Lectionary for 6/21/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 24.1-22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+24.1-22 ) and John 19.1-22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+19.1-22 ).

 

Look at Pilate for a moment.  See how John portrays him as attempting to release Jesus and to hold the Jews accountable for Jesus' death.  Though history portrays Pilate as a governor of only moderate competency - that's how a Roman governor ends up assigned to the Middle East - with a speckled record of keeping the peace wherever he went, we get the idea from John's portrayal of his efforts that he is at least making an attempt to do the right thing.  He is unsure whether Jesus should in fact be put to death.  He is unsure whether Jesus is guilty of any crime against the Roman government.  He is unsure whether Jesus has been rightly characterized to him.  When he hears Jesus is making a claim at deity, he realizes that it is possible, just possible, that there is something to the accusations, but that it is something he does not want to deal with.  Let the religious fanatics be put to death by the other religious fanatics.

 

All the while we realize Jesus has a greater and deeper purpose.  He is intending to come and die to redeem a people to himself.  He is intending to fulfill prophecy as he dies, the lamb of God slain for the sins of the world.  Jesus does what he does to accomplish his purpose, a purpose which thwarts both the plans of Pilate and, ultimately, the plans of the Jewish leaders.

 

May the death of Christ thwart our plans, plans bent toward sin.  May our Lord and Savior draw us close in his arms, showing us that the pain he suffered was for us.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/19/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 22.1-21 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+22.1-21 ) and John 18.1-14 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+18.1-14 ).

 

As we look at the arrest of Jesus we see a very odd situation.  While reading John 18 with some students this year I looked up the term which the ESV translates "band" of soldiers.  As with most military terms, it is a rather specific one.  The force of soldiers Judas brought with him, in addition to the temple guards, was a group of about 600 men. Over six hundred men to arrest one man?  At night?  What were they expecting?  Maybe they expected Jesus and his disciples to be armed?  Maybe they expected them to resist arrest?  Yet outnumbering the people you are planning to arrest 50:1 seems excessive.  Those soldiers, unarmed, could apprehend even well armed and trained opponents with that ratio.  And here the soldiers were armed and trained.  Peter pulled a sword out from somewhere, but seems to have used it approximately as a fisherman would, attacking a servant and not a real soldier. 

 

Jesus in fact does not resist arrest.  This is a show of his power and authority.  Jesus knew they would come to arrest him.  He knew that his purpose would be accomplished by being put to death.  He was ready to do so out of his love for you and for me.  Jesus, the mighty God, came to bear our sin so we would not have to bear it ourselves.  He, alone, is more powerful than the hundreds of men who came to arrest him, for he conquered sin and death through his death, something all the people in the world will not overcome through their lives or deaths.  And he goes willingly, considering the shame of the cross and the pain of death less important than redeeming your life.

 

Rejoice!  When everyone else was sleeping, Jesus was praying that the Father's will might be done, though it would cost him his life.  While we were yet dead in sin (a sort of sleep), Jesus gave himself over for us.  They probably could have sent one officer to come get Jesus.  If the disciples had let him in, Jesus would have gone.  It is God's good will to redeem the world to himself in Christ.

Lectionary for 6/17/2008

Today's readings are Proverbs 17.1-28 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+17.1-28 ), John 16.17-33 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+16.17-33 ), and Proverbs 18.1-20.4 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+18.1-20.4 ).

 

A few days ago I had a visitor for lunch.  This visitor made a complaint about the lunch he was served.  He reminded me specifically of Proverbs 17.1.  Lest you misunderstand, I'll quote my visitor.  "My brother, this bread doesn't seem dry and crumbly."  For some years we have joked that he could come over any time and we would share with him what we had.  He has quoted Proverbs 17.1 and accepted the invitations graciously.  Our friendship has grown as we have talked about many issues - church governance, child rearing, education, and theology to name a few.  This visit was no different.  But I had joked about putting some bread out to dry for him since he seemed to like those "dry morsels."  I even meant to do so and present him with a napkin containing an inedible piece of bread while giving everyone else a nicer lunch.  But I had neglected to prepare adequately.

 

Would you rather have a simple meal with those you love and trust and who love and trust you?  I would.

 

Jesus calls us to a very simple meal.  Just some bread and wine there.  And Jesus is there with us too.  Let us not despise the simplicity of God's provision in Christ.  Let us rather enjoy the fellowship and love we receive by the good pleasure of our heavenly Master.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/16/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 16.1-24 (http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+16.1-24 ) and John 16.1-16 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+16.1-16 ).

 

At the outset of John 16, Jesus tells why he has told the disciples what he told them at the end of chapter 15.  So let's turn a page back and remember what Jesus has just been telling the disciples . . . people will hate them and persecute them because they hated God first, but believers will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, the Helper Jesus will send and who proceeds from the Father.

 

Now, why did Jesus tell the disciples all he told them?  To strengthen them and keep them from falling away.  Jesus here presents the very real possibility that true believers will face persecution, specifically physical and societal threats (being killed or cast out of the synagogue), and will depart from their faith in Jesus in order to protect their physical and social well-being.  Jesus encourages his people to trust in him and his provision, not to fear those who can disrupt their earthly lives.

 

There are a few aspects of this brief paragraph which I think are very important.  First, it is a very real possibility that genuine Christians may depart from the faith when facing persecution.  I was speaking about this with two Calvinists a few days ago, both people whom I respect greatly, people with what appears to be a deep-seated trust in Christ and assurance of his love for them.  As I understood the conversation I had with these friends, people who depart from the faith were not believers to begin with.  While that point of view protects the Calvinist's high regard for the effectiveness of Christ's salvation - he will guard all genuine believers forever - it does not seem to fit in with what Jesus says here.  Jesus, though he is certainly able to keep his people secure in  him, allows people to flee from their trust in him and depart from the faith.  He warns against it.  He provides teaching about the ultimate safety of the believer.  He provides the Holy Spirit to encourage and confirm believers.  But believers appear quite able to depart from their faith.

 

A second aspect which is important to realize in reading the beginning of John 16 is that unbelievers, by and large, think they are doing the right thing by rejecting Christ and his people.  They do not understand the way our Lord works salvation.  They do not understand God's love in Christ the suffering servant.  They don't understand the glory of laying down your own life, hopes, dreams, and future to receive that which Jesus has prepared for you.  God's kingdom is counter-intuitive.  We cannot expect that everyone will fear, love and trust God in Christ.  This is one of the reasons I think a seeker-sensitive church growth model of ministry is dangerous.  It approaches life and ministry with an attitude that says the world will understand Jesus, embrace him, and follow him if we present him in terms they are already predisposed to accept.  Yet these terms run counter to the nature of God.  Let God be God and every man a liar!

 

The final aspect of this passage which I'd like to mention is, in my opinion, the most important.  However, I'll treat it in the briefest of terms because it is readily understandable.  God in Christ has seen our future.  He knows our dangers.  He knows the struggles we will face.  He has acted in time and space to protect us and carry us through those struggles.  When we face discouragement and doubt in our lives, or if we face genuine threats to our life and well being, we can know that our Lord understands and has provided his grace for us.  He has spoken in advance to protect us from the trials to come.  Let us rejoice that our Lord knows our frailty and has anticipated all that will come upon us.  Let us look to him in his resurrection, trusting that he has indeed overcome the world.  By faith, we will overcome the world as well.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/14/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 14.1-7 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+14.1-27 ) and John 15.1-11 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+15.1-11 ). 

 

Jesus the carpenter makes some interesting agrarian statements.  Some of them are quite counter-intuitive, such as his parable of the weeds, where the weeds should be allowed to grow alongside the grain.  Some of them, however, are completely in synch with normal agricultural practice, and this is one of them.  When caring for plants, nearly any kind of plant, regular trimming is one of the more important ways of shaping the plant and encouraging its growth.  I have a bush in my yard which has a thin place in it for some reason.  Yesterday (really, I did this) I trimmed that bush and particularly paid attention to the areas around the thin place, trimming the branches near it even if they weren't very long.  Those branches will become more bushy and the little trimming will stimulate their growth.  The thin place should fill in.

