Isaiah 66

In verse 3 of this chapter God calls out those who are "going through the motions" but put nothing of themselves in their worship. They offer sacrifices without sorrow for their sins. The pour out blood neglecting their need for repentance. They march to God's temple with the same attitude with which they approach a pagan site. They are polytheists attempting to appease their many lords. Their approaching punishment is because they chose to disobey God and act out their evil intentions.
Stuart

Revelation 21-22

In Revelation 21:8 Jesus lists the traits of those who will rejected from eternal life.  There are eight traits that display the selfishness of men.  The first one listed is one that I seldom associated with faith; cowardice.  Yet, given the struggles that the church has faced and will face until Christ’s return it is not unusual for this trait to be mentioned.  Refusing to face challenges is evidence of a selfish life outside Christ.  It displays no confidence in God to deliver or sustain.  And it is often the foundational motivation that leads to the other seven sins that Jesus mentions.  All through scripture God tells his people to be bold and brave, and to depend upon him.  Faith will guide us to walk securely through the valley of the shadow of death.

Stuart

Isaiah 65

Am I guilty of not praying a prayer that God is ready to answer? Has there been an obstacle that fell in my path because I did not pray for deliverance? Has this economic downturn endured because I have not joined with believers in petitioning God. Are Christians in Sudan impoverished because I have not faithfully sought the heart of God with their plight? God does not need our prayers to act. Yet he may wait on the prayers of his church so that we will recognize when he has acted.
Stuart

Revelation 19-20

Death is a pit that we all face. Whether we want to admit it or not the reality of death is ever before us. It has been a constant in creation since the first couple ate of that tree. Jesus challenged death when he revived the corpses of many during his ministry. Jesus enter death on the cross but broke its power on Easter day. In Revelation 20:13 Jesus promised to shatter the power death holds over those already there. One day death will no longer trap those ensnared by the consequences of sin. They unbeatable foe will be forced to surrender its loot of souls. Then it will be cast into divine forgetfulness.
Stuart

Isaiah 64

This chapter is a continuation of a message that began earlier in chapter 63. In verse 12 there is a question asked of God. I don't know if it was asked by the prophet or the people.  "LORD, are you unmoved by all of this?" How many times have God's people asked this question? In all of the suffering that the faithful have endured surely many asked this question. When God didn't act to divert or stop a problem, was this question asked? To add frustration to suffering is a difficult burden to carry. When God doesn't respond when we want we will tempted to stop trusting God's judgment. But we need to remember that God always notices our struggles. God always has a plan.
Stuart

Revelation 17-18

In 17:9 Jesus relayed to John the need for understanding to comprehend this vision. The beast with seven heads is seven hills and seven kings. Surely Jesus was referencing a city-state well known to all who read the book. But I don't think his focus was on the city itself. Rather Jesus was probably targeting those evil traits of that city; characteristics that have and will define people in persistent rebellion against God in all ages. Rather than focusing on one city in the span of time, whether past or future, I think we need to take solace that God's judgment will be declared on every civic authority that was more concerned with gratification than obedience.
Stuart

Isaiah 63

One of God's most prominent characteristics is his unfailing love. Isaiah mentions it in verse 7 of this chapter. If we remember to view all of his actions in light of that trait we will understand that there is a greater purpose to the difficulties that we face. We can see that the trials of our life are allowed because of how much God loves us. That may not make sense from a worldly perspective but through faith we can begin to see God's greater purpose.
Stuart

Revelation 15-16

The last plagues of God's anger are being poured out. Just before the seventh plague evil is poised to fight. And it looks like they will win. But then Jesus speaks. He is preparing to return. And he will win.
Stuart

Isaiah 62

I don't recall ever seeing the connection between Christmas and this passage. Isaiah 62 is a recounting of the many promises of restoration and rescue that God will bring to Israel. In the example of Israel's return to God's favor we see a picture of what God will do with his people of his new covenant.
Stuart

Revelation 13-14

There is no way that I am going to attempt to solve the riddles of the visions that John saw. But I noticed a common theme in the three visions of 13:1through 14:5. Three times John said, "Then I saw..." (13:1; 13:11; 14:1). Each of these visions describe someone with authority and the people that follow him. The first beast persuaded people with it displays of power. The second beast threatened people with their lives if they refused to follow him. But the lamb welcomed those who were pure and faithful to God's word. All of this reminds me of what Jesus had said. "By their fruits you will know them."(Matt 7:16, 20)
Stuart

Isaiah 61

We recall that Jesus made the connection of Isaiah 61:1-2 to his ministry (Luke 4:18-19). I wonder if the people of Nazareth understood the connection to verses 3 and 4 in Isaiah 61 as well. Hasn't Jesus given joy to those who mourn? Doesn't he fill the hearts broken with grief with songs of joy? Don't his people praise him because his actions are always right? Jesus fulfilled more that just the beginning of Isaiah 61 he fulfilled more.
Stuart

Revelation 11-12

When the seventh trumpet is sounded there was a heavenly worship service. In contrast to the previous six trumpets which brought destruction and sorrow on earth. This could be a reminder that even though God delivers punishment to those in rebellion he has reserved a Sabbath time to call his people together in celebration of his greatness. We believers need to celebrate God's glory at all times.
Stuart

Isaiah 60

This chapter of Isaiah's book is very confusing because there are so many promises. Were all of them for the returning exiles? Were they all duplicated in the church? Is everyone a picture of the abundance that awaits the faithful when they enter God's eternal presence? Verses 19 and 20 sound much like the promise John heard spoken in Revelation 21:23.
Stuart

Revelation 9-10

I wonder why the scroll tasted sweet in John’s mouth but turned sour in his stomach? (Rev. 10:10)  What was written on the scroll that could create such a contrast in his life.  The Gospel message is one possibility.  When we hear it we gladly bring it into our lives, but then it begins to work on our flesh and leads us through unpleasant changes.  Like denying self and serving our enemies.  The proclamation of God’s judgment could have been on the scroll as well.  Though Christians long to see God set the world in order (sweetness) we will be sickened to see those whom we know, and maybe love, who have rejected his Gospel invitation (sourness).  Maybe the scroll held words that define God’s holiness.  This is a savory treat for which all believers long to realize, but the reality of that truth will cause us to reel at our own unrighteousness.  There is a day coming when we will finally see, or taste, what is written on that scroll.

