January 29 - Epiphany

Zechariah 8:1-23 - Two images stand out to me: the elderly and the young in the city, and the foreigners latching onto the robes of the Jews. The first is profound in that it speaks to the peace that Israel will enjoy. When there is warfare, the young and the old cannot hang out in the streets. But God will accomplish such a thing for Israel. The second is a powerful shift in thought for the Jews. Foreigners are no longer just a temptation for the Jews than causes them to follow other gods. Now the nations are eager to seek the Lord and will follow Israel to the place where God can be found.

2 Timothy 1:1-18 - Paul opens his letter to Timothy, a younger leader in the Church, with comfort and challenge. The challenge is to not be ashamed of the Gospel or of suffering for its sake. This is a challenge for us as well. We may be ashamed of the conflict that can arise at the name of Jesus. We may be ashamed at our own lack of knowledge. We may be ashamed by the circumstances or behavior of other Christians. Paul is reminding us not to have a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. Our confidence is in Christ who did not avoid the shame of the cross for our sakes. That good news is our comfort. And that comfort is a gift from God by faith. As that faith has been passed down to us (verse 5), we know that God will pass it along to others through us.

January 28 - Epiphany

Zechariah 6:1-7:14 - The Word of God is living and active. Similarly, His word to us (in our individual callings) is not static, but rather fresh and dynamic because it flows from Him alone. We are often tempted to turn our "ordinary" callings into something extraordinary. God uses Zechariah to issue a seemingly extraordinary calling in Zech 6:9-14. The task given is exciting and seems to be of the utmost importance. But in Zechariah 7, God rejects the pretentious fasting and mourning of His people, calling them to simple acts of truth-telling, kindness, and mercy. And the people would not hear Him (7.11). Luther argued that we always bear a "cross" in our callings. He meant that we will fail and despair in vocation, forcing us to turn to God in prayer. Vocation also comes with a "crown", as we (new members of God's royal family) are tasked by the King for work in His world. But the beauty and significance of our crown is not always recognized by the world. Like our Savior's crown of thorns, the crown of vocation is sure to bring us great pain. But the pain of this life is ultimately swallowed up by God's eternal presence in the next.

Romans 16:17-27 - "The God of Peace will soon crush satan under your feet" (v. 20). There is much to ponder in this verse alone. What do we learn of the nature of God here? Peaceful and Crushing?!?! What do we learn about redeemed man? Under OUR feet? Really?

January 27 - Epiphany

Zechariah 4:1-5:11 - Lampstands, scrolls, women with wings. We're more likely familiar with such visuals from the book of Revelation. If you're having a hard time understanding what's going on you're not alone. When prophet's have visions the symbols that have obvious meaning to them can be a little cryptic to us. Even Zechariah needs some explaining with some of these visions. For example, the lampstands shed light and reflect the glory of God, encouraging the people to finish rebuilding the Temple. The olive trees stand for priestly and royal offices, and also for a steady supply of oil to the lampstands. These visuals are a reminder to the people that God has resourced them for the task He has called them to. What symbols do we have as Christians, that might need some explaining for the uninitiated and even for us?

Romans 15:14-33 - Is Paul allowed to be proud? Are we? Pride can be a sticky thing because it rarely shows up without puffing up. Pride for ourselves and our accomplishments focuses all the attention on us, often to the detriment of others. Is Paul's pride different? If so, how?

January 26 - Epiphany

Zechariah 2:1-3:10 - Throughout Scripture, we see the dynamic movement of God's plans and activity, dancing from the past to the present to the future and back again. The center of this passage, like the center of God's activity in the Old Testament as a whole, is Jerusalem. But we find God moving in Jerusalem in new and exciting ways. First of all, the Jerusalem of old will be renewed and inhabited again, this time as "villages without walls" (2.4). Echoing other eschatological passages in both Testaments, the light of the sun will be replaced by the glory of God, Himself (2.5). And on that day, the LORD "will again choose Jerusalem" (2.12) indicating that God's future promise is tied to His past faithfulness.