 

God the vine-dresser prunes our branches.  Unproductive habits, relationships we should not develop, desires we have and which don't bring him honor, all are subject to the pruning of God.  Unlike the plants, we are quite aware of God's pruning and don't like it.  We shy away from God's glorious activity in our lives.  This ought not to be.  God is doing it for our good and for his glory.  Let us rather embrace God's good work in our lives, knowing that he will bring much fruit out of it.

 

 

Lectionary for 6/13/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 13.1-25 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+13.1-25 ) and John 14.18-31 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+14.18-31 ).

 

Are we guilty of saying, "when Jesus was with the disciples" as if he is no longer with his disciples?  I expect nearly all of us have taken that attitude.  If only Jesus were here, he'd know what to do, so we would too.  But what is Jesus' promise in John 14.18 and following?  Jesus promises that he will be with his people, that he brings life, understanding, rejoicing, and confidence.  Jesus promises that in fact he is not bound by evil but has overcome.

 

Truly Jesus is with his disciples.  Since the ascension he has never left us.  Jesus is present with those who believe.  Let us therefore take confidence in his presence and the validity of all his promises.  Let us rejoice in our Lord who has triumphed over sin and death.  Let us seek out Jesus, the living Word of God who brings wisdom and understanding (the Greek word for "word" also means account or reckoning and hence orderly understanding).  Let us look to Jesus, the way, the life and the truth.  Let us walk in the presence of the living Lord who has promised that he will be with us always.  We are not alone.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/12/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 10.1-23 (   http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+10.1-23 ), John 14.1-17 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+14.1-17 ), and Proverbs 11.12-28 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+11.1-12.28 ). 

 

What is the way to heaven?  How do we reach that secure eternal home?  What must we do to be saved? I observe today that Jesus' statements in John 14.1-7 run counter to my expectations and typical desires.  I expect they ran counter to the expectations of his disciples with him as well.  "Jesus, how do we know God?"  "You know me, don't you?"  Maybe we don't know Jesus very well.  While Jesus goes ahead and does all that is needed to bring us into eternal safety and reconciliation with God, we want to know what we need to do.  While we sing "Jesus paid it all" we think about what we can do to keep him from bearing the responsibility for our salvation.  When we are told to believe the Gospel, we want to know how we can show that belief and whether we are believing well enough.  Maybe we don't know Jesus very well at all.

 

Believe that the Lord has taken our sin.  Believe that the Lord has conquered sin, death, and hell on our behalf.  Believe that the Lord has redeemed a people for himself.  Believe that he is preparing a heavenly home for his people, so he may be the firstborn among many brothers.  Believe that he will accomplish all he has said.  Salvation is of the Lord, not of us.  Believe it.  Live in light of that belief - confidently knowing that Jesus is indeed the author and finisher of our faith.  Believe that when we fail to live like believers, Jesus is there to forgive and restore us.  Just believe.  That's all.  The rest will work itself out.

 

 

Lectionary for 6/11/08

Today's readings are from Proverbs 9.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+9.1-18 ) and John 13.21-38 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+13.21-38 ).

 

The Athanasian Creed talks in detail about the divine and human natures of Christ being "unconfused" or "unmixed."  We may be seeing an example of this unconfusion of the divine and human nature at the beginning of our passage in John.  As Jesus looks around at his disciples he becomes troubled.  It seems that he is realizing that he will be betrayed and that it will be by one of them.  He may even be startled with the realization that Judas is the one who will betray him.  In his perfect and true humanity, Jesus knows things exactly the way you and I know them.  He is informed by Scripture, he makes observations, and may occasionally get impressions in prayer which lead him to consider particular facets of his world and statements of God in Scripture more seriously.  Here, our Lord and Savior who is FULLY HUMAN experiences the same kind of devastating realization many people have experienced over the years.  Things are not looking good.  My situation is turning sour.  This is going to hurt.  And what will hurt most is the fact that I wll be betrayed by a trusted friend.

 

Have you experienced disappointment?  Have you been betrayed by friends, family members, co-workers, employers, even spiritual leaders?  Jesus has experienced the same disappointment.  And he did not experience it as some sort of Superman with resources that you do not have.  He experienced it in his bodily life on this earth, fully human at the same time that he is fully divine.  His nature is not confused.  He is not God with a little man mixed in.  He is not some sort of super human person with a mixture of a bit of God.  He is indeed fully divine and fully human.  There is no intermingling.  Jesus, the true man, the Son of Adam, has been where you are.  Jesus, the divine Son of God has taken on your sin and grief, bearing death in your place and rising victorious over all your struggles.  Though we are confused in our single nature, Jesus is unconfused in his dual nature.  We can surely trust hm and cling to him for help and hope.

 

Lectionary for 6/10/2008

Today's readings are Proverbs 8.22-36 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+8.22-36 ) and John 13.1-20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+13.1-20 ).

 

In our reading from John's Gospel we see that Jesus loved the disciples to the end.  What does this mean?  Look at the text and see how John shows Jesus loving the disciples to the end.  He lays aside his dignity and station to serve the disciples, including the one who will betray him.  He reminds them through Peter that his cleansing is adequate for them.  He gives the disciples an ongoing ministry of serving one another and, by extension, serving other believers as well.  He promises that he is really received by those who receive his disciples bearing his word.

 

Surely Jesus is with us when we are faithful to his word.  Let us wash one another's feet, refresh one another, care for one another.  This is the ministry Jesus has given every believer in the world, to testify to his care for his people.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/9/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 8.1-21 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+8.1-21 ) and John 12.36b-50 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+12.36-50 ). 

 

Jesus' words in John 12 are perplexing, to say the least.  Why would Jesus say what we won't understand?  Why would he seem to be hindering people from coming to him?

 

In the final analysis, though the hindrance is in our eyes, which are closed to the method God has chosen to rule this world.  The key to our perplexity may well be in Jesus' words which immediately follow.  In verses 47 and following Jesus says that he will not judge unbelief, but will rather allow his statements to do the judging in the final day.  We have a tendency to expect God will work in very direct, predictable ways.  We sin, God judges.  We do works of righteousness, God rewards.  We pray for the sick, God heals them.  Simple, no-fuss, no-muss religion.

 

That isn't the wisdom of God.  It's our wisdom.  Our Lord works in a different way, with the supreme example of that different way being his death as a substitution for us.  He laid down his life and took our sins upon himself, suffering intensely for your sake, in order to destroy sin.  Yet in this world which our Lord created by the power of his Word, he could have prevented sin altogether, he could have wiped out sin some other way, he didn't need to suffer as a man.  Despite all that, God is acting in accord with his character by atoning for sin in the way he has chosen, and it is good and right.

 

God's wisdom is different from ours.  When we expect him to act in a particular way, let us always look at Scripture to see if he actually plans to act that way.  His ways are not our ways.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/8/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 4.1-27 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+4.1-27 ) and John 12.1-19 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+12.1-19 ).

 

In John 12.8 Jesus tells his disciples that they will always have poor people with them but they will not always have him.  What can he mean by this?  After the resurrection, Jesus promises that he will never leave his disciples.  We confess that God the Son is with us all the time.  Yet Jesus says he is going away.  Of course, we perceive him differently after the resurrection.  We can now walk with Jesus all day every day no matter the geography, but we never see him walking around sweating with dirty feet and disheveled hair.