Stuart

Revelation 7-8

In 7:9 John writes about a huge crowd of people who were worshiping God. One of the elders explained who made up this crowd. They were people whose lives were a contrast. Though they lived in a time of persecution they passed through that time safely. They plunged the filth of their clothing into the Christ's blood and it came out white. Neither of these situations make sense to us. Persecution is not a time of safety and blood does not make cloth white. I think that God message to his people is that he can make the impossible reality. We need to trust him because his methods do not match our perspectives.
Stuart

Isaiah 59

God's eyes are on the oppressed. When justice is withheld then God's attention is captured. But when the defenseless succumb to the trickery of their oppressors God acts. Just as he promised to intervene in Isaiah's day surely God acts the same way today.
Stuart

Revelation 5-6

Jesus is worthy! No on earth can stand with him! Not a single ruler can challenge his authority. That is what the creatures and the assembly of angels proclaimed. That is what we need to proclaim.
Stuart

Revelation 3-4

I noticed a comment Jesus made to the believers in Sardis.  It was what he said to the faithful in 3:4, “..you will walk with me…”.  I wonder if Jesus was referring to eternity or immediately?  The struggles of this life can be some desperate that Jesus’ companionship is the only way to get through those times.  I hope that Jesus’ comment was intended to be a message of what he is doing right now; not only in first century Sardis but also in 21^st century America. 

Stuart

Isaiah 56

Jesus echoed the desire of God's house first spoken to Isaiah; "My temple will be a house of prayer for the nations." Judah had begun the human work of exclusion. The temple of Isaiah's day was scarcely a house of prayer for Israel. By Jeremiah's day there was no one to stand in the gap before God on behalf of his people. Has the body of Christ, the temple of God, become a house of prayer for the nations? If not then the day will come that there may be no one to stand in the gap before God on behalf of his people.
Stuart

Isaiah 55

What is it that the thirst want? Water. What is it for which the poor long? Food. Charity often offers meek provisions and seldom an abundance. God offers more than enough.
Stuart

Malachi

As the people of exile settled the Promised Land God did not give them milk and honey. So they asked God these questions:
1. How have you shown your love for us? (1:2)
2. How have we despised you. (1:6)
3. How have we failed to respect you? (1:7)
4. Why don't you accept our sacrifices? (1:13)
5. Don't we all have the same father? Didn't the same God create us all? (2:10)
6. Why do we break our promises to one another?
Why do we despise the covenant that God made with our ancestors?
7. Why don't you accept our sacrifices? (2:14)
8. How have we tired God? (2:17)
9. What must we do to turn back to God? (3:7)
10. How are we cheating God?  (3:8)
11. What terrible things have we said about God?(3:13)
12. What is to gain by showing God we are sorry?(3:14)
The church in America  might need to ask God those same questions. And we need to listen to his answers.
Stuart

Isaiah 53

(I started at 52:13) What a terrible description of man's inhumanity towards another man. It's not clear whether Isaiah lived out this passage, but we know it described Jesus' passion. The second question in 53:1 speaks volumes; "Who could have seen the LORD's hand in this?" That is the same question we ask about suffering in our lives. "How is God in this?" When we look past the suffering and see the end of God's work we are more inclined to give him glory than to speak our grief.
Stuart

Zechariah 13-14

I think that the last thought Zechariah records is very interesting.  All of the instruments of sacrifice in the temple were holy to the LORD.  But the day is coming when even the horse bells will be holy to the LORD.  I don’t think the point was that all of Jerusalem will become holy.  I think it is that every aspect of a believer’s life will be holy. 

Stuart

Zechariah 7-9

Sharezer and Regemmelech came to the temple in Jerusalem to seek the LORD’s guidance.  For 70 years their fathers commanded a fast on the anniversary of the destruction of the temple.  Now that the temple was being rebuilt they wanted to know if they should continue the fast.  God knew the hearts of those people who had established the fast.  They were the ones who had rejected God’s law that led to his punishment.  God told these messengers that the fasts and the feast that the people had been observing were for their own benefit not in honor of God.  The answer to the question that Sharezer and Regemmelech asked is found in what God did not say.  But I think God has given modern believers a message as well; what is the purpose behind our traditions?  After 2,000 years the church has a lot of traditions.  Some of them are good, many no longer carry their intended meaning, and there are some that are purely a waste of time, money, and energy.  Church history is shredded by the divisiveness that was initiated by some of our traditions.  Some traditions are not harmful, but we need to ask if they honor God.  Do they help us seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness?  Do they challenge us to die to self daily?  Do they help us focus on our need to live expecting Jesus’ return?  Do they unite us at the foot of the cross?

Stuart

Isaiah 50

Verse 10 of this passage starts out really positive. He draws the listeners attention to the two positive attributes of a life of faith; reverence toward the nature of God and obedience to his revealed word. The verse ends with the encouragement to keep trusting in God. But in between the focus on godly attributes and a persistent focus on God Isaiah describes the path believers will walk; darkness. The darkness will not only come from our own sinful tendencies. We are surrounded by free willed sinners and a world corrupted by that sin and collapsing in on itself.  All of these ugly truths make it clear that the world is darkness. And believers have to walk in that darkness. How can we remain true? Through reverence for the LORD, obedience to God's word, and trust in a very reliable king.
Stuart

Isaiah 49

I think I know the origin of using our hands as a memory jogger. Whether it be a string on a finger, a wrist band, or a note in pen written on our palm. God came up with the idea first. See Isaiah 49:16.
Stuart

Zechariah 1-3

Zechariah mentions four visions (1:7-2:5) at the beginning of his writing.  Since they are mentioned all together the message of the visions are probably related (this is a case where the chapter breaks really confuse the reader).  The first and fourth visions seem to repeat the same message of God’s work of prosperity that is coming to Jerusalem.  The second and third visions also present a corollary message; that those who had oppressed God’s people would be made powerless.  Is there a message for the church?  I think it is this; God’s plan for his people is prosperity (always spiritual abundance, sometimes physical).  The oppressions of outsides may seek to overthrow God’s blessing but they never will.  As believers we are the undeserving recipients of God’s endless grace and protection.

