40 Days of...dread?

Day 38

OT Reading: Leviticus 1-3

NT Reading: Matthew 24:23-51

I have to admit something. The next 40 days of reading are the ones I'm dreading the most. You see, I've made it this far before. I've read up to this point, going through Genesis and Exodus...but then have come to Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy and have gotten bogged down in all the details that I've never made it through this portion. This portion is actually the primary reason that I wanted to do a mixture of Old and New Testament readings each day.

Not that I want you to dread opening your Bible for the next 40 days. I'm just trying to be honest with my own feelings about the whole experience. But even as I began my reading today a particular verse stood out to me. Just a few verses into the book of Leviticus, when giving instructions about sacrifices, we read this:

If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.

Leviticus 1:3-4 (NIV), emphasis mine

And that's when I was reminded of something I've said 1,000 times...but still end up forgetting a little too often. It's that the Bible is not ultimately about me. It is, however, about Jesus.

Here, centuries before Jesus is born in Bethlehem, God begins to teach that our sins do not go unnoticed, but instead require a payment. Here God begins to show that payment for sins cannot come directly through a flawed sinner, but must come indirectly through a perfect sacrifice. Here God begins to teach that only through sacrifice of one that is innocent, can the guilty come back into a right relationship with God. It's here, amidst the smattering of details and the seemingly repetitions commands, that we begin to learn about Jesus.

So why are these next 40 days important? What we'll be reading is important because ultimately it points us to Jesus. And that, my friends, is something to get excited about.

Milestones all around

Day 36
OT Reading: Exodus 37-38
NT Reading: Matthew 23:23-39

You may not have realized it, but if you are up to date with your readings, you have now read over 100 chapters of the Bible! Also, once you complete your readings on July 1st, you'll have read over 10% of the Bible.

Regardless of what you've done or how much you may think you have grasped to this point, that is a really cool accomplishment. I hope you're as excited about it as I am.

I'm back home now, and while I loved spending time with friends, it is always great to be home. I did keep up reading each day, even though I slacked on blogging. But hey, what else are vacations for? Regardless, I hope you are sticking with your readings and finding this adventure to be a fruitful one.

About: The Tabernacle

Day 32
OT Reading: Exodus 27-28
NT Reading: Matthew 21:23-46

The past couple days we've been reading through the instructions God gave about the Tabernacle. What you may be wondering is why in the world God had to go to such great lengths, giving every last detail. I mean, wouldn't it be easier to just give general directions and let them use some of their own artistic expression?

Well there actually is some reasoning behind this. What we learn is that the Tabernacle wasn't just a cool new name for the latest church plant. Nor was it just the latest in building technology. Hebrews 8:5 actually gives us some insight. What we learn is that the Tabernacle actually served as a pattern (i.e. a "shadow") of the way that heaven is designed. Which is pretty cool if you think about it. Even thousands of years before you and I ever read this, God used an opportunity to teach His people an even greater lesson.

The Upside Down Kingdom

Day 30
OT Reading: Exodus 22-24
NT Reading: Matthew 20:17-34

"just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

The world says to be number one...but Jesus says the last will be first.

The world says to climb the ladder...but Jesus says to be the servant of all.

The world says to achieve absolute freedom and independence...but Jesus tells us that freedom is only found by naming Him Lord.

The world says only the strong survive...but Jesus says that ultimate strength is found in weakness.

The world tells us that we must try to live forever...but Jesus says we'll never truly live until we die to ourselves.

Jesus' Kingdom is very counterintuitive to the way we think. And that's exactly what He intended.

Feel free to join us at CCJ as over the next several weeks we'll be preaching a series called The Upside Down Kingdom. If you're not nearby, you can listen here.

***FYI. Beginning tomorrow Kara, Ian and I will be heading out on vacation for a week. I still plan to read, and even update the counter on a daily basis (you did notice the counter over to the right...didn't you?). But I cannot guarantee that I'll be posting every day.

The Big 10

Day 29
OT Reading: Exodus 19-21
NT Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16

In Andy Stanley's sermon series "The Sinai Code" he points out something about the ten commandments that I never noticed before. You probably read it today yourself and didn't even realize it. It was in Exodus 20:2 where God says, "I am the Lord your God..." (NIV) That may seem like an easy comment to overlook, but really it's significant for a couple reasons.