 

But what does Jesus mean by saying that the poor will always be with us?  Surely the Lord who holds all the resources of creation in his hand can take care of the poor?  Surely if we give people the help they need to get back on their feet the poor will no longer be with us?  As we consider it biblically, much poverty is the result of sin.  It is the result of sinful priorities, sinful lack of interest in acting responsibly, sinful desires being set above wise stewardship.  And all of us are quite able to become poverty-stricken, no matter how wealthy we are, all the resources we have can be plundered by our foolish and self-centered decisions.  Surely we are sinful people.  As we put our own momentary desires above wisdom, we squander the resources God has provided for us. 

 

Sometimes the word "squander" seems excessive.  Is it squandering resources if I spend some money on a pack of chewing gum because I like to chew gum?  It isn't harmful and it is quite inexpensive.  My expenditure, joined with the habit of millions of other gum chewers, provides economically for those people engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of the product.  Spending money in a wise way is a means of loving our neighbors and providing for their well being.  This is a fine way to spend some of the resources God has provided us with.  We are free to engage in activities and spending which are not absolutely necessary to sustain life.  Yet we are free to do so only within our means.  If, for instance, I have a small child who is in need of basic nutrition and choose instead to spend my very limited resources on sodas and potato chips, I have wronged my child and am also wronging the people I subsequently ask to help provide for my child.  If, on the other hand, I decide to spend a small portion of my resources on sodas and potato chips rather than buying a new decoration to go on my porch, something else quite optional, I have done no wrong.

 

How can we wisely use those resources the Lord has given us?  Sometimes we lavish them on the Lord.  Sometimes we lavish them on the poor around us.  Sometimes we use some for different reasons.  In all things, let us use our resources to honor our Lord and Savior, to celebrate the abundance he has created, and to share that abundance with others.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/6/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 3.5-24 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+3.5-24 ) and John 11.38-57 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+11.38-57 ).

 

Where should we look for wisdom and guidance?  In Proverbs we see that God is the giver of wisdom.  Yet he sometimes guides us through unexpected means.  Caiaphas, in John 11, being the high priest, acts as God's prophet in saying that it would be good for one man to die for the whole nation.  He then sets out to have Jesus arrested and killed.  Here we have someone who was apparently not exactly the most gentle and devout high priest in history making a prophecy which accurately reports the necessity of Jesus' death for us, and then setting out to see that it happens.

 

We are told in 1 Timothy 2 that we should pray for our rulers.  They are God's servants, whether they know it or not.  I remember on a national day of prayer some years ago I was with a class of students visiting our nation's capitol.  We had an appointment to visit our U.S. Senator, who, as far as I can discern, is no kind of Christian believer whatsoever.  With my class, I cornered him in a lobby and after we had asked him a few questions the students wanted to ask, before he needed to leave for a meeting, I told him it was a national day of prayer and this Christian school class would like to pray for him.  He looked a little worried but agreed.  We prayed that the Lord would give him wisdom to understand what would be best for this country, that he would have endurance in his heavy work load, and that he would rightly perceive God's priorities and apply those in the legislation he worked on.  We prayed that he would rejoice in the fact that many people pray for him and that he would grow in godliness.  This was no purposeless prayer to the mush God.  This was prayer with purpose to the God of the Universe who guides the hearts and minds of legislators.

 

I wish I could say that this U.S. Senator had changed his legislative agenda in the past ten years since I visited with him.  He hasn't.  Yet I know that our Lord is able to use him or anyone else he pleases to speak God's wisdom and apply God's priorities in this world.  May the Lord use these unexpected vessels and may we be ready to see God's hand in our world.

 

 

Lectionary for 6/5/08

Today's readings are Proverbs 1.8-33 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Prov.+1.8-33 ) and John 11.17-37 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+11.17-37 ).

 

"You just don't understand!  This was really important to me!  I'm discouraged!  I'm angry!  This is serious!  You can't understand what I'm going through!"  I've heard this kind of complaint many times in my life, and expect to hear it many more times.  Sometimes I even make this kind of complaint.  Believe it or not, lots and lots of people think they are unique in their suffering.  And at least in our modern American culture, we seem to have raised up a generation of people who have been mistreated and have a lot to complain about.  We are all victims.  No doubt about it.  Nobody can feel my pain, though I would like to be sure they all know I'm in pain and what I am in pain about. 

 

When Jesus comes to see Mary and Martha about Lazarus, he is confronted not once but twice with accusations like this.  And not only does he find that Mary and Martha are grieving, but each of them independently blames Jesus.  "If only you had been here . . . "

 

Despite the many issues I've had in my life, I dont think any would exceed having a dear brother who has lived in my household and from whom I can expect to derive my support become sick and die.  Maybe there are some, but this situation in which Mary and Martha find themselves has to be among the worst situations that ever come up.  What comfort does Jesus give them?  "I am the resurrection and the life."  Jesus is the one who has conquered death, hell and the grave.  Jesus is the one who is master over life and death.  And Jesus is the one who is moved to weep with us when we are weeping.  He is acquainted with our griefs.  He knows our frame. 

 

Do we have such a human Jesus?  That's the way the Bible portrays him.  Do we unjustly strip him of his humanity and say that he can't possibly identify with us, that our sufferings are too great for his compassion?  We dare not do so.  That lessens the greatness of our Lord and Savior.  We do have just such a Jesus, who understands our griefs and has borne them.

 

Thanks be to God for his wonderful love!

 

Lectionary for 6/4/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 12.1-14 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+12.1-14 ) and John 11.1-16 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+11.1-16 ).

 

We often think of ourselves as more or less permanent.  This is true especially of young people.  Why, for many years, I remember being pretty much invincible.  I had intelligence and energy sufficient to do anything.  My future was unbounded.  I would be able to go here, go there, do this, do that, and accomplish all manner of things for the Lord.

 

Something happens during the course of adult life.  I'm not permanent, at least not on this earth.  We see in Ecclesiastes 12 that all these things around us will wear out.  They will break.  The hard-working youthful and energetic people will become old.  The machines we use will wear out and fall apart.  Life on this earth is temporary.  For that matter, this earth is temporary.

 

Where is our treasure?  Where is our supply?  Do we look to eternity in all things?  Do we have an eager expectation of the life to come, in which nothing will wear out and nothing will pass away? 

 

Lord, give us a longing for the eternal even as we serve as good stewards of the temporal.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/3/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 11.1-10 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+11.1-10 ) and John 10.22-42 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+10.22-42 ).

 

There are some days when we wonder whether it was a good idea to get out of bed.  We get up, find the dog has been sick and is now grumpy.  Bitten by the angry dog while cleaning up after him, we get into the shower and find the water heater has died during the night.  After the cold shower, we go outside to find that we forgot to set the parking brake on the car and it is now in the pond.  Then we finally manage to get to work and realize that our day is not going to go any more easily.  This is a world full of woe and strife.  Was it worth getting up?  What in the world can I be accomplishing with this kind of life situation?

 

I am able to accomplish much in any way for Christ.  Look again at the start of the passage from Ecclesiastes.  We do not know what God is accomplishing.  We tend our fields but God gives the increase.  It is good to work in obedience to him.  We are often not aware of the good the Lord is doing in and through us, nor will we be aware of it all.  That's simply the mystery of the way our Lord and Savior works.

 

May the Lord be with you!  You can be assured from this reading that in fact he is with you and is working in and through you.

 

 

Lectionary for 6/2/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 10.1-20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+10.1-20 ) and John 10.1-21 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+10.1-21 ).

 

As Jesus begins his "good shepherd" statements let us draw our attention to his identity.  Jesus is very clear about this. He has come in the "authorized" manner.  He arrives according to God's command and the prophecy which God has revealed over many generations.  He does not swoop down into society to create an alternative religion.  He is not some sort of commando savior who breaks into the world, ruins everything that God has ever done in the past, and establishes a new order.

 

Though there is undoubtedly a new covenant and some sort of what we would call discontinuity between Old Testament and New Testament, between Moses and Christ, the old and new lawgivers, we see in a much greater sense that Jesus has come to fulfill, not to destroy.  He is the one Moses spoke about.  He is the one the Gospel has always looked to.  He has always been the fulfillment of the Law.

