Luke 18-21

In Luke 18:35-19:27 we find part of Jesus’ final trip through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. Jesus has a personal encounter with two men, who become his disciples. These two a very different in their stations in life. Luke doesn’t name the first man, though we know from the other Gospel writers he is known as Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46). But Luke does tell us that he is blind and survives by begging. Totally dependent upon the compassion of others his life was surely difficult. Was he abused by adolescents? Did Roman soldiers mock him by tossing stones in his hand rather than coins? How many pieces of dry bread had he eagerly devoured because that was all he would eat. With little option he sat by the road with no chance of gainful employment or public acceptance his only hope was for God to move someone to give him enough for today’s food. Did Bartimaeus question God’s justice in this life? The second man lived on the other end of the social structure of Jericho. Zacchaeus made his living, and his wealth, from the losses of those around him. Totally dependent upon the authority of Rom his live was as isolated at Bartimaeus’. Was he abused by adolescents? Did Roman soldiers mock him as a traitor to his people. How many households had he callously devoured in attempts to satisfy his loneliness?  Zacchaeus had no hope in finding any other means of employment; who would trust him enough to hire him. Did Zacchaeus question God’s justice in this life?

Both men were considered the dregs of Jericho. They had probably made past choices that classified them as vermin to most people. No respectable person would have sought out either man. Jesus called both of the men to come to him. And in that invitation the faith of both men blossomed. It no longer matter that they were rejected by the people of Jericho. Jesus had chosen them. Their lives were never the same.

But I wonder what their lives were like after Jesus’ invitation. How did they lived out their faith in Jesus? Especially when it came to each other?

 

Stuart

 

Luke 16-18

Luke 17:11-19 tells the story of the healing of ten lepers. It is presumed that all made a sacrifice to God for their cleansing, but only one of them gave thanks to God's prophet when he understood what had happened. It was only this one who heard the message regarding faith from Jesus. I don't know that it is fair to say the Samaritan was more grateful than the other nine. What distinguished him was the direction to whom he offered thanks. He made a connection between Jesus and God while the others where hung up on the sacrifice.
Stuart

Luke 9

In Luke 9:28-36 Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain to pray. Jesus prayed into the night. While Jesus was praying the 3 apostles were battling sleep. The light must have brought them back to consciousness. Jesus' physical presence was transformed. God's shekinah glory was radiating out from him. Though we don't know the subject he and the father addressed in prayer but since Moses and Elijah both spoke to him about the suffering he was preparing to face in Jerusalem that must have been part of the prayer. Peter, James, and John witnessed some of the conversation and Peter spoke up about building shelters for the three. But the cloud of God's presence enveloped them and the Father spoke of the pre-eminence of Jesus over Moses and Elijah. When the cloud dissipated there were only four men left on the mountain top. Though it might have been mid way into the night I wonder what they did the rest of the night. Surely Jesus slept. But what about the apostles? Were they so overwhelmed with awe that they were not wide awake? It was after day break before they came down the mountain. What did they do with those few hours of night?

We know that Jesus was prepared for the push to Jerusalem but were the three aware of what was approaching? It seems not. Would I be aware?

 

Stuart

Luke 7 - 8

Who defines the worthiness of man before God? According to Luke 7 there was a  centurion who lived in Capernaum. He was a God fearer, though apparently he would not convert to Judaism. He demonstrated his devotion to the Jewish people, if not their God, by funding the building of their synagogue. There may have been other generous acts towards the Jews but Luke only recounts this one. To the leaders of the congregation such acts of sacrifice established his worthiness before this prophet from Nazareth. His sacrifices made him worthy to receive God's attention (v 4).
I find it interesting that Jesus said nothing to the Jewish leaders. He joined them as they walked toward the centurion's house. The officer sent another message to stop Jesus. We have no idea what the Roman officer knew about the sinfulness of man and the holiness of God. But what we see from his words is his recognition of something divine in Jesus. He understood that there was no sacrifice that he could make that would justify him before God.
In verse 9 Luke states the Jesus was amazed with this one man's faith. And his commendation carried a veiled message; it is through our faith that God works justification in our lives.
Stuart

Psalm 91

The final verses of psalm 91 speak of the covenant God has with those who devote themselves to him. It is a seven fold covenant. In response to the faith of one person God has promised these seven returns for tha faith; delivery, protection, answers, presence, rescue, satisfaction, and salvation.
Stuart

Luke 1-3

Luke introduces John the Baptist’s ministry in Luke 3. John’s one word sermon was “Repent.” To a population of people who were familiar with the same message they knew when a prophet was around. The people came in droves. Was it the persistent occupation that drove them to the prophet or was it a sense that God was preparing to do something. Unlike their forefathers who were taken to Babylon these believers wanted to act. In Luke 3:8 John told them “Therefore, produce fruit that proves your repentance.” In 3:10 Luke presents a picture very similar to the scene he describes on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:37-ff) Three groups of people as the same basic question: “What then should we do?” John offers all three groups examples of how they can demonstrate repentance in their lives.

Common people (3:11) – Give what you have. Perhaps he saw somebody in the crowd very well dressed standing next to someone who had very little. Or maybe it was the matter of food. John’s command to show that they were living pentetant lives; share what you have with those in need. This may be the first example of Christian fellowship mentioned in Luke’s Gospel. Repentance is demonstrated by grace toward others.

Tax collectors (3:13) – Take advantage of no one. John makes it clear that just because you CAN do something without the government complaining doesn’t mean that God is OK with such actions. Taxes are needed to support the government, but a corrupt self-serving government does not justify God’s people demonstrating the same actions. Repentance is demonstrated by integrity toward others.

Soldiers (3:14) – Be content with what you’ve been given. Bribery blinds people to injustice. Extortion is a appetite that cannot be satisfied or easily sated. Repentance is demonstrated by contentment.

 

Stuart

 

2 Kings 22-25

Josiah was the last good king in Judah. At the age of 26 he had ruled over God's kingdom for 18 years. Something within him motivated his command to make repairs on the temple. in the process of temple's repair and cleaning the high priest reported that he had found the scroll of the Law (2 Kings 22:8). The king's scribe took the scroll back to Josiah and read it to him. Imagine not hearing God's word until the age of 26. Josiah's response to hearing the words let us know that he revered the LORD. But I wonder how he had been worshiping God before that time? What had instructed their worship?
Scripture is silent on what the people had done to worship. We find out later that the people had forgotten about Passover (2 Kings 23:22). Had they given up on all of the feasts? Did they even do any of the rituals that the Law instructed? The answer seems to be that they were led by tradition. The fact that the temple stood and the people were still bringing monetary gifts (2 Kings 22:4) are indicators that the people knew something about the LORD. But apparently he had become one of many gods in the pantheon of the kingdom of Judah. Traditions did not keep the people in line with God's will; only his scripture can do that. Traditions do not help believers fellowship with God;  only his scripture can do that. Traditions did not challenge them to reform their sin-filled lives;  only his scripture can do that. Traditions may be helpful, they did keep Judah from completely forgetting God, but they are no substitute for God's word.
Stuart

Psalm 87

There is a theme of inheritance  in psalm 87. Three times God proclaims the birth of one in his holy city (vv 4, 5, 6). It may not be clear if God's focus is on the location of birth.  But the traits that demonstrate a connection to the Holy One of Israel is definitely prominent in the lives of those who submit to God.
Stuart

Psalm 84

This is the prayer of thanksgiving and supplication for the church from Psalm 84:1.
Oh Lord, I thank you for choosing the church as your habitation in these days. For the beginning of your promise to dwell eternally among your people is initially realized with the church. And it is your dwelling among us; the redeemed, the justified, the holy ones that makes the church a thing of beauty. How lovely is your dwelling place.
I pray that you will continue to open the eyes and hearts of your church that they would see the ways which you are in dwelling your church. Because it is your presence that will encourage us. It is your active involvement in our lives, individually and collectively, that will lead us beyond out limited self to carry the message of the Kingdom to the world.
Display your beauty in the lives that make up the church. Not just in the singers and music but also in the arts; drawing, painting, dancing, sculpture, speech, poetry, and chanting. Father open our eyes to the other displays of your beauty that you have instilled in each believer. And may we embrace them in our corporate gathers for your glory.
Stuart