One, these people had been in captivity for 430 years. And other than the stories that had been passed down through the generations they really knew nothing about this God. Ask them about the various gods of the Egyptians? Sure, they could tell you about them. But this God? They didn't know his name, how He acted, what He wanted from them, how He likes His
coffee...nothing! They just knew he was the God of their ancestors...and that's about it.

Second, this statement "I am the Lord your God..." is said before anything else. Before any "thou shalts" and "thou shalt nots." When God makes this statement, we don't yet have any 'ten commandments.' The people could not yet make sure they were following the rules because...well...they did not have any of His rules!

And yet before the people could obey Him perfectly, before they knew all the information there was to know about Him...God said, "I am your God." Do you realize how significant that is? Most of the time people make the ten commandments about the rules. But before any rules are listed God's emphasis is on how He wants a relationship with His people.

Perhaps the reason this stands out to me is because of the number of people I meet who believe they either need to know enough or be following enough of the rules before God will accept them. Yet here, even before the most famous list of commands in the world, God expresses his desire to be a personal God.

Mythbusting: the camel and the needle

Day 28

OT Reading: Exodus 16-18

NT Reading: Matthew 19:16-36

I'm starting to realize that some days there are about 14 different points I'd like to write about, then other days I simply think, "Ummm...ok so about these fantastic genealogies...again..." Today was one of those days when there are are several, but we'll just stick with one. And if you don't mind, I think I'll do it Mythbusters style.

Myth:

A few years ago I was presented with an idea about Matthew 19:24 which reads, "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter in the kingdom of God." (NIV) To that point in my life I had always taken the statement at face value, understanding that Jesus was using an analogy to make a point. Perhaps that's how you've understood this passage.

With that interpretation in mind I was then told about a gate which was called "the eye of the needle." Because city gates were large and would be closed at night for protection, smaller man-sized gates were built into city walls to allow appropriate entrance and exit while not making the entire city vulnerable. It was explained to me that it was through this smaller gate that a camel could enter, but only after removing all of its belongings and possessions it was carrying, getting to its knees and lowering it's head. Therefore, based on this idea Jesus was showing how it was possible for a rich man to enter the Kingdom, but only after removing from himself the importance of all his earthly possessions, and submitting to the Lordship of Christ.

And that is a beautiful picture...a camel lowering itself, bowing even in submission. It's poetic even. But is it true? Well let's look at a few different perspectives:

History/Archeology

This interpretation was first introduced during the middle ages, over a millennia after Jesus walked this earth. During the Crusades soldiers saw these very sorts of gates in the walls of cities, and witnessed this sort of activity with donkeys, camels, etc. With that in mind, the interpretation was made, and has stuck around ever since. However archeology tells us that these gates were in fact not in existence in Jesus' day. In fact every example of any gate we have from Jesus' day would have been easily large enough for any camel to walk through. So history

Context

If we continue on in the verses that follow we find that the disciples are astonished and ask, "Who then can be saved?" (Matthew 19:25b, NIV) If the illustration Jesus is using is something from everyday life, why would they be astonished and see salvation as an impossibility? It would be like me saying, "I can turn on my lights with the flip of a switch." If you've seen that happen dozens or even hundreds of times, why would you find it astonishing? We find things extraordinary things, not ordinary things, astonishing.

Theology

Continuing on in even the next verse we're presented with an important piece of theology (not a dirty word by the way). In Matthew 19:26 Jesus says, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NIV) Throughout Scripture we are taught that man cannot save himself. To say that if a rich man just does all the right things he can thereby enter the Kingdom on his own merit is a contradiction of what we understand all throughout the Bible.

Result

If you've never seen the show, after testing and reviewing all the evidence three options are given for a myth: busted, plausible or confirmed. In this case I hope it's clear to you that this myth is totally busted. Historically, contextually and theologically the idea that Jesus was using a literal illustration just does not stand up.