In addition to the temporal movement (past, present, and future) we see here, there is also a geographical dimension to God's saving movement. Many other nations will be "joined to the LORD" on that day (2.11). And the God of Israel will be the God of Israel's neigbors as well as He cleanses them and removes all iniquity (3.9-10).

Both of these types of movement (the temporal and the geographical) reveal the greatness of a God who will not be constrained by either time or space. Our inheritance is nothing less than eternal fellowship with the LORD in the renewed Heaven and Earth, pictured in this text.


Romans 15:1-13 - Here, Paul exhorts us to reflect the example of Christ in our lives and in our living. I am struck by how we usually take these words and flatten them out, as if following Christ's example is simply a matter of effort and positive thinking. Who is our "Christ-likeness" aimed at? What is its purpose?

Our good works are to be done for God's glory and our neighbor's fulfillment. As Luther would argue, good works are to be done for the good of our neighbor, not for some vague idea of "the Kingdom" and certainly not primarily for our own sanctification. While we look at Christ's example and turn inward, once we are made aware of our sin, God would have us immediately look and turn outward, to the Cross where our sin is paid for and to our neighbor to exercise our newfound freedom in love.

January 25 - Epiphany

Zechariah 1:1-21 - Notice how it is the angel of the Lord who asks God how long He will be angry. Typically we see the prophet doing this. A prophet's role is often to speak to the people on behalf of God, and also to speak to God on behalf of the people. What role do we see the angel taking in this section? How is this similar to what Jesus/Holy Spirit does?

Romans 14:1-23 - This is a difficult and crucial passage for the Church. Paul says that we should not obsess over rituals or days, thus creating laws for each other to follow. Such things can ultimately hinder the Gospel. At the same time he states that we should abstain from activities that harm a weaker brother or sister in the faith. Improper use of the Law and of freedom can cause us and others to stumble. How do we navigate this difficulty? What do we do when we have failed?

January 22 - Epiphany

Joel 2:1-17 - "Blow a trumpet in Zion, sound an alarm on my Holy mountain." "Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, call a solemn assembly." It is unavoidable that the people will hear a trumpet blast. The question is whether they will hear and heed the call to repent, or if they will hear the trumpet warning of destruction. How does God send us warnings when we are headed toward trouble? What does God call us to do in those circumstances?

Romans 11:1-24 - How does this text help us understand missions to Jewish people?

January 21 - Epiphany

Joel 1:1-20 - The "Day of the LORD" was a time eagerly anticipated by the Israelites when God would judge the nations and restore Israel to its former glory. Joel reminds Israel that the Day of the Lord is a day of reckoning, not just for opposing nations, but for unfaithful Israel as well. In fact - the the very presence of the nations and their hostility towards Israel, is an instrument of judgment in God's hand. The "Day of the LORD" will bring judgment as well as joy. As Christians we too long for the "Day of the LORD". What should this longing look like? What is the proper form our anticipation should take?

Romans 10:1-21 - Here Paul speaks of the universal message of salvation, found through faith in Christ's righteousness alone. This gospel is for all people (Jew and Greek) - there is no distinction. Here, and throughout the Bible, we experience the tension of divine sovereignty and the human will. It is Christ who gives us faith - yet it is we who believe. It is we who are sent to preach the good news - yet it is God who has "shown (Himself)" and who has "held out His Hands . . ." Do you find it at all difficult to live in this tension? How do we use God's sovereignty as an excuse for sin in our lives? How might our obsession with our own autonomy and "free will" indicate our sinful pride and arrogance? How should we navigate these pitfalls?

January 20 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 47:1-14, 21-23 - Where does the water come from and what does it signify? Consider some of the other images connected to the water: trees, fish, etc.

Romans 9:19-33 - At the beginning of this passage Paul gets at the root of our attempted defenses against God. "If God loves us, why did He create us this way? Why is there sin?" Paul response is the same given by God to Job, "Are you in the place of God?" This never seems like a satisfactory answer, and that shows more about the depth of our sin, than about Paul's ability to formulate a response. When we in confession of our sin recognize what we actually deserve from God, our creator, the challenging thought isn't, "Why sin?" but "Why grace?" The truly perplexing action of God is that

"Those who were not my people I will call 'my people,'

and her who was not beloved I will call 'beloved.'"
"And in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
there they will be called 'sons of the living God.'"