Psalm 83

The first verse of psalm 83 asks God to avoid the negative of three actions. This means that in the past God had acted in the positive of these traits, and it is the plea of the psalmist that he would resume to act similarly. Instead of being silent God would fill creation with his words. Words of wisdom, judgment, and love. Instead of ignoring his people God would lavish on them his full attention. Overflowing with mercy, grace, justice, forgiveness, blessings, hope, and love. Instead of being inactive towards his followers God would engage himself in the actions of the people. He will strengthen them. He will lead them. He will encourage them. He will guide them. And in everything he will love them.
Stuart

Psalm 81

I give thanks to the One, the only one, who can satisfy my appetites. My greatest appetites are not for food, drink, and comfort. But they are purpose, hope, and contribution to others. God has given me these provisions in abundance.
Stuart

1 Kings 13-15

In 1 Kings 12 we see God give Jeroboam the son of Nebat the northern portion of Israel as a kingdom of God not ruled by the sons of Solomon. Yet Jeoboam, like Adam and Eve sought to elevate himself rather than God. While Solomon violated the first and second commandments Jeroboam rejected the first four commandments: he created his own gods, he cast idols to worship, he devised a plan to empty the LORD's name of all meaning, and he rejected God's Sabbath by establishing his own holy days. When God confronted him in a manner similar to Nathan's confrontation of David Jeroboam reacted to order to silence the naysayer (1 Kings 13:4). It wasn't God's message of rejection that got his attention it was God's protection of his prophet. But the king didn't focus on his sins; all he saw was the consequences. He had been living in his sin for so long it had become normal to him. The prophets words seeking to correct his rebellion were ignored. It took God's intervention in his body to wake him up; but only part way. After his command to seize the prophet the king's accusing arm was frozen in place. I imagine that Jeroboam's realization of a divinely immobilized arm was accompanied by a scream that halted the idol worship ceremony. I wonder if Jeroboam immobilized the rest of his body to match his frozen arm? What did he say and do and he begged the prophet to do something? Finally, the words fell out of his mouth; the name of the one who he was trying to erase from Israel. "Beseech him on my behalf was the kings request. The prophet did and God restored the arm. But the only thing changed that day was the altar table; it was broken while Jerosboam's heart was untouched by God's power and mercy.
How often am I like Jeroboam?
Stuart

1 Kings 7-9

In 1 Kings 8 we read what happened upon the completion of Solomon's temple. All the furniture, new and old, was brought into the building, and set in their places. Last of all the priests carried the ark of the covenant into the most holy place. As they were walking out the door of the temple a cloud was passing in, through the same doorway. I imagine that the cloud rushed in. The cloud, the shekiah of God, filled the two inner rooms of the temple. Verse 8:11 notes that the priests were unable to carry out their responsibilities because of the cloud. Did you ever consider why? Did God tell them to stay out? Did he put up a "keep out" sign when the cloud went in?
Did they decide to stay out? Was it their reverence that dictated that people should not walk where God's presence hovered? Or were they fearful of what might happen if they entered that place? That they would see God or the cloud would suffocate them.
Was it because the cloud was so thick that they just couldn't see to do what they had been assigned?
A second question I have, which scripture doesn't answer is; did God desire for them to be in the temple with his cloudly presence? Or did he want them outside so that he could clean the inside of the sanctuary?
God frequently used a cloud as an interface between himself and his people. Beginning when Israel left Egypt the weather was the same everyday; it was 40  year of partly cloudly. Imagine the Israeli daily forecast; mostly sunny except for one glowing cloud. Rainy today and one cloud that is closer and dry. On the mountain with Moses there was a cloud. And when the Tabernacle was finished the cloud rushed into the tent (Exodus 40:34-35). Moses didn't go into the cloud either. Even though he had walked into the cloud on the mountain top (twice). 
I wonder if the cloud was to be a visible reminder of God's desire to interact with people? If it is should they have stayed outside the cloud or walked in?
Stuart

1 Kings 4-6

During the description of Solomon's temple construction in 1 Kings 6 there is a passage that breaks up the narratives flow. Verses 11-13 make up a clumsy transition between the details of the temple structure, ending in verse 10, and the beginning of the summary in verse 14. In these three verses God offers the young king reassurances of his promises to David and Israel. God repeats the condition of his promise - obedience. The same condition he has set forth since the Garden of Eden.
But I think there may also be a heavenly picture in his promise; especially in verse 13. God will dwell among the faithful, never abandoning them. Isn't that what God desired in the Garden. But Adam abandoned him. God is not responding according to what we do, he is setting forth his promises of rewards, for obedience, and punishments, for disobedience. Nothing has changed.
Stuart

Psalm 77

There are a number of questions regarding God's nature that are brought up in psalm 77. These are questions that arise in times when God doesn't make sense (v 6).
Will the LORD reject his faithful followers? (v 7)
Has God's love disappeared? (v 8)
Have his promises failed? (v 8)
Does his anger overcome his compassion? (v 9)
Has God abandoned his work?  (v 10)
Did God only work in history?  (v 11)
Can anyone, or anything, be compared to our great God?  (v 13)
The answer to all of these questions is; No!
Stuart

2 Samuel 23-24

The book of 2 Samuel ends with a note on God responding to prayers. The context makes it clear that prior to this event God was NOT accepting the prayers of his people. Chapter 24 begins with the explanation that the LORD sought to punish Israel. Yet there is no reason given for this conflict.
David led the people into sin, a path they willingly followed. So God laid out the punishment choices and David chose to fall into the hand of the living God. Through this process of punishment God revealed the future location of his ark's permanent home. (I wonder if that is a similar picture of the cross?) Once David build an altar on Araunah's threshing floor God began to accept the prayers being offered for the land.
Why would one act of worship make such and impression so as to change God's responses to the prayers of his people?
Stuart

Psalm 76

From psalm 76:1 I have this request to make of God:
Lord, you have revealed yourself to the church so that your reputations will be great among your people and throughout the world. Lead me, guide your church, in demonstrating your love to every person encountered.
Stuart

2 Samuel 21-22

2 Samuel 21 jumps to an unspecified time period during the reign of David. Whether or not it followed the rebellions of Absalom and Sheba or preceded it doesn't matter. The matter begins by identifying God's response to problem within Israel. God sent a famine on the community. For three years there was a lack. I wonder when David began to question why Israel was encountering these problems? It may have been El Nino or some other similar meteorological situation. But the people of faith attributed the situation to God's hand. Sometime in the third year David inquired of the LORD for a reason. God was quick to respond: Saul violated a covenant and Israel did nothing to challenge it. The ruler of the land issued an edict that violated a promise Joshua had made to the deceitful Gibeonites. It was an executive order that repealed a vow taken in God's name. God had not forgotten that covenant between Israel and Gibeon. Saul allowed his desire for a greater Israel to break the covenant promise. Saul rebelled by killing Gibeonites in direct violation of the Joshua's word. So God withheld his blessings. How many Gibeonites died at Saul's command? We don't know. But David sought to make restitution. The execution of seven descendants from Saul seems extreme to me. But what if 7,000 Gibeonites had been killed? What if the seven men killed had led the raiding parties? Or what if the seven executed had only obeyed orders?
Once the restitution was made God finally responded to the people's prayers.
I see some important lessons for the modern church.
1 - God will punish his community if they rebel against him and if they see rebellion and don't act to stop it.
2 - God always hears our prayers but sometimes he limits his response because of our persistent sins.
3 - Repentance for the acts of others is sometimes necessary.
Stuart