 

Like sheep, we will never keep the demands of the Law.  We don't know the way.  We don't have the desire.  We are sold to sin.  Let us look to our shepherd, who has kept the demands of God's law on our behalf. Let us look to him for protection, guidance, sustenance, and provision.  And let us rejoice that all Jesus is doing on our behalf is in accordance with what God has ordained and revealed to us in ages past.

 

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!

 

 

 

Lectionary for 6/1/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 9.1-17 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+9.1-17 ) and John 9.24-41 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+9.24-41 ).

 

I'd like to show you that I am a righteous person.  You'd probably like to show me your righteousness too.  We like to be thought righteous, wise, blameless, and often even respectable.  But how can we really know?  And how are we going to judge righteousness and sin in others?  Doubtless there is an assurance we can have in Christ.  As we believe the Scripture we see that if Jesus has set us free through faith in his name, we are indeed free.  And much of time most people find an emotional assurance, their soul does find some degree of rest, even in this sinful world.  But in the final analysis I am ultimately unable to prove my righteousness to you and you are unable to prove your righteousness to me.

 

In Ecclesiastes 9 the preacher points out that we will not always recognize righteous people, we will not always recognize wise people, our understanding is skewed.  We do the best we can to hear and understand wisdom when we can perceive that it is wisdom, and we trust that the Lord will guide everything in the end.

 

In John 9 we see that the Jewish leaders, who were zealous to protect God's law and the righteousness of the nation, failed ot recognize Jesus, the true Lord and Savior.  May the Lord give us the grace that we, like the man born blind, may recognize Jesus for who he is, turning to him in faith.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/31/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 8.1-17 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+8.1-17 ) and John 9.1-23 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+9.1-23 ).

 

Today's reading starts out with an admonition to honor and obey the king.  I've been thinking today about a related passage, 1 Timothy 2.1-2.  What is God's attitude toward our political leaders?  He clearly views them as important in their authority and influence.  We are to honor and respect them.  We are to pray for them.  It is not our place to grumble about what they do or don't do.  It is our place to give whatever input our government allows us to give to officials.  But just like the rest of us, they will have to stand before God in the final judgment and answer for the way they have lived out their vocation before him.  They do not stand before us as the final judge, they stand before God.  Pray for your leaders.  Encourage them to act righteously.  Remind them that there is indeed a God in heaven and that they are working ultimately for Him.  May they act in a manner pleasing in his sight.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/30/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 7.11-29 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+7.11-29 ) and John 8.39-59 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+8.39-59 ).
 
Did you ever have this conversation with someone?  I was speaking with a man some years ago and brought up the fact that there's an easy explanation for people's ill treatment of other people.  He immediately jumped on me verbally and told me not to try "that religion junk that people are bad."  This man's point of view was that people are good by nature.  Yet he rather quickly turned to discuss how bad people are.  They lie, cheat, swindle, violate other people's rights, break laws, and act for their own advancement rather than other peoples' good.  He was utterly unable to explain why people acted badly if they are good.  And despite all evidence to the contrary, he maintained that people are basically good.
 
Jesus would differ with this man and with the countless others like him.  Those who do not believe on Christ are of their father the Devil.  Jesus views us as evil by nature, fallen prey to the curse of Adam and thus corrupt in all our parts.  While we are not as bad as might be possible, there is nothing we can or will do which is not tainted by sin.  This is the doctrine theologians call "total depravity." 
 
What is our response to depravity?  We repent and believe Christ.  We thank the Lord for showing us the depth of our sin so we can see the height of his redeeming love.  Rejoice that through faith in Christ we become children of our heavenly Father rather than of our father the Devil.

 

Lectionary for 5/29/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 6.1-7.10 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+6.1-7.10 ) and John 8.21-38 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+8.21-38 ).

 

I remember vividly going to a ceremony at a historically Christian college, in which people being inducted into the college life and a student organization were told over and over again that they would be learning a lot of things in the college and that the truth would set them free.

 

Sadly, this college, with a history of training young men for ministry, had completely forgotten its roots.  The late middle-aged lady giving the address spoke entirely in terms of human potential, in the freedom that comes through man's wisdom, man's generosity, man's humanity to man.  Jesus' words from John chapter 8 were frequently quoted in part but his meaning was completely lost.

 

How do we know the truth?  We know the truth through the living Word of God - revealed in Scripture we see Jesus, the very Word of God incarnate.  He himself is the truth.  As we hear his word and believe him we know the truth.  That is freedom indeed.

 

Hear the Word.  Hear Jesus.  Know the Truth.  He will set you free and you will be free indeed.

 

 

Lectionary for 5/28/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 5.1-20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+5.1-20 ) and John 8.1-20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+8.1-20 ).

 

Aren't you glad when Friday rolls around again?  It's such a wonderful day.  I know my Fridays are exceptional days.  Know why?  I get to go to work!  The Lord has provided me with lots and lots of things to do on a Friday.  I can get up in the morning and serve the Lord by caring for the property he has entrusted to me. I can go to my office and deal with the many human interactions I have during the day.  I help my co-workers get their jobs done.  I help my employer make the bottom line work out.  I contact the public in my work.  I read and write e-mails.  I talk on the phone.  It's all part of my opportunity to live out this life Christ has given me.  Then I leave the office and spend more time with my family and the other things God has put around me.  It's a great day.  Every Friday.  Thank God it's Friday!

 

What?

 

It's Wednesday?

 

Yippee!  I get to go to work and be God's blessing in this world not only today but for two more work days this week!

 

Ecclesiastes 5.18-20 (ESV) says, "Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.  For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

 

 

Lectionary for 5/27/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 4.1-16 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+4.1-16 ) and John 7.32-53 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+7.32-53 ).

 

Look at the futility of Ecclesiastes 4.1-3.  It is very easy to look at our world and see the hopelessness.  We "do time" in this earthly life, enduring the suffering that we endure, being wronged by others, lashing out and wronging them - - the powerful gain power, the rich gain riches, the rest of us are downtrodden.  It's a hard knocks life, after all.  Take all you can get, give nothing back.

 

What advocate do we have?  What hope is there for the downtrodden?  What help for those who cannot help themselves?  We take our eyes off ourselves, off our situation, off our hopelessness, and turn our eyes to our Lord and Savior.  "Come to me!" We come, Lord.  Give us this living water.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/26/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 3.1-22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+3.1-22 ) and John 7.14-31 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+7.14-31 ).

 

There's a right time and a wrong time for everything.  A time to plant, a time to harvest.  A time to allow something to grow, a time to cut it off.  About this time of the year I am often in a quandary.  Various plants around my house need trimming, something which I dislike and am not very good at.  But it needs to be done, so I will do it.  How much?  When?  What's right?  This blooms now, that blooms later, this will grow back this far, that will not grow back so far before I trim it again.  And timing seems important.  Like the typical unwise homeowner, I will go into the yard, clip here, trim there, generally make a mess of things, then let it go until later.  Maybe it is improved, maybe not.

 

How unlike I am to God.  He knows the time to plant.  All around my neighborhood there are trees of different varieties, losing their special individual seeds at different times.  There are plants from bulbs which multiply underground.  There are flowers that go to seed at different times.  Some drop their seeds, some of the seeds fly in the wind.  There's a right time and way of doing everything.  And our mighty Lord knows it all.  In the parlance of the area where I live, we just "waller around" and try to do something.  Sometimes it works.  Our God does it all perfectly.  He knows the times and seasons.

 

If God bestows this care on weeds growing in my yard, how much more will he bestow his care on his people, the pearl of great price he has sought and purchased?  How much care will he lavish on us who are called according to his name?  How much will he make everything work to his glory and our good?  So next time you trim a plant, pick a flower, or pull up a weed, reflect on the love of God.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/25/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 2.1-26 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+2.1-26 ) and John 7.1-13 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+7.1-13 ).