Stuart

Haggai

God had fulfilled his promise to return Israel to their inheritance. But they had not done what they had been commanded to do. The foundation of the temple had been started but then the people quit. They were more focused on taking care of their own needs than doing the LORD's work. Because their priorities were out of order God withheld his blessings. They had expected their first harvests to be abundant. But there was a drought. Not because of global warming but rather because of their selfish disobedience. Haggai's message; seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you (Matt. 6:33).
Stuart

Isaiah 48

In what part of history do you live? Isaiah says that some in Judah were living in the past. They stake their being on the ancestor Judah. They always looked back on what God HAD done.  There were others whose focus was only on what they are doing in the present. They go to God's temple. They live in Jerusalem. They always focus on what God IS doing. But God wants his believers to focus on the future that he will bring about. We can see the past and present, but we must act in faith to live in the future. I suppose that is what God wants from us.
Stuart

Jude

Jude spends most of his short letter describing the works of people who reject Jesus' authority. In verses 20-23 he describes the two areas of action which believers should respond. By building their relationships within God's family and then relationships with unbelievers.
1. Build up your faith
2. Pray through the Spirit's power
3. Live in the love of God
4. Wait on Jesus' revelation of eternal life
5. Display mercy to those who have doubts about your faith
6. Help those consumed by their destructive actions to lead them into the faith
7. Act in mercy and caution toward those engrossed in their sins. Do not get caught up in their rebellion.
Stuart

Isaiah 47

In verse 6 God revealed that he would turn Israel over to Babylon for punishment. Babylon became proud of the position into which God had placed them and they took advantage of Israel's weakness. Babylon was merciless; forgetting that they were God's servant to rebuke his people. There are people today who may be given an advantage over modern believers. They may forget, or not realize, that they are only servants of God to strengthen his people. If they act arrogantly they will share Babylon's shame and emptiness.
Stuart

Zephaniah

Zephaniah was from the royal family.  Surely he had access to the king and the rulers of the people of Judah.  He must have witnessed the idolatry of the rulers; worshiping Baal and taking oaths in the name of Milcom.  In spite of king Josiah’s reforms he saw leaders turn their backs on God. They no longer went to the temple with sacrifices or sought his guidance in prayer (1:6).  The greatest danger of this infection was not the invasion of a foreign army, which was coming.  It was not the famine and death that would consume the people, which God sent.  Zephaniah’s sternest warning was offered in 2:2; to wither and die like a flower.  They were in danger of being cut off, spiritually, from the real source of life.  They were refusing to worship God and would soon be cut off from his fellowship.  That death is worse than any punishment that God would send their way.

Stuart

Isaiah 46

God's plans have never failed. So we can act know that no one will thwart his future plans either. Everything that he commissions unfolds by his pattern. The rose petals open according to his design. In that blossom we can see the beauty of God plan. A grandmother breathes her last when he chooses. The pain of that death may challenge our faith but God's plan of eternal redemption is not tarnished by our pain. Even through the tears we should look for the plan that does not, can not, fail.
Stuart

Habakkuk

I have heard of some Christians whose prayers are overflowing with sorrow for the injustices that they witness.  I wonder if the church in America has fallen into the same trap as the believers in Habakkuk’s day?  Is there more concern with personal freedoms and comforts than the display of holiness and surrender to God’s call for obedience?  Habakkuk longed for God to step in and correct the immorality in Judah.  He was shocked by the plan that God devised.  I wonder if God had waited to act until Habakkuk laid his complaint before the throne of grace?  When will I raise the same complaint before my God?

Stuart

Isaiah 45

Why is God so generous? Why has God placed in the hearts of all men a sense of right and wrong? Why did God create in us a capacity to love one another, even to the point of sacrificing our lives so that another can live? Where does the heroic strength of valor originate? Isaiah 45:5 says that these things come from God. But they are bestowed for a reason: to reveal the nature and presence of God.
Stuart

2 Peter

Beginning in 2 Peter 3:10 Peter talks about the coming day of Christ Jesus’ return.  In anticipation of that day we should, as Peter notes in verse 11, live holy and godly lives.  Then in verse 12 he said our waiting should be accompanied by action the will “make that day come soon.”  Wow!  We can impact God’s time-table on the end.  The great and awesome God of creation says that his church, made up of weak and sinful people, has a part in scheduling the end of time.  But that message also means that we are responsible for his delay as well.  Does that mean the 21^st century should not have come to be?  I don’t know.  But it does mean that I need to be engaged in sharing the hope of the Gospel more forcefully than I have.

Stuart

Isaiah 44

In the first few verses of this chapter the great and only God of creation speaks of his love for the people he has chosen. If we can grasp that God has created us, even if we can't understand how, we should be impressed by the extent of his love for us. Once we understand that as Christians we are his chosen people, then we can begin to understand the blessings that accompany God's choosing.
Stuart

Isaiah 43

God calls out to the people who follow him, "Do not be afraid." Of what could we be afraid? In verse 2 he mentions deep waters through which we WILL pass. Judah would endure a siege and exile. God did not say they would not face those horrors, but he promised to be with them. He also mentioned a fiery path. The pain of their humiliation and death were to be intense. But it would not consume them, and it didn't. Christians have the same promises. Trials and suffering will be with us through this life, but God will bring us through.
Stuart

Isaiah 42

In Isaiah's day there was much turmoil and injustice. Not just in Israel but in every civilization around the globe. The poor and weaken were ravaged. They were treated with contempt, often being discarded like trash. When Isaiah spoke of God's servant who was to come justice was one of the promises he would bring. Verse 4 ended with the observation that those people in distant lands were waiting for justice. We have an innate sense of justice. That comes from our connection to God. When we receive injustice we long for that which God has promised to deliver us. No one is exempt from that longing.
Stuart

Isaiah 41

In verse 4 of this chapter Yahew God declares his eternal nature. He does not live a long time he lives outside of time. And that is a truth that I just can't comprehend.
Stuart