Psalm 75

This is my prayer prompted by psalm 75:
Thanks be to the God who does not stay hidden. That which can be revealed is being revealed to his children. My God is timely and fair in all his judgments. And I give thanks for his provisions.
My God is the one who secures the foundations of my life. And he defines that which defines me.
Thanks be to the God who gives me songs of praise for his name. He gives every victory.
Stuart

2 Samuel 18-20

After Absalom was killed the story teller of 2 Samuel recounts a significant event from Absalom's life. In 2 Samuel 18:18 we hear about a monument that Absalom built for himself. This prince of Israel did not follow the practices of his father. Everything David did was for God's glory. Absalom followed the practices of King Saul (1 Samuel 15:12) in seeking to honor himself. What a contrast in faith. David sought to honor God while Saul and Absalom hoped to honor themselves. Even though David sinned he did not take honor as king as a wage. He was always willing to set aside his kingly glory so that God would receive all the attention.
Stuart

Psalm 74

Psalm 74 begins with an assessment of the circumstances that surround God's people. From their physical perspective all is lost. In the first 11 verses there is no hope of survival let alone victory in the face of such oppression. Then comes verse 12. It is a statement of faith that sets up a contrast with what is being witnessed. Faith does not dismiss the awful reality, but rather declares what will sustain the believer in the midst of such hopelessness. In verses 12 through 17 the writer recalls, by faith, all the acts that God has done in the past. How he has repeatedly acted in opposition to the victors of the world. Over the last 6 verses the psalms prays for God to remember his nature and act on behalf of the people of faith.
Will I allow my faith to sustain me is such trials? I am thankful for that faith.
Stuart

1 Samuel 31 - 2 Samuel 1

The last chapter of 1 Samuel and first chapter of 2 Samuel tell the same story from two perspectives. The narration of 1 Samuel 31 provides the historical record of King Saul's final act of rejection of God. He is not willing to seek God's protection in his final battle. He seeks to end his life rather than trust God. In 2 Samuel an Amalekite recounts his encounter with Saul. He assessed the situation. The King was wounded and would not recover. The humiliation the King faced would be too awful. So this Amalekite chose to honor Israel's fallen king rather than Israel's God. He euthanasized Saul. But what he intended as a way to honor and earthly king David understood to be an affront to God. There is never room to take God's place and intentionally become an instrument of death. The Amalekite had many choices; flee and protect himself, stand and defend Saul, attempt to transport the king to a shelter, or comply with the King's selfish intent. He chose the path that he defined as honorable. It rejected God's standards of the value life.
Stuart

Proverbs 28

Verse 14 speaks volumes to me. When I encounter repeated offenses, toward me or toward others, I am tempted to throw up my hands and say; "I don't care." But this proverbs rebukes that demand of the flesh. Hardening my heart does not produce healing or harmony. It leads to more evil. My response to sin, either originating in me or being visited on me, should be the same; to reject the actions of sin and pursue the actions of God's righteous. I can't accomplish that on my own. Only God's Spirit working in me will produce such actions.
Stuart

1 Samuel 20-22

Jonathan and Michal, the son and daughter of King Saul, shared a love for David son of Jesse. They both expressed their devotion with a covenant; Jonathan in friendship and Michal in marriage. Both of them sought to protect David from king Saul’s jealous wrath. Michal urged him to escape and put an idol in his bed to delay the guard’s discovery of the ruse (1 Samuel 19:11-14). Jonathan directed David into hiding (1 Samuel 20:19) while he sought out his father’s plans. Each child was confronted by their father in his anger, and their response to his threats to them, or Saul’s accusations against David, were completely different. When Saul confronted Michal she changed her story. For whatever reason she didn’t tell how she had urged David to flee but instead put words of threats into David’s mouth (19:17). Jonathan was also confronted with violent words from his father (20:30-31). Jonathan would not budge on his covenant with David (20:32). His faithfulness nearly cost him his life, but God spared him (20:33). In response to his father’s violence outbreak Jonathan abandoned the feast and fasted in his sorrow (20:34). He would not live to see the day with David reigned as king, but he lived in hope of the covenant between the two men.

The contrast of these two children also show a difference in their faith. Jonathan trusted in God’s provisions. He sought nothing for himself. He was willing to relinquish any claim to the throne so that God’s anointed would reign. Michal, however, sought the protection and favor of her father, no matter how irrational his reasons and actions and despised her covenant with David. We later learn the Michal abandoned her marriage covenant by marrying another man, Paltiel, who was surely in her father’s favor (2 Samuel 3:14-16). Michal’s youthful loving attitude corroded to where she despised the sight of David worshiping without restraint (2 Samuel 6:16). She rebuffed his homecoming with a sarcastic retort to his blessing (6:20). The last we are told of Michal is that she was barren the rest of her life (6:23). Her physical life was a reflection of her faithfulness to her covenant with David. Though she saw her brother’s hope fulfilled she rejected any part in the glory of David’s rule.

 

Stuart

 

1 Samuel 16-18

In 1 Samuel 17:55-58 we see how king Saul responds to David’s victory over Goliath. The king’s only concern appears to be with the boy’s skills as a warrior. He wanted to know the name of the father he was going to that his son had “enlisted” in the army of Israel. But prince Jonathan saw something different in David. In the first few verses of chapter 18 Jonathan is befriending David and putting royal robe on the boy. It seems that Jonathan has found another warrior who trusts in the God of Israel to provide the victories. The same faith that Jonathan has shown before (1 Sam 14:4-14). Jonathan also must have seen the humility in David. In 18:23 David speaks of his humble position and aspires to nothing. What better friend and comrade could a prince have then a warrior who did not seek to overthrow his king?

 

Stuart

 

1 Samuel 16-19

In 1 Samuel 16:13 the old prophet anoints David as king over Israel. His father and seven brothers were witnesses to this event. I can’t help be see a repeat of some aspects of Joseph’s story in the scene. Jesse’s words are not benevolent toward his youngest son. It’s not clear if the issue was his size, age, or even his attitude.  Maybe the young shepherd had told stories of his killing a lion and bear single handedly. How would such a story been received by his father and brothers? They must have been skeptical of his claims to such courage, cunning, and strength in such a small frame. We also see in that verse that the Holy Spirit of God came upon David. I wonder what changed in David’s life? Is this when he began to write songs? Is this when his prayer life blossomed? Was it the Spirit’s indwelling that filled him with courage and faith? Or was the Holy Spirit’s work merely to enhance the faith that David already possessed in abundance?

 

Stuart

 

Proverbs 27

These saying focus a lot on the fool and the sluggard. The focus I need to keep in mind as I read this passages is not what comes to mind first. I am tempted to assign names of others to each of the traits I read here. To dwell on such things is the unmentioned actions of a fool. I need to be open to the Holy Spirit's prompting to see in which of these ways I am being tempted to follow. The words I read are to examine my life for evidence that I have not only surrendered to the lies of the flesh but am living comfortably within those lies. It would take the conviction of God for me to see if I am living as a fool or sluggard.
Stuart

1 Samuel 1-2

How many faces did Eli see over the course of each festival? Three times a years the people would come. They would rush through the tabernacle; their sacrifices in tow. Most of them seeking his presence. They wanted the hands that sprinkled the blood on the mercy seat to rest with theirs upon the head of the lamb, or kid, or calf. Everyone knew he was the high priest. But there was no way Eli could remember every face or the name that went with it.
But when he noticed one set of parents walking toward him something rang familiar. The husband led the bull for the sacrifice and the wife followed with a healthy young boy. The length of his hair told him  that the child was set apart for service to the LORD.
But did the names of Elkana and Hannah makes any sense to him?
Stuart