January 18 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 40:1-4; 43:1-12 - How many times is Ezekiel going to fall on his face? We're in chapter 43 and again Ezekiel falls down before the glory of God. Standing before God is something our culture just assumes, as if we can just sit with Him and have a cup of coffee like equals. In the documentary "Expelled" Ben Stein asks well known atheist Richard Dawkins what he would say if it turned out he is wrong and he meets God face to face. Dawkins' response: "Why did you go to so much trouble to hide yourself?" Even if he turns out to be totally wrong, Dawkins places himself in a position of judgment. The reality is that I doubt he would be able to say anything, let alone even look at God. And this is the reality for all of us. Even Ezekiel, a holy prophet cannot stand before a Holy God, but has to be lifted up by the Spirit of the Lord. This truth makes the coming of Jesus even more profound. God stands among us, speaks and eats with us, dies in our place. Jesus falls flat on his face, and is lifted on the third day. Now you and I can stand.

Romans 8:18-39 - The whole creation cries out for redemption. We are the people of Hope. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. God is for us, who can be against us. Nothing can separate us from God's love. It's difficult to choose one thing from this section to meditate on. Each of these concepts could take weeks worth of posts to unpack. Consider taking a few moments throughout the day and considering each of these particular words from Paul. Feel free to post any questions.

January 14 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 37:15-28 - I often forget that God's people in the Old Testament were rarely united. The few times they were, leaders like Moses and David were in charge. Here God promises that His people will be one and have one shepherd over them. This promise is to us as well. Certainly there is division between those who believe in Jesus and those who don't, but we also see division within the people of God. God does not have His people unite by putting their differences aside or by mutual understanding. God unites His people in His action on their behalf. Our unity with each other, as imperfect as it is until Christ's return, is based in Jesus' death and resurrection. It doesn't come through signed agreements or ignoring important differences, but through the work of the Shepherd. Thanks be to God.

Romans 6:1-23 - Wait a minute! Is Paul saying that we're either slaves to sin or to righteousness, but never somewhere in between with the freedom to choose? Consider what it means to be a slave to righteousness.

January 14 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 36:33 - 37:14 - This famous OT passage is a classic picture that displays God's ability and desire to renew and re-create His people. He has spoken and He will do it! This is the God in whom we place our hope. Let us despair of our own power and ability but let us never deny God's powerful promise. We love to play the victim - but by faith God turns us victims into visionaries.


Romans 5:1-21 - Epiphany helps us celebrate the realization of who Jesus truly is (the light bulb comes on!). But while our realization might be new - grasping the reality of God's mission in Jesus requires us to go all the way back to Genesis 1-3. The Old Story takes on a new meaning in light of Jesus Christ. Paul reveals this by comparing calling Adam "a type" of Christ in verse 14. The Gospel begins in Genesis - not in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Why do so many Christians struggle to see the Bible as one single story: the Old Testament which leads up to Christ and then the New Testament, the story that leads on from Him?

January 13 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 36:13-28 - It seems kind of mean that God says he will save Israel because of His reputation and not for their sake. Doesn't God save them because they're His people, or because they cried out for help, or because they've turned from their wickedness? No, God saves them because His name is Holy, because the nations must know that He is God, because of who God is. What seems to be unkind is in fact the Gospel. God saves Israel and you and I not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

Romans 4:1-25 - Paul paints a pretty rosy picture of Abraham at the end of this section. "No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God." Is Paul just conveniently forgetting that Abraham almost gave Sarah away twice for fear for his life, or that Sarah gave him Hagar because they thought it was too late for Sarah to bear a child? How can Paul say that Abraham didn't waver? Perhaps because faith is not simply a work that replaces circumcision. If faith were a work of Abraham's then he most certainly wavered. But if faith is the promise of God that Abraham took hold of, and that promise was fulfilled, then Abraham's faith certainly did win out. What struggles are you facing right now, and how is God calling you to take hold of His promises?

