Peace Reading

October 11 - Pentecost

2010-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Psalm 121 - This is a beautiful psalm to start the week with. "From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth." The word "keep" (can also be translated "guard") shows up six times in this psalm. The same God who created heaven and earth guards your life and keeps watch over you. This is our prayer. As God's people we pray this in the midst of turmoil and even when things appear to be going well.

October 4 - Pentecost

2010-10-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Luke 24:36-48 - Jesus appears to his disciples after rising from the grave. He shows his hands and feet and asks for some food.

1 Corinthians 15:12-25 - Paul discusses the importance of Jesus' resurrection and his impact on the resurrection we will receive.

Sunday in Worship we discussed our confession, "I believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting." In light of our Scripture readings and our discussion Sunday, I'm encouraging you to ask follow-up questions throughout this week. Today I'll highlight the first question we discussed: What does resurrection mean? You can feel free to continue the conversation via the blog site, or through e-mail, or in small groups.

September 22 - Pentecost

2010-09-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Genesis 6:5-22 - The story of Noah and the flood is probably one of the best known stories of the Bible. It's especially popular for children. The animals must be the reason why, because when we look at the story, we realize the movie rating would not make it appropriate for children. It is a story of God's judgment on a sinful world. It presents a picture of God that we aren't very comfortable with. God destroys the whole earth and spares Noah and his family. This is justice and God has every right to do it. How amazing then that God sent his Son. The earth after Noah didn't get much better. All have fallen short. God in His mercy reverses this by judging Jesus that the whole earth may be spared.

September 20 - Pentecost

2010-09-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Genesis 4 - In the first part of chapter 4 we see the first brothers and the first murder. Cain and Abel bring an offering to the Lord but Abel gives in faith and sacrifice. God is pleased with Abel's offering and Cain, in his jealousy, kills his brother. If there was any doubt about the seriousness of Adam and Eve's fall, it should be dissipated. In Hebrews and in 1 John the story of Cain and Abel is dealt with. In Hebrews we see things from the perspective of Abel, who had faith in God's care. In 1 John we see things from the perspective of Cain as he is contrasted with Christ. As chapter 4 continues we see the paradox of humanity, created in God's image and using skills for development and creativity, yet fallen and increasing in depravity. To imagine the beauty of creation and culture without sin is now beyond our comprehension, but Jesus begins to change all of that.

September 10 - Pentecost

2010-09-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Genesis 3:1 - "Did God really say?" Satan's first work at driving a wedge between God and His creation is for us to doubt God's word. God gave some very clear instructions to Adam and Eve, but Satan asks the highly philosophical question, "Did he?" From that moment on all our attempts to speak for God leave us flat on our face, and our effort gets us no closer to the truth. So God sends His Word again. In the midst of our rebellion and doubt, Jesus comes and says, "You have heard... but I tell you." Jesus says, "I am the truth." And Jesus takes it even farther. He speaks not only to us, but also on our behalf. We still struggle with knowing God's word, staying connected to Him, so Jesus serves as our advocate. As God's perfect Word Jesus restores that which was broken.

September 6 - Pentecost

2010-09-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Genesis 2:7-15 - It's fitting that our reading for this Labor Day would center us on Adam and Eve's care of the garden. All too often we see work as a burden that is only necessary to earn a living, yet the Genesis picture shows a meaningful collaboration with God. God plants the garden, he provides nature, and Adam and Eve are to work it, care for it, and benefit from it. Luther often talked about this with the term Vocation. He wasn't speaking about ITT, but about all of the callings in this life where God encourages us to work for the sake of the neighbor and creation itself. These vocations include our "jobs", but they also include our relationships as family and neighbor, co-worker and friend. Through all of these God invites us to work alongside Him for the sake of others. This not only makes all of our work a privilege, but puts into perspective the importance of the work others do on our behalf. God saw all that He had made and it was indeed good.

September 3 - Pentecost

2010-09-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Genesis 2:1-3 - Does God really need rest? At the end of the creation account God rests from all His work and sets aside the 7th day as a day of rest and worship for His creation. With each day God saw that His creation was good and the day of rest is no different in this respect. It is also good for us as God's creation to worship and rest. It is too easy for us to forget this. Our culture with its need to get ahead strips us of rest. At the same time we are too often encouraged to see rest only as the result of that "getting ahead", as acquiring things or taking the best vacations. That type of rest is often just a continuation of the work. God's rest is truly restful. It is completion. It is good. Do we really need rest? Absolutely. And this is Jesus' invitation to us. All who are weary come and find your rest. See the completion of God's work in Jesus as the firstborn of the new creation. Our life begins with rest in and worship of Him.

August 30 - Pentecost

2010-08-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God. This is the foundation upon which everything else is built. We can't really even fathom how this is so. The inquisitive child in each of us wants to ask, "Who made God?" The answer in Genesis, and in all of Scripture, is that God just is. To Moses God says, "I am who I am." But all of this leads us nowhere if we keep it in the abstract, and indeed God is not concerned with the abstract. He's concerned with the concrete. So the very next words are words of His concrete action, "created the heavens and the earth." It all starts with God whether we can grasp it or not. This has huge implications for us as we look around at our world, and as we seek to understand the most fundamental questions of life.

August 25 - Pentecost

2010-08-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

Revelation 5:7-14 -

⁷And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. ⁸And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
¹⁰and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."

¹¹Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, ¹²saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" ¹³And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" ¹⁴And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

August 23 - Pentecost

2010-08-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Revelation 4:1-6 - It is very significant that the first thing John sees in his vision is a throne. The throne is a symbol of sovereignty and kingly rule. The throne is at the center of it all. This would have been an especially comforting picture to the churches John had written too. They were small and struggling and feared that at any time the might of Rome could come down on them and destroy. But John sees the truth. God alone has the power and glory and might. The is the positive view of the way things are and will be. Often, our view is too negative. We focus on no more hunger or thirst; no more pain or tears; no more sin death or curse. It would be more biblical, however, to focus not so much on the absences, but on the cause, the central dominating presence of God's throne and the Lamb who is worthy.

August 9 - Pentecost

2010-08-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Revelation 1:1-20 - We see in the opening words of Revelation what it's all about. Jesus Christ, the one who is, who was, and who is to come. It's important to remember this whenever we read through the entire book. We often try to make it about revelations of various scary things that will happen at the end. In truth, this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and a comfort to his followers who face persecution and suffering until he returns to make all things new.

Revelation 2:1-7 - Revelation continues with addresses to seven different churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). In each, John speaks to particular gifts and failings. The church in Ephesus is commended for being pure in their teaching, and rebuked for lacking in their first love. They have lost the zeal and steadfastness that they had at first. Jesus doesn't want them to stay in a position of "going through the motions." He wants them to recapture the love and excitement they had when they were called.

August 6 - Pentecost

2010-08-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

1 John 5:1-21 - John concludes this letter with two major concerns: first, that his readers may know the truth about Jesus, second, that they may have assurance of eternal life. How do John and the rest of Scripture direct us to find such assurance?

2 John 1-13 - Truth and love, love and obedience, these things are inseparable for the Christian. The life of the Christian is summarized by Jesus as loving God and loving your neighbor. But summarizing doesn't equal simplifying. This is why John reminds us of the connections between truth, love and obedience. We often try to separate these things, as if loving someone means ignoring the truth, or obedience equals coercion. But John reminds us that Jesus is the truth, Jesus is love, and by Jesus' obedience we are no longer separated from God by our sin. Following Jesus means living for God and our neighbor in obedience, truth and love.