Micah 6-7

The picture in the opening of chapter 6 is from the hall of God's judgment. Israel is on trial for their rebellion against God. Who sits in the jury box? All of creation. The mountains listen to the case and they will be appalled that their fellow creation, mankind, could reject such a loving and generous creator.  Surely the children of these jurists are the rocks around Jerusalem. Those that were ready to call out their praise for Jesus as he marched up to the temple.
Stuart

Isaiah 40

"To whom can God be compared?" That was a very good question that Isaiah asked his skeptical listeners. It is a very good question for us to ask modern people; believers and unbelievers both.
Stuart

Micah 4-5

God makes a powerful promise to his fearful people in 5:2-5. It is the promise of Messiah who will come out of Bethlehem. I see three promises that God will accomplish through that great ruler.
1. He will rule in holy strength and divine majesty.  From a worldly perspective death on a cross is neither strong nor glorious. But we must not for get that Jesus' ascension to the heavenly throne began at his resurrection.
2. His people will live in safety because of his universal greatness. We would like for this reality to be seen in this life; but it won't. Sin still pulls hard at the hearts of all people. Even those who have surrendered to him. Safety will be our when by his grace we are in that eternal throne room.
3. He will bring peace. Oh how we long for the absence of war and conflict. Jesus left us his peace for this life, but it does not match this world's definition of peace.
Stuart

Psalm 150

We should take every opportunity to lift up the name of the Lord. His name is wonderful and marvelous. He is supreme. All types of music can be lifted to honor his name. All our voices can be raised in praise of his name.
Stuart

Micah 1-3

The people of Micah's day were as fickle as many people are today. They didn't want to hear bad news; only good.  But they turned inward and focused on their own appetites. Those who could went to great lengths to line their own pockets. They had no regard for their quest for their own "rights" and the impact on other people. Because they abandoned God's Law for a law of their own God promised to abandon them. Will the same end not come to any modern culture that acts in the same manner toward God?
Stuart

Psalm 149

Verses 5-9 of this psalm speaks of the victories that God granted Israel in the conquest of the promised land. I wonder if the equivalent Christian Promised Land is a life of faith. For we will battle temptation armed with the sword of the Spirit. The "kingdom" of our flesh seeks to rule this life, so we bind that "king" in chains. And we know that God has already punished our flesh when he nailed Jesus to the cross.
I just wonder.
Stuart

Psalm 148

I have never heard the praise of nature. Yet the psalmist leans forward to hear all of creation's to praise God. I suppose it is audible even though nature possesses no voice. Yet it isn't until verses 7 through 12 that there is mention of things that produce sounds that our ears can detect. So how do the sun, moon, and stars praise God? With their radiance? The psalmist doesn't mention the darkness praising God. Or maybe by their existence alone?
Stuart

Psalm 147

The psalms ends his words by keying in on the importance of knowing God's Law. Because Israel had his Law they received his blessings. There was always at least a remnant of the people who wholeheartedly obeyed God's Law. Those who know God's Law are able to catch a sight of God's nature.
Stuart

1 Thessalonians 1-2

The new believers in Thessaloniki were energetic is spreading the Gospel of Jesus.  That city became the center of an effective outreach in the early church.  But not only were they effective in spreading the Gospel the evidence of God’s change in their lives was also well publicized.  They must have been presenting the truth of Jesus in such an honest and gentle way that those who encountered them, but were not persuaded, still thought highly of their new faith.  As 21^st century Christians following their gentle example should be our practice as well.

Stuart

Psalm 146

The words of verse 3 have been ignored by generations of people. Each time their ignorance has cost livelihoods and lives. No human leader is able to save us from the depths of sin that has already corrupted our lives. Whenever we place our trust in human leaders we set ourselves up for disappointment. No matter how good are a leader's intentions they will fail; because they bear the frailty of sin.  And that weakness persistently disables our ability to walk upright before God.
Stuart

Daniel 12

I don't recall seeing God's promise at the of Daniel's writing. God spoke twice of the coming resurrection of the dead. In 12:2 God revealed a future resurrection of the good for reward and the evil for punishment. Then in 12:13 he makes a person promise to Daniel. Though death awaited him he would one day rise from among the dead to receive his reward.
Stuart

Daniel 10-12

As God was preparing to reveal to Daniel the final vision in his book the old prophet was overcome with fear. The look on his face chased away all who had been with him (10:7-8). God's angel spoke to him and prepared him with these words; "God loves you" (10:11) and "Don't be afraid" (10:12). It was a message that the angel repeated so that Daniel could capture God's message. That is the message that we need to hear as well.
Stuart

Psalm 145

How would you describe God's greatness? What words would you use? What traits of his majesty would you focus on in your description? There is so much to God's nature that only our language limits our praise.
Stuart

Daniel 7-9

God show Daniel a vision but its meaning was not revealed to him. There are three recorded times when God had blessed Daniel with understanding of visions. Daniel must have been frustrated that he was given a vision but not told its meaning. It sounds like a great deal of time passed between the vision (Daniel 7-8) and its interpretation (Daniel 9:20-27). May God waited until the 70 years of exile was completed. Maybe he waited until Daniel took up the prayer of confession for the nation.  God didn't explain why he waited, but his delay did not slow his will.
Stuart

Psalm 144

I wonder if David was king when he penned this song? If he sang it in his courtroom were there looks of shock on their faces? King David, the mighty warrior and righteous judge referred to himself as a servant (vs 10). Did the queen recoil as these words were sung? David had a firm grasp on the truth that he was only a pawn in God's chess game. But he was pleased to hold such a lowly position.
Stuart

Psalm 143

What would God do for his servant? David believed that he would begin by listening to his plea. And then God would act on the words he heard. He will guide the servant's steps. He will place a shield around him. He will redeem him from trouble and death.
Stuart

Psalm 142

We all want a bodyguard. Someone who is strong enough to handle every problem that we face. Someone to stop the bullies, and cons who seek to take advantage of us. We have such a bodyguard; God Almighty.
Stuart

Psalm 141

I find it difficult to pray for God to strike some one. But this psalm offers a prayer that we can lift up against those who would harm us. In verse 9; Protect me from the traps they have set for me.
Stuart