January 12 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 34:1-24 - Yesterday we saw God address the disobedient hearts and lips of Israel in Ezekiel 33, today He goes after the "shepherds of Israel" who have neglected their calling in caring for and protecting the masses. While the people are culpable for their own sin - the spiritual leadership bears a special responsibility for their welfare, or in this case, their rebellion. All failure in upholding our callings from the Lord is sin - and only results in more sin. The shepherds' failures allowed sheep to stray and be snatched away by wild beasts. We see the same dynamic at work in the breakdown of the family unit today. As sinners, we simultaneously stand as both the offending party and the victim. The good news is that God doesn't allow his children to remain in sin's way. Though we are faithless - He is faithful. He will be our shepherd. He will rescue us!

Romans 3:19-31 - After establishing that no one is righteous according to the Law, Paul turns his attention to "the righteousness of God through faith for all who believe". The Gospel gives us new life in Heaven with God, beginning in the present and lasting into eternity. Paul stresses that this life is received by faith alone. But what about our life here on earth? Does that now cease? "Do we now overthrow the law by this faith?" Paul asks. His answer (as we saw yesterday) is another use of the phrase "By No Means!" Secure in our new life in Christ - we "uphold the Law" in the way we live out our days on Earth. In Luther's Commentary on Galatians, he writes that "When I have Christian righteousness reigning in my heart, I descend from heaven as the rain makes fruitful the earth; that is to say, I do good works how and wheresoever the occasion arises."

This is the tension of the Christian life. The Christian's soul is at rest with Christ in heaven while at the same time his body labors selflessly for the sake of his neighbor here on earth.

January 11 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 33:1-20 - Do we ever say, "The way of the Lord is not just"? Certainly this thought occurs when we experience suffering, but what about when we are engaged in some sin? Ezekiel is speaking in the context of people who are living in disobedience to God and declaring that His ways are not just. Even if we don't find ourselves saying the words so crassly we might make more subtle agreements with the sentiment: "Does it really hurt anybody?" How do we know what God meant?" With the serpent in the garden we ask, "Did God really say?" In these and other ways we begin to assert that God's ways are not just, and that He has not communicated what justice truly is. May God give each of us an Ezekiel, a watchman, who cares for us and turns us back in humility to God.

Romans 3:1-18 - Paul is in the middle of fighting off critics. Notice how Paul throughout Romans often says, 'By no means!" People are ready to misunderstand Paul, and God. "You mean we should sin more, in order to get more grace?" "You mean God is the author of evil?" "You mean God can't be trusted because His people can't be trusted?" BY NO MEANS! Let God be true though everyone else be a liar. Consider the following song lyrics below:

I was swimming through the waves for what must have been days...

But could find no relief;

When I started sinking down I thought for certain I would drown...

Until I saw you in the ocean,

Underneath all the bright colored fish tell of a treasure in a dull shell...

"Such subtlety, so easily missed!"

You, my hidden pearl of pure and perfect love,

And I'm the living example of 100% the opposite of this.

(If I ask the same questions... well, yes, sir, I ask the same questions...

Well, maybe I repeat myself from time to time.

But if I ask the same questions... and then I know I ask the same questions,

It's because everyone who answers me is a liar!!)

The Gospel is that hidden pearl, may God be true though everyone else be a liar. May God give us humility in asking questions and boldness to speak what He has revealed through His Son.

January 9 - Ephiphany

Ezekiel 3:12-27 - Ezekiel is to be Israel's watchman, warning the unrighteous to turn from their ways before God executes his judgment upon them. If Ezekiel neglects his calling and stays silent, the Lord "will require" the blood of the unrighteous person "at (Ezekiel's) hand". If Ezekiel fulfills his calling and issues words of warning, God assures him that "you will have delivered your soul" regardless of whether the unrighteous heed his warning or not. Ezekiel, as a speaker of God's Word, bears responsibility for the spiritual condition of his neighbor. We, who receive his Word and are also called to speak it, bear this same responsibility with regards to those people God has brought into our lives.

Romans 2:1-16 - The Law of God is not limited to the 10 Commandments (given to the Jew) or even the Old and New Testaments (given to the Christian). The Law is written on our hearts as well. Humanity, as a whole, is completely without excuse. We are faced with another hard truth here as well: "God will render to each according to his works". We are really in trouble here. We will have to read on in Romans to see the full nature Paul's argument as he fully lays out the gospel, but we would do well to remember that Christ didn't come to abolish this terrifying law of God - he came to fulfill it both for us (justification) and in us (sanctification).