1 Samuel 3-6

What happens when God's people cry out for mercy? God intervenes. What happens when those who are not God's people cry out for mercy? That is the situation of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 5:12. After seven months they figure out that the God of Israel was afflicting them because of their irreverent action with the ark of his covenant. The Philistine's received no help from their idols so it seems that they began to cry out to Israel's God for help. How did God respond? He gave their leaders a plan to return the ark to the covenant people. The really great news is that God shows it take very little faith in him for him to demonstrate his power ina big way. The saddest part of this story is that the Philistines missed an opportunity to know God more. When the cattle took the ark back to Israel they could have sought God out. They could have continued to pray to the one who was greater than their idols. But they didn't. In 1 Samuel 6:16 we see that the Philistine leaders watched the reunion between God people and the symbol of his covenant with them. The leaders didn't linger and wonder. They turned and went home. Their "comfortable" gods were back in control, and life could go back to normal. What a sad commentary on human nature.
Stuart

Proverbs 24

I can't recall a kiss that I did not enjoy. Even the unexpected ones I received as a youngster from older relatives were welcomed in reflection. Their is a trust and closeness communicated by a kiss. There is also a vulnerability. It is a very appropriate comparison that the writer notes in Proverbs 24:26. An honest answer is desired of a trusting, close, and vulnerable question. I have not always given a "kiss" for an answer, but that is my desire.
Stuart

Ephesians 4-6

In Ephesians 4:16 Paul makes a statement regarding each believer’s contribution to the church: “As each one does its part, the body grows in love.” (NET) The growth in love comes not because of individual acts of obedience to God; I give money, you teach children, someone else takes food to a sick person. That can be seen as competition. The growth in love is realized when we work together in our acts of obedience to God in efforts to build up the body of Christ.

 

Stuart

 

Ruth

It was a beautiful spring day; a very good day to be harvesting grain. Ruth came to a field not too far from her new home. She set down her water skin and began to gather the standing stalks of grain that had been left on the edge of the field. She eventually had an armful and set the bundle down by her water skin and took a drink. The sun was drifting higher into the sky warming the day. She was so thankful that the reapers had left so much grain by the field’s edge. She looked out on the harvesters swinging their scythes and singing strange songs about the God who’s love was never ending and who sent the bounty of the harvest. It was the same name Naomi had spoken of so often. There was a cheer and gladness in the air. After another swig of water Ruth returned to her work of gathering grain.

She had just resuming gathering stalks, after dropping off another bundle and taking another sip of water, when she noticed someone walking toward her across the field; it was a man finely dressed. This was not one of the workers. He must be the owner of the field. Her heart sank, and a lump of sorrow formed in her throat and stomach. She wiped the sweat from her brown and squinted against the sun to make out the mood of his face. It looked like a smile from the distance and the midday sun she couldn’t be sure. Ruth hurried back to the standing grain. She reasoned to herself that though he might expel her from his field surely he would allow her to keep the grain she had gathered or scold her for resting under the shade of the harvester’s tent. Perhaps he would past her, urgent on to attend to business in another field. She looked up again as saw him drawing closer. There was indeed a smile. And he was looking where he walked; directly at her.

Ruth bowed her back and returned her gaze to the grain. She quickened her pace of grabbing stalks. Just a few more and her arm would be full with the next bundle. That might provide a week’s worth of bread if they were careful. As she grabbed another handful of barley she heard the crunch of stubble under the sole of a walker. A few more stalked and out of the corner of her eye she saw the sandals drawing near. As she reached out her hand again the man spoke; “Listen carefully, my dear.” The words were sweet and cheerful, but the paused caused her heart to sink. She let loose of the unpicked stalks and looked up to the man. The dust of the morning clung to her sweat dampened face as she raised her eye, but not her back, to the owner.

He was very well dressed. The graying hair on his head and in his beard revealed that many years had passed in his life. His eyes were dark and surrounded by the skins of years in the sun. But the creases that defined his eyes told the story of laughter and hope. Ruth’s heart began to beat faster as she waited for the rebuke. “Do not leave to gather grain in another field. You need to go beyond the limits of this field. You may go along beside my female workers. Take note of the field where the men are harvesting and follow behind with the female workers. I will tell the men to leave you alone. When you are thirsty, you may go to the water jars and drink some of the water the servants draw.”

Tears welled up as she fell to her knees. The God of Naomi has not only filled the heart of her mother-in-law with mercy but even this strange man was a reflection of grace.

 

At least that how I picture it might have happened.

 

Stuart

 

Proverbs 20

In verse 15 of Proverbs 20 we find this truth:
"There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but a words of knowledge are like a precious jewel."
We have heard that the pen is mightier than the sword. Here God is telling us that the truth is a greater treasure than a world of wealth. If we really take that to heart how should that change our perspective of the Bible?
Stuart

Proverbs 18

In Proverbs 18:14 we read: "A person's spirit sustains him through sickness- but who can bear a crushed spirit?" The truth of this is most evident in the times of great struggles. I have spoken with many Christians as they deal with the death of a loved one. They have wondered how anyone could deal with such a great loss without Jesus to lift their spirits. If our spirit is crush how can we bear the load. A spirit of hope will carry us through enormous trials.
Stuart

Romans 1-3

The last verse of Romans 3 asks a familiar question; "Do we then nullify the Law through faith?" The question sounds strikingly similar to Jesus' statement in Matt 5:17; "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets." In both cases the Messiah and his apostle answer in unison - Faith establishes the Law, it does not destroy it. The foundation of truth is presented most clearly in the Law. Under the Law the faithful obeyed and offered their own sacrifices. Jesus' ministry was to neither do away with the revelation of the Law or replace it with a new Law. In Jesus the Law finds its completion.  This opens the way for God's grace to flow upon believers. Under grace the faithful obey and adopt Jesus' sacrifice as their own.
Stuart

Psalm 73

This psalm of Asaph focuses on what God has done in the life of the psalmist. Though he had endured want and remained faithful he begins the conclusion of his psalm with this thought: Psalms 73:28:
"But as for me, God's presence is all I need."
Now my question to myself is can I make the same claim? Is God's presence all that I need and therefore the focus of my every quest? Is God my "One Thing"?




Stuart

Psalm 72

With the closing of this psalm is the note indicating the end of David's prayers. The location of this message at the end of this psalm is confusing. What I find most interesting to the statement that at least this psalm was noted as a prayer. I could see the reference of this and most psalms as songs. Though I recognize the elements of prayer in this psalm I would still not mark it as a prayer. So now I'm wondering how many of these psalms should be viewed as prayers rather than songs?
Stuart

Psalm 70

Psalm 70 is only 5 verses long. It is so short because it is a psalm for those in a hurry. And we know that hurried people don't have time for long prayers or songs. The psalm is attributed to David, to whom is also ascribe some very long psalms. So which trait best describes David? Was he in a hurry or patiently seeking after God? I think he was patient most of the time. But sometimes found his patience wearing thin in God's timing.
Thee times in this psalm (verse 1 and twice in verse 5) David pleads with God to hurry. How did he ask that without testing God? Maybe it was the continual string of prayers that were not recorded before he wrote down these words. Perhaps we don't have a record of the prayer of submission that followed this psalm.
Did the young shepherd sing this while he picked up stones along the river bank. Did these words come to him while he waited on Jonathan's report of king Saul's intentions? Were these the words that he spoke under his breath as he frantically prepared to leave Jerusalem before Absolom arrived?
We don't know the setting. But in spite of David's time crunch he learned that God is always on time.
Stuart

Psalm 69

Psalm 69 begins with the pleading of one about to be overwhelmed. "I've had it up to hear!" This is a common phrase of frustration with circumstances. David is frustrated with the people who surround him. Everyone of them seems to be out to destroy him. I'm sure that there are many times that leaders feel like David. Yet this leader had one to whom he could always trust; the LORD. Surely this wasn't the first prayer for the situation, nor probably the last. But it was a prayer of someone who had given up hope on an equitable resolution in this life. So he turned his fears and frustrations over to God. The bad news is that the psalm doesn't end with the problems resolved. But David does look past his present oppression and anticipates God working in a way to amaze the son of Jesse.
Stuart

Psalm 68

In psalm 68 verse 11 is in a passage of how God provides for his people. In that verse the psalmist points out that God is the source of Good News (I wonder if the Hebrew relates to the Greek for Gospel?). But notice how the news is spread. The NET notes on this verse indicate that the wording indicates that a group of women are the instrument for God's good news to be spoken. This gives us a picture of God's practice of using women to share messages of his hope. Most notably God practiced this at Jesus' tomb with the group of women who initiated the message of the resurrection.
Stuart

Matthew 26-28

Another earthquake. A severe earthquake. An angel of the Lord came to earth and moved the stone away from the entrance to Jesus’ grave. What caused the earthquake: The angel’s footfall? The way the angel “blasted” the stone away from the entrance? Or were the stones crying out again? On Friday the stones shook, maybe they screamed in agony over the death of their creator. But on Sunday why did they shake? Could they no longer contain the excitement of what God had accomplished? The tectonic shift in the fault near Jerusalem was a reflection of the shift of power away from death and back into the hands of grace. But what moved the stones? There can be no question that Heaven knew of the resurrection first. But the second part of creation to realize that God’s plan of redemption was done were not he disciples; it was the same rocks that shook at Jesus’ death. They made sure the world was awake to look for God’s hand moving.

