isaiah calls us to anticipation for the day when God will fully come out of hiding and dwell with his people, filling the new creation with himself. Note the "now and not-yet" reality at work here. The chapter opens with a declaration of a present-tense reality: "your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." Yet the tone of the chapter, as a whole, is one of anticipation. Verse 22b: "I am the LORD; in its time I will hasten it." This is most certainly appropriate - Christ has indeed come. And Christ will come again.
Luke 1:39-56 - We hear Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat. Mary's song reminds us that God's great big cosmic plans bring intensely personal and joyous blessings for us as individuals. God is like that. His nature blends the cosmic and the personal.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
December 30 - Christmas
Isaiah 58:1-59:3, 14-21 - A section like this will undoubtedly lead us to ask whether our activities are true or false. Jesus regularly speaks of the religious people as honoring God with rituals, but not in truth. This idea is already at work throughout Isaiah's writing. This is a good question if it causes us to ask critical questions about what we do and why. It can cause trouble for us, however, if we are always trying to throw away the tradition and assert that we have acquired that new heart.
Too often the question of more pure motives leads us to distort Jesus parable of the pharisee and the tax collector. In that parable Jesus talks about a pharisee who prays to God and thanks Him for not making him a wicked tax collector. The tax collector in contrast stands at a distance in fear and trembling, and begs God's forgiveness. Jesus' conclusion is that the tax collector went home justified. Our distortion of this comes in when we assert our position as the humble tax collector. This shows itself when we view our motives as better than another's. ("I go to church for the right reasons.") Isaiah and Jesus' purpose is not to help us figure out the trick, namely which attitude is better, but to force us to rely on God's grace alone. We are rarely able to humble ourselves, so we pray that God will humble us and give us the abundance of His grace.
Luke 1:26-38 - Of his kingdom there will be no end.
Luke 1:26-38 - Of his kingdom there will be no end.
Monday, December 28, 2009
December 28 - Christmas
Isaiah 52:13-54:10 - I believe that Old Testament prophecy speaks about Jesus, but for anyone who has doubts, this section of Isaiah is remarkable. If you usually read this once during the day, consider reading small chunks of this passage throughout the day, and consider the ways in which Isaiah is speaking about Jesus.
Matthew 2:13-23 - Jesus is often spoken of as the new Israel or "Israel reduced to one". God often referred to the nation of Israel as His "son", and in this way Jesus comes to fulfill the role that Israel regularly failed at. His going into Egypt in this reading is one of the first ways this is done. Later we will see Jesus tested in the wilderness. Matthew's Gospel will show us again and again the ways in which God was preparing the world for Jesus.
Friday, December 25, 2009
December 25 - Christmas
Isaiah 49:1-18 - "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Matthew 1:1-17 - Matthew begins his Gospel with the very Hebrew tradition of the genealogy. What Matthew is setting up for us is that Jesus does not come out of nowhere. All of the events of the Old Testament have been leading up to this. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to each generation.
Matthew 1:1-17 - Matthew begins his Gospel with the very Hebrew tradition of the genealogy. What Matthew is setting up for us is that Jesus does not come out of nowhere. All of the events of the Old Testament have been leading up to this. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to each generation.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
December 23 - Advent
Isaiah 43:25-44:20 - This reading begins with the reality that God alone has chosen His people, and God alone can redeem from sin. There is no one like him. It ends with a very humorous description of the foolishness of idolatry. A person fashions from wood both kindling for a fire, and a statue to worship. The absurdity of idolatry is front and center, yet this is not simply a thing of the past. People may not be making little statues to worship, but all of us are tempted to idolatry in some form or another. What are some modern forms of idolatry that we need to be wary of? How does the truth about God turn those things from a nuisance to an opportunity to be God's witnesses?
Revelation 11:1-19 - "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord." We have just witnessed with John an array of frightening things. Yet, the conclusion of God's people is not, "It's all over people, we don't have a prayer." All of this leads the elders to sing God's praise because Jesus is still in charge. Even through the tumult, the hope remains.
Revelation 11:1-19 - "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord." We have just witnessed with John an array of frightening things. Yet, the conclusion of God's people is not, "It's all over people, we don't have a prayer." All of this leads the elders to sing God's praise because Jesus is still in charge. Even through the tumult, the hope remains.