 

Vanity!  All is in vain!  What good is this to me?  I may as well spend my children's inheritance since they won't thank me enough for it anyway!  Our lives are full of situations that in reality don't matter.  In their final outcome many of our concerns and desires prove worthless.  The author of Ecclesiastes gives himself to pleasurable things such as wine, enticing marriages, wealth, power, and all the trappings of that wealth and power.  He finds it is ultimately worthless.

 

Does this mean that we should reject worldly things altogether?  Because the wine is good should I refuse it and drink what is not good?  Because wealth is attractive should I strive to be a beggar?  Not at all.  The issue of this passage is where my desires and hope lie.

 

What riches do we cling to?  Do we cling to the things which may be pleasing at the moment but are ultimately worthless?  Do we cling to him who is our treasure, our Lord and Savior?  Let us not act according to the folly of the vain ruler.  He has found all the trappings of this world to be foolishness.  Let us learn from him, and desire eternal things, which are not foolish.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/24/08

Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 1.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+1.1-18 ), John 6.60-71 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+6.60-71 ), and Esther 1.1-10.3 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Esther+1.1-10.3 ).

 

Jesus' statements in John 6 were offensive to his disciples, resulting in many people leaving him.  Yet we have repeatedly seen in Scripture that God's decrees are right.  We don't dispute what God has done or commanded.  What is the result?  Many who were following Jesus left him. 

 

We don't know what Jesus thought of that.  Is there disappointment in God the Son?  Surely the departure of his disciples is nothing he did not know or expect.  Yet doubtless there is sorrow over those who depart from faith in Christ.

 

What of Peter?  He, so often the spokesman for the other eleven, made a confession upon which we may safely dwell.  In John 6.68 (ESV) Peter says, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."  What other confession do we need?  Jesus has the words of eternal life.  We can hold to him, trusting him to save us, deliver us safely to our destination.  Even when the words of Jesus seem unlike what we would say, no, especially when the words of Jesus seem unlike what we would say, we can trust Jesus.  He has the words of life. 

Lectionary for 5/23/08

Today's readings are Song of Solomon 7.6-8.14 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Song+7.6-8.14 ) and John 6.41-59 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+6.41-59 ).

 

Today we move into Jesus' explanation of his "bread of life" statements.  We see that the Jews were offended by the claims he was making.  Watch carefully how Jesus defends his statements.  In fact, he does not defend his statements.  The Greek style of Jesus' explanation about being the true bread and the true drink use words that might suggest a gory cannibalistic feast.  He uses eating words which bring to mind dogs gnawing on bones or starving rustic people gobbling their food, slobbering and grunting.  He uses drinking words which are more akin to the English usage "guzzle" than "sip."  This is not a refined feast Jesus calls his people to.  And worst of all, he pictures himself as the food and drink!

 

Jesus' offensive statements here reflect the offense we take when we are confronted with reality, reality such as God's provision being our only hope in this world and for eternity, reality such as our inability to make ourselves pleasing to God, reality such as our sinfulness which defines us.  What is the cure for our lostness?  We do that which is repugnant to us and to our world.  We depend not on ourselves but on Christ.  We find sustenance in God's provision which is utterly unlike anything we would dream up on our own.

 

Believe on Christ! Hunger for him!  Thirst for him!  It is the craziest and most offensive thing you will ever do.  And it is the wisdom of God.

 

Lectionary for 5/22/08

Today's readings are Song of Solomon 6.4-7.5 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Song+6.4-7.5 ) and John 6.22-40 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+6.22-40 ).

 

Our passage today in John is the beginning of Jesus' "bread of life" statements.  Look today at the way Jesus is faithful and consistent in his word and ministry, as opposed to the people who are questioning him.  The crowds have seen Jesus doing miracles and signs, but came only for the food.  When Jesus identifies himself as God's provision for them, they wonder what kind of signs he is going to do.  But Jesus has been perfectly consistent all along in what he has done.  There is no reason for the crowds to doubt God's provision for them through Jesus, the bread of life. 

 

Yet this statement, as are many of Jesus' statements, stands in stark contrast to what we would naturally believe or expect.  We look for God's provision through different means than the means God chooses to provide for his people.  We look to our own wisdom or ability to earn merit before God.  God provides the belief we need, provides us with the object of our belief, and tells us to believe, since we might not have figured it out.  In fact, all we need is provided in Jesus, our sole source of godliness.

 

Let us look to our Lord and Savior, the one who feeds us.  Let us look in belief, for this is the means he has ordained.  Let us not seek to know what we can bring him, as if he needs anything.  Let us seek to receive the provision we need from his mighty and gracious hand.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/21/08

Today's readings are Song of Solomon 5.2-6.3 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Song+5.2-6.3 ) and John 6.1-21 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+6.1-21 ).

 

In John 6 Jesus fees a huge crowd with one person's lunch, coming up with leftovers sufficient to feed several people for several days.  Look at the situation with me a little more closely.

 

Jesus has welcomed these people who the Scripture says were with him because of the signs he had been performing on sick people.  It is unclear whether the people were truly dedicated to Jesus, whether they were curious about what he was doing, or whether they themselves wished to be healed and thus receive from Christ.  We aren't told, so we won't speculate.

 

Jesus is quite aware of the needs of humans.  He knows hunger and thirst in his humanity.  He has been around humans for years.  He respects the needs of the physical body.  And Jesus cares enough for the people to plan provision for them.

 

Jesus' request to the Philip about food for the crowd could well have stricken Philip with amazement and despair.  I don't live in a very large city, nor in a really small town.  But I know if I decided that we would have a church dinner for 5000 plus people we would not be able to get enough bread for sandwiches for all those people at one store without advance notice.  In fact, we would probably not be able to accomplish the task even by going to several stores.  This is a significant number of people and they are deviating from their normal patterns sufficiently that it could be very difficult to come up with supplies for them.  Peter, in what we later see is typical fashion, manages to come up with some food because someone has something to eat.  But it isn't enough for everyone, not by any stretch of the imagination.

 

See now Jesus' abundance.  From small supply he creates much.  He makes sure all the people who are with him have what they need.  In fact, they have more than they need.  The language used is that of a full meal in which people would have all they wanted.  Their hunger was satisfied.  This was no little snack to tide them over until they could manage to get an actual meal.

 

See Jesus' care for people and lack of wastefulness.  He has the remains gathered up.  This doesn't become a feast for birds and dogs but is packed neatly into baskets.  Maybe there were some poor people who needed food in their homes.  We don't know what happened to the baskets.  But Jesus takes care that his miraculous provision will not end in a couple of hours when people become hungry again.

 

See how people believe in Jesus, the giver of the feast.  We can have every confidence that Jesus, the giver of the feast, is preparing for us all we need in this life and in the world to come.  Look to Jesus, the true supply of all we need.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/20/08

Today's readings are Song of Solomon 4.1-5.1 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Song+4.1-5.1 ) and John 5.30-47 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+5.30-47 ).

 

I have just a brief challenge today.  John 5.39-40 (ESV) says "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."

 

Do we truly believe that the Scripture is powerful, that God has revealed what we need, that being Jesus, and that the Word of God accomplishes God's purpose?  Is our trust based on what God has done or on our ability to communicate, explain, persuade people of it, and understand it ourselves?  What does the Scripture say?  What more do we need?

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/19/08

Today's readings are Song of Solomon 2.8-3.11 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Song+2.8-3.11 ) and John 5.19-29 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+5.19-29 ).

 

I confess to hearing and reading statements like the following more often than I would like.  I've probably made statements like them, and not only in the context of a refutation.