 

Stuart

 

Psalm 66

Psalms 66:12
"You allowed men to ride over our heads; we passed through fire and water, but you brought us out into a wide open place."
Sometimes what God allows into our lives is painful. In psalm 66 the picture of enduring fire and water summarize the difficulty of one part of life. But even in this description of suffering God has placed a message of hope. First he acknowledges that the trials are not continual. We may find such a statement empty for all of those who have lost their lives, but that would be a misunderstanding on life. It is not the duration of this fallen life that matters, but it is the closeness to God and his grace.
And after the trials are past God brings out his people to wide open spaces. Audio Adrenaline's song "Big House" is what comes to my mind as I read this passage. Will there be "open spaces" in this life? There may be. But they cannot compare to what God has in store for us.
Stuart

Psalm 63

Psalm 63 begins with an expression of longing for God. I wonder if this was in Jesus mind as he pronounced the blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake (Mt 5:6)?
Stuart

Matthew 18-20

In Matthew 19:16 we are introduced to a rich and devout young man. We know that he is young and rich because Matthew tells us so (vs 22). I believe that he is devout because he sought out Jesus for guidance. Were he faithless then why seek spiritual insight?  His question to Jesus is not a trap so unlike the Jewish leaders he does not necessarily have an agenda or a bone to pick with Jesus.
Jesus answer to his first question was a call for the man to follow Moses; obey the commands. That is what God had been calling Israel to do for generation. The rich young seeker could demonstrate his righteous by being faithful to the revelation that he already had. He could have left the teacher content in knowing how to express his faith and please God. But the seeker wasn't satisfied with what he already had. Maybe he had heard Jesus' rejection the Phrases demand to follow the Jewish traditions. The seeker may have taken note of the hypocrisy of the Jewish scholars. He needed more guidance. So he asked the next question; "Which commands?"
Jesus' answer took him back to Moses. He summarized the Law by stating only six commandments. Once again the seeker had his answer. He could have returned home knowing that God uses only the Law as the foundation of his grace. A continued adherence to the Law would demonstrate his devotion.
I imagine there was a pause in the conversation. During that pause there was a stirring in the young man's heart. He had lived out his faith in obedience but there was still an emptiness. He was on his way to Jerusalem, lamb in tow, but he might have feared that it would be another Passover without purpose. He didn't want empty rituals he wanted to connect with God. He didn't want to be a "pew warmer" he hungered for a greater righteousness. The cavern of want was screaming to be filled. He believed it was Jesus who had more. This unusual rabbi was the one who could point him in the direction that he needed. Only this new "Moses" could give him what the ancient Moses' words could not satisfy. In an almost crazed desperation he asked one more question: "What do I still lack?" Obedience to the Law wasn't enough (a point which Paul would argue many times), there HAD to be something else; and there is.
I think Jesus smiled in admiration. Here was one of the lost sheep of Israel who knew he was lost. Jesus saw an empty heart, that knew it was empty, with the longing to be filled. Jesus must have know the pain this heart would face when he gave the answer that needed to be said. There would be a sifting of this young man. Hard truths have always caused faithful people to wrestle. Great hunger is the comrade of great pain. Jesus gave him the message; "Exchange all your treasures for mine."
The seeker had the wind knocked out of him. His look must have offered Jesus the one word question flooding his mind: "Everything?" Sorrow quickly displaced his hunger. The security at home tugged on his heart. "Everything?" The word surely consumed his thoughts as he walked away.
The story ends but yet it doesn't end. Matthew doesn't tell us any more. We don't know if the young man witnessed Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, but he could have. He could have been in the temple listening to Jesus speak. Matthew does not mention if the young man stopped at Calvary to mourn the suffering of this rabbi on the cross. We don't know if he heard the roaring in Jerusalem on the day of Pentagon. 
I have this question: Did he ever look back?
Stuart

Matthew 15-17

In Matt 15:30-31 we see Jesus teaching the crowds and healing their sick. The end result was that God was praised. That was the continual purpose for Jesus' ministry. That all of his efforts were to bring praise to God. We should do the same.
Stuart

Matthew 9-10

In Matthew 10:17-23 Jesus is speaking to his apostles of the troubles that they will face (I wonder if this list exactly matches what Matthew's community had encountered? That's a different study.) because they follow Jesus. What is not as obvious in most English translations is that Jesus is speaking collectively to his disciples. "Y'all" will be handed over (v 17), "Y'all" will be brought before governors and kings (v 18).  "Y'all" will be hated (v 22). But Jesus is also telling them to respond collectively.  "Y'all" will be given words to speak (v 19).  "Y'all" flee to another place (v 23).  "Y'all" will not tell everyone in Israel (v 23). Though it seems out of place, there is a statement about the individual in verse 22. Though we are to work and support one another we will each individually make the choice of obedience. Matthew finds Jesus' words that demonstrate the call of Jesus to build up every member of the body, so that all who come in will be saved.
Stuart

Matthew 7-9

In Matthew 9:27-31 we hear the story of Jesus healing two blind men. Afterwards he warns them not to tell anyone what happened. We may never know why but there is no way they could keep their restored sight a secret. Before they had encountered Jesus they were helpless and depended on others for their needs. After that encounter they lived empowered by Jesus. Everyone who knew them before would have to ask them what happened. And what would their response be? "I can't tell you."
Stuart

Joshua 22-24

We are all well acquainted with Joshua's proclamation of unwavering faith; "As for me and my house we will serve the LORD." (Josh 24:15) But there is another valuable statement offered from the end of the book named after this leader of the faith. A statement that becomes dearer to me the older I get. In Joshua 23 verse 2 this is written: "So Joshua summoned all Israel, including the elders, rulers, judges, and leaders, and told them: 'I am very old.'" Now there is plenty to say if we quit right there. Joshua died at the age of 110 (Josh 24:29). If he spoke not long before his death he was a living demonstration of the fruitfulness of a life of faith regardless of age. Assuming that he and Caleb were very close in age he led Israel across the Jordan at the age of 80. And so he led Israel for another 30 years. He never lost his faith or his courage in the LORD.
Joshua didn't stop talking after he stated his advanced age. He kept talking. Beginning in verse 3 he stopped talking about himself and spoke of God's faithfulness in the past and his faithful plans for the future. Joshua always pointed the people past himself and toward God. That is the example of faith that I want to follow.
Stuart