August 2 - Pentecost

2010-08-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

James 1:16-27 - It's easy to take this passage of James (an indeed his entire letter) and come away with some wise and helpful tips for living. But that would do a disservice to the depth of his thought. For example, James instructs us to be slow to speak and quick to hear. This is of course great advice, but for James this is the connection to "every good and perfect gift from God." Our life comes from God's Word, so be quiet and listen. Only in hearing what God has to say can our tongues produce anything good. What at first sounds like general rules for living is in fact an invitation to receive the grace of God.

1 Peter 2:18-25 - The powerful message of this text is even more meaningful when we consider Peter's initial reaction to the cross. When Jesus explains to the disciples that he must suffer and die, Peter steps up and says, "No!" Years later, writing this letter to fellow Christians who are suffering, Peter affirms the necessity of the cross, and even the necessity of suffering for God's people. This is not some ideal we can just claim intellectually. Like Peter God is forming us through faith to accept such things trusting in the resurrection of Jesus.

July 28 - Pentecost

2010-07-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 1-2:4 - What a powerful introduction to Jesus Christ! He is the final Word from God, the one through whom all things were created, the one who sustains all things by his word. In these opening words from the author of Hebrews we see Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God. Don't look anywhere else for God. Jesus Christ is it!

Hebrews 2:9-18 - If chapter 1 makes clear Jesus' divine nature, chapter 2 illustrates that Jesus was also fully human. This is the profound mystery of salvation. Jesus took on our flesh so that he might suffer in our place. God did not just send down some more communiques or leave us to our own devices. He came Himself. Jesus Christ, clothed in the frailty of humanity, joined us in this fallen world in order to redeem it. We can talk about all kinds of other important things regarding being Christians, but apart from these truths it would be meaningless. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, and in his resurrection we find our hope. Jesus Christ is it!

July 19 - Pentecost

2010-07-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

1 Timothy 2:1-7 - Paul reminds us that we pray not just for ourselves, but for all people. God is concerned with everyone in the world, and so the Church is called to share that concern. That concern is shown most clearly in the truth of Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all. Notice in all of this, however, that we are not called to pray for generic or faceless people. Our concern for the world shows itself in our concern for those who are in charge and for our neighbors. In other words, God shows his universal care through our specific proclamation and care.

1 Timothy 4:11-5:2 - Paul gives encouragement and direction to Timothy, a young and inexperienced pastor. It is very likely that some will discount or oppose Timothy because of his age. Paul encourages Timothy with the reminder that authority rests in God's Word, and that he was ordained for his task. At the same time, this doesn't give him license to be lazy or arrogant. Instead he is to set an example. Following these guidelines may not make everyone respect Timothy and his position, but they do help Timothy to focus on what is necessary and not get distracted by age or other arbitrary concerns. This is good direction for all of us, who too easily get off-track worrying about what others think. The only opinion that matters is God's and His mind is made up in Christ.

July 15 - Pentecost

2010-07-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:15-29 - Maturity comes through the proclamation of Christ. Paul had as his purpose, not simply to plant churches and move on, but to go beyond conversion to discipleship. Maturity for Christians comes from proclaiming Jesus Christ. This seems overly simple, but it is not. Many Christians are content to stay in shallow waters, stating belief but not standing firm in God's promises. Other Christians believe they are diving in deep only to find themselves surrounded by rules and ignoring that Jesus is all in all. So Paul in his wisdom points us back again and again to the supremacy of Jesus. Meditate on verses 15 through 23. What does Christ's supremacy mean for you?

Colossians 3:1-14 - Here we find once again that our identity informs our behavior. We have been raised with Christ. Our life is hidden with him. Be who you are.

July 14 - Pentecost

2010-07-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 1:15-20 - Two items stand out. First, praise and prayer constitute a balance in the life of the Christian. Emphasis only on prayer causes us to ignore the blessings we have received. Emphasis only on praise causes us to stop asking God for that which we need. Either side will skew our relationship with God. The second item is that Paul wants us to know what God's power in our lives means. It is resurrection. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. This is our hope by faith.

Ephesians 2:11-22 - Stop dividing yourselves. In this section, Paul discusses how in Christ, the barrier between Jew and Gentile is no more. Jesus creates a new society that is rooted in him. Yet in our sin we still find ways to be divided. These barriers cannot be overcome by common interest or personality adjustments. In fact, it's very unlikely that we can see past our differences by looking at each other. Instead, Paul focuses us on Jesus who has made us one by his death and resurrection. Look to him first. Then look through his eyes toward each other.

July 12 - Pentecost

2010-07-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

Philippians 1:12-30 - Paul rejoices in the midst of his chains. I am never that eager to rejoice in the midst of suffering. But Paul isn't just crazy, he's rejoicing because his suffering is a result of his work in the Gospel. He knows who is really in charge, and even from his prison cell the Gospel is being proclaimed. His encouragement to us at the end of this section is to live a life worthy of the Gospel, to stand firm, contend for the faith, work together, and yes, even to suffer for the Gospel. Paul's future and our own feel very uncertain, but we are in the hands of Jesus.

Philippians 3:3-11 - It's amazing how many people think the essence of Christianity is either believing the creed or living an upright life or going to church, which are all important but miss the centrality of Christ. In this section Paul piles up those accomplishments and positions that would be considered important to the people around him, and when he measures them against knowing Jesus he calls them rubbish. Christ is the our faith. Christianity is Christ. Apart from him we have nothing, but being found in him through faith we have everything!

July 7 - Pentecost

2010-07-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 - Power through weakness. Christ overcame sin through death and disgrace on the cross. Paul, God's chosen instrument details how ineffective he was by human standards: he came in weakness, fear and trembling. The Corinthian believers were not the "popular" ones, with wealth and prestige. Our temptation is to do things our way, with power and resources. God's reassurance is that in our weakness His grace is made strong.

1 Corinthians 12:1-13 - Typically when we read this section we focus on the various gifts and try to figure out which ones we have. But Paul has been speaking against divisions in the Corinthian church. His point is not for us to divide ourselves by our gifts, but to see all that we do as rooted in the one Spirit. We have unity in Jesus through the gift of Baptism, and our gifts are given so that we may serve one another and display the unity that is ours.

June 28 - Pentecost

2010-06-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Joshua 3:1-17 - God does not select an arbitrary sign for the people to know that He is in their midst. Instead, the people will see the same sign that was witnessed when Israel was brought out of Egypt. God will hold back the waters so that they can pass through the river. God does not simply begin the work of salvation (bringing Israel out), He also finishes it (leading Israel to the promised land).

Acts 9:1-22 - God states that Saul will be His chosen instrument, but Saul is not the only instrument of God in this passage. God uses Ananias, a man who fears Saul, to give him back his sight. Through Ananias God restores Saul and grants the Holy Spirit. God works through means. He could have just healed Saul and kept speaking to him directly, but instead Saul is called to follow Christ by joining "the Way." When Jesus calls us to follow him, it is also a call away from isolation and into the body of Christ. God had no intention of having Saul follow him as a lone ranger, but immediately connected him to a man who by the world's standards he should have nothing to do with. You and I aren't that different. Jesus has called us to follow him, and joined us not only to himself, but to others in the Body of Christ. These connections have little to do with personality or interest, and everything to do with the person and work of Jesus.