Maybe I gave a lot more information than anyone really cared to know, and maybe I could have looked for a more "devotional" sort of thought...but this is one of those reoccurring stories I've heard numerous times, and I just wanted to hit this one while we were here. But if you have a question or have heard a theory that you'd like discussed. Send it my way and we'll see if we can set it aside and see how the evidence stacks up.

***Remember, even though I'm a paid professional DO, I repeat DO try this at home. There is little to no danger in researching Biblical answers on your own.

Why do we follow?

Day 27
OT Reading: Exodus 13-15
NT Reading: Matthew 19:1-15

In Exodus 15:25-26 God makes the Israelites a promise. If they obey and follow him, he will not bring upon them the plagues he brought upon the Egyptians. Notice however that God does not say, "I'll make everything easy and you'll never have any hardships."

I'm afraid too many people expect that when they obey God, he'll make sure nothing painful or frustrating ever happens. But that's not the case at all. Jesus tells us that God sends rain (a.k.a. storms of life) on both the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45, NIV)

We don't obey God, follow his commands, read the Bible, pray, etc to get special treatment or protection from any unfortunate circumstances. If that were the case everyone would likely be along just for that. Instead, we follow God...because we love him and desire to serve, honor and glorify him.

I'm not saying I never let selfish motives get in the way...I'd be lying if I said that. But it is good to offer myself a reminder, especially when tough times hit. God's not offering special passes because I'm a Christian, a preacher, have certain verses memorized or am reading through the Bible in a year. And yet I follow and obey simply out of love for Him.

The Passover

Day 26
OT Reading: Exodus 11-12
NT Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

For 3200 - 3500 years (depending on when you believe the Exodus occurred), a celebration of Passover has taken place. Even today, faithful Jews around the world will gather to tell the story about how God punished the Egyptians and passed-over the Israelites. I know I'm a geek...but to be honest I find that to be pretty cool. A couple times I've even participated in a Passover celebration, called a "Seder."

Over the years as the Seder tradition has developed, but it's basic elements and layout has remained the same. The biggest development is that over time the Seder became directly linked not only to the past freedom that God granted, but also to the future freedom that would come through God's Messiah. The Messiah being the one who would ultimately establish God's Kingdom for ever.

Therefore if you were to sit down with a Jewish family for a Seder meal today (you likely would not be allowed, but go with me in this), as they broke bread, as they explained the elements, every part of the meal would exist as part of telling the story of what God did as well as reminding them of the promise that one day God would send His Messiah. It would be done much the way it has been done since it was established in Exodus 12.

Jesus in fact even celebrated Passover. Being a good Jew he would have done it every year. But the last time Jesus did...He changed the script. It was while celebrating the Passover meal that Jesus sat with His disciples and took the bread saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." (Matthew 26:26, NIV) Then later Jesus took the cup and said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:28, NIV).

This was different. No one had ever done that before. For centuries the Seder had been generally the same. In fact these men had all celebrated the Passover numerous times. If any traditionalists had been in the room they may have been calling a board meeting about how Jesus changed Passover and next he'd want to have drums in the synagogue. But there, even though the disciples did not understand, Jesus showed them one fundamental truth.

He was the Passover lamb.

No longer would they rely on sacrifices of animals because a more perfect sacrifice had come. No longer would they be waiting for the promised Messiah because He was there. For thousands of years the story had remained the same, but from that night on the story would be forever changed.

We'll continue to see this play itself out as we read through the New Testament. In fact much of the book of Hebrews is written to this very point. But as you hear and read more about Passover...I hope the more you see it, the more you connect it to Jesus. The one true Passover Lamb.

What's with the millstone?

Day 25

OT Reading: Exodus 9-10

NT Reading: Matthew 18:1-20

In Matthew 18:6 Jesus states that it would be better for someone to have a millstone tied around their neck and thrown into the sea rather than lead a little one into sin. When I was teaching through the gospel of Mark this spring, I remember thinking how random that example seemed. That is...until I did some research and discovered that to Jesus' original listeners the example would have carried a dose of reality.

As it turns out, the Syrians, Greeks and Romans all used this as an actual form of capital punishment. It was not a common form, usually reserved for rather notable cases (killing of family members, etc). But still it was a form of punishment in use. Even during the lifetime of Jesus it seems that word would have spread of this very activity being put into action.