Joshua 5-7

In Joshua 6 the description of the siege and conquest of Jericho is described. I have heard the story many, many times so I wondered if there was something I had missed. There is. In verse 10 we see the command to the army to withhold the battle cry as they circled the city. So I imagined a silent army encircling the city once then leaving the shaken defenders of Jericho until the next day.
But verse 13 offered a different picture; the seven priests were playing their trumpets. They were not leading the battle cry as they marched so what were they playing? I think they were playing a song. Surely it wasn't a song just to pass the time. These were musical priests. It seems most likely that the song they were playing was a song that praised the LORD. Now if that is what the seven musical priest were playing what was the army of God doing? Singing the words. At least twice during the Exodus the people of Israel were taught a song. First it was after they had crossed the Red Sea (Exo 15). Forty years later Moses taught them another song on the East bank of the Jordan (Deut 32). So I wonder what the song might have been. Imagine the sights and sounds witnessed by the doomed residents of Jericho: Early each morning a rank of soldiers would march out from the camp of Israel. Their arrival would be announced by the singing of a magnificent army/chorus. It was a song about a God who created everything and vanquished his foes. And the song would surround the city until the army disappeared back into their camp. Only on the final day did their song change. It was punctuated with war cry: and the walls came tumbling down.
Stuart

Psalm 51

From the depths of his sorrow David cries out to God. His selfish action had separated the king from his King. When he finally saw his sin he sought out God. He pleaded for the LORD to do the work of grace that the earthly king needed in his life. In verse 1 he asked for mercy. Verse 2 was the request for cleansing. Verse 7 is a repeated request for cleansing while verse 8 is a call for God's gracious joy. Verse 9 is an invitation for the removal of guilt. Verse 10 may have been the most difficult request; replace the broken heart that guides my life. There are probably fewer things that hurt worse than a broken heart. But David knew that the pain in his life would only be resolved through another breaking; this time by the hand of the Almighty.
Stuart

Joshua 1-3

One of the first commands that God gives to Joshua is to memorize the words of his revelation (Josh 1:8). Most often I think of Psalm 119:11 as the passage where God calls his people to commit his word to memory. But here is an example of God's leader being instructed to memorize God's commands. Now that believers have a written message they need to work at integrating it into their thinking. If the leaders of the people was reading, reflecting, and memorizing the Law then the people would follow the same practice.
Stuart

Deuteronomy 31-34

In Deuteronomy 33 Moses pronounces blessings on each of the tribes of Israel. In verse 16, as part of his blessing on the tribe of Joseph, Moses calls for the harvest of Joseph be full an in the pleasure of: "him who resides in the burning bush." All who know the story of Moses' first encounter with the LORD would make the connection. We can see that God wishes to be remembered by his past demonstration of glory. We call him the One who delivered Noah from the flood. He is the Friend of Abraham. Hagar called him the God Who Really Sees. How could we remember him from his past action in our lives? To me he is the One who met me in the Water. He is the whisperer of answers, and the one who hears my words in the secret places. He is also him who receives our songs of praise. We would probably all agree that he is the One lifted up on the cross (not the only one but the most significant one). He is also the one who escaped the grave; never to return. At the time of communion he is the one portrayed in the loaf and cup.
Stuart

Deuteronomy 21-23

In Deuteronomy 23:3-4 the descendants of Moab were excluded from Israel for 10 generations. Some scholar see this phrasing as a reference to a perpetual prohibition. Yet when we look forward King David we see that only three generations separated him from Ruth the Moabite. How do we explain that exemption? Was it due to David's faith? Was it because Ruth was a woman? Was it her previous marriage to the son of Naomi? Was it because Ruth forsook her family heritage in favor of the God of Israel? Or maybe it is another demonstration of God's grace and providence superseding his nature's demand for justice. I don't this we should neglect God's grace from the picture.
Stuart

Deuteronomy 27-30

In Deut 29:29 Moses makes a very interesting statement about God's nature. "Secret things belong to the LORD" so it should never surprise us that there are mysteries which we will never witness and others that we see but never understand. We could quit at that point and live in marvel of God's fantastic nature. But Moses doesn't stop. He continues by pointing our that the King of mysteries has revealed some things to Israel. And those revelations were for a bigger purpose than the people might suspect. The greatness of God's mysteries were revealed so that all believers, ancient Israel in the context and modern believers who read the same words, would believe in God and obey him.
The idea Moses present seems to have been copied by the apostle John who closed his resurrection story with a similar explanation of Jesus' works of wonder (John 20:30-31).
Stuart

Psalm 46

In verse 10 of Psalm 46 the writer hears God commanding. He is commanding the armies to stop. The soldiers in his audience have been depending upon their strength, skill, and swords. God's instruction is for the warriors to recognize him as Lord of all. He is the almighty and the army's efforts are useless without him. My question is this: are his words intended for the army which he has called or to the troops aligned opposed to him?
Stuart

Dueteronomy 14-16

God made it very clear to the people of Israel how they were to celebrate their faith once they reached the promised land. He summarized his directives in Deut. 16:16-17. Three times a year all of the men of Israel were to travel to the location he would choose to make a sacrifice and make offerings to enable the priests and Levites to serve in the tabernacle. Three times a year the men were to abandon their land to travel to one place in Israel. Three times a year, on a predictable and set schedule, they were to abandon their flocks and herds and travel away from home. No man could remain behind to protect the property. The flocks, herds, vineyards, fields were vulnerable to the ravages of scavengers, predators, weather, and decay. In addition each festivals lasted eight days, and there were at least a couple days travel each way. The absence of each owner and caretaker would be close to two weeks. This was a primary expression of their covenant faith. In what ways does God call modern believers to the same abandonment as an expression of faith? What vulnerabilities does God expect me, as a Christian, to open in order that he can demonstrate his protection and provision?

 

Stuart

 

Psalm 39

What in life is really worth the pain caused by inner frustration and anxiety? There are a few things; salvation of sinners, honoring God, building up the body. But what are we to do when a sinner keeps rejecting God? Turn our frustration over to our Father. What about those members of the body who don't want us to build them up? Surrender our anxiety to our Lord. This life is too short to be hung up on the little things of this world. Are those turf wars really worth waging? Is there anything gained by rehashing insults? We need to seek God's presence and favor. Responding to his call at all times. That will be the grace that we need.
Stuart

Deuteronomy 1-4

The opening of Deuteronomy could be very funny if it were so true. Israel's disobedience turned an 11 day journey into a lifetime of aimless wandering for a generation (Duet 1:2-3). If God led Israel in that way I wonder if there are generations of Christians who spend their lives wandering aimlessly because of their stubborn rebellion? I wonder if I am one of those wanders? Have there be events in my life of faith where I rejected God's plan and he sent me wandering? The time of wander may be fruitful, and it may be a time of endless growth and wonder watching God work. But it may not be the inheritance that God had planned for an individual, family, congregation, or even nation. If I am wandering I have this good news to support me in the wilderness; God has not abandoned me nor has he revoke his covenant plan for me (or us whatever the case may be). Israel did go into the Promised Land. There were only a few of the rebels who reached the boarder of their children's goal, and only a couple were allowed to enter in with them. But the promise was kept. God never failed on his part.

 

Stuart

 

Numbers

In Numbers 22 Balaam was traveling to Moab. He had hired himself out to speak a word over Israel. On the way he desired a sword to kill his donkey for the way she wandered from the road. He didn't realize that God had a sword for him if he rebelled. That sword finally came down on Balaam, as recorded in Numbers 31:8. If he had really listened to God he wouldn't have hung around to receive God's sword. Instead he must have hired himself out as an advisor for the Midianites. That strategic venture cost him his life. We too need to be sure that we remain faithful to God only.
Stuart

Psalm 33

The psalms ends with two bold statements. .
Psalms 33:21:" for we trust in his holy name."
Psalms 33:22:" for we wait for you. "
I need to ask myself if can speak them honestly. How do I trust in his holy name? Do I faithfully wait on him? Or am I like Balaam, who waited impatiently on God to speak and then pestered the Almighty until he got his way?