June 21 - Pentecost

2010-06-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 24:1-22 - Several times in this section the writer begins a thought with the words, "my son." How hard it is for us to hear and believe wisdom if we do not trust the one who speaks it. In order for the writer to impart his wisdom he must have a relationship with the one he teaches. This is crucial for us as well, as we strive to speak the Gospel to people we care about. If people simply become a faceless number to fill the building, then we've already lost sight of the wisdom God has given us. For God Himself reestablished the relationship we severed. He calls to us as sons and daughters. He partners with us as we seek to speak this good news.

John 19:1-22 - Jesus states that the only authority Pilate has is given by God. Pilate believes he is in charge, and don't we all. "I'm in charge of my life, my decisions, my future." Notice that Jesus does not say that Pilate doesn't act, but only that the authority he has has been given to him. The same is true for us. God is in charge, and he gives us some authority in the sphere He places us in. These are our vocations. Gifts from God based in His plan. The cross was God's plan, not Pilate's, or even the Jewish leader's. God's will was done and Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin.

June 18 - Pentecost

2010-06-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 20:5-25 - "Do not say, 'I will repay evil"; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." This is a really hard thing to do. Though people are usually very quick to quote, "don't judge" when it comes to themselves, most of us are more than ready to carry out justice against others. You can see this from the freeway to news and tabloids. Proverbs reminds us that God is the only just judge, and the only true justice we can find for this world is found in his pierced hands.

John 17:1-26 - Not sure what to pray? I often find myself beginning a prayer and then being unsure of what I should say, or just saying the same thing over and over without contemplating what I'm saying. Here we see Jesus praying on behalf of us. He knows what to say and he knows what we need. He is our intercessor with the Father and through his prayer and action we are made holy and one.

June 16 - Pentecost

2010-06-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 16:1-24 - "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD." "The heart of man plans his way but the LORD establishes his steps." I need this reminder often. I make a lot of plans. I have a lot of goals. I assume that my plans and goals are the right ones. These words of wisdom from Proverbs are not intended to make me stop making plans, nor to stop taking actions. Instead I am reminded of Who is ultimately in charge. This is a jolt to my plan making, but also an assurance, since Jesus' plans cannot fail.

John 16:1-16 - The Holy Spirit comes to guide Jesus' disciples in truth and glorify Jesus. What else does the Holy Spirit do? In what ways do we try to restrict the Spirit's activity? How can we know that it is the Holy Spirit at work?

June 14 - Pentecost

2010-06-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 14:1-27 - The way you just read this section will make these sayings less effective. Unfortunately, we usually read chunks of Proverbs this way, when in fact each snippet is intended to be read and meditated on. Part of the reason for taking each saying on it's own and spending time with it is that we find it so easy to say, "yeah yeah yeah, I get it." Sure, we may "get it" in the reading, but are we "getting it" in our life? For the writers of Proverbs, and for the Author of Wisdom, these are not just mental exercises. Which of these proverbs do you find easiest to understand, but hardest to live?

John 15:1-11 - Jesus speaks figuratively, yet very plainly about our need for him. He is the vine. All who are found in him have life and bear fruit. All the instruction in the world (see above) would not bring us life in it's fullness. Only Jesus can do that.

June 11 - Pentecost

2010-06-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 9:1-18 - God encourages us to reprove and instruct the wise. The simple point is that a person convinced of their own wisdom will not hear your correction or teaching. But the truly wise fear God and seek to form their lives to His will. This text speaks of us as the people who might teach, but the real challenge for us more often than not, is to be wise enough to be corrected. Pray: God teach me true humility and wisdom. Surround me with Your people that I may experience repentance and restoration. By Your Spirit make wise the people you would have me speak to. Amen.

John 13:21-38 - "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." This love is rooted in the love Jesus has for us. As such it is not simply a feeling of familiarity or a friendship based on shared interest. Jesus does not call us to have warm fuzzy feelings for each other, he calls us to love another as he loves us. This love is rooted in sacrifice and service. It is rooted in action. What actions will you take so that all people will know you are Jesus' disciple?

June 9 - Pentecost

2010-06-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 8:1-21 - Wisdom calls out and offers blessings. But in our day, as in all days, we have competing voices claiming to have wisdom. Whether it's politics, self-help books, or anything else, we hear different voices claiming to have the wisdom we need. Through all of the clutter Wisdom himself calls out to us. When Levi sat in the tax collector's booth he heard this call. When Peter was working at his nets he heard this call. It isn't something that we in our own wisdom can ponder, it is either answered or not. As Jesus called his first disciples, so he calls out to you; "Follow me." Will you heed this call?

John 12:36b-50 - "For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." Don't we all. And why wouldn't we? Man's glory seems powerful, prestigious and comfortable. Glory that comes from God, looks like a man dying on a cross. It looks like weakness and foolishness. And yet it is the only glory that means life, because it also looks like resurrection. In what ways are you tempted toward glory from man? Pray: Lord you know my heart. Too often I have sought glory and honor from the world, but throughout You have sought me. Make Your mercies new to me every morning that I may pick up my cross daily and follow after you. Amen.

June 7 - Pentecost

2010-06-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4:1-27 - A father instructs his son on the importance of wisdom, and seeking it. Passing along wisdom and tradition can be a difficult thing. What challenges do we face in passing on the faith to the next generation? What hasn't really changed in terms of these difficulties? How has God equipped you as a parent or a friend to share wisdom about Jesus to the next generation?

John 12:1-19 - Here we have two really powerful stories about Jesus on his way to the cross: Mary anointing him with perfume, as if he is going to be buried, and the triumphal entry, people welcoming him as king. But in between these two we hear that Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised, is being targeted by the same leaders who are going to kill Jesus. Obviously it's a good thing to be raised from the dead, but I suppose it puts a big target on you from Jesus' enemies. This is true even for us. Jesus claims us through the gift of faith. We have new life even now, but we also have cross-hairs on us. Satan loves to attack the redeemed. The good news for Lazarus and for us is that Jesus is the victor. Our salvation is as good as done because the One who promises life is trustworthy.

June 4 - Pentecost

2010-06-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 - "Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh." What is the Preacher warning us about here? Is he saying at the end of his book that study is a bad thing? In verse 13 he states that all has been heard. In other words there is no new thing under the sun. Though it seems strange to say it, he's wrong, or rather ignorant, of the new thing under the sun. What he is calling out for again and again, we have already seen. Jesus Christ came into the world. God does a new thing. Apart from him all things are indeed vanity or meaningless, but in Christ there is newness, hope, purpose.

John 11:1-16 - God's love is a hard thing for us to grasp. I don't mean that love is hard for us to grasp, I mean God's love. We're conditioned in our culture to feel entitled to love. "Why shouldn't God love me?" Yet if we understand God's love in that way, then we do not understand God's love. By all accounts we are creatures who regularly reject our Creator. We do despicable things to one another, and we live as if we are the stars of our own movie. Yet God loves us. This is why Jesus' action toward Mary and Martha is so hard for us to understand. Because he loved them, Jesus waited around and didn't come to help Lazarus before he died. We would think that love wouldn't have allowed the death in the first place. But Jesus is showing them something greater, and in fact pointing the way toward his own death, a death borne out of love.

June 2 - Pentecost

2010-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 - This section of Ecclesiastes begins to resemble the book of Proverbs more. Notice that it contains a number of short wisdom sayings. How does God's wisdom direct and confront us? How are we to understand sections like this in connection to the New Testament assertion that God's foolishness is greater than man's wisdom?