John 19-21

As I read John's account of Jesus' crucifixion I noticed something missing in my countenance. There were no tears, no lump in my throat, no sympathetic thirst, no anger, or no sorrow.  As a matter of fact there was no reaction at all. They were simply words on a page retelling a tragic/glorious event from 20 centuries ago. After considering all of that I came to this conclusion; that's not good enough. My reaction to the story, or rather lack of reaction to the story, should be unsettling. I think I need a change in attitude about Jesus' crucifixion.
Stuart

John 17-18

Many Bible scholars believe that John the son of Zebedee was the unnamed disciple who accompanied Peter to the high priest's house. In 18:15 it is noted that John was well known by the high priest. I wonder how that came about? Was John's mother closely related to Annas? Had Zebedee struck up a friendship with Caiaphas? Had John and James delivered fresh fish to the high priest when they came to Jerusalem for the feasts? Better yet did the high priest know that John was a disciple of Jesus?
Stuart

John 16

For most of three years Jesus had invested in the lives of his closest disciples. He had taught by word and example the truths about God. He had revealed the mysteries of God's new covenant. He had shown them how to preach, heal, and serve those whom God would put in their lives. But in John 16:12 Jesus tells history that three years of teaching was just the tip of the iceberg. There was much more they needed to know. They would learn it over the next few decades. Being taught by God's Holy Spirit (16:13). Then they would pass it on to the disciples whom they would recruit.
Stuart

Psalm 140

I wonder which violent encounter prompted David to sing this song? Was it one of the many times king Saul threatened his life? Was it while he was running from Absolom? Was it some unrecorded encounter between a shepherd boy and some bandits? Whatever the circumstances David sang to God. He was confident in his presence and his faithfulness to Israel. Maybe David understood the value that God places on every believer.
Stuart

John 14-15

I'm pretty sure that no one wants to be hated. There may be people so calloused that they care little about what other people think. There are some so selfish that they pursue their goals with no regard for the reaction of other people. Yet I believe that most people would not work with the intention of having others hate them. Jesus prepared his disciples for the reality that was to come when Christianity would collide with worldly culture. The cultures of the world will react with hatred toward Christianity. Unless there is a spiritual change in a person's heart the will be repulsed by the teachings of Christ. The world has falsely accuse Christians of rebellion, idolatry, cannibalism, prejudice, and many other terrible crimes. These charges are motivated by their hatred of what they cannot understand. Jesus warned us. We should not be surprised.
Stuart

John 13

"If I do not wash your feet you have no part in me." What did Jesus mean when he gave this explanation to Peter? Was this some obscure ritual of initiation?  I think so. But it is not the specific action that Jesus wants us to imitate. It is the greater principle; to be a disciple the master must become your servant. Rabbis who preceded Jesus expected each class of disciple to serve them in return for their imparted knowledge. Jesus was setting the example that when his disciples become rabbis they will teach their disciples to minister by serving them. Christian disciple makers teach through service. I think that is what Jesus was saying.
Stuart

Psalm 139

David had a wonderful understanding of how well God knew him. And if God knew king David that well then he surely knows us equally. When someone knows us that well we should be able to trust them to act for our good. And that is God's nature. So when he points out a path he wants us to follow we should listen and follow. That what David acknowledged at the end of this psalm.
Stuart

John 10-12

When Jesus looked at a situation he saw it completely different than the people of his time did. At the wedding in Cana the people saw empty water jar while Jesus saw vessels for wine (2:7).  While talking to a Samaritan women his disciples saw a distraction but Jesus saw the will of God revealed (4:27,32). When he looked at the crowd by the sea Jesus saw a crowd hurting while the disciples saw an impractical situation (6:8-10). For the man born blind Jesus saw and opportunity to display God's power while his disciples saw the punishment of sin (9:1-3). When he heard of Lazarus and his fatal illness his disciples saw the despair of diseases while Jesus a way to bring glory to God (10:4, 12). We need to look at situations through Jesus' like eyes.
Stuart

Psalm 138

The psalmist talks about those who oppose him. Yet by the end of the psalm he petitions God to finish his work in the psalmist's life. That reminded me of Paul's message to the believers in Philippi; "I am confident that the one who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 1:6). Both of these writers expressed their dependence on God to complete the development of faith in our lives.
Stuart

Psalm 137

Our songs to the Lord have no meaning outside of their tune to those who don't know God's salvation. When we sing God's praise we are moved by the words offered to our heavenly king. But unbelievers will only be attracted to the melodies and rhythms. Is there anything we can do to help them hear the words?
Stuart

John 4-6

John 4:6 gives us a picture of the humanity of Jesus; he was tired and needed some recovery time.  We know that Jesus was physically in his early 30’s.  It is probable that the disciples who travelled with him were younger than he; possibly half his age (their actions and attitudes tend to favor that age bracket).  Assuming that most of those disciples were considerably younger it is possible that they wore Jesus out.  Maybe in the haste to get through Samaria they had kept up a fairly rapid pace.  But when they reached Sychar Jesus needed to sit down and take a break.  So he did.  Jesus didn’t push on.  He stopped.  It’s not unbelievable that while he sat they leaning against the wall of the well Jesus napped.  Maybe the woman woke him up.  Maybe the Spirit roused him from his slumber.  Whatever the situation this truth we know; Jesus rested.

Stuart

John 1-3

I wonder how long it took the servants in Cana to fill those six water jars? I wonder what Jesus did while the servants were fetching the water. I picture in my mind one servant topping off the last jar with WATER, wiping his brow and then scanning the crowd for the man Mary told him to obey. Then we worked his way through the crowd to Jesus' spot. He touched Jesus' foot, to get his attention. Jesus stopped what he was saying and gave the servant his full attention. "The jars have been filled with water, sir. What should we do now?" Jesus' answer surely took the servant by surprise, "Draw some of the WATER out and take it to the master of the feast." Did the servant ask why? Did he think to himself, "Why?" They knew a host with a taste for wine would not be satisfied with water. The servants had obeyed in a difficult task but had seen no promise fulfilled. Now Jesus told the servant to expose himself to failure. I believe the water was water after they filled the six jars. I believe that the water was water when the cup was filled to be taken to the master of the feast. Every step that the servant took caused the water in the cup to ripple. I believe the cup was full of water until it left the servant's hands. He had acted in total trust of Jesus command. When he had completed Jesus' command the miracle was completed as well. Then not only was the cup full of water so were the six jars.
Stuart

Ezekiel 46-48

After God showed Ezekiel the vision of the stream flowing from the temple he gave his prophet one more instruction; "note all this carefully." (41:6) What dId God want Ezekiel to understand? What was the message of the running water? Did Ezekiel see the message God wished to share with future generation? Or even the current meaning of the vision? I don't think I see it.
Stuart

Psalm 133, 134

The unity of the believers is a state and a spiritual place. Unity in relationship is what God had always intended for his people. Unity is relationships was one of the first casualties of sin. It takes a gift of divine honesty for that unity to be restored.
Stuart

Ezekiel 43-45

In 43:2 Ezekiel notes the how the volume of God's voice was like the roar of the sea. But what was God saying?