 

How can you become a Christian?  How can you be forgiven of your sins?  How can you find assurance of eternal life?  Believe in the Lord.  Confess your sins to him.  Pray this prayer (insert prayer here in which the person confesses of his sins and asks to receive eternal life).  If you have prayed it sincerely and with all your heart, you can start obeying the Lord and he will give you assurance that you have eternal life because you will find a joy in serving Jesus.

 

There's something wrong with the theology here.  Look again at John 5.24a "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life" (ESV).  How radically different the focus of Jesus is from the focus that I gave above.  In the first example, I the man am asking the Lord to do soemthing for me and in me.  I proclaim my evil and I count on the sincerity and completeness of my confession in order to be saved.  The assurance of salvation comes through what I do and what I experience.  In the second example, which, we notice is the Scripture and quotes our Savior himself, all we do is hear Jesus' words of condemnation for and forgiveness of sin and believe that the Father sent the Son to atone for our sins.  Not to be callous, but this is "no fuss, no muss" theology.  Thanks be to God for providing us with such a salvation and for being the kind of Lord we can depend on.

 

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/18/08

Today's readings are Numbers 35.9-30 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+35.9-30 ), Luke 24.28-53 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+24.28-53 ), and Acts 1.1-7.60 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Acts+1.1-7.60 ).

 

Today we move into the season of the Church.  In our New Testament reading Jesus gives a charge to his disciples, departs to heaven, empowers the believers, and establishes them in what appears to be the New Testament Church.

 

What is the charge Jesus gives to his people?  This is the command which motivates all that happens in the first seven chapters of Acts.  Jesus tells them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins.  They are to stick to that message.  Sinful humans need to repent.  Jesus has provided forgiveness of sins.  And that proclamation is to be made in the name of Jesus, speaking with Jesus' authority.  He has fulfilled the Scriptures.   We can most surely trust that Jesus has brought repentance and forgiveness. 

 

As we look at Christian history we can see that the times when the Church has grown, when it has changed society, when it has made a difference in the hearts and lives of large numbers of people, those times have all been related to a steadfast proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins.  Let's stick to the message Jesus has given us.  It's the right one.  And as we walk around through the Church year we will have many opportunities to proclaim that Jesus is the savior. Whether our hearers believe it or not, Jesus has overcome death, hell and the grave.  He is the victorious savior.  He gives repentance.  He gives forgiveness.  And he's already accomplished everything that is necessary.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/17/08

Today's readings are Numbers 32.1-6 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+32.1-6 ), Numbers 32.16-27 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+32.16-27 ), and Luke 24.1-27 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+24.1-27 ).

 

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to some discouraged disciples.  They did not recognize him, for what reason, we don't know.  Yet we find that Jesus, as he is walking alongside these discouraged men, does some very important things.  First, he hears their discouragement and their need.  We too are sometimes the discouraged ones needing to hear from the Lord, or sometimes we are the ones who bring God's words of comfort and healing, loving our neighbor as ourselves and thus doing the same kind of works that Christ does.

 

Jesus not only hears the discouragement and need.  He also brings his answers to their need.  And what answer does he bring?  He brings the Scripture that talks about himself.  So often when we hear discouraged people talking about their troubles we are tempted to rush in and solve those troubles.  We tell them immediately how to behave in their workplace, what kind of medical treatment worked for us, and five books we have read recently that told us how to work with annoying people.  But what does Jesus do?  He tells about himself.  When we are discouraged we often need to hear about our great Lord and Savior.  We don't need someone to tell us how we have failed.  We don't need someone with more self-help tips.  We need to hear that Jesus is the one who has overcome the world through his death, burial and resurrection.

 

As we move toward Trinity Sunday (tomorrow), let us look to the true encouragement.  Maybe we need that encouragement.  Maybe we need to provide that encouragement.  But the true encouragement is that we, through faith in Christ, are partakers in the resurrection.  Jesus is not left in the tomb.  He himself is the fulfillment of God's commands.  He is the Lord our righteousness.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/15/08

Today's readings are Numbers 24.1-25 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+24.1-25 ) and Luke 23.1-25 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+23.1-25 ).

 

When Jesus is brought before Pilate, out of the several accusations lodged against him, the one Pilate asks him about is his claim to be the king of the Jews.  Jesus' affirmation is in quite strong terms in Greek, indicating that Pilate is absolutely right.  Look at a few lessons we can gain from this situation with Jesus on trial.

 

1)  Jesus declares his identity openly, knowing that there is no wrong in revealing his identity.  The Father will not despise him.  Can we also declare our identity openly?  Are we ready to affirm that we are sinners without hope except in Christ?

 

2)  Jesus' reputation has gone before him.  Finding who he is brings Pilate and Herod together, both of whom apparently have had some interest in Jesus, either positively wanting to hear his message or negatively wishing reason to condemn him.  Do we trust that the Lord will use opportunities, even before hostile audiences, to take his truth expressed through us his messengers?

 

3)  Pilate denied that Jesus was guilty of the charges brought against him.  We do not know much about what transpired.  From the other Gospels we see that Jesus told him very little.  Yet there were doubtless witnesses, people who could bring corroboration, etc.  If Jesus had been stirring up rebellion, why did the government not know about it? If Jesus was doing good and promising to be the king of people's hearts and souls, in the eyes of the Roman government it would appear he was some sort of priest, not a king like Caesar.  Are we ready to defend our faith against false charges?  Are we ready to speak clearly to the essentials of the Gospel and not be sidetracked into discussions which bring no biblical light to our world?

 

When we stand on trial before the world, may the mind of Christ be in us - a mind that is ready to answer with God's answer, bringing out his character as revealed in Scripture.  May we trust that the Lord will use his word to accomplish what he wills to do.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/14/08

Today's readings are Numbers 23.4-28 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+23.4-28 ) and Luke 22.47-71.

 

What has God planned for me today?  It's so very easy to decide on my plans for the day while completely ignoring God's plans for the day.  And when my plans differ from God's plans, I'm headed for a train wreck.  God's plan will be done.  He will bring to pass all he has foreordained in this world today.  What he has promised will surely happen.  And what is his plan?  It is for the good of his people, not for ill.  Blessing, he will bless us.  Healing, he will heal us.  He is sure to do according to his good pleasure, and his pleaure is indisputably good.  Recall the message the Lord gives to his people through the false prophet Balaam in Numbers 23.19.  "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.  Has he said, and will he not do it?  Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" (ESV).  How much more should Christ's people realize his good pleasure and plan!

 

Rejoice in the Lord!  All he brings into your life today is going work for the good of his people, including you.  While it may not always seem immediately pleasant, he is using it all to accomplish his good purpose in this world.

Lectionary for 5/13/08

Today's readings are Numbers 22.21-23.3 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+22.21-23.3 ) and Luke 22.24-46 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+22.24-46 ).

 

It's a wonderful thing when we work hard, study, train ourselves, and advance in our careers.  What a wonderful thing when God's people study the Scripture and learn to be good leaders in their family, local church, work place, and society!  Every one of us desires, on one level or another, to gain in our respectability and status in our communities and professions.  While professionalism, expertise, and respect of others is a good thing, a Christlike character is of inestimably greater value.  And how is that leadership in Christ shown?  Jesus says that if we wish to be the greatest we should become humble, the servant of all.  We serve as Christ serves.

 

Let us beware of a haughty attitude which exercises leadership by force and by man's plans rather than by service and Christ's plan.  May we have the mind of Christ, who humbled himself and became the servant of all.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/12/08

Today's readings are Numbers 22.1-20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+22.1-20 ) and Luke 22.1-23 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+22.1-23 ). 

 

We see many times in Scripture that God appoints things which seem unusual to us to work his works in this world.  We see it in the fact that we are unable to earn our forgiveness but have to receive it as a gift.  We see it in God's unexpected choice of heirs to his promise - younger and less seemingly significant people to receive inheritances, small nations overthrowing great ones, etc  If we read Scripture honestly it should come as no surprise that we cannot explain something God says, but rather must accept God at his word.