I don't mention this all to just take up space or achieve shock value. Instead I just hope to show two things. One, that Jesus was not being sadistic in what he was saying. Two, that even in the most minute of details, Jesus was using words, pictures and examples that his original hearers would have connected with directly.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Jesus

Day 24

OT Reading: Exodus 7-8

NT Reading: Matthew 17

At the end of yesterday's reading there was a verse that I wanted to mention today. The verse was Matthew 16:28 which reads, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." When mentioning this verse I often get questions about what exactly Jesus means by this. So, here are some common interpretations:

Jesus is saying that one or more of the apostles would still be alive (i.e. had not died) when he returns.

Yes, there are people who believe that out there is still one of the original apostles hanging out and still alive in the world today. Of course that would mean that the man is over 2,000 years old, but hey look at the guy in the cave from The Last Crusade. He didn't look all that bad.

Jesus is talking about the Apostle John who wrote the book of Revelation.

I can buy this one. The Apostle John did in fact witness (in a vision) the return of Jesus so that he could write to us about it. That makes this interpretation quite plausible.

Jesus is talking about the Transfiguration.

This one takes a bit more explaining. During today's reading we read how Jesus was "transfigured" into his glorified state. Which means Peter, James and John all got to witness him in his heavenly form. His heavenly form is essentially the form in which he's displayed with all the power and authority that comes with his place in his own Kingdom.

The reason I lean more towards the third option is simply because of its placement. I truly think that Matthew (and Mark for that matter) intentionally spoke of those who would see Jesus in his glory right before they saw Jesus glorified.

There are other interpretations, but those are the big ones that I've seen/read the most. Is it a big deal which way we lean? I don't think so. But it is good for us to deal with some of these questions that exist in our daily readings. Plus, every time I read this passage I want to pull out my Indiana Jones trilogy one more time...and yes I say "trilogy" because I'm pretending as though the most recent movie never really happened.

The fundamental question

Day 23
OT Reading: Exodus 4-6
NT Reading: Matthew 16

Today's chapter in Matthew lends itself to a number of questions and points of discussion. In fact I could go on for a great deal of time with so many good pieces of information and discussion in this section. However I'd like to focus on one and perhaps deal with others at another time.

The most poignant event to me in this section was Jesus' first interaction with Peter . Jesus began by asking the apostles, "Who do people say that I am?" As it turns out, the word on the street was varied on exactly who Jesus was. Some believed he was John the Baptist come back to life. Some believed that he was one of the prophets of old reincarnated. As it turned out, there were many positions about exactly who people believed Jesus was.

But we really have no record of Jesus responding to any of the rumors regarding His identity. There is no indication that he was more honored or insulted by one belief or the other. Instead, Jesus turned the matter into a much more personal one. He directly asked the disciples, "But what about you? Who do you say that I am?"

Yet the truth is that today opinions about Jesus have only grown in diversity. He is in fact the most loved and hated character in all of human history. More books, songs, and movies have been created about him than any other personality. Every major cult and religion, and even every individual seems to have their own position about who Jesus is.

But really...where you and I are concerned...all that does not seem to matter to Jesus. Sure there are opinions and beliefs about him; both true and false. Yet the real question Jesus wants to ask us is simply, "But what about you? Who do you say that I am?" And how we answer that question impacts not only our reading of the Bible, but decisions we make every day, and ultimately our eternal destiny.

So without just blowing over the question, or just copying what Peter said...I'd like you to really wrestle with and define. Who do you say that Jesus is?

How quickly we forget

Day 22

OT Reading: Exodus 1-3

NT Reading: Matthew 15:21-39

Did you notice a common thread between the Old and New Testament readings today? In Exodus we see that after Joseph and all his brothers die, some years later a Pharaoh comes to power who is taught nothing about Joseph and his role in establishing the power of Egypt. So instead of welcoming the Israelites and working with them...he enslaves and mistreats them.