John 10:1-20 - At the beginning of this section I am expecting Jesus to say that he is the shepherd, but I forgot that he also claims the position of the door as well. In essence Jesus is not limiting himself to being one link in the chain of salvation. He's the whole thing. He's the doorway to safety and life, he's the shepherd who protects and gives his life for the flock. He's the one who gives his life and takes it up again. Jesus is it. No wonder that some who listened to him thought he was crazy. If he is not the Son of God, then that's the only other option. But he did indeed take up his life again and this is what his disciples have confessed ever since. He is the door, the shepherd and life itself. He is our all in all.

May 31 - Pentecost

2010-05-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 8:1-17 - The author seems to distinguish between sinners and the wicked. Both do bad things, but the sinner who fears God is better off than the wicked who does not. Is this a helpful distinction or a distraction? In some ways it can be the latter, especially if we're constantly asking ourselves which one we are. But in other ways it can be helpful, in that it makes our identity before God not about our works (which aren't any better than the next guy's), but about our fear and trust in Him. What makes Christians unique is not our goody-two-shoes behavior, but the recognition of fact that Jesus has redeemed us.

John 9:1-23 - There are many things we could focus on in this text, but I like that Jesus spits and makes some mud. We know from other parts of the Gospel that Jesus could have simply spoken and the man would have been healed. Why does Jesus choose to do such an earthy thing? How does this help us to understand his incarnation, death and resurrection? How does it affect our view of Baptism and the Lord's Supper?

May 28 - Pentecost

2010-05-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 - In this section we are warned about the vanity of many words and vows, and of seeking after wealth. In both instances our attempts to prop ourselves up are in vain. All our promises and eloquent words are meaningless compared to a single, powerful word from God. All our toil to establish ourselves in comfort is a waste compared to finding joy in the labor that God gives us from day to day.

John 8:1-20 - There is only one person who can bear witness about himself, God. Throughout the Old Testament, Yahweh swears by Himself. His promises hold true. Jesus points out that he can indeed bear witness about himself, but to do one better, he also has the testimony of God the Father. This may seem like some obscure stuff to us, but it is yet another example of Jesus saying very plainly who he is. His claim to be God in the flesh still causes trouble for people in our world, but it is in fact the Gospel we proclaim.

May 26 - Pentecost

2010-05-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 - The words of this section may be known to most people because of the band The Byrds. Though the author says that God makes all things beautiful in their own time, I also get the sense that these too become a vanity under the sun. Man may find some joy in his labor, but only God's work endures forever. How does the resurrection of Jesus make our work more meaningful? Who can bring us to see what will be after us?

John 7:14-31 - "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." What does this mean? Is Jesus basically saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover?" If only we could make his words so general. In context, Jesus is speaking about his healing on the Sabbath. The "appearances" are the rules set by men, and right judgment is the will of God. According to their rules, Jesus needed to have been educated. According to their rules, he should not have healed on the Sabbath. According to their rules, they should not have known what town he came from. What rules are blinding people you know from seeing who Jesus truly is?

May 24 - Pentecost

2010-05-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 - Happy Monday to you!! Alright so the beginning of this book of wisdom certainly comes across as a downer. All is vanity. All is meaningless. Our labor brings us nothing new. Our history is bound to be forgotten and repeated. There is no new thing under the sun. And this is coming from King Solomon, the man granted wisdom by God. In many ways he is exactly right. Our own efforts are quite futile. There is no new thing under the sun. Just look at politics, entertainment, etc. And yet, in these words Solomon is crying out for something new. Something promised to generations before him and fulfilled generations before us. Jesus says, "See I make all things new!" How do the wisdom in this first chapter and the reality of Christ both help us to relate to people in our lives?

John 6:60-70 - So Peter and the disciples stay with Jesus because he explained everything in a way that made sense to them, right? I certainly can't blame the many of his disciples who left after the "hard saying". Jesus was talking about his sacrifice and the need for people to eat him as the bread of life. Despite these difficult words, Peter and the others practically say, "Where else can we go? Your words may be impossible to understand, but they are the only words that give eternal life." What should come as a shock to us is not that we have difficulty with some things that Jesus says, but that we can understand the words of God at all, and that He would speak words of life to us.

May 21 - Easter

2010-05-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Numbers 20:1-21 - I get used to seeing the Israelites complain in the wilderness, but this complaint actually seems legitimate. It's not that they shouldn't expect God to care for them, but that they truly do need water and they aren't finding any. Most of our complaints come from selfishness and impatience, but is there ever a time when we should complain to God? Is there such thing as a complaint of faith?

Luke 20:19-44 - The most absurd thing to me about the Sadduccees' question is that they think it's more mind-boggling to figure out marriage in an after-life than it is to comprehend resurrection. Jesus doesn't get caught in their rhetorical box, but instead highlights the power of God. How do we often find ourselves arguing in other people's rhetorical boxes? How can we confess Jesus in these situations?

May 19 - Easter

2010-05-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Numbers 16:1-11, 20-40 - Moses is accused of placing himself above the people. When he's confronted he falls down on his face and says that the Lord alone will judge who is right. I have to hand it to Moses. Any time I've been accused of building myself up or exercising too much power my first reaction is to defend myself. But Moses doesn't even bother trying to be his own advocate. God has placed him where he is, and God can decide whether Moses has over-stepped his bounds. Pray: God, teach me to fall on my face rather than to defend myself. You alone are my sure defense, Your plans cannot fail. Amen.

Luke 19:29-48 - "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." Jesus Christ's redemption goes beyond just you or me. The whole creation cries out for new life. This is obviously very powerful, but it can also make us realize how insignificant we are. If we do not cry out, then mere stones will. God can accomplish his plans regardless of us. And this is what makes His choosing of us so profound. We are not simply cogs in the wheel, but partners in the proclamation of the Gospel. Jesus claims us, who are too often more mute than rocks, as brothers and sisters. He invites us to be a part of his work of redemption, to speak of his death on the cross, to speak words of forgiveness, to point to his resurrection and reign. Christ can call any thing to cry out words of praise, and he has called you.

May 17 - Easter

2010-05-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Numbers 14:26-45 - A clear struggle for us is God's harshness with His people. The promise to Abraham still stands, but this particular generation will not share in it as they thought. Even as they are told this news they do not seem to understand what it means. Earlier in the chapter they were complaining and claiming that God had just brought them out to die. Then, as they are told the bad news, they decide that they will try to go into the land anyway. Rather than repenting and seeking the Lord, they try to take matters into their own hands. Why is it hard for us to hear harsh words from God? In what ways do we try to take matters into our own hands? Why is it necessary for us to hear God's harsh word in light of Jesus Christ?

Luke 18:35-19:10 - Nobody wants to eat with sinners (aka outcasts) let alone tax collectors. But Jesus invites himself over. In what ways has Jesus invited himself over in your life? For me it was through parents who raised me in the Church. It was also through friends, reminding me either directly or through their mistakes, of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. It has also been through failure and the reminder that I cannot go it alone. I need Jesus and his people. We often talk about "letting Jesus in" but Jesus seems more interested in "binding the strong man" and this is what he does with Zacchaeus. The response is powerful, and the life renewed by Jesus is hard to ignore.