Monday, December 21, 2009
December 21 - Advent
Isaiah 42:1-25 - The picture of the Lord's servant is awesome in the truest sense of the word. He will establish justice, but not through loud shouts, nor through strength of arms. He will never grow faint or be discouraged. When we typically think of establishing justice this means use of force and bold declarations. Consider how any justice department has to work. The picture of the servant is different. He does not come to establish justice the way we think. His is a quiet resolve. He will establish justice to the ends of the earth.
Revelation 9:1-12 - If this passage doesn't cheer you up, I don't know what can. I'm joking. Here we get into the more complex aspects of Revelation. Probably we're beginning to ask questions about when this will take place, or why God is allowing these things to happen. The second question, dealing with the problem of evil, is too big to go into here, but the first question can at least be introduced. There are many views about the timing of these events. Though some people attempt to predict what these visions literally mean and when they're coming, we know from Jesus' own words that the Day cannot be known by us. It is most helpful for us to see not simply a time-line that we should try to identify, but rather cycles of the reality of our fallen world until the end. In this way, John is not trying to give us insight into how it all goes down, he's preparing his readers for the reality of sin and chaos in the here and now. We aren't called to be optimists or pessimists, but realists. The reality is that sin is in the world and it causes problems. The reality is that Jesus has overcome the world and claims us in his victory.
Revelation 9:1-12 - If this passage doesn't cheer you up, I don't know what can. I'm joking. Here we get into the more complex aspects of Revelation. Probably we're beginning to ask questions about when this will take place, or why God is allowing these things to happen. The second question, dealing with the problem of evil, is too big to go into here, but the first question can at least be introduced. There are many views about the timing of these events. Though some people attempt to predict what these visions literally mean and when they're coming, we know from Jesus' own words that the Day cannot be known by us. It is most helpful for us to see not simply a time-line that we should try to identify, but rather cycles of the reality of our fallen world until the end. In this way, John is not trying to give us insight into how it all goes down, he's preparing his readers for the reality of sin and chaos in the here and now. We aren't called to be optimists or pessimists, but realists. The reality is that sin is in the world and it causes problems. The reality is that Jesus has overcome the world and claims us in his victory.
Friday, December 18, 2009
December 18 - Advent
Isaiah 34:1-2; 34:8-35:10 - The last five verses of this reading are more familiar to our ears. Jesus speaks some of these words when John the Baptist asks if he is the Messiah. The section before it details how God will destroy proud cities and make them into a wilderness owned by wild beasts. It's a strange section and rarely do we hear of animals being the inheritors. It is fitting and necessarily connected the words of promise that follow. God will take that wilderness and make it the place where salvation begins. Think about the "wastelands" in our time, the places and situations seemingly beyond hope. Even now God is working in these "wildernesses" and using His people to proclaim the promise.
Revelation 6:1-17 - Now we come to the strangely more famous aspects of Revelation: seven scrolls and the four horsemen. There's a lot of scary stuff happening in this chapter. When we come to the end, though, I'm reminded of Zephaniah. The prophet speaks of hiding as well, and even echoes the words, "who can stand?" For Zephaniah the promise of God is that His people will be able to hide from calamity. In this reading the martyrs "hide" under the altar. For you and I we "hide" in Jesus, clothed with his righteousness through faith. This doesn't solve our problem of understanding the scary stuff, but it answers the question, "who can stand?"
Revelation 6:1-17 - Now we come to the strangely more famous aspects of Revelation: seven scrolls and the four horsemen. There's a lot of scary stuff happening in this chapter. When we come to the end, though, I'm reminded of Zephaniah. The prophet speaks of hiding as well, and even echoes the words, "who can stand?" For Zephaniah the promise of God is that His people will be able to hide from calamity. In this reading the martyrs "hide" under the altar. For you and I we "hide" in Jesus, clothed with his righteousness through faith. This doesn't solve our problem of understanding the scary stuff, but it answers the question, "who can stand?"