In 43:19 God appoints the sons of Zadok as high priest. In 44:15 God explains why Zadok's sons receive this privilege. It was because of the generations of faithfulness.
Stuart

Psalms 130-131

Both of these psalms end with the exhortation; trust in the LORD. That was not just a message for ancient Israel. It is the need of modern Christians. If we live in active trust of God then our life will be abundant and free. Not necessarily abounding in material wealth but overflowing in God's presence. The more we trust him the "closer" he will be.
Stuart

Ezekiel 35-38

What does God mean when he describes himself as holy?  In Ezekiel 36:23-31 he describes a number of things that he will do for Israel in order to show that he is holy.  He will collect Israel out of the nations to which they have been scatter (vs 24). He will resettle them in the Promised Land (vs 24). He will removed the defilement of their past idolatry (vs 25). He will give the people a new way of thinking (vs 26). He will take away the hardened stubbornness of the people of faith (vs 26).  He will give them a desire to obey God’s laws (vs 26). He will gift them with a portion of his Spirit who will lead them in obedience (vs 27). They will dwell in the Promised Land (vs 28). They will worship only God (vs 28). He will give them abundance in harvests (vss 29 & 30).  He will take away the threat of famine (vss 29 & 30). He will give them an attitude of repentance from their past rebellion (vs 31).  These are all things that God had promised to Israel before they entered the Promised Land under Joshua.  God shows his holiness by keeping his promises and working with his people to enable him to keep his promises.

Stuart

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Paul of Tarsus

Psalms 128, 129

Psalm 129 presents us with a truth that I would prefer to ignore. There is a fact here that my theology says doesn't belong in the BIble. What is this abhorant reality that God persists in presenting me? That everyone who follows God will face persecution. In verses 2 and 3 Israel speaks of the cruelties they have received. If their suffering were at God's hand I could endure it. But it was their enemies that poured out the insults; those who hated them that inflicted the wounds. God allowed the pain and then delivered from enslavement. We see the greatest example of this in Jesus' life.
Stuart

Ezekiel 31-34

God had a very stern message for the king of Egypt.  Comparing Egypt to a tree God said that their arrogance has led him to cut down the tree.  But God also set out a warning for future kingdoms; Ezekiel 31:14 – “…from now on, no tree, no matter how well-watered it is, will grow that tall again or push its top through the clouds and reach such a height.”  It sounds like God is warning future governments not to attempt world dominance as Egypt did in the past.  He will not allow it.

There is another passage in this section that caught my attention.  In chapter 34 Ezekiel writes about the selfish practices of the leaders in Jerusalem.  How they have abandoned leading the flock and instead chose to use the flock to their own advantage.  In verses 20-22 God compares that flock to a mixing of sheep and goats.  His implication is that he goats within the flock are pushing the sheep away from the same opportunities and then keeping them trampled down.  In verse 22 God says “…I will rescue my sheep…”.  But how does he define his sheep?  He defined them as the weak and the sick.  Those who are the most vulnerable.  But we should not confuse that to mean all the weak and sick in the world.  The flock was first of all comprised of those who seek to follow after God.  Faith is the first definition of God’s flock.  Within that flock of faith there are weak and sick sheep.  Those are the ones whom God claims as his own. 

Stuart

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Paul of Tarsus

Psalm 127

The introduction to this psalm is about building a house in submission to God. But how does God build a house? He does not deal with the physical aspects. He sets in place the foundation of love, plumbed with truth, and mortared with grace.  But the clearest imagery of God's house construction tools can be seen in Matthew 7:24-27. There we can see the divine building materials. Jesus said, "...these words of mine..". That is what God provides for building a house. What we do with those materials becomes clear in Jesus' message.  First we hear his words. If we listen to no one else we will not hear them. If we listen to the wrong person we will not catch what Jesus said. Once we hear his words leave us no option; we will act. We might reject his words. We might respond to his words. But even if we ignore the words we heard we will still be acting against them.
Stuart

Ezekiel 24-26

God took the life of Ezekiel’s wife so that he could be a living parable to Israel in Exile.  He could have taken any of his children, but God instead chose the prophet’s wife.  And then he made the comparison between the people of Israel and the temple.  I wonder if God cherished the temple as much as Ezekiel loved his wife?  I wonder if the pain of Ezekiel’s loss mimicked God’s grief as the temple’s rituals were destroyed by the trivialization and idolatry of the Jews?  I wonder if Ezekiel was able to take comfort in the closeness of his God?  I wonder if Ezekiel grasped the pain of rejection and loss that God experienced with his covenant people?  I don’t think God wasn’t looking for someone to share in his sorrow as much as he was seeking a communicator who could understand the loss he was experiencing by Israel’s rejection of his love.