January 8 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 2:1-3:11 - Is there any doubt that God's people are a rebellious people? God refers to Israel as rebellious in almost every other line of this text. The prophet's task is to speak the words of God, whether they listen or not. Are we the stubborn ones or the ones who speak? In former days God spoke through His prophets, but in these last days He has spoken through His Son. As recipients of God's Word, Jesus, you and I are called not only to listen to that word, but also to speak it. We are God's prophets to each other and the people God places around us. Speech is a daunting task, especially when it concerns the Word of God, but with Ezekiel God stands us up and opens our ears and our mouths.

Romans 1:18-32 - Notice what Paul sees as the cause of a depraved life: worshiping creatures rather than the creator. This is no small thing. When we allow ourselves to exchange one huge truth for one huge lie, then the smaller lies are easier to accept. In a practical way there are all kinds of reasons people reject the truth about God, but the inviting alternative is always to worship lesser things: gods, materials, self. This is why in dealing with our own depravity and with those outside the church, the focus must first and foremost be on Jesus. Only then can we deal with the seriousness of any particular sin in an honest and merciful way.

January 7 - Epiphany

Ezekiel 1:1-14, 22-28 – Ezekiel witnesses the likeness of the glory of the LORD during the Babylonian exile. The language and imagery employed here reminds us just how difficult it is to grasp the true glorious nature of God. Here the likeness of the glory of the LORD is pictured as being like “torches moving to and fro” and like “the appearance of a flash of lightning” (vv. 13-14). This is the language of analogy – God is so entirely “other” than his creation that Ezekiel is forced to resort to analogies from within the creation to describe the utterly transcendent Creator. Texts like these stir us to gratitude for God’s clear disclosure of himself in the person and work of Jesus Christ. At the same time, they remind us that though we see God more clearly in light of the cross and resurrection, God will remain in some sense hidden to us until after our resurrection into eternity.

Romans 1:1-17 – This introductory greeting from Paul’s epistle to the Christians at Rome gives us a glimpse of his heart towards the church. He longs to visit them so that they “may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Paul recognizes the mutual giving and receiving that takes place in gospel-centered ministry. He will be blessed and he will be a blessing. Or rather, God will both bless him and will bless others through him. In what ways are we both receiving and giving in corporate worship? In what ways are we both receiving and giving out in our daily lives in vocation?

January 6 - Epiphany

Isaiah 66:1-20 - Isaiah uses powerful imagery of motherhood to describe God's people, Israel. Why do you think this imagery is used? What similarities do we see in the New Testament for describing God's chosen people?

Luke 3:21-38 - Can anyone tell me something interesting about each of the men in the genealogy? I'd be amazed. If John's Gospel reminds us from the beginning that Jesus was before the world, Luke is reminding us here that as a human, Jesus didn't just come out of nowhere. Even something as bland as a genealogy has something to teach us. God had established His plans from the onset. Luke places the Baptism and the family line right next to each other as if to say, "See, this is the Son of God and Son of Man." This truth continues to be a stumbling block for many, and is in fact the key to what Jesus has done for us at the cross.

January 5 - Christmas

Today we read two incredible texts with much to unpackage. I apologize for being more than a little long-winded.

Isaiah 65:8-25 - Verse 17 and the following verses are pivotal as God announces that he will not only restore the old creation but will create "new heavens and a new earth". Life in the new creation exhibits much continuity when compared with life in the old. For example, apparently there will be food, community, and work (amongst other things) in the new creation. But there will be significant changes (discontinuity) as well. Among the more obvious points are that there will be no more tears, sin, and death in God's eternal kingdom. But there is another point about the nature of how our work changes that we should not miss. In the new creation, God does not call us "my servants" but rather refers to us as "my people". This seemingly insignificant change signals the end of vocation. God no longer works through us because God himself is present in glory with his people. And his people "shall not labor in vain . . ." (v.23). In this life, we operate as God's servants in the realm of vocation and our work is often in vain. It is unappreciated and trampled on by both friend and foe. In Luther's words our work is "given forth and lost" on behalf of our neighbor. At the end of this life, even our best work is gone - only a fading a memory. But in the new creation, our work will be mutually enjoyed forever (vv.21-22) as God comes out of hiding and rejoices in our midst (v.19).