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December 17 - Advent
Isaiah 33:1-24 - This is a powerful chapter of Scripture which repeatedly and beautifully points to the futility of human autonomy and the joyful rest that is found in only the Lord. From the very first verse - we are reminded that the way of wicked is unrelenting in its oppression. The moment you stop destroying others - you lay open to destruction. The moment you stop betraying others - you will be betrayed. And this is not only true in some big global capitalistic sense where you see "big evil corporations" cheating their way to the top. The pursuit of "the American Dream" is equally exhausting for those whom it holds captive. But those who wait on the Lord (v. 2) wait in peaceful confidence. Those who trust in the Lord have a place of defense from God's wrath communicated through the wicked (v.16). Those who wait on the Lord will have their bread given and their "water will be sure" all the while as we behold Jerusalem (in hope) where the Lord will be for us.
Revelation 5:1-14 - Chapter 5 in revelation continues the Christ-exalting worship we saw yesterday in chapter 4. But here the worship takes on even greater meaning and significance as God's might works are revealed. In Ch. 4, Christ is worshipped as Creator in the final verse: "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." The power of God is admired and praised in Ch. 4 but in Ch.5 the same God who creates also redeems! And this proclamation of Christ as Redeemer leads to all creation (the elders, the living creatures, and the host of angels)singing "a new song" in verse 9.
There is an unbelievable amount of deep theological truth revealed in the worship scenes of Rev 4 & 5, but most significant, in my opinion, is the fact that God, in Christ, is the author of both creation and redemption. As we read from Ch.4 into Ch.5 - the excitement builds dramatically. And rightfully so as we hear the clear proclamation of all creation as it declares the work of Christ. But we would do well to keep these two chapters and these two songs of praise together in both our theology and in our worship. We ought to be faithful in singing both the "old song" worshipping Christ as creator, as well as the "new song" of Rev 5:9 as we lift our voices this Christmas season.
Revelation 5:1-14 - Chapter 5 in revelation continues the Christ-exalting worship we saw yesterday in chapter 4. But here the worship takes on even greater meaning and significance as God's might works are revealed. In Ch. 4, Christ is worshipped as Creator in the final verse: "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." The power of God is admired and praised in Ch. 4 but in Ch.5 the same God who creates also redeems! And this proclamation of Christ as Redeemer leads to all creation (the elders, the living creatures, and the host of angels)singing "a new song" in verse 9.
There is an unbelievable amount of deep theological truth revealed in the worship scenes of Rev 4 & 5, but most significant, in my opinion, is the fact that God, in Christ, is the author of both creation and redemption. As we read from Ch.4 into Ch.5 - the excitement builds dramatically. And rightfully so as we hear the clear proclamation of all creation as it declares the work of Christ. But we would do well to keep these two chapters and these two songs of praise together in both our theology and in our worship. We ought to be faithful in singing both the "old song" worshipping Christ as creator, as well as the "new song" of Rev 5:9 as we lift our voices this Christmas season.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December 16 - Advent
Isaiah 32:1-20 - A king will reign in righteousness and princes will rule in justice. This opening line from chapter 32 highlights both the hand of God at work and the sinfulness of humanity. Even now, through all forms of government we see some level of justice in our lives. God's hand is at work through these systems to curb sin in the world. Yet Isaiah's statement here also points out that sinful humanity means we hope for something even better. A time will come when a king, or more likely, the king will reign in righteousness. And princes, governments, leaders will rule in justice. 17And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
Revelation 4:1-11 - What a powerful vision of all creation's worship of Jesus. Take a moment to consider some of the images here. First is the reality that the 24 elders (likely representing all humanity) are bowing down and worshipping, but so is the whole creation. Jesus' words that the stones will cry out it is not just hyperbole. There is also some symbolism from the Old Testament here: a rainbow (God's promise to Noah), a calmed sea (God's taming of an otherwise chaotic thing), and the four living creatures (see Ezekiel). As we continue deeper into Revelation we see that the premise still holds, Jesus is lord of all and in control of all things.
Revelation 4:1-11 - What a powerful vision of all creation's worship of Jesus. Take a moment to consider some of the images here. First is the reality that the 24 elders (likely representing all humanity) are bowing down and worshipping, but so is the whole creation. Jesus' words that the stones will cry out it is not just hyperbole. There is also some symbolism from the Old Testament here: a rainbow (God's promise to Noah), a calmed sea (God's taming of an otherwise chaotic thing), and the four living creatures (see Ezekiel). As we continue deeper into Revelation we see that the premise still holds, Jesus is lord of all and in control of all things.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December 15 - Advent
Isaiah 30:27 - 31:9 - Here we see another example of Isaiah calling down God's judgment on sinners. We often focus on the specific nature of God's judgment in these texts, but what is the picture of God given here? What does God's judgment tell us about the heart and character of God?