May 7 - Easter

2010-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Leviticus 26:1-20 - The contrast between obedience and disobedience is stark. In order for Israel to be the people of God, they cannot go chasing after other things to worship. Is our situation that different in this regard? What idols have we erected as individuals and as the Church? What is God's solution to our idolatry?

Luke 13:18-35 - How are we to understand Jesus' words about the "narrow door"? How are these words received by people who like Jesus, but not his Church? What is it that allows a person to enter through the door?

May 5 - Easter

2010-05-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Leviticus 23:23-44 - You shall not have any other gods. You shall not kill. You shall have a huge party for seven days every year. I was laughing to myself thinking about the commands in this section of Leviticus, because we tend to think of God's Law only as restrictive or negative. Psalm 16:6, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." It is so easy for us, because of sin, to see God's Law as something to avoid rather than as the good thing it is. Certainly because of sin it is bad for us in many ways, because it reveals our failure. But as the redeemed in Jesus Christ we can also look on it as a positive. God tells us to avoid behaviors that will cause us harm, and he commands us to rest, and to celebrate. These latter things seem like no-brainers, but how often do we refuse to take God up on this offer. "Yeah, yeah rest. Not a bad concept but this needs to get done now." God in His mercy established rest and celebration for our good. Let's make use of it.

Luke 12:35-53 - This is a difficult section if we have a one-dimensional view of Jesus. What does it look like to be ready, and why is readiness important? How can Jesus say that he did not come to bring peace, but rather division?

May 3 - Easter

2010-05-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Leviticus 21:1-24 - Leviticus should be called "Rules for Holiness." Perhaps the toughest section for us comes at the very end. It describes all kinds of people with "blemishes" who cannot approach the altar of God. What's difficult for me in this section is that many of the blemishes described would not be the result of some decision made by the individual. For us, it is one thing if a person misbehaves and suffers for it, but the person born blind is a different matter. Jesus dealt with this very specific issue, and in effect encouraged all such "blemished" people to come to him. How are we to understand this passage, for its own day, and in light of Jesus?

Luke 12:1-12 - "Do not fear those who kill the body." "Fear him who, [...], has authority to cast into hell." "Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Fear is a strange thing. It causes us to avoid certain things. Some of us seek it as a thrill. It often comes as a result of powerlessness. In this short section, Jesus says, "fear not, fear, fear not." Don't bother being afraid of other people, they are essentially powerless. Fear Satan, and avoid him, because he has real, though limited, power. But even in that case, do not remain afraid, because you are in God's hands. Do you have it all figured out? Fear can be a powerful motivator, but ultimately Jesus is pointing his disciples, you and I, toward faith.

April 30 - Easter

2010-04-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Leviticus 18:1-7, 20-19:8 - Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him male and female he created them." God created us as sexual beings, male and female. This is a gift. Yet as Leviticus points out there are all kinds of ways we pervert this gift. This is a controversial topic to people because it is so personal. God of course knew this when He established what was beneficial and what was destructive. His rules aren't arbitrary, they're simply the way things are. Even if we can self-righteously check things off of this list, can we say we have truly honored this gift from God? The truth of our sin is damaging. The fact that Jesus would claim us as his people, the Church as his bride, is truly remarkable.

Luke 11:1-13 - Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray in this section, twice. First he gives them the words, then he gives them the proper approach. In essence he says, "be a pest". Keep asking for your needs, keep talking to your Father in heaven, keep seeking His will. This reminds me of the person who is always tapping you on the shoulder. It can get really annoying, but that person always gets your attention. It's hard to believe that Jesus is suggesting what to us is such an obvious character flaw. But Jesus is not concerned with our ability to fit societal norms, he is concerned with teaching us faith.

April 28 - Easter

2010-04-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Leviticus 16:1-24 - Sin is a serious problem. Aaron and the later priests had a lot to do in order to atone for the sins of the people. And even to stand in the presence of God, Aaron had to carry out some extravagant rituals. It can almost seem silly to us, but perhaps that's because we have taken the sacrifice of Jesus and the closeness we have to God for granted. How does God encourage us to avoid such "cheap grace"?

Luke 10:1-22 - Jesus sends out the 72, and when they enter a town that accepts their message they are to say, "The kingdom of God has come near you." If they go to a town that does not accept their message they're supposed to warn the people and say, "the kingdom of God has come near." God's kingdom does not come dependent on our response. It's coming whether we want it to or not. This is powerful in terms of our witness to the world. We are not in charge of how people respond to the message of Jesus' death and resurrection. We are responsible only for our words and actions. It is a freeing thing to know that Christ's kingdom comes even without our prayer, but that we can pray for it to come among us even now.

April 26 - Easter

2010-04-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Leviticus 9:1-24 - Apparently I chose to read this at the wrong time: breakfast. This section has some pretty graphic details, at least if you're like me and have only received food far removed from the process. My gut reaction is to be grossed out and wonder why they were so "backward" but perhaps the issue is with my experience and not the sacrificial system. After all, God established these sacrifices in order to show the seriousness of sin and to remedy it, and also to point forward to the gruesome sacrifice of Jesus. Looking at the chapter just before this, we realize that this is Aaron's first go at offering the sacrifices as the high priest. I would imagine he felt a lot of pressure, and so would we if the solution for sin was a matter in our hands. Thanks be to God that the gruesomeness and the sacrifice has been done once for all.

Luke 9:18-36 - What does it look like to deny yourself and follow Jesus? Giving a ten point list will not suffice, and Jesus never comes close to saying anything like this. I think one key is to focus on the "following Jesus" before the "denying yourself". Don't get me wrong I think these are impossible to separate, but very often we start with the "deny yourself" and get ourselves into all kinds of self-righteous trouble. Anyone can deny himself in such a way that it's all about himself. But Jesus calls us to follow him, to look to him and the needs of others rather than to self. This is a challenge for us.

April 23 - Easter

2010-04-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Exodus 39:32-40:16 - In this section we see some finishing touches on the tabernacle. This was essentially a very intricate tent that God established as a place for worship. His people could be assured to find Him there, even as they moved through the desert on their way to the promised land. Why do we get so much detail on this? We know that God is ruler of all creation and not limited to a single space. Are there places where God encourages us to seek Him out?

Luke 8:22-39 - Jesus has authority over creation and even over powers of evil. Many people wish they had been there for Jesus' miracles. "What a powerful experience," we think. Yet both of these stories show that power can be a frightening thing. Can we really handle it? I suspect that I would have reacted in much the same way as the disciples and the townspeople. Perhaps this is why God's greatest work comes in Jesus' weakest moment. No one appears to fear Jesus as he hangs on the cross. Yet this is the same Jesus who will rise on the third day. He will say, "peace" to his disciples. He will comfort his persecuted Church in the vision of Revelation. He will come again to make all things new. In his resurrected power there is no room for fear. May he make us like the man who was demon-possessed, sitting at his feet and returning home proclaiming his power and mercy.

April 16 - Easter

2010-04-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Exodus 31:1-18 - In this section there appear to be two totally different topics being covered. In the first, God explains that He has gifted certain people for certain tasks. In this case it is craftsmanship and artistic talent for the worship space. In the second, God talks about the Sabbath, the 7th day of rest, and how His people are to honor it and not work on that day. It could be that these two items are unrelated, but I think that in both God is giving a gift and directing that it be recognized and honored. God gives us gifts for our work and vocations on this earth. We all have many talents. God also gives us periods of rest and encourages us to take them. Both work and rest are gifts from God.