Stuart

Numbers 22-24

Balaam was a diviner from the region of Babylon. Numbers 22 discusses his prayers to God about traveling to Moab. Balaam may not have been told the name of the nation that he was to curse but God knew it was Israel and initially forbid it. Eventually God relented and allowed Balaam to go to Moab with this warning: "you may only speak the word that I will speak to you."(Num 22:20) On the trip Balaam's donkey saved her master from God's wrath three times by diverting from the path Balaam intended. When questioned about beating the animal Balaam explained: "You have made me look stupid"(Num 22:29). I wonder if this was the same reason God sent his angel? Would Balaam's desire to gain from Balak make God look stupid? When the diviner saw the judgment from which he had been saved he heard again the same message from God: "you may only speak the word that I will speak to you."(Num 22:35) As a teacher this is a message that I need to always take to heart. It doesn't matter what I want. I need to be sure I don't make God look stupid. I must be careful to speak only what God has revealed in the Bible.
Stuart

Numbers 15

In Numbers 15:37-41 God give Moses fashion guidance for the people. Well it seems like a fashion statement. God said where blue tassels on your clothing. A bright decoration to be worn on the otherwise mundane everyday clothing. Why? What purpose could tassels have? Nothing to do with style but everything to do with a memory aid. The tassels are something different to serve as a reminder of what God has already done. The tassels are to be reminders that God has given his people the Ten Commandments. As they look down and see the tassels they are to remember God's instructions for his people.
Stuart

Numbers 7-9

In Numbers 9:16 the writer is looking back on a time before the
present. It is pointed out that after the tabernacle was first
assembled, under Moses' direction while Israel was still camped at Mt
Sinia, that there was a cloud always over the tabernacle. I wonder
when the cloud left? Assuming that Moses had written the words while
Israel was preparing to enter the Promised Land, when did the cloud
disapate? Something had happened that God saw the purpose for the
cloud had past. What took it's place? Was it the appointment of
Joshua? Was it the proxity to their inheritence? While did God take it
away?

Stuart

Psalm 29

Seven times in Psalm 29 the writer mentions what happens as a result of God's shout. All of nature respond to his shouts. The poet exalted the name of the LORD in response to his shout. But what can we say about his whisper?
Stuart

Hebrews 7-9

How many times had I read the Hebrew letter? Dozens. For years I have been intrigued by the references of the Hebrew to the tabernacle. But I had missed the description of the tabernacle in 9:1-5. The writer is describing the set up of inside of the tabernacle. The first tent, the holy place, is described in verse 2 as containing two articles; the lamptstand and the table for the consecrated bread. The Hebrew writer separates the altar of incense from the lampstand and table. The NT description places it in the inner tent with the ark and the veil. The description in Exodus 40:1-5 seems to be different; here the altar of incense, the lampstand, and the table are in one tent while the ark is alone in the other tent behind the inner veil. Why the difference? This calls for a new search.

 

Stuart

 

Hebrews 1-3

We all face an enemy that knows us well. An enemy that lurks at the very center of our being. That enemy is not some disobedient angel; even though "that" enemy wants us to believe he knows us that well. The Hebrew writer identifies the enemy in chapter 3:12 - our unbelieving heart. There is a part of us that continually rebels against God's commands. It hides our passions from us until circumstances drive them to the surface. When that happens we may be shocked at our reaction in the flesh, but God is not. Because that is precisely why God allowed that event to transpire. How else could he expose that hidden lust? What other means can he use to make the unclean aspects of our lives visible? Maybe it was this truth that James had in mind when he wrote; "Consider it all joy when you face trials of many kind." (Jas 1:2). So we should not take unexpected failures as losses but as opportunities for God to reveal and remove that which keeps us away from him.
Stuart

Leviticus 25-27

While I was reading Leviticus 26 I read verses 18-20 how God promised to rebuke the disobedience of his people by withholding the harvest. Then I wondered if God would apply this same principle to the church regarding the spiritual harvest? If a congregation, or assemblies in a region or nation are living in disobedience to God will the souls in that group diminish as a result of their disobedience? Will the ministry efforts be less effective because of their disobedience? Whether such reduced fruitfulness is a punishment by God or a natural consequence of disobedience is open for discussion.

 

Stuart

 

Proverb 17

Verse 1 of Proverbs 17 speaks of two possessions found in every household: food and atmosphere. The two extremes of food are feast, on the positive side, and famine, on the negative. The two extremes of atmosphere are the positive state of tranquility and the negative state of strife. We need to determine which of the these possessions are of greatest value to us. I am fortunate to have a family where both are valued and both are positive. I know of family where neither is valued and both are negative. The proverb writer points out that if you can only have one positive possession choose tranquility. If every member of the family chooses tranquility then the atmosphere in that family will sustain them even in a famine.
Stuart

Leviticus 17-19

The closing thoughts of Leviticus 19 (vv 32-37) focus on demonstrating respect toward those who are weak in the eyes of the world. The ages (v32), The foreigner (v33), and customers (v36). Even in our day we see the plight that many of the “weak” face. There are plenty of unscrupulous people desiring to take advantage of those who are not aware of the trap they are setting up. The people of God, in Moses’ day and ours, are called to live differently from the world. We are to place the needs of other people ahead of our desire for gain. We are to look for opportunities to elevate those who are in lowly positions and proclaim God’s love and support of who they are.

 

Stuart

 

Levitcus 13-15

Reading through the regulations regarding clean and unclean food, then maladies that make people, clothing, and material clean and unclean I wonder how the cultures around Israel responded to these same situations? All through this section God is explaining that these regulations are to set them apart as different, holy to God. Israel was to present a dramatic contrast to the cultures in which they live. There was supposed to be some different in the way they talked (always focusing on the creator God), how they dressed (with cloth woven with uniform material), how they ate (not just any type of animal), and their houses (nothing unclean within the house). Surely part of these practices were related to health and hygiene, but that was not the overriding reason. The main reason was to be noticeably different in every aspect of their lives. Probably the greatest difference was in their worship practices. While the pagans worshiped their false deities wherever they desired Israel’s God had only one location. No other location was acceptable for worship. And he was very strict in enforcing their conduct. But even these things had the purpose of demonstrating that Israel and her God was different from all the deities around them.

 

Stuart

 

Acts 26-28

The closing chapters of the book of Acts include the dramatic travel adventure from Crete to Malta. Acts 28:10 notes that many honors were granted the shipwrecked travelers. The irony is that some of those 200 plus people were prisoners of Rome. Those whose loyalty to the government was in question were granted honor and supplies. Why? Surely God's hand was with Paul and his companions, and the blessings of God overflowed onto those around them. There could be no doubt among those traveling with Paul that his life was lived in faith that God would provide for him.
Stuart

Proverbs 13

The saying of Proverbs 13:3 addresses our conversational habits. There is a contrast drawn between the one who considers his words and the loquacious person. A guarded pattern of speaking is of greater benefit that a torrent of words. One displays self control while the other reveals a vocabulary with no restraint. Ruin is the destination for the person who doesn't know when to be still. Life is the inheritance of the person who measures the words spoken.
Stuart

Acts 22-24

When Paul is mobbed at the temple he is arrested and carried off to be interrogated (read "beat up"). Paul states that he is a Roman citizen (22:25). The commanding officer of the Jerusalem detachment questioned Paul regarding this (22:27). I am curious why this Roman commander thought he could not get the truth about the Jewish commotion without beating it out of Paul and yet he takes the prisoner's word regarding his citizenship? We could readily dismiss this reaction as an act of God's providence, which would not be without scriptural precedent. But I wonder if there were somethIng more to it. Was it the authority in Paul's voice? Was there a growing suspicion that every "criminal" identified by the Jews was not guilty of a Roman "crime"? Scripture does not reveal the answer, so we will never know. Yet this incident does show that God honors those who speak the truth.
Stuart

Acts 19-21

In Acts 21 Paul is confronted with the recommendation to accommodate the Jews. In verses 23 - 24 the leaders of the church in Jerusalem advice Paul to participate in the ritual of purification along with some other believers. Why was this acceptable? When we consider all that Luke has written we find some very important truths in this situation. First of all neither Jesus nor Paul had rejected the Law. Both expected 100% obedience to the Law in their disciples. That was one prime demonstration of fidelity to God. Paul still revered and understood the intentions behind the purity vows in which he was about to participate. Perhaps Paul felt he had a more complete understanding of the messages in the ritual as a Christian than when he was a Jew. Equally important is that the participation was neither a substitute for God's work of grace nor a requirement to receive or maintain that seal of grace. The purification process was an expression of worship being offered to God. So in Paul's native expression of worship he would have the opportunity to focus on Jesus as Messiah.
Stuart