Stuart

Psalm 124

When we choose sides with God we may still be attacked. We may still encounter floods. We may still fall into the traps that evil people set.  We may still face the anger of those who oppose us. But they will not have the final victory. Even if they kill us they will not have the last say. Our help comes from the LORD.
Stuart

Psalm 123

I need mercy. When I consider the way I live I join with the tax collector and offer up this psalm to God as my prayer.
Stuart

Ezekiel 20-21

Through most of Ezekiel God reveals the history of his grace. He describes the rebellious actions of the people of Israel from the time they were in Egypt until the time of their exile. Every time that God's righteousness call for their destruction he offered an alternative. He acted graciously so as to honor his name and display his holiness to the world. In everything that he did God proved that he could create harmony between his will and the actions of me. But he always did so through his acts of grace.
Stuart

Isaiah 39

"The message you have given me from the LORD is good." Normally I would agree with Hezekiah. When God pronounces judgment it is righteous and just. But unless I'm missing something the message Isaiah gave the king was a warning that should have been taken seriously. Apparently Hezekiah was now living in such a way that he would fail to persuade his new-born son that serving the God of Israel meant life. I wonder if Hezekiah was resting on his laurels? Perhaps he was thinking how his obedience and faith had moved God to rescue Judah. Maybe he was feeling invincible. Maybe he was glad that since this was a problem for some future generation to address he didn't need to focus on it. We should learn from Hezekiah's failure; remind future generations of God's plans in hope that they will seek his guidance.
Stuart

Ezekiel 18-19

The parents ate the sour grapes, but the children got the sour taste.  This ancient proverb still lingers in the mind of modern pagans.  They decry the effects of bad parenting, putting the blame of many social ills on the preceding generations.  There is no question that our upbringing has an impact on how we think, it does not provide an excuse to commit evil and escape punishment.  And that is exactly what God said in the remainder of chapter 18.  When we are old enough to know right from wrong the choices we begin to make are ours alone.  Those who raised us, whether their intentions were good or evil, are no longer responsible for our actions.

Stuart

Ezekiel 17-18

One word describes the problem of Judah in these two chapters; Unfaithfulness.  Chapter 16 focuses on Judah’s unfaithfulness in her covenant with God.  Chapter 17 details Zedekiah’s unfaithfulness in his covenant with Babylon.  The ethics of politics has always followed the morality of culture. 

Stuart

Isaiah 38

"Get ready to die." Isaiah spoke those words to the sickly king Hezekiah and promptly left the room. Surely the door hitting the stop shot jolts of anguish into the king's heart. Were there family members standing by? They would have been wailing as they took in the news. As the tears of fear, confusion, and sorrow rolled down his face the king forced himself onto his side facing the wall. Surely he wondered why the God whom he had trusted had become as hard and impenetrable as the wall Solomon had built. What good does it do to talk to a wall? But God is not a wall. He is the living God who always listens. The Savior who had repeatedly rescued Hezekiah. Chapter 38:3 records the words of the king terminally ill. Having died to self before God the tears of bitterness flowed freely. I wonder if he even heard the door open a few minutes later? I wonder if he was still facing the wall? I wonder if he was still crying when he heard the familiar voice of the prophet speaking for God; "...I have heard your prayer and seen your tears."(vs 5) The God of Israel is not a wall.
Stuart

Ezekiel 12-15

“Time goes by and predictions come to nothing.”  That was a proverb among the Jews in Ezekiel’s days.  That sounds strangely familiar to how Peter repeated the words of mockers in 2 Peter 3:4.  Just as God put an end to the proverb in Ezekiel’s day we can be sure that he will silence the mockers in our days.

Stuart

Isaiah 37

Sennacherib was king of Assyria when it possessed an unstoppable army. Under his leadership the army destroyed kingdom after kingdom. Those he did not destroy were in subject to him. But his successes became his identity. And he saw no difference in any kingdom. They were all vulnerable to his army and therefore, they were his even before he possessed them. But them he encounter the one God of Israel. I wonder if he heard Isaiah's message to Hezekiah? I wonder is Sennacherib ever put two and two together? I wonder if he understood that the God he insulted is the one who killed many of hIs soldiers while they slept? Or that it was this God who sent him home to die?
Stuart

Ezekiel 8-11

There have been times when I’ve heard despairing people say, “God has abandoned me.”  Ezekiel’s vision of the idol worship in secret in the temple proves otherwise.  Even as the leaders of Judah were turning to other gods in hopes of rescue, the true God of Israel was still close by; watching their growing sin.  God said that he would never abandon the people of his covenant and he didn’t.  If he maintained that promise in the face of such sin then surely he will stay faithful when we fail as well.   There may still be consequences to our sins.  There is still free will among those who have rejected God that will result in evil in our lives.  But God will not abandon his people.

Stuart

Isaiah 36

As the officials from the king of Assyria taunted the people of Jerusalem they made one truthful statement. "Hezekiah can't save you."
We don't have a record, in this passage, of what Hezekiah said to the people, but we can be confident that it was not a proclamation of his own abilities to rescue Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. Hezekiah knew that only the God of Israel welded such power. That is where Hezekiah placed his faith.
Stuart

Ezekiel 5-7

These three chapter speak of the punishment that God's nature demand of the house of Israel. The punishment they deserve for their rebellion against his Law. The fate of all, not just those who had trusted in idols, was death and the fear of death. Any survivor would receive abuse and shame. These are the same punishments that we all deserve. Even the house of God today. But all of the suffering, all of this shame, all of this death Jesus took for us. That does not mean we will not face such tragedies. Instead it means that we will come through them because of Jesus.
Stuart

Isaiah 35

What one word describes and defines a desert to you? Dryness. Emptiness. Uninhabited. Sweltering. For me the word is; barrenness. As God revealed a sneak peak of the future to Isaiah he described it in terms of environments. Surely Isaiah was familiar with the wilderness of southern Judah. No one dwelt there. It was not a desert like the Sahara but it was not fruitful like the Jordan valley. God told Isaiah that the he was planning to change the barrenness of the world into fruitfulness (vs 2).  Some of the prophet's audience may have been thinking in farming terms, but I think God's message was targeting the people around the world. Most of them live in spiritual barrenness. God's grace can convert them into fields of bounty for his Kingdom.
Stuart

Ezekiel 1-4

We know that the message of God can burn within us. But God can also silence us. For a time Ezekiel was not only shut up in his house but God took away his speech. Since God had given Ezekiel the message why would he then still the voice that proclaimed his message? Ezekiel doesn't give us any reason. Dramatic effect? To clear the air? To see who was listening? It could have been any of those or others. But one truth I see is that there are times when we need to be silent before God. When we are obedient to God's call for silence we show that we can be obedient when he calls us to speak.
Stuart