 

The same thing happens in Jesus' statements at the Last Supper in Luke 22, where we read "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood'" (ESV).

 

Notice that Jesus specifically does not say that the bread symbolizes his body or the wine symbolizes his blood.  He specifically does not refer to a spiritual presence.  He very clearly and specifically uses language which indicates that he is present in the bread and wine.  Paul's statements in 1 Corinthians 11 seem to indicate quite the same point of view, that after the resurrection and ascension, when believers gather, there are both bread and body, both wine and blood.  The elements don't appear to change from being truly bread and wine.  Yet we see that the Scripture affirms they are body and blood.  We do not know how this can happen.  The result of attempts to explain how it happens have a bad history of resulting in divisiveness in several directions.  Better to affirm the Scriptural truth and accept it as it is given.

 

Can Jesus be present with his believers in a real physical manner after the resurrection?  He certainly can.  Can Jesus be present physically at all times?  Certainly.  Is there a limit to the supernatural yet physical body and blood of Christ?  Only if he himself imposes such a limit.

 

While what I have said above may not be persuasive to many people, that is all right.  There are much finer theologians and authors than myself who have also provided arguments which have been discounted by other fine theologians and authors.  The argument will continue, probably as long as people live on this earth.

 

There is something which is not open to dispute.  Jesus' body and blood are given FOR YOU - the recipient.  When we participate in the Lord's Supper, the sacrament instituted by Jesus himself, we personally are participants in Jesus' death and resurrection.  His body and blood are given and shed for us.  So look not to other people in order to be glad for their receiving spiritual nourishment.  This is one area of the Christian life where we are almost encouraged to be greedy.  Jesus' life is given FOR YOU - now you are to receive it, revel in it, rejoice in God's provision.  Jesus did not give his body and blood so we could have theological arguments.  He gave his body and blood to redeem the world to himself.  And you who receive Jesus' body and blood in faith are a participant in that redemption.  Glory in the supernatural provision made for you by your redeemer.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/11/08

Today's readings are Numbers 21.10-35 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+21.10-35 ) and Luke 21.20-38 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+21.20-38 ).

 

We see God coming in power, destroying those who oppose him, establishing his kingdom by force.  Today it seems we are often focused on the idea of God as a loving one who forbears everything.  Yet the Scripture is very plain.  The soul that sins will die.  God will come in judgment of sin, and we ourselves are not able to stand in that judgment.  The wrath of God is real, and it will be revealed.  It will be unmistakable. 

 

What hope do we have then?  We have great hope indeed.  Look how Jesus lays his promise on those whom he has called.  We should pray to him that we may have strength to stand.  And we know we have confidence that what we pray in his name we will receive.  Our loving savior is also going to love and save us from his wrath which he will pour out on unbelief.  The very belief he gives us, holding firm to Christ's righteousness, is our protection from God's judgment on all unrighteousness. 

 

This reading is for Pentecost Sunday, the day when we remember the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early believers in Acts chapter 2.  It is historically the feast of the firstfruits, when people would bring their offerings of the very first produce of the year to God.  God has given the firstfruits of his Spirit to his people and has begun the work of cleansing and purifying a people to himself.  Part of that cleansing process is the eventual removal and burning of rubbish - in the terms of a grain harvest, sweeping up the chaff and burning it.  But we who are among the firstfruits of those whom God has saved are taken into the barn to be used by Christ.  We have protection and favor indeed.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/10/08

Today's readings are Numbers 20.22-21.9 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+20.22-21.9 ) and Luke 20.45-21.19 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+20.45-21.19 ).

 

How many times have we in this relatively falluent society looked around our house and said, "There's nothing to eat" when in fact there is?  How about looking in the closet and saying, "I don't have anything to wear" or simply complaining, "There's nothing to do in this small-potatoes town!"  While this kind of hyperbole has its appropriate place, and while we must recognize that we are normally exaggerating (there's something to eat but I don't want it, I have clothes to wear but nothing exciting, and there is always something to do in this town as long as I go do it) there is a time when we cross the line of expressing a preference and begin complaining.

 

How sad that we complain against God, accusing him of failing in his provision for us!  The people of Israel, who were being provided with food and water by God, and whose clothing was supernaturally not wearing out, were complaining in Numbers 21.  "We loathe this worthless food."  This is the food provided for them without their labor, by the hand of God himself.  It is in fact priceless.

 

God's judgment rests on those who reject his providence.  And we reject it regularly, not only doubting his supply of food and water for us, but doubting his consistency, love, wisdom, and goodness.  We are a faithless people when all is said and done.  How often we depend on our own wisdom, our own intelligence, our own resources.  In Numbers 21 we see God pouring out his judgment with poisonous serpents, quick and deadly.

 

Thanks be to God that he does not leave us under judgment.  We can look to Jesus, raised up on a cross, dying as the cure for that which kills us, a man dying for men since it is man's sin which brings death.  Likewise we look to Jesus the resurrected one, bringing life from death.  God has provided what we need for life.  And when we reject it, God has provided a remedy for that rejection which brings death.  Look to Christ, raised up to save us.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/8/08

Today's readings are Numbers 16.41-17.13 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+16.41-17.13 ), Luke 20.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+20.1-18 ), and Numbers 18.1-19.22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+18.1-19.22 ).

 

In Luke 20, Jesus gives an interesting response to those who would accuse him.  He refuses to answer their question unless they answer his question.  The question, in fact, is the same.  It's one we all do well to ask and to answer.  Where does the authority of Jesus' teaching come from?  Where does the authority for what we teach, confess, and believe about Jesus come from?  What right do we have to insist things be done in this way, that way, or the other way?  What is our standard of truth?

 

The Pharisees, like most anybody who has been confronted with the truth of God as presented in Scripture, actually know the answer to the question they ask and the question Jesus asks.  Jesus' authority comes from God the Father.  It comes naturally from his identity as the second person of the Trinity.  They can look at the Scripture and see this authority is the authority which comes only from God. 

 

Let's have an authority check.  Does God supply our authority to teach and do what we do?  If he has done that, let us do it, trusting the power of God almighty.  If God has not given us authority to do something, let us not consider we are acting in the authority of God.  So with knowledge of God's word, let us go forth in the power and authority of our Lord and Savior.

 

Lectionary for 5/7/08

Today's readings are Numbers 16.23-40 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+16.23-40 ) and Luke 19.29-48 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+16.23-40 ).

 

As we see the dreadful end to which Korah and company come, let us not forget our tendencies.  The Lord has revealed to us in His word what his character is, what his demands are.  He has given us a simple message about life and death - live a life of perfect righteousness, faith, and obedience and we will live.  Live otherwise and we will die.  He has given us hope in appointing his Son to live that life of righteousness and to die on our behalf.  This is all quite simple.  He has given us the Scripture which is effective in creating faith in the hearers and which accomplishes its purpose.  He has given us, in short, the gospel of Christ, which is powerful.    Yet we want to go our own direction.  We want to set up other ways of accomplishing salvation.  We want to devise a new plan which will allow us progressive people to go beyond what our ancestors have done.  We always want something new and different.

 

God's message to us in today's readings is that there is nothing that is really new, there is nothing particularly different about our plans, and that what we really need is God's same old plan.  May we rest in God's promises, which are as good today as they ever have been.  Christ has lived a perfect life and died on our behalf.  We are granted new life in Christ by grace through faith, which comes from the Holy Spirit as the word of God is proclaimed to us.  Rejoice!  There's no need for anything new.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/6/08

Today's readings are Numbers 16.1-22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+16.1-22 ) and Luke 19.11-28 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+19.11-28 ).