Luke 6:1-19 - In Exodus we have seen God's clear directive regarding the Sabbath. Is Jesus simply going against that? What two reasons does Jesus give in this section for what he does? What is Jesus showing us about the intent of the Sabbath?

April 14 - Easter

2010-04-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Exodus 24:1-18 - Throughout the Old Testament, and especially in Exodus, there is the reminder that sinful man cannot see God and live. Several times God allows only Moses to come up to Him, and even then only shows him His backside. In this chapter the people are reminded of this restriction again, but after they have been sprinkled with the blood we see that the chief men see God, and eat and drink! Not only do they NOT drop dead, but they feast. This is something we do each Sunday in receiving the Lord's Supper. By means of a sacrifice sin is covered over, and there is peace between God and His creation.

Luke 5:1-16 - "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." I've always thought that it is much more frightening to be be a fisher of men than of fish. If I were Peter I'd be far more terrified to do something I had no experience for. But the other thing that can be overwhelming, which I had not noticed before, is that the catch of fish they have is too much for them to handle. As fishers of men, that won't change. It will still be overwhelming at times. But we also know that the one with us, filling the nets, doesn't change. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. He lives forever and ever, and this alone fights off our fear.

April 12 - Easter

2010-04-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Exodus 22:20-23:13 - God makes very clear that His people are not to behave like those they were rescued from. Which of these directives make perfect sense to you and which do you have questions about? Why do you suppose we react differently?

Luke 4:16-30 - What does Jesus mean when he says, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing"? The people get angry with Jesus when he essentially tells them that they will reject him and he will go to the Gentiles. How could they have responded differently?

April 9 - Easter

2010-04-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Exodus 18:5-27 - Moses has too great of a burden and Jethro makes a wise suggestion. A seemingly obvious lesson from this story is that God does not intend for us to bear burdens alone. It's also fitting that this idea comes from Jethro rather than directly from God. We have already seen in Exodus that God can speak directly to Moses and do powerful signs, but in this story we see Him working through plain wisdom of a father-in-law. In that way, God had already provided for Moses' burden. How is God providing for you in yours?

Hebrews 12:1-24 - "let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Laying aside every weight and sin is no easy task. And it is so easy to hold on to hurts, failures and anger. The author of Hebrews refers to this as the "root of bitterness". Can we throw these things off? Not simply by looking to ourselves, or struggling through some self-help. We fix our eyes on Jesus, who destroys sin and bitterness, who gives us faith and perfects it through his word and his gifts.

April 7 - Easter

2010-04-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

Exodus 16:13-35 - God provides bread in the wilderness for His people. Why does He make the bread last only for a day (barring the 6th day before the Sabbath)? Why not just let the Israelites collect and store up as much as they need? What benefit is there in providing the way God does?

Hebrews 10:19-39 - ¹⁹ Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, ²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²²let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

April 5 - Easter

2010-04-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Exodus 15:1-18 - "The LORD is a man of war (warrior)." For some people this thought is too barbaric. Why would God need to destroy anyone? Why would He need to enter into the fray at all? Yet Moses' song is entirely about God's victory and power over His enemies. And the resurrection we just celebrated shows us God who indeed enters the fray, who faces evil directly, and who rises victorious over it. Moses' song is a song of victory, justice and mercy. Sin and death are real. Our sense of justice is real. Our desire for mercy is real. Jesus Christ is risen!! This is our song of victory.

Hebrews 9:1-28 - Some of the things discussed in this passage can seem very distant to us. But what the author is doing here is showing how the Old Testament sacrificial system was preparing the way for Jesus. In short, God's plan from the beginning has found its fulfillment in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. God's people in the Old Testament were chosen for a purpose, and as people who stand between the resurrections, so are we. We are called to live the hope of Jesus' resurrection, and proclaim the truth of his reign.

March 31 - Holy Week

2010-03-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

Exodus 10:21-11:10 - The plague of darkness precedes the final plague, the death of the firstborn. What connections do you see between these events and the events of Jesus that we celebrate this week? What is God's reason for the plagues in Egypt? What is His reason for going to the cross?

Hebrews 4:1-16 - The words about the power of God's Word can be a little frightening, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." This reality, that we must all stand before God's judgment seat, is a terrifying prospect. For that reason, the following words are a great comfort to us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

March 29 - Holy Week

2010-03-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Exodus 9:1-28 - "¹⁴For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. ¹⁵For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. ¹⁶ But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." God is making a huge claim here. Not only is He saying that Pharaoh and the other gods of Egypt are no match for Him, He's also taking responsibility for Egypt's might. In short, God is not just "the god of Israel", but the God of the the whole earth. Egypt has been made strong for God's purposes, He is behind it all.

Hebrews 2:1-18 - "that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." The resurrection that is ours through faith, is not just something off in the distant future. That hope means that we are no longer subject to lifelong slavery. Even now, our lives are meaningful because of the resurrection of Jesus, that is ours through faith.

March 26 - Lent Week 5

2010-03-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Exodus 5:1-6:1 - Pharaoh's question is the typical question of unbelief: "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?" God's mission throughout the Old and New Testaments, and to this day, is to make Himself known so that we are without excuse. He reveals who He is in the Exodus and in Jesus Christ. And as His people, we are sent out to proclaim who He is, so that others may hear, obey, turn and believe.

Mark 15:33-47 - The centurion sees in Jesus' suffering and death the answer to Pharaoh's question. Mark's Gospel begins with the declaration that Jesus is the Son of God, and ends with the same word on the lips of one you would not expect.

March 24 - Lent Week 5

2010-03-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Exodus 4:1-18 - Moses' first excuse seems legitimate enough: "The people won't believe me." Then, as God gives him the signs to prove who sent him, Moses protests that he's not a good speaker. To this God reminds Moses of who formed man's mouth, and who causes people to be mute or to speak. Having exhausted his reasons to avoid being sent, Moses breaks down and begs that God would send someone else. Finally, God becomes angry with Moses and his unbelief, and yet he provides a partner for Moses. Though Moses wouldn't have been alone before (God was with him), God still provides Aaron as his helper and support. What excuses do we make when faced with a difficult task? How is God providing for us through it?

Mark 15:1-15 - Why was Pilate amazed with Jesus' silence? Though the text doesn't say, my conclusion is that he expected Jesus to make a case for his own defense. The accused always speak up in their defense, but Jesus remains silent. I'm certain the question, "Why?" sprung to mind. It is a question that we continue to ask when we consider Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.

March 22 - Lent Week 5

2010-03-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Exodus 2:1-22 - Moses is a man between two worlds. He is a Hebrew and apparently knows it, yet he is also part of the inner circle of Pharaoh's family. How does God make use of Moses' in-between position? In what ways are we, as followers of Jesus, between two worlds?

Mark 14:32-52 - I understand that the disciples were probably exhausted and found it hard to stay awake. That said, I'm surprised that they missed out on the anxiety Jesus was feeling. I've always been an early to bed type person, but if I'm frightened or tense, there's no way I'm falling asleep. This story almost seems like the opposite of when Jesus calmed the storm. While the boat is rocking and the storm rages, Jesus is asleep and the disciples are on edge. In this story, Jesus is on edge, and the disciples sleep soundly. I wonder if the disciples were just dull, or if they had learned not to be anxious when Jesus was around.