Revelation 3:1-22 - The pattern of Revelation 2 which Ryan highlighted yesterday continues here in Chapter 3. Notice Jesus' words of comfort to the faithful in these final three Churches. The faithful in Sardis will be clothed and will walk with Jesus (v. 4). The faithful in Philadelphia will be kept from the hour of trial (v. 10) and will be made a pillar in the temple of God - the City of God which is the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven. The faithful in Laodicea will come in and dine with Jesus and sit with him on his throne. Again, as Ryan pointed out yesterday, this book is concerned with revealing the purity, holiness, and altogether goodness of Jesus Christ. It is not meant to be read as a series of "Revelations" about the doom and gloom that awaits the world - it is the "Revelation" of Jesus Christ - the Lord and Savior of the Universe. This reality is why it is so appropriate for us to be reading this book now as we "Advent" together eagerly anticipating the revelation of God in the Incarnation.
Revelation 3:1-22 - The pattern of Revelation 2 which Ryan highlighted yesterday continues here in Chapter 3. Notice Jesus' words of comfort to the faithful in these final three Churches. The faithful in Sardis will be clothed and will walk with Jesus (v. 4). The faithful in Philadelphia will be kept from the hour of trial (v. 10) and will be made a pillar in the temple of God - the City of God which is the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven. The faithful in Laodicea will come in and dine with Jesus and sit with him on his throne. Again, as Ryan pointed out yesterday, this book is concerned with revealing the purity, holiness, and altogether goodness of Jesus Christ. It is not meant to be read as a series of "Revelations" about the doom and gloom that awaits the world - it is the "Revelation" of Jesus Christ - the Lord and Savior of the Universe. This reality is why it is so appropriate for us to be reading this book now as we "Advent" together eagerly anticipating the revelation of God in the Incarnation.
Monday, December 14, 2009
December 14 - Advent
Isaiah 30:15-26 - 15For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." Find a few moments today and this week for rest and quietness. It doesn't matter if you can only spare 5 minutes. Just as God calls his people not to seek to save themselves, he is calling you and I today to rest in Him.
Revelation 2:1-29 - Here we see four of the seven churches that Revelation is written to. Notice how each section begins with a description of Jesus, details something good and something bad about the people, and ends with an encouragement to stay strong until the end. It's important for us to keep in mind who this letter was originally sent to. We often think of Revelation as a frightening book and series of "revelations" of disaster. The reality is that it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and a comforting word to God's people who suffer persecution.
Revelation 2:1-29 - Here we see four of the seven churches that Revelation is written to. Notice how each section begins with a description of Jesus, details something good and something bad about the people, and ends with an encouragement to stay strong until the end. It's important for us to keep in mind who this letter was originally sent to. We often think of Revelation as a frightening book and series of "revelations" of disaster. The reality is that it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and a comforting word to God's people who suffer persecution.
Friday, December 11, 2009
December 11 - Advent
Isaiah 28:14-29 - This passage from Isaiah almost seems like a series of riddles. But the examples Isaiah gives at the end for the wisdom of God dove-tail nicely with Eric's point from yesterday. God's wisdom is in all things, whether it be understanding the seasons and putting order to a field, or heeding the Word of God to repent and believe. Isaiah points out that one cannot, or rather should not miss that God's hand is in all things, no matter how hidden His hand may be. With our hindsight on the text we can also see God's hand revealed in the cornerstone that he places in Zion, Jesus the Christ.
1 John 5:1-21 - What do you suppose John is talking about when he refers to the Spirit, the water and the blood? Consider this in light of Jesus' ministry and also in the ministry of his Church. Notice that John has repeated himself quite a bit in this letter. John's conclusion is that we should avoid idols. It would be easy for us to get caught up on details of John's words about sinning, but the focus for him is Jesus Christ, and that we should not place our trust in anyone or anything else.