Then in the New Testament Jesus is teaching, and once again...lots of people are there. Once again it's late in the day, and once again they have no food. And even after Jesus had previously fed the five-thousand (Matthew 14), the disciples respond, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?" (Matthew 15:33, NIV)

How quickly we forget. We can receive a myriad of blessings and have tremendous things occurring around us...and all of that seems far from our minds when challenged with the next difficult obstacle. "Sure God, you may have come through for me two years ago, or three months ago, or last week...but now I'm just not sure you can handle this one." I can't speak for you, but I personally am consistently astonished by my own "what have you done for me lately?" attitude that I approach God with.

So how can we fix that? What can we do to recognize what God has done? Well, one way is to give ourselves reminders. In fact if you have been wondering why in the Old Testament guys are always setting up pillars and building altars and calling certain places by certain names...it is actually so they can remember what God has done there. When passing a pillar that had been set by my grandpa's grandpa, or when walking by a tree I planted, I'm reminded and can retell the story to my kids and grandkids of what God did for me.

I'm not advocating putting up stone altars everywhere...as I think there are some pretty strict ordinances against that. But maybe we need to take some advice from our spiritual forefathers, and put a few reminders in our way -- to remind us time, and time, and time again...of how faithful to us God has been.

Milestones

Day 21

OT Reading: Genesis 49-50

NT Reading: Matthew 15:1-20

To those reading with me, I'd like to congratulate you on two significant milestones in this journey.

1. You've now read through Genesis. Start to finish. All 50 chapters, and regardless...that is in fact an accomplishment that many have never set to complete.

2. If you have kept up reading...everyday from the beginning to now...you've now been reading 21 days. The significance is that most researchers tell us it takes 21 days to establish a habit. So even if you may not be there yet, you're well on your way!

If you haven't read every day, or are a little behind...it is ok :-). Don't get discouraged, just pick up an couple extra chapters here and there and you'll be back up with us in no time. Trust me...you'll be glad to stuck with it.

Regarding today's reading, I love how blunt Jesus gets in Matthew 15. What stands out to me most is how he points out that the religious people of his day (in this case the Pharisees) will not think twice about ignoring the Word of God for the sake of their own traditions (15:6).

Imagine that. Church people...who dress right, speak right and behave right, ignoring the desires and commands of God just to hold fast to their own religious traditions...good thing THAT doesn't happen any more.

Yeah...right.

Don't get me wrong...traditions in and of themselves are not inherently evil. But unfortunately you don't have to be involved in church world long to see that too many churches have resolved themselves to acting like the Pharisees and valuing traditions over the Word of God. Which, in my experience, has done nothing but present a marred image of the very Jesus these churches claim to represent.

But complaining about the issue will do little to correct it. Yet I do know that as I move forward in my own ministry...I hope to never be characterized by holding tradition above the Word of God. Otherwise I'll end up setting an entirely different milestone; to be one whose "worship is in vain" and "teachings are but rules taught by men." That, my friends, is a milestone I'd rather avoid.

Reoccurring theme

Day 20

OT Reading: Genesis 46-48

NT Reading: Matthew 14: 22-36

Right now we're about half-way through the gospel of Matthew, and as I was reading this evening this verse jumped out to me:

"After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray..."

Matthew 14:23a (NIV)

I know I always hear about Jesus praying all the time...and I even preach about Jesus praying a lot. But as we've been reading straight through this account of Jesus' life, some common themes have really jumped out at me. One being how many times Jesus went off by himself to pray. Jesus...the Son of God...God himself...spent more time in prayer than most of us would likely dream of.

I feel as though I'm on the right track for spiritual growth with this journey through the Bible. So I know I'm growing. But recognizing the time Jesus' spent in prayer really has shown me two things in particular. First...to Jesus, prayer was primary. To me...it's too often an after-thought. Second, while I've come a long way...I still have a looooooong way to go.

The view from the other side

Day 19

OT Reading: Genesis 44-45

NT Reading: Matthew 14:1-21

How do you think Joseph felt when he was in the pit...listening to his brothers above debate about whether they should sell him or kill him? How do you think Joseph felt when he was sold as a slave with no rights of his own? How do you think Joseph felt when he was wrongfully accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison? How do you think Joseph felt when he was forgotten by Pharaoh's cup-bearer?

The Bible doesn't tell us, but I have a sneaking suspicion that he faced times of frustration, despair, anger, resentment, apathy and confusion...just like you and I do. And yet now...years after being sold into slavery by his very brothers, Joseph stands before them and assures them that God set these events in motion for His own divine purposes.