March 19 - Lent

2010-03-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Genesis 47:1-31 - Here we see most clearly how God establishes the sons of Israel (Jacob) in Egypt. This will set the stage for all that takes place in Exodus. The Israelites who had come as guests, in time became slaves. God had saved his people through Joseph in mysterious ways, but soon with Moses He would do even greater works to bring His people to freedom and establish them in the land promised.

Mark 13:24-37 - This short section is full of cryptic words from Jesus. What do think Jesus' reason is for speaking this way? If there is a danger in not being awake or alert, is there a danger in obsessing over supposed signs? How do other parts of Scripture help us to understand this?

March 17 - Lent Week 4

2010-03-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34 - Joseph does some deceitful things to his brothers. Notice, however, that the test shares much in common with Joseph's experience with his brothers. They were jealous of him as the youngest and beloved son, and they sought to get rid of him. Joseph is trying to decipher if their attitudes are still the same. So he targets the youngest son and gives the other brothers a pretext for leaving him behind. What is different now is Judah's willingness to give his life in exchange for Benjamin's.

Mark 12:28-44 - The Pharisees and scribes are so often wrong that it's kind of refreshing to see one who "gets it". Jesus says to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." What do you suppose the scribe is still missing?

March 15 - Lent Week 4

2010-03-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Genesis 42:1-34, 38 - I realize that we're picking up Joseph's story near the end. It may be worth your time this week to skim over the previous chapters and cover how Joseph ended up in Egypt in the first place. In this section we see Joseph's first encounter with his brothers since their betrayal of him. In what ways does Joseph mistreat them? In what ways does he show them kindness? In verse 28, the brothers realize that they have their money back after receiving the grain. Why are they troubled by this?

Mark 12:1-12 - Jesus appears to be speaking this parable against the religious leaders. How does this parable fit with Jesus' story? In what ways are we tempted to "kill the son" and claim the inheritance?

March 5 - Lent

2010-03-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Job 37:1-24 - Perhaps as Christians we become use to the closeness of God in Jesus Christ. Another aspect of God is His transcendence, and Elihu presents a powerful picture of that here. God is above all things, and beyond our grasp. We can't understand His power or wisdom, and in fact cower in fear before His awesome majesty. And this same God comes into the world He created as an infant and dies the death of a criminal. How do the transcendence and closeness of God help you to understand Him and His relation to you? How do these concepts help us in evangelism?

John 12:1-19 - I've never noticed that the chief priests targeted Lazarus for death as well. Certainly we know that they had Jesus in their sights, and we know that after the resurrection the disciples suffered similarly, but I had not remembered that Lazarus was considered a threat to them. It reminds me that though Lazarus was raised by Jesus, he would at some point die again. This is why Jesus points not to the miracle, but to himself as the resurrection and the life. The gift to Lazarus was only a fortaste.

March 3 - Lent

2010-03-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Job 34:10-33 - This passage is very concerned with justice. God repays according to what a person does, and does not act arbitrarily. We all know how justice can be bad news for us, but in what ways does this structure comfort us? How does God resolve the tension of His justice and His mercy?

John 11:17-37 - There aren't many passages that do a better job of dealing with the problem of pain. All of us have asked at one time or another, "Why?" Why is this happening to me, or to him? Why would God allow this terrible thing? Mary and Martha confront Jesus with this. If he had only been there this wouldn't have happened. Jesus responds in two ways: he also weeps and mourns, but he states the truth that he is the resurrection and the life. The answer to all our questions about evil is found in him.

March 1 - Lent

2010-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Job 33:1-18 - Elihu says that Job is not right in saying, "I am pure, without transgression. I am clean, and there is no iniquity in me. Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy, he puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths." Which part do you think Elihu has the greatest problem with? Is it Job claim of innocence, or that God is against him?

John 10:22-42 - If you're like me you probably found Jesus' words about gods a little confusing. I struggled to see how Jesus' quotation of "I said you are gods" helps to make his case against the leaders. At first, it seems like Jesus is saying that anyone who receives God's word is a god (lowercase). This would appear to drive the leaders crazy, and it's a challenge even to us. But perhaps Jesus' point here is that the leaders are getting caught up on the words (and ignoring other words that point to Jesus), and missing the fact that Jesus is doing what only God can do. As we look at the following words, and the whole of John's Gospel, we see that Jesus is not making his case on words at all. He says, "If I am not doing the works of my Father, then don't believe me; but if I do them [...] believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." In short, Jesus isn't concerned with defending his identity with words. His actions are what count. Does he do what the Father does?

February 26 - Lent

2010-02-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

Job 21:1-21 - Job's words come as a sharp contrast to many of the Psalms. There and elsewhere we are told that the wicked do not ultimately prosper. But Job sees it differently. His question is, "Why does good stuff happen to bad people?" Typically, you and I ask the reverse, "Why does bad stuff happen to good people?" Which question do you see more often in your life? How does Jesus factor into to either question?

John 8:39-59 - "Before Abraham was, I am." Jesus is making a very clear point in these words. To his hearers at the time, there is only one who can claim, "I am". Yahweh, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, introduces himself as "I am". When Jesus says this about himself there is no mistaking who he claims to be. For this reason they pick up stones to throw at him, because they believe he has blasphemed (spoken against God). These words were offensive to them. Does Jesus ever say anything that offends us?

February 24 - Lent

2010-02-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

Job 19:1-12, 21-27 - Job holds God accountable for the tragedy he is experiencing. Here's a difficult question that probably won't yield a satisfactory answer: Is it more faithful to blame God and cry out to Him, or believe God is not involved?

John 8:1-20 - Is Jesus just ignoring the law when he allows the woman to go unpunished? Notice that Jesus doesn't argue the point about the law, but instead places the question on the accusers. Who is righteous enough to judge another? Only Jesus. His choice in the case of this woman is to forgive. In many ways we are still like the scribes and Pharisees in this text, not just in condemning people, but in judging for ourselves in all ways. Certainly we judge and consider some unworthy of forgiveness, but we also judge and decide for ourselves what isn't sin. We either stand in judgment of others, or in judgment of God's word. Thanks be to God that Jesus' words to the woman are also meant for us, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."

February 22 - Lent

2010-02-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

Job 17:1-16 - Job is clearly in the depths of despair. "My spirit is broken. I am one before whom men spit." Even in this state Job will not give in to the suggestions of his friends or wife. They've told him to confess his sin, or curse God and die. But Job knows that there is no hope for him in death, if it be apart from God. Just ending it all is not the solution Job needs. He requires a redeemer who lives.

John 7:14-31 - "No one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come." I would imagine there was a lot of turmoil during this exchange. People are accusing him of being demon-possessed in one instance, and in the next wondering if he might be the Christ. What does Jesus say in this passage that is unsettling for the people and particularly the leaders? What words of Jesus do you find unsettling?

February 19 - Lent

2010-02-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

Job 14:1-22 - Verse 7: "For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that it's shoots will not cease." Verse 14: "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my service I would wait, till my renewal should come." When Job is faced with the reality of his situation, and not the platitudes of his friends, he realizes that on his own man's end is a sad fate. Yet Job has hope. The hope of a cut down tree. The hope in a Creator who desires to renew His creation. That hope sustains Job through trial.

John 6:41-59 - Jesus is the bread of heaven, the renewal that Job longed for. That said, it's difficult to accept or understand Jesus' words here. Is Jesus speaking about cannibalism, is he referring to the Lord's Supper, is this just metaphor? I think we would prefer something more "spiritual" and less earthy from Jesus. This whole fleshy thing, this body and blood, this death on a cross is too vulgar for our tastes. But our hope is found in Jesus who took on our flesh, joined us in death, and joins us to himself in resurrection. We very often hear difficult words from Jesus, but would we rather hear easier words without the power to save?