1 John 5:1-21 - What do you suppose John is talking about when he refers to the Spirit, the water and the blood? Consider this in light of Jesus' ministry and also in the ministry of his Church. Notice that John has repeated himself quite a bit in this letter. John's conclusion is that we should avoid idols. It would be easy for us to get caught up on details of John's words about sinning, but the focus for him is Jesus Christ, and that we should not place our trust in anyone or anything else.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
December 10 - Advent
Isaiah 26:20-27:13 - Again we see God's powerful judgment executed to "punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity". Yet with regards to His people, God has not struck them as He struck those who struck them. He has not slain them as He has their slayers (v. 7). God contends with His people in the exile. He disciplines His people by His judgment. And in the end He will thresh out the grain and glean His people one by one. In what way does God's way of judgment reveal His absolute goodness? Though we often think of God's law as a source of condemnation, in what sense can we declare with the Psalmist that we delight in God's Law?
1 John 4:1-21 - Here we see God's love as the engine which drives the entire Christian life: the life we live before God and the life we life before our fellow man. Of particular significance is the fact that God's love is "made manifest among us" in His sending His only Son into the world. Christmas is the story of the embodied (incarnate) love of God brought to earth. The love of God abides in us as we abide in God's love. But God's love perfected through us manifests itself in different ways. Before God we "come to know and to believe the love that God has for us." Before God our standing is determined by Faith alone. Before our neighbor, God's love is perfected as we are sent out to perform good works. Before our neighbor, our standing is determined by our active righteousness in the realm of vocation.
In vocation divine love takes on concrete forms (a hug, a word of encouragement, a special Christmas gift). One implication of this is that we ought to be careful before we attempt to "spiritualize" Christmas. It is easy to get cynical as we fall prey to commercialism and ring up the credit card debt. But let us not forget that the God who is present but hidden in the family as they gather around their Christmas tree opening gifts is the same God who took on flesh and lay in a manger 2,000 years ago. So Advent is indeed a fascinating time to be a Christian. As we look around our homes at our decor, our Christmas trees and the gifts beneath them - we are reminded of the loving God who has hidden himself in the family. As we look around our cities and towns at the gatherings and festivals filled with warmth and good will - we are reminded of the loving God who looms hidden behind all earthly authority and community. But more than all that - Christmas is the story of the loving God who resolved not to remain hidden. The God who permanently came out of hiding in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem. The one they called Immanuel.
1 John 4:1-21 - Here we see God's love as the engine which drives the entire Christian life: the life we live before God and the life we life before our fellow man. Of particular significance is the fact that God's love is "made manifest among us" in His sending His only Son into the world. Christmas is the story of the embodied (incarnate) love of God brought to earth. The love of God abides in us as we abide in God's love. But God's love perfected through us manifests itself in different ways. Before God we "come to know and to believe the love that God has for us." Before God our standing is determined by Faith alone. Before our neighbor, God's love is perfected as we are sent out to perform good works. Before our neighbor, our standing is determined by our active righteousness in the realm of vocation.
In vocation divine love takes on concrete forms (a hug, a word of encouragement, a special Christmas gift). One implication of this is that we ought to be careful before we attempt to "spiritualize" Christmas. It is easy to get cynical as we fall prey to commercialism and ring up the credit card debt. But let us not forget that the God who is present but hidden in the family as they gather around their Christmas tree opening gifts is the same God who took on flesh and lay in a manger 2,000 years ago. So Advent is indeed a fascinating time to be a Christian. As we look around our homes at our decor, our Christmas trees and the gifts beneath them - we are reminded of the loving God who has hidden himself in the family. As we look around our cities and towns at the gatherings and festivals filled with warmth and good will - we are reminded of the loving God who looms hidden behind all earthly authority and community. But more than all that - Christmas is the story of the loving God who resolved not to remain hidden. The God who permanently came out of hiding in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem. The one they called Immanuel.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
December 9 - Advent
Isaiah 26:1-19 - Knowing that we will be lifted up/resurrected on the last day, what are the implications for how we live now? Does this hope allow me to think of God's salvation only in my personal terms? What does evangelism sound like?
1 John 3:1-24 - John gives us some difficult words. I am reminded by Paul that I am both a sinner and (because of Christ) a saint. Paul even states that he struggles with the sin of his old nature even as God is sanctifying him through the Holy Spirit. Here, John tells us that if we abide in Christ we will no longer sin. He even speaks of the holy life as evidence that we are in Christ. I don't know about you but my evidence is lacking. There is no quick fix in these words. The tension stands. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. God calls me to life through the Gospel, and this life is to be holy. Do I lean on my holiness? No. Do I ignore God's call to be holy? No. This is how we live by faith until Christ's return.