Sure, when we're in the middle of trials and hard times (though I've never had a family member debating about whether to sell or kill me), we don't want the cookie-cutter answers that some people want to give us. But Joseph's example does give us one good thing to recognize. When we come out on the other side...that's when we can begin to see that God was working all along.

You mean...everything?

Day 18

OT Reading: Genesis 42-43

NT Reading: Matthew 13:33-58

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

Matthew 13:44 (NIV)

A one-verse parable that presents a tremendous challenge.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure...and when a man found it he was willing to literally sell everything he owned just to get it. Lucky for us, Jesus made it possible to receive salvation and follow him without having to sell everything, climb a mountain, pray so many times, vote for the right party or anything else.

But the parable does still beg an interesting question. How many people do you know -- those in your church, those in your small group, etc. -- that would be willing to give up everything if that's what it took to follow Jesus?

Or let me be a bit more blunt. Would you?

Day 17

Day 17

OT Reading: Genesis 41

NT Reading: Matthew 13:1-32

I did in fact read today. Though nothing really jumped out at me to say, "this is what you should blog about." However at lunch today my wife Kara posed a question to me that that I thought was appropriate. She asked me, "What changes have you noticed since you started this?" Honestly I could not answer at first because I had not stopped to really think about it. But as we went on, a few did come to mind that I thought I'd share.

1. I'm starting to feel like this is a habit. Most people say it takes 21 days to develop a habit, some people say 30. But regardless of how many days it takes, if I get towards the end of the day and have not read yet, I'm beginning to miss it. So we're getting closer :-).

2. It's feeling less like work. Admittedly in college, and even in my job, I study the Bible a lot. So it's easy to skip devotional reading. But by doing this exercise, I truly feel as though my brain is beginning to separate"for personal growth" reading from my "for work" reading.

3. Blogging has been extremely helpful. On one hand if I don't blog I feel like someone out there will send me an email asking me if I'm slacking. Yes, I know there are a few of you daily readers :-). On the other hand, the simple task of discussing some point of the day's passages goes a long way in helping me process everything. When talking about this with Kara I began rambling off different blog posts and what passages they've pertained to.

So that's where I am. No dramatic revelations so far, but some growth is definitely obvious for me...at least when I stop to think about it. But while we're here let me ask you. How have you grown in the last 17 days? Why not stop and think about that for awhile?

Wouldn't it be nice?

Day 16

OT Reading: Genesis 38-40

NT Reading: Matthew 12:22-50

To me the life of Joseph is a tremendous story for a variety of reasons. As we read about Joseph we'll see him at both the pinnacle of power and living in the darkest of depths. Yet the thing that stuck out to me as I read his story again today was the simple reoccurring phrase, "the Lord was with Joseph." To you that may not be surprising considering it's in the Bible. However what struck me was that while Joseph was in power, and when he was in prison, the Lord was with Joseph.

Wouldn't that be nice? To know beyond any doubt that regardless of what you're going through God is there with you?

You see, for me it's easy to believe that God is with me when everything is going well. When my bills are getting paid, my job is secure, my relationships are going well and I'm in good health there is no doubt in my mind that God is with me. But throw a monkey wrench into my health, my finances or my relationships and suddenly I'm saying, "God where have you gone? What have I done? Why have you suddenly turned your back on me?"

But as we look through Scripture we see that God promises He'll never leave us or forsake us (ref. Hebrews 13:5). Even Jesus himself promised that regardless of whether times are good or bad, when we're a follower of his, he'll always be with us (Matthew 28:20).

So sure, it would definitely be nice to know that regardless of what I'm going through God is there with me. And that's exactly why He let us know that He always will be.

More alike than we realize

Day 15

OT Reading: Genesis 36-37

NT Reading: Matthew 12:1-21

Did you ever realize that out of all the words of Jesus we have recorded, His most harsh, stern rebukes and corrections were to the most religious people of His day? It's true. Time and time again we will see Jesus in conflict with the religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, "teachers of the law", etc.). And while there Jesus makes no hesitation in using harsh terms for them like "hypocrites", "vipers" and "white-washed tombs" (see Matthew 23 if you'd like a lengthy example).