February 17 - Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Job 13:1-12 - Job answers his friends. He says he will argue his case with God. This certainly doesn't seem like the right thing to do, but how does it compare with arguing about God? Does God encourage us to argue with Him, to plead our case? How does Jesus affect this dynamic?

John 6:1-21 - Jesus recognizes that his miracle with the bread and fish makes him immensely popular with the people. Why doesn't Jesus just let the people celebrate him and try to make him king? How is this experience similar to his temptation in the wilderness?

February 15 - Epiphany

2010-02-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Job 11:1-20 - Zophar's assessment of the situation is that Job actually deserves worse than he's experiencing. His advice: "Just do the right thing Job, and everything will start to go well for you."

John 5:19-29 - Verses 22-24: "The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

February 12 - Epiphany

2010-02-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

Job 8:1-22 - Bildad "comforts" Job. Notice how Bildad's "pious speech" makes him overly confident about knowing God's ways. He's not entirely wrong about God and justice, but he fails to see the mysteries of God. We still make this mistake when we try to explain why bad stuff happens. The glaring examples are when idiots say that a community or nation is suffering because of some specific sin. But even on the smaller scale we are more comfortable with suffering if we can explain it. When a quiet neighbor is revealed as a murderer, are first impulse is to clamor for an explanation. Bildad is doing the same with Job. The reality is that we cannot explain why some suffer and others do not. And even more mind-boggling is the innocent suffering and death of the only one who is without sin.

John 4:27-45 - Verses 39-42: "Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."

The woman's personal testimony serves as an introduction to the truth about Jesus. It is a powerful testimony, but ultimately the people lean not on the woman's words about Jesus, but on Christ himself.

February 10 - Epiphany

2010-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Job 6:14-30 - Job responds to his friends' advice. They think that it is within Job's power to stop his suffering. In their minds Job has done something wrong and needs to repent. Job knows that this is no the case, and will not lie in order to appease his friends. Just as Job was tempted to try and end his own suffering, so was Christ. "If you're really the Son of God, come down from that cross!" Job's ultimate answer to suffering/evil is Jesus, though he does not know it yet.

John 3:22-4:6 - John stays consistent with his message that he was only preparing the way for Jesus. He must decrease and Jesus must increase.

February 8 - Epiphany

2010-02-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Job 5:1-27 - Who's speaking in this section? At first I thought I was reading Job's words, but realized that I needed to go back to chapter 4 where the monologue began. These are the words of Job's friend, Eliphaz. His speech seems pretty good, but notice what he does in order to comfort Job. Beginning in verse 8 he tells Job to seek God, and goes on to defend God's goodness and mercy. In verse 17 Job is encouraged to see God's punishment as discipline. He finishes by saying that all this will ultimately work out. Regardless of whether he's right on some or all of these words, how would you react in Job's position? In what ways do we try to defend God, or gloss over tragedy when a person in our life is suffering? How does Jesus give a different answer?

John 2:13-25 - Jesus is no dove. His conflict is often with the religious leaders who have exchanged the ways of God with the ways of man. In this particular case they have taken over a section of the Temple reserved for Gentiles (non-Jews), and used it for financial gain. What sign will he give them to show his authority to do this? His true and selfless sacrifice.

February 5 - Epiphany

2010-02-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Job 2:1-3:10 - Does Job have the right to be angry with God? His wife's advice is to curse God and end his suffering, but Job's reply is that God is God. We cannot only accept what we want from Him. Job is suffering in innocence, and in that way points us to Jesus. He also stood accused by Satan, and suffered in innocence. As we read on in Job we'll see how difficult it becomes for Job to suffer silently, and how often we make the mistakes of his friends when dealing with our own and others' suffering.

John 1:19-34 - I've probably heard or read this passage a dozen times, but I just realized that John never answers the Pharisees' question about baptism. They ask why he baptizes and he answers, "with water." Huh? In addition he points out that there is one (Jesus) whom John is unworthy to baptize. It's a powerful thing we see again and again from John and from Jesus. They are able to focus on what's important. People are constantly trying to drive them to defend themselves or answer some riddle, but they are not deterred. John's mission is to point to Jesus. He's not going to waste time defending his baptism to some hostile leaders.

Pray: Dear Lord, you were not deterred from your mission to die and rise again so that all might have life in your name. Give me focus this and every day to Your calling. You have called me into specific areas of life. You have placed me among people who need me and the gifts You have given me. Help me to recognize my neighbors and serve them with joy. Do not allow distractions to take my eyes off of you or live reactively toward others. Give me focus to point to your Son as John the Baptist once did. Amen.

February 4 - Epiphany

2010-02-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

Job 1:1-22 - Satan, the Great Deceiver deceives even himself. He simply cannot come to terms with God's sovereignty over all things. As many theologians have pointed out, Satan is still God's Satan. What is significant about Job's words of grief expressed at the end of the chapter? To whom does Job attribute both blessings received and tragedies endured? Job's worship seems suprising at first, but how is worship really the most appropriate response to tragedy?

John 1:1-18 - "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." (verse 9). The greatness and glory of Christ is manifested in this famous chapter of Scripture. Many Christians think Jesus simply shows up in the New Testament era. Many Christians believe that Jesus simply made a way of salvation possible for us to either take or leave. Here Christ is given His due for His work in Creation and for impacting ALL MEN. Though not all are saved and receive the blessing of membership in God's family by faith - all are impacted by Christ and His Incarnation.

February 3 - Epiphany

2010-02-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Zechariah 14:1-21 - There are powerful and even frightening images here regarding the Day of the Lord. Notice also the images that remind us of Jesus: "his feet will stand on the mount of olives" "the Lord will be one, and his name one" "there shall no longer be a trader in the house of the Lord". How is the Day of the Lord frightful and comforting?

Titus 2:7-3:15 - Paul is giving final encouragement to Titus. What are some of the things Paul is encouraging Titus to do and say? Think of a time when God used someone to tell it to you straight.

February 2 - Epiphany

2010-02-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

Zech 12:1-13:9 - "10'And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn."

Titus 1:1-2:6 - Here we see Paul lay down the qualifications for Elders in the Church. Why do we, as redeemed sinners, need good, godly leadership? What kind of interpersonal relationships are assumed as part of our participation in the Body of Christ? How is this different from the way relationship is commonly practiced in the world?

February 1 - Epiphany

2010-02-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Zechariah 11:4-17 - This is not the most uplifting passage to start off a week or a month. Clearly God has had it with his people, and the shepherds he sends over them as a flock will do more harm than good. Zechariah himself is appointed as a shepherd but doesn't want to be responsible for Israel. As gloomy as this passage is, it highlights for us the powerful imagery of Jesus as our shepherd. I always think of shepherds in positive and even soft ways. But a shepherd not only had to fend off attack, he also sometimes had to slaughter his sheep. This makes Jesus' words all the more powerful: John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

2 Timothy 4:1-18 - ¹ I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: ²preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. ⁵As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

January 29 - Epiphany

2010-01-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-21T07:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

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?

December 31 - Christmas

2009-12-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

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.

December 30 - Christmas

2009-12-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

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.

December 28 - Christmas

2009-12-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

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.

December 25 - Christmas

2009-12-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

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.