1 John 3:1-24 - John gives us some difficult words. I am reminded by Paul that I am both a sinner and (because of Christ) a saint. Paul even states that he struggles with the sin of his old nature even as God is sanctifying him through the Holy Spirit. Here, John tells us that if we abide in Christ we will no longer sin. He even speaks of the holy life as evidence that we are in Christ. I don't know about you but my evidence is lacking. There is no quick fix in these words. The tension stands. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. God calls me to life through the Gospel, and this life is to be holy. Do I lean on my holiness? No. Do I ignore God's call to be holy? No. This is how we live by faith until Christ's return.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
December 8 - Advent
Isaiah 24:14-25:12 - In this text both the greatness and goodness of God are eloquently proclaimed. God is pictured as receiving praise from all lands (west, east, coastlands etc.). God is sovereign over all - punishing the host of heaven in heaven and the kings of earth on earth (v. 21). He rules over the moon and the sun and reigns on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem (v. 23). There is nothing outside of His sovereign power and care. The text goes on in Chapter 25 to clearly illustrate the goodness of God revealed as He exercises His sovereignty. He has done wonderful things and formed faithful and sure plans. He is a stronghold to the poor and needy in distress (v.4). He will prepare a rich feast for us with the best food and wine (v.6). And best of all - He will swallow up death forever and wipe away tears from all faces (v.8).
Often times, God's word simply reminds us of who He is and what He has done (and what He will do). What a refreshingly simple message we find in this passage. We so often get caught up in the details of our theology, or our ministry, or of God's specific will for our lives that we begin to lose sight of God's providence and goodness. The beginning of all wisdom is realizing that God is not like us. He is infinitely greater and better than we are. I am thankful for constant reminders of His true character scattered in His word.
1 John 2:15-29 - Here we receive some stern words of warning exhorting us to reject worldliness and to abide in the truth in the face of antichrist. I am struck by the confidence in the author's tone as he issues his warnings. In verses 20-21: "20But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth." He offers a word of serious word of warning but without any hint of despair. How often do we, in the church, hear impassioned pleas regarding the impending dangers of theological drift and moral decay? There is a certainly a place for godly wisdom and exhortation delivered with passion. But we must be watchful that we don't drift in to the type of despair that loses sight of the victory Christ won through the cross and resurrection. The dangers posed by the world and antichrist are real but the ultimate outcome of the war is secure. Furthermore - our standing is secure as well if we simply cling to the truth we were taught in the beginning. Verse 24b-25: "If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life."
Often times, God's word simply reminds us of who He is and what He has done (and what He will do). What a refreshingly simple message we find in this passage. We so often get caught up in the details of our theology, or our ministry, or of God's specific will for our lives that we begin to lose sight of God's providence and goodness. The beginning of all wisdom is realizing that God is not like us. He is infinitely greater and better than we are. I am thankful for constant reminders of His true character scattered in His word.
1 John 2:15-29 - Here we receive some stern words of warning exhorting us to reject worldliness and to abide in the truth in the face of antichrist. I am struck by the confidence in the author's tone as he issues his warnings. In verses 20-21: "20But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth." He offers a word of serious word of warning but without any hint of despair. How often do we, in the church, hear impassioned pleas regarding the impending dangers of theological drift and moral decay? There is a certainly a place for godly wisdom and exhortation delivered with passion. But we must be watchful that we don't drift in to the type of despair that loses sight of the victory Christ won through the cross and resurrection. The dangers posed by the world and antichrist are real but the ultimate outcome of the war is secure. Furthermore - our standing is secure as well if we simply cling to the truth we were taught in the beginning. Verse 24b-25: "If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life."
Monday, December 7, 2009
December 7 - Advent
Isaiah 24:1-13 - This is a pretty frightening text. God's awesome power is on display, as he "twists the surface" of the earth. All people, regardless of their positions will be affected. The sin of the world has brought about God's judgment. The saddest thing to me is the end of any kind of celebration or singing. We have all experienced great sadness because of health, loss, conflict. But even through those times we might find something to laugh about, or comfort in singing a song. The total absence of that in this text is heartbreaking. And this is why when Christ comes into the world he spends so much time talking about and engaging in celebrations. The reconciliation we have with God through Jesus is not a verbal fiction. It is real. It is fellowship. It means celebration. So much so, that the picture of the new creation is one of all God's people and the whole earth celebrating, singing to the Lamb who was slain. The silence of sin is ended.