On the other hand, when Jesus is around prostitutes, dishonest tax-collectors, thieves and drunkards we have some of his most compassionate and kind words recorded. Simple statements like, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin." In fact, Jesus hung out with these sinful people so often that others began to accuse him of being a drunkard himself (look back at Matthew 11:19 from yesterday if you don't recall).

But to me the unique thing is that while Jesus' approach was drastically different with these two groups, his message was the same. "Repent." To the religious, he called them to repent of their religion. To the sinners, he called them to repent of their sin. He called all people to repent of how they had been living and begin putting their faith and trust in Him.

To be honest, it would be easy to begin church-bashing or faith-bashing, or to stand up on a soapbox and berate the those who haven't followed Jesus example of showing love and compassion to sinners. But if I did that, Jesus' message to me would still be the same. "Repent...and follow me."

Dealing with the "D" word

Day 14

OT Reading: Genesis 33-35

NT Reading: Matthew 11

"When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"

Matthew 11:2-3 (NIV)

Let's give a recap of John the Baptists' involvement in the gospel of Matthew thus far:

• John gathered a significant following in the desert by preaching a baptism of repentance.
• He saw himself as the "voice in the wilderness" knowing that all he was doing was preparing the way for the Messiah.
• He baptized Jesus
• He witnessed heaven open, heard the voice from heaven and saw the Spirit descend like a dove on Jesus
• He was put into prison for his preaching

That's a pretty impressive resume' if you ask me. From the outset John was involved with the launching of Jesus' ministry. And yet after all he had accomplished and witnessed, this prophet of God begins to wonder, "Did I miss it? Did I get it wrong?" John had been there for so much and witnessed so many things. John was on a short-list of people who would have the most reason to believe. And yet...there is some uncertainty...and John begins to doubt.

When in your life have you had a similar form of doubt? I say "when" because I truly believe we all have, it is just a matter of whether you are willing to admit it or not. When have you wrestled with a story or concept in Scripture? When have you had some uncertainty about God? His existence? His character? His goodness? His Son?

And perhaps the most important question; when you did, how did you respond?

Did you ignore the uncertainty, thinking if you just stuck your head in the sand it would all go away? Did you give up on God or faith all together? Did you search the internet and pick up what some guy with ten spare minutes wrote on a random website*? Or did you do as John did, and go to the source to seek out the answer?

I know well enough that some churches' response to doubt has ranged between silencing the questions to ostracism. However as I look through Scripture, I see a God who is not threatened by our questions and our uncertainties. I see a God who invites us to question...if we are truly willing to seek Him for the answers.

So let me conclude with just a couple questions:

1. If given the opportunity to go face-to-face with Jesus and lay out everything you are uncertain or have doubts about, what would you ask? What would you bring up?
2. Where (if anywhere) have you been going to try and find the answers?

*If you're wondering, yes this is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek statement.

Simple thought for a Saturday - #2

Day 13
OT Reading: Genesis 31-32
NT Reading: Matthew 10:24-42

Go back and briefly read Matthew 10:37-39 one more time.

Quite simply Jesus is saying that to follow Him, He needs to be first. Which is easy to agree with...and not so easy to live out. Going to church is pretty easy. Giving money or serving is pretty easy. A little behavior modification can be pretty easy. But truly putting Jesus first? Well...if I do that...then that means:

* I love Jesus more than my wife.

* I love Jesus more than my son.

* I love Jesus more than myself (*ouch*).

* I love Jesus more than my own dreams, goals and desires.

* I love Jesus more than the way I want to do things.

* I love Jesus more than my job.

* I love Jesus more than my free time.

* I love Jesus more than my need to be right.

* I love Jesus more than my pet sins.

* I love Jesus more than my "stuff".

* I love Jesus more than ... (add anything else to the list you like)

One of the hardest elements of being a follower of Christ may be that he's not content with me following him 99% of the way. And with that in mind let me ask two questions:

1. Are you really following Jesus 100% of the way?

2. What are you loving more than Jesus?

Mandrakes

Day 12
OT Reading: Genesis 29-30
NT Reading: Matthew 10:1-23

Ok...I'd love to have a serious, insightful thought to help reveal the intricacies of Scripture to you. But based on today's reading I can only say one thing...