Luke 3:1-20 - I see two significant points to be made here.
1. Notice the incredibly detailed historical references made here at the beginning of the text. Luke gives us the names (and jurisdictions) of 7 different key leaders during the time of John the Baptist's ministry. This is not the language of fairy tales ("long ago in a land far far away . . ."). Unlike nearly all other world religions the Christian faith's truth claims are grounded in plain, ordinary, human history. We must not forget this fact.

2. John the Baptist is pictured by many Christians as this crazy wanderer who preaches a message of radical living. But does this characterization match up with this text? John encounters crowds wishing to be baptized and he simply challenges them in v. 8 to "bear fruits in keeping with repentance" and to not be proud and boastful of their Abrahamic heritage. What kind of "fruit" does John have in mind. Simple acts of love directed at their neighbors. Share your clothing and your food with those less fortunate. To the tax collector and soldier, John's exhortation is to fulfill their vocations with integrity. There is nothing here about the need for us to either retreat from the culture or overpower it in an attempt to effect large transformation for the kingdom of God. God calls us to simply love those whom he, in his sovereignty, has brought into our paths.

January 4 - Christmas

Isaiah 63:15-65:7 - Consider the response of God at the end of this section. What do Isaiah and God agree upon? Notice that God's absence is a sign of judgment to Isaiah, but also a holding back of judgment from God's perspective. Why is it frightening and comforting to hear God speak?

Luke 2:41-52 - I just preached on this text yesterday so I'll keep it brief. The truly amazing aspect of this story is that Jesus goes in obedience with his incredibly fallible and sinful parents. That same obedience takes him to the cross, where he suffers in submission to the Jewish and Roman leaders. It is his free obedience that gives you and I freedom from sin. In that freedom, God invites us not only to take on the righteousness of Jesus, but to live obediently for the sake of others. The law can tell me not to harm my neighbor, but only the Gospel frees me to serve in creativity and excess. It is a beautiful obedience because it comes from freedom and not compulsion.

January 2 - Christmas

Isaiah 62:1-12 - Though this passage ostensibly focuses on Israel’s coming salvation, there are tremendous implications for us here as well. God’s saving work on behalf of Israel is not arbitrary or capricious. God saves Israel (and disciplines Israel repeatedly) so that all the nations might know Him as God. Verse 2-3: “2The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory,and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. 3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” This work that God has begun with Abraham and his descendants will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth and they will be a new people and be given a new name (“The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord” in v.12). As Ryan pointed out yesterday, these readings are entirely appropriate for the New Year. God calls us begin this New Year by remembering our new identity and new life which is ours in Christ.

Luke 2:1-20 – The early church father Athanasius argued that God elevated the human body in the Incarnation. That God taking on one human body in Christ gave new value and worth to every human body and every human life. Even those who don’t believe in Christ will often speak of “the miracle of child birth”. And yet there is something very ordinary about procreation and child birth as well. What do you find ordinary about Jesus’ birth? What do you find extraordinary about it? What does this ordinary event of the Incarnation with its extraordinary implications teach us about the nature and character of God?

January 1 - Christmas

Isaiah 61:1-11 - These opening words are spoken by Jesus at the beginning of his ministry, when he is invited to speak in his hometown synagogue. He concludes by telling the people that this prophecy has been fulfilled in him. This of course causes a stir. "You mean little Jesus, who we saw grow up, is claiming to be the Messiah?" Yes. What an ideal way to begin the new year. Many people who faced hardship over this last year are eager to be done with 2009. God's Word to us this morning and this year is a reminder that He is still in charge, that the year of His favor begins with Jesus Christ, and that He has called each of us into new life through Jesus' death and resurrection.

Luke 1:57-80 - Compare Zechariah's song to Mary's. What are some similar themes? What stands out to you as unique in each song?