1 John 1:1-2:14 - John talks about walking in the light. He points out that we cannot claim to be in the light while still hating our brother. Most of us would say, "I don't hate anybody." I certainly don't feel like there's anyone I hate. But are there people who I avoid because of conflict? Reconciliation is never an easy thing. Even when we know what it means in theory we have a hard time practicing it. We shouldn't expect it to be easy. After all, Jesus' reconciling of God and man was a painful and tragic experience. If there is someone who you are angry with, pray about how you can have reconciliation, not only from your perspective, but also in your words and deeds.
1 John 1:1-2:14 - John talks about walking in the light. He points out that we cannot claim to be in the light while still hating our brother. Most of us would say, "I don't hate anybody." I certainly don't feel like there's anyone I hate. But are there people who I avoid because of conflict? Reconciliation is never an easy thing. Even when we know what it means in theory we have a hard time practicing it. We shouldn't expect it to be easy. After all, Jesus' reconciling of God and man was a painful and tragic experience. If there is someone who you are angry with, pray about how you can have reconciliation, not only from your perspective, but also in your words and deeds.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
December 5 - Advent
Isaiah 11:1-12:6 - Here we have a beautiful picture of what the Lord will do on earth through Jesus ("The Root of Jesse". Note how Chapter 11 focuses solely on God's "yet to be accomplished" work through Jesus before Chapter 12 moves on to desribe our response of praise. There is a qualitative difference between empty-minded praise (praise offered simply because it feels good to praise someone / something) and the praise offered here and throughout the Psalms. Why is it so important that we remember God's saving work in history? How is this reflected in our liturgy (our order of worship) on Sunday morning?
2 Peter 2:1-22 - In this passage we see Peter's stern warning about false prophets and teachers. Taken as a whole, this is a word of Law which provokes fear and distress in the mind and heart of the reader. But our hope rests in verse 9. "The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, . . ." I find in this passage a warning about becoming too "comfortable" in the gospel. As a high school theology teacher , I wonder if I tremble enough as I proclaim the gospel to my students. Do I assume I have the gospel down pat or do I return to the fresh living waters of God's Word on a daily basis?
Here I find Luther's theology of baptism helpful in estabishing a healthy fear in my heart as I contemplate my standing in the gospel. Luther calls us to remember our baptism each morning as we wash our face - metaphorically drowning the old sinful flesh and arising anew in Christ. Being reminded of this baptismal reality is comforting in at least two ways:
1. It reminds us that our original connection to the Gospel is effected by God's work in baptism - not by the sincerity of our own belief.
2. It reminds us of the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the spirit - allowing us to recognize that each day we walk in the gospel by the miraculous work of God in the Spirit giving and strengthening our faith in Christ alone.
2 Peter 2:1-22 - In this passage we see Peter's stern warning about false prophets and teachers. Taken as a whole, this is a word of Law which provokes fear and distress in the mind and heart of the reader. But our hope rests in verse 9. "The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, . . ." I find in this passage a warning about becoming too "comfortable" in the gospel. As a high school theology teacher , I wonder if I tremble enough as I proclaim the gospel to my students. Do I assume I have the gospel down pat or do I return to the fresh living waters of God's Word on a daily basis?
Here I find Luther's theology of baptism helpful in estabishing a healthy fear in my heart as I contemplate my standing in the gospel. Luther calls us to remember our baptism each morning as we wash our face - metaphorically drowning the old sinful flesh and arising anew in Christ. Being reminded of this baptismal reality is comforting in at least two ways:
1. It reminds us that our original connection to the Gospel is effected by God's work in baptism - not by the sincerity of our own belief.
2. It reminds us of the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the spirit - allowing us to recognize that each day we walk in the gospel by the miraculous work of God in the Spirit giving and strengthening our faith in Christ alone.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
December 3 - Advent
Isaiah 9:8-10:11 - Every time I read texts like this one that highlight how God exercises His judgment over the nations through earthly rulers and authorities I am humbled and comforted by God's sovereignty. How does God's sovereignty over both heaven and earth (or both Kingdoms in Luther's thought and speech) comfort us as we engage in matters of both faith and politics? In other words, how does God's sovereignty reassure me not only about my own salvation but also about things like the current debate over Health Care and the wisdom of our new policy in Afghanistan?