 

Observe in the rebellion of Korah how the rebellious people were not without inheritance, as they claimed.  They were not without provision.  They had the greatest provision of all the people of Israel.  The Levites were supported from the offerings of the people of Israel.  Though they could not own farmland, they could own land in towns.  They would not need to farm, because they were supported in all their needs.  They had rank and status among the people.  They were God's treasured people, serving God by ministry around the tabernacle, caring for the things God had the priests use in his worship.  These were blessed people indeed.

 

How often do we wish to overstep the bounds of the blessing God has given us?  How often do we wish to exalt ourselves in a way that will ultimately be a burden to us?  Why do we not rather accept the provision our Lord has made for us?

 

Paul speaks to this clearly near the end of Ephesians.  Are we in a particular position when we realize the salvation the Lord has provided for us?  Let us not despise that position.  It is one that our Lord is aware of and through which He can and will minister to us.  It is a position of service the Lord has provided for us.  Let us serve our God joyfully.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/5/08

Today's readings are Numbers 14.26-45 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+14.26-45 ), Luke 18.35-19.10 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+18.35-19.10 ), and Number 15.1-41 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+15.1-41 ).

 

Grumble, grumble, grumble!  Today happens to be, you guessed it, that horrendous day - - MONDAY!!  How many times have we actively rebelled against God's providential gift of this day of the week?  Or maybe we do well in that regard but we have tasks we "have" to do.  We all have them - the things we don't want to do (lawn mowing for me), the providences of God which we find abhorrent.  Yet God has provided them for us as ways to show his glory and to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Our vocation doesn't take a break.  Our life as a member of society doesn't disappear just because we want it to.  While some people try to jump ship and escape those situations, the rest of us trudge along and grumble.  Granted, some of us manage to put on a cheerful face while we grumble, but we are grumbling nonetheless.

 

The fact is we don't understand God's mighty hand, his loving provision for us, his desire to use us in this world.  If we understood that, wouldn't we face this life in a way which would be more pleasing to God? Probably not.  Look at the Israelites.  Day after day they saw God's provision of food for a mighty nation which would not have adequate food and water without divine intervention.  They saw the bondage they had in Egypt.  They have seen the fruit of thel and where God is taking them.  They have seen God destroy a huge army that was pursuing them.  Yet they do not wish to go on in obedience to God's call.  They wish to turn back to their bondage in Egypt.

 

How often we also want to turn to the bondage of the life we have devised, a live of bondage.  Let us rather trust God's provision for us.  Let us look to him for life, hope, and forgiveness.

 

What of forgiveness?  Does the atonement of Christ seem to make sense?  No more than God's ability to provide food for a huge nation in a desert.  But God has foreshadowed a sacrificial death for sin, both purposeful and accidental sin.  While it doesn't make a lot of sense to us, we accept it by faith and in obedience we confess that Jesus has died for us, the Just for the unjust, so we may live.  Let us rejoice, not grumble, in this wonderful providence of Christ.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/4/08

Today's readings are Numbers 14.1-25 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+14.1-25 ) and Luke 18.18-34 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+18.18-34 ).

 

Very often we are confronted by people who confuse Law and Gospel.  I cannot begin to count the number of sermons I have heard which promise to be centered on the Gospel and instead consist of what I must do in order to be saved.  These sermons are not the Gospel at all.  They are not good news, they are bad news.  They crush and kill.  When my hopes rest on what I must do to be saved, I see myself as I am outside of Christ - a sinner with no hope in this world.  No matter what I do, I cannot keep those commands.

 

When Jesus talks with the rich ruler, he confronts him with the Law.  He ascertains that the ruler does think he has kept the "second table" - the commandments which deal with loving your neighbor.  Then in his demand that the ruler should sell everything he has, give it to the poor, and follow Jesus, he is laying down a demand of the "first table - the commandments which deal with loving God with all your heart, mind, strength, soul, and bank account.  This is precisely where the rich ruler balks, though in a sorrowful manner. 

 

When Jesus commands us to follow him, leaving ourselves to be put to death with him, he also promises us new life, provision, eternal blessing.  That promised life is the Gospel.  Jesus is the one who does it.  By following him, still sinners, we are not meriting anything.  We are not keeping the demands of the Law.  There's no question of that.  We can't, and even if we could, we are twisted in Adam's curse and would not do it.  When we follow Christ, we remain sinners, but we are sinners saved by grace.  By God's grace, and not by any merit of our own, we receive the blessings Jesus talks about - all the provision we need for this life and for eternity.  There's the Gospel.

 

Let us walk in the Gospel today.  Time to rest from the Law.

 

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/3/08

Today's readings are Numbers 13.1-3 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+13.1-3 ), Numbers 13.17-33 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+13.17-33 ) and Luke 18.1-17 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+18.1-17 ).

 

Today we see Jesus illustrating the humility God requires to come to him.  The tax collector, humble, receives justification from the Lord, while the Pharisee who prays to himself in order to be seen by people receives the reward he asked for while praying - being seen as holy before people.  The children brought to Jesus for blessing receive blessing.  They know no other life than a life that trusts and says that if God blesses me by my being with Jesus, not of my own merid, I am blessed by God.

 

What faith are we to have!  The faith of little children who have no idea of their own works saving them, but only of Christ blessing them. 

 

It strikes me as odd that the very people who want us to develop the faith of a little child the most then tend to forbid children to exercise that faith.  We don't want to give false assurance.  We want to be sure the child has appropriated faith for himself.  We want to avoid having a child confess Christ if it's possible that our authority and influence could have led the child to that conclusion.  Yet we try every argument, every persuasive technique under the sun to persuad adults to confess Christ as savior. 

 

Why not let the children come to Christ?  He presents himself as the savior who loves them and blesses them.  Is there any reason we should raise children to doubt this provision and blessing? No.  Let the children come to Christ.  Let them live with him in the family of Christ, the Church.  Let them hear from him and receive his words of assurance and blessing.  Raise them in the way they should go.  Feed their faith with the good food of the Word of God.  Expect God's hand of blessing on those we have brought to him to bless.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/2/08

Today's readings are Numbers 11.24-29 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+11.24-29 ), Numbers 12.1-16 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+12.1-16 ), and Luke 17.20-37 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+17.20-37 ). 

 

Watch out, everybody!  God's kingdom is coming.  We should be on our guard.  Watch eagerly for the signs of Christ's coming and be ready to go where the Spirit leads you. Follow this trend!  Follow that trend!  Be purpose-driven!  Be seeker-sensitive!  Prepare for the harvest!  Tour the Holy Land!

 

Our society is always calling us to something new and different, some new sign of the coming of the end, some sign of God's kingdom and power.  Believers and unbelievers alike, everyone wants some sort of new thing to do, something that will give them purpose, significance, fulfillment.  And we always seem to look for something new.

 

What has the Lord given us?  That's the question we should ask.  By his mercy, our Lord has given us a Gospel which does not pass away, which is the power of God to salvation, which will sustain all things forever.  When people tell us what to do, what to look for, how to be "genuine,"  let us look rather to Him who IS genuine.

 

 

 

Lectionary for 5/1/08

Today's readings are Numbers 1.1-23 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Numbers+11.1-23 ), Numbers 11.31-35 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+11.31-35 ), and Luke 17.1-19 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+17.1-19 ).

 

In Numbers 11 we see the discontent of God's delivered people.  So often we focus just on the complaints about manna, but there are more complaints than just the complaint about manna.  The cycle continues.  God delivers his people from slavery and their own destruction.  The people express their discontent with what God has done.  God rebukes the people, giving them the righteous reward for their complaining attitude.  The people show some level of regret and then complain some more.

 

How like us!  We who are partakers of God's riches in Christ often look to the alleged blessedness that we could find elsewhere.  We complain, we connive, we strive, we play politics, we want security and influence in this world.

 

Rather let us look to Jesus Christ, the Lord who has become our righteousness and who is himself the bread of life.  Let us look to him in faith and hope, not regarding the enticements of this world which clamor for our attention.