Mandrakes? Seriously? That...for mandrakes?

Wow. And I thought I'd heard some doozies.

Family Matters

Day 11

OT Reading: Genesis 27-28

NT Reading: Matthew 9:18-38

Ever look at your family and think, "Man...we've got some serious issues." Yeah...I'm guessing things do not look quite so bad when you look at Isaac and Rebekah's family.

Let's start with their twin boys. Esau is a man of the field, a real man's man. He's the kind of guy who gets his deer every year, can eat his own body weight in beef jerky and does all his own automotive repairs (on his pickup truck of course). However Jacob, Esau's twin brother, is entirely the opposite. He'd rather spend time in the kitchen than the field. He cooks, he cleans, he sews, can make a mean creme brulee and he knows the lyrics to every song in Les Miserables.

Working from just those details alone, it makes sense how there would be some conflict in the family. But their issues are only the beginning. You'll notice that mommy and daddy are not helping matters a lot.

Isaac and Rebekah each has his/her own favorite child (Genesis 25:28). And each is working to try and ensure that their favorite ends up on top. Add to that Jacob's trickery and Esau's desire to murder his brother, and you could see the makings of a TV drama at your fingertips (someone call TBS or The WB).

And yet despite all that...these are the people that God chose to use. God chose to use this family, at this time, in this place in His redeeming process for the whole world. Which, after reading their story, seems kind of odd to me. But that's what God does. He takes messed up, broken, otherwise unusable people, places, churches and families...and uses them for something great.

So if God chose to use them. Maybe there is hope for you, me, and our families yet.

God told me...

Day 10

OT Reading: Genesis 25-26

NT Reading: Matthew 9:1-17

I admit...I get kind of hesitant when I hear someone say, "God told me." And I do so for a variety of reasons:

• There is no way to verify if it really happened
• It sounds REALLY holy when someone says it...regardless of what their spiritual condition is like
• I've had people try to justify all sorts of stupid decisions or sinful practices by it (no...God did not tell you to go cheat on your wife...no God did not tell you to sell your house and put it all on Red 18)
• Honestly, God has never audibly spoken to me.

To be fair I've had people I deeply trust, tell me that they have had instances where they say they heard audibly from God. It's not an everyday occurrence for them, but there have been instances. So I realize it very well may still happen. But it's just never happened to me.

In today's reading, God spoke to both Isaac and Rebekah. And as we read through the Bible it almost may seem as though God is just speaking to people all over the place. And seeing that, a number of people have pulled me aside to ask, "Why isn't God speaking to me? Am I not holy enough? Am I not praying properly? Does God not like me? Does God not like my shoes? Did watching that last episode of The Office make God want to ignore me? Why is God not speaking to me?"

What we often fail to realize is that, in the entirety of Scripture we only read about a small percentage of people audibly hearing directly from God. I mean think about how many people's names you've come across so far. This person lived this many years and had these sons and daughters -- think how many had absolutely no mention of God speaking to them. Dozens and dozens of names have passed, and we're just half way through Genesis.

Admittedly, it would be easier if God audibly answered every question we asked him. Frankly it would take all the stress out of making decisions. But the fact is that for most of us, there is no audible voice. There never has been for me. And you know what? That's ok.

A rare occurrence

Day 9

OT Reading: Genesis 23-24

NT Reading: Matthew 8

Several years ago someone pointed out to me a detail about the story with the centurion in Matthew 8. It's in Matthew 8:10 which reads, "When Jesus heard this, he was astonished..."

In the New Testament Jesus is not amazed or astonished all that often, so this is something of note. Consider the following:

• The centurion was a Roman, not a Jew.
• Romans generally worshipped many gods, not the one true God.
• Romans would not have been looking for a messiah.
• By societal rules, a Roman in authority would not likely ask for assistance from a Jew.

But despite all that, the centurion recognized the power and authority of Jesus. And for his faith, his servant was not only healed, but Jesus was also astonished.

As I think about it...I'm not sure that Jesus has ever been astonished at my faith. What about you?