1 Peter 5:1-14 - Here Peter wraps up his extended words of comfort to those Christians encountering much suffering for the sake of their faith in Christ. Verse 10 is particularly comforting: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." What words of comfort that the suffering is only temporary. God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. We can trust Christ - our living hope - because the outcome is secure. The victory of Christ's Kingdom has already been won and we faithfully await its full and final implementation on earth.
1 Peter 5:1-14 - Here Peter wraps up his extended words of comfort to those Christians encountering much suffering for the sake of their faith in Christ. Verse 10 is particularly comforting: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." What words of comfort that the suffering is only temporary. God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. We can trust Christ - our living hope - because the outcome is secure. The victory of Christ's Kingdom has already been won and we faithfully await its full and final implementation on earth.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
December 2 - Advent
Isaiah 8:9-9:7 - 12"Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." We know that we should not fear the things of this world, because Jesus is victorious, and his victory is ours. Yet how often do we find ourselves getting caught up in such fears? Whether it's finances, government, health, we regularly find ourselves caught up in the business of fear. I've often heard from people that they don't like the idea of a God you fear, but the reality is that we fear all kinds of things all the time. What is ironic is that we fear people and situations that are under the control of God. We are invited instead to fear God, to trust him, and to allow His gift of faith to drive away all other fears.
1 Peter 4:1-19 - I often try to talk about vocation, the callings God places us in. This is of course not just work, but also positions of relationship: parent, child, neighbor, etc. The positive side of vocation is that God gives us a purpose in this life. We aren't just waiting around for the end, but are engaged in God's work of redemption through all our stations in life. In this reading, Peter identifies another aspect of vocation: suffering. Certainly we find joy in our callings, but we also find a cross to bear. Loving your children can mean sacrifice, and serving your neighbor can be thankless. Peter doesn't tell us to go looking for suffering, but glorify God when it comes.
1 Peter 4:1-19 - I often try to talk about vocation, the callings God places us in. This is of course not just work, but also positions of relationship: parent, child, neighbor, etc. The positive side of vocation is that God gives us a purpose in this life. We aren't just waiting around for the end, but are engaged in God's work of redemption through all our stations in life. In this reading, Peter identifies another aspect of vocation: suffering. Certainly we find joy in our callings, but we also find a cross to bear. Loving your children can mean sacrifice, and serving your neighbor can be thankless. Peter doesn't tell us to go looking for suffering, but glorify God when it comes.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
December 1 - Advent
Isaiah 7:10-8:8 - Here God promises to give the sign of Immanuel ("God with Us"). Notice the tone of finality at work here in the text. The Lord will give His people a final, conclusive sign in giving them the sign of Immanuel (something corroborated by the rest of Scripture - particularly Hebrews 1.1-2). Why are we so often not content to accept the fullness of God's revelation in Christ? Why, in our weaker moments, does Christ seem insufficient? How can we learn to rest in the sufficiency of Christ alone? What else are we looking for? As we enter into Advent, what comfort do we receive from knowing that Christ is God's final sign and full revelation of Himself?
1 Peter 3:1-22 - When we speak of becoming like Christ - we often think of moments of triumph and faithfulness on our part as we grow in our sanctification. But what does this passage tell us about the ways in which we are going to be like Christ? Our "Christ-likeness" is not only exhibited in our times of triumph but also in our unjust suffering. The Christian life is one of suffering (often just but sometimes unjust) as we are united with Christ in his crucifixion. The good news is that in our baptism, God has also connected us to Christ's resurrection. May this reality help us live faithful lives in the midst of both our triumphs and our suffering.
1 Peter 3:1-22 - When we speak of becoming like Christ - we often think of moments of triumph and faithfulness on our part as we grow in our sanctification. But what does this passage tell us about the ways in which we are going to be like Christ? Our "Christ-likeness" is not only exhibited in our times of triumph but also in our unjust suffering. The Christian life is one of suffering (often just but sometimes unjust) as we are united with Christ in his crucifixion. The good news is that in our baptism, God has also connected us to Christ's resurrection. May this reality help us live faithful lives in the midst of both our triumphs and our suffering.
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