1 Peter 4-5

In 4:7 Peter designates two disciplines that we need in our prayer lives. First he mentions self-control. From Paul's Galatian letter we know that self-control comes into our lives by the work of the Holy Spirit.  We need to put aside our selfish desires to be effective in prayer. Peter says we need alertness as well. We need to be attentive to the struggles others are facing. Sometimes the physical anguish is hidden and will require alert observations. But emotional and spiritual difficulties are seldom mention and may be invisible to those under attack. We also need to be aware of what God is doing so that we can pray effectively. When we allow God to develop these traits in our lives we become greater warriors for the Kingdom.
Stuart

Isaiah 33

The last phrase of this chapter must have been wonderful news for the people. In a culture saturated with the words of the Law awareness of sin was a big part of life. The people who heard Isaiah's message knew that rejecting God's standard had brought evil tendencies into the world. They knew that the Law was given to expose the sins in their lives. And they knew that the annual sacrifice removed the penalties for the sins of the preceding year.  But the idea that all sins would be forgiven was amazing. I wonder if someone said; "For all sins to be forgiven that would have to be one special sacrifice." How true that is.
Stuart

1 Peter 1-3

In this section Peter described a historical perspective that I had never really pondered before.  I never stopped to consider how this truth might have impacted the lives of those people of faith that he described.  Peter has a lot to say about God’s revelation in chapter 1 verse 12 of his first letter.  But when I gave it some time to grow in my imagination some interesting questions came to mind.  In that verse Peter wrote: “God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their own benefit, but for yours, as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the messengers  who announced the Good News….”  We read in the Bible a common message from the prophets of someone who would come.  A theme that stretches back to Abram.  Along with that message the prophets of the Old Testament also received the message that the someone special would not be seen by their eyes.  I wonder how disappointed Moses was to hear of one to come, who would be like him, but he would not live to see him?  I wonder if David felt greater loss at missing the sight of Messiah than he was of not building the temple?  Isaiah passed on the description of the suffering servant, but how did he feel about not witnessing the servant’s ministry?  Did Jonah understand that his three days in the fish would captivate generations as a picture of God’s firstborn from among the dead?  These faithful people of centuries past were faithful to deliver the message.  They must have felt like many parents; hoping, pining for the better things that God had planned for those believers who would follow them.  I should be doing the same.

Stuart

1 & 2 John

John concludes both of these letters with the same basic theme: there is much to talk about so my preference is to speak face to face. Sometimes, no matter how well prepared we might be, the Word is best presented when spoken rather than written.
Stuart

Isaiah 32

Politicians haven't changed since the days of Isaiah. In the first fives verses of this chapter the prophet describes the attitudes and actions of the future leaders. His description implies that the contemporary leaders display the opposite qualities.  The leaders Isaiah knew spoke about the God of Israel claiming to be his friend. But their words and actions insult and righteous all-knowing God who chose to remain their friend. The same can be said of many high profile leaders today. Whether they be civic or church leaders, holding secular or religious offices they all tend to gravitate toward the same selfish model. I believe that if I find myself in the right position without accountability and transparency I too would fall prey to the corrupting and blinding influence of elevated self-worth.
Stuart

1 John 3-5

I have never really taken the time to ponder what it meant to first century believers to be called “sons of God.” (1 John 3:1)  Without an appreciation of their understand of the privilege there is no way that I can transfer those messages into the 21^st century.  Regardless of their faith in the Greek pantheon first century people all knew the stories of the power and privileges of the sons of Zeus.  When John wrote his letter most of the believer would have learned the greatness of God’s promise to Abraham and his sons.  They would have also known that the church was the true sons of Abraham.  I wonder what other advantages those early believers found in the title; “Sons of God”?  Unrestricted access to the throne room? Out with the title “Your Majesty” and in with “Father”?  No taxes required?  A seat at every banquet?  Taken to its selfish extremes these privileges could have been perverted, but in the proper perspective it would displayed acceptance and provision by the ruler.  A position most believers would have lacked.  How does that apply to us today?

Stuart

Isaiah 31

I face the very strong temptation to base my security on the United States of America. I think that the church in the USA may have been lulled into complacency because of the historical liberty and protection granted the church. But is our confidence based of God acting or in US legal precedence? God's warning in Isaiah 31:1 is timeless.  Those who rely on political or military might are doomed. Our confidence should always rest in the LORD.
Stuart

1 John 1-2

It's all about fellowship, and with whom you fellowship. John reminded his readers that his fellowship was with God the Father and Jesus the Son (vs 1:3). But John is not name dropping. He is extending an invitation to his readers; "You too can have the same divine fellowship as I have. Listen to what I have to say and put my words into practice." It is not the words that produce the fellowship, but rather the fruit of those words in our lives that lead us into eternal fellowship with God.
Stuart

Isaiah 30

Anytime a crack appears in a support wall it is reason for concern. The crack tells a story. It not only speaks of the impending failure of the wall it points accusing fingers at those this that led to the crack. There is the foundation that gave up support first and also the load that bears down on the top. The crack can also display the indifference of the builders' attention to quality or their inexperience in construction techniques. The crack also speaks bleakly about the future of the wall in which it develops. And that was the point Isaiah was making in verse 13. Judah is a cracked wall. Their sin will lead to their downfall.
Stuart

Lamentations 4-5

There is no question that God displays his anger.  When Jesus swept out the cheating money changers and scheming animal sellers from the temple his actions were the result of a simmering anger.  A few centuries earlier Jeremiah recalled the horror of the siege and as he walked through the ruins of Jerusalem asked God; “Is there no limit to your anger?”  What had once been GOOD was now burnt, blood stained, and reeked of the fruits from generations of sin.  Are there limits to God’s anger?  I think the answer to that question is no.  Because was so angry with the impact of sin on his perfect creation that he crossed the line due to his anger.  He did not cross the line to join us in sin, but he crossed the line of immortality and entered mortality.  He crossed the line of eternity and lived in the temporary.  God crossed the line of purity and walked in the land of temptations.  It was both his anger and his love that brought Jesus to earth as the perfect sacrifice.  It was both anger and love that moved him to call people back to God’s love.  As God stretched out his arm of anger to punish Jesus on our behalf he also stretched out his arm of love for us to see. 

Stuart