Acts 16-18

In the beginning of Acts 16 we are introduced to Timothy. A Gentile believer in whom Paul and Silas saw potential for the work of evangelism. In verse 3 Paul persuaded TImothy to be circumcised. Then in verse 4 Timothy joined in sharing the message that obeying the Law of Moses was not a requirement for becoming a Christian. The principle seems to be this; in order to evangelize Jews the team must show respect for their beliefs. So how do we modern believers apply that principle to the lost people groups we seek to reach? First we need to understand their belief system. Not just the stereotypes but the depths; for in the depths we find the vacancy of God. Then we need to go where they are. Most importantly we need to identify with them.
Stuart

Proverbs 9

The invitation of Wisdom (Prov 9:4) and Folly (Prov 9:16) start off sounding the same. The calls to the naïve and simple are desperately needed. Both call out to the people from the heights of the city. Wisdom stands and makes her plea while Folly lounges about hawking her wares. Maybe we should know them by their posture or perhaps by the state of their house.  We should stop on the street and observe the state of those who traverse their doorways. Because after the invitation the messages are worlds apart. And the fruit of their offering are as different as life and death.
Stuart

Proverbs 8

The closing thought of this chapter is chilling in its starkness; "all who hate [wisdom] love death." (Proverbs 8:36) When I chose to sin do I realize that I am welcoming death? When I rebel against God do I understand the covenant I am making with destruction? To forsake the love of God is a demonstration of love toward the grave. There is no other way to look at it.
Stuart

Acts 4-6

When Peter and John healed the cripple (Acts 3) they spent the night in jail because they spoke in the name of Jesus. One detail that I have ignored for years is what happened to that crippled man. In Acts 4:14 the Sanhedrin noticed the man standing with Peter and John. Had that man spent the night with the apostles? What an interesting first night of walking. He had gone from the lifelong bondage of an invalid into a Jewish jail. I wonder if he spent the night walking around the dungeon? Or did he listen the Peter and John tells stories about Jesus? Was his first action after leaving jail a request for baptism? Was he still holding on to Peter's coat or just his words?
Stuart

Acts 1-3

When Peter and John walked toward the temple (Acts 3:1) I wonder how God prompted them to act? Verse 2 indicates that thIs wasn't the first time the man had sat at the gate. Surely Jesus had entered by the same gate and had seen this man as well. Who caught their attention; the man, the Holy Spirit, or both? Surely he wasn't the only lame person by the gate that day. There must have been dozens of beggars all along the roads leading to the temple. What was it in this situation that triggered their faith into action? I want to know so that I am not blind to similar opportunities to proclaim Jesus' name. Maybe the man pleaded; "Please give me SOMETHING!" That would match up with Peter's words in verse 6. I need to listen for the same.
Stuart

Proverbs 7

The writer of the story in Proverb 7 makes a point in the narrative about the dangers of adultery. But I wonder if that is the only lesson he intended? For the woman described in verse 10-12 offers many lies as promises.  Are all of these empty hopes limited to sexuality? Aren't there many traps the world sets up to capture the weak willed? Greed, jealousy, and pride are just a few of the black holes of sin that look attractive before we are sucked in. But once we are inside there is nothing but darkness and no way to escape on our own.
Stuart

Exodus 38-40

A lot can happen in a year's time. Exodus 12:1 is when God told Moses to proclaim the beginning of the Jewish year. They would no longer be under the control of Egypt, even with their calendar. Which member of that slave nation would have pictured that they would be living out the events recorded in Exodus 40 in 1 year? No longer slaves. No more making bricks. No oppressive masters. No more hopelessness. Which of those artisans conscripted to serve Pharaoh would have imagined the beauty and details of the tabernacle would have been produced by their hands? When we allow God to rule in our life we might be amazed what he can accomplish in one year.
Stuart

Exodus 32-34

At the beginning of Exodus 34 Moses is directed to carve out two stone tablets on which God would inscribe the words of the covenant. I wonder why God didn't make the first set unbreakable? Or why didn't he reassemble the stones that Moses shattered? What message was he sending to Moses, Israel, and us by requiring Moses to carve out another set of tablets? Was it to allow Moses to participate in the recording of the Law? Was it to give him ownership in the care of the tablets? Was it a way to show Israel that God can take what little we bring and make it holy, fitting for his purpose? Doesn't God do the same thing with us. When we break something God has given us he will call us to bring the closest thing we can find to him. And then he will imprint his word on our efforts of faith.
Stuart

Exodus 28-31

In Exodus 28:3 God directs Moses to petition those whom have received artistic skills. The petition is that they would build the articles that God has instructed Israel to make. The tabernacle and the instruments for sacrifice and worship. From God’s perspective there is a partnership between God and the artisans. They have trained their hands and eyes to create the works of art, but it was God who allowed them to develop those skills. Therefore, it is only fitting that they should use what God had given them for his work. The same is true for each of us today. We have been gifted by God to accomplish specific tasks. We can use those skills outside of the church but they were given to us primarily for the benefit of the church and God’s name. We need to petition God to indicate where we should use those gifts.

 

Stuart

 

Exodus 24

In Exodus 24:4 it says that Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. I wonder if that is what started his writing of the Law? Could it be that just as Moses realized God was indeed in charge of man's mouth he also ruled over the written language. We don't have a record of Moses arguing with a burning bush over his writing career, but I wonder how long the two wrestled with the idea. God didn't have to go to the extreme of imprisoning Moses, which he apparently used to motivate the apostle Paul to put pen to parchment. But was there another wrestling match in which God allowed Moses to corner himself about his writing ministry? We'll never know.
Stuart

Proverbs 4

This chapter focuses on the benefits to our lives that wisdom brings. But I think the lesson is that wisdom is an expression of God's grace. We should do all we can to pursue it, and that messages is repeated throughout the chapter. Yet it is not something that we attain. Wisdom, like grace is a gift of God in our lives. Since its origin is with God the expressions of wisdom will be different in each person's life.
Stuart

Exodus 22-23

In Exodus 23:9 God warns the Israelites not to be aggressive or abusive towards foreigners. The reason; they were foreigners in Egypt. They know what it is like to suffer as outsiders. I wonder if it is safe to make a similar charge to the church; “do not be aggressive or abusive towards sinners, since you know the life of a sinner for you were sinners in the land of your captivity.” Just as God brought Israel out of Egyptian slavery by his grace he has brought every Christian out of the slavery of sin; even by the same grace. We know what it is like to live as condemned before God. We also know the freedom from guilt that God’s liberation brings into our lives. We Christians are acquainted with two sides of the triangle of slavery; bondage, and liberation. We do not need to take up the remaining side of that triad of evil; the master.

 

Stuart

 

Psalm 23

Verse 2 of psalm 23 reminds us what God has promised his people. Lush pastures and quiet streams. What does this world promise us? The satisfaction of our selfish desires. But the problems with the worlds promises is that it can meet those appetites. On top of that our desires never say "enough". It is always "More, more, more!!!!" So which set of promises will be more fulfilling? The one who made us will provide us the daily and eternal provisions that we need. Often times all that we need is his presence. A truth that can be hard to swallow.
Stuart

Exodus 10

There is powerful irony in this story. Israel left a famine to stay in the abundance of Egypt.  Generations later the arrogance of Egypt was reaping a famine in the land. Israel will once again leave a famine to inherit a land of promise and abundance.
Stuart

Exodus 9

After the plague of boils Moses informs Pharaoh just who the God of Israel is. In 9:15 God declares that he has the power over Pharaoh's life but has chosen to spare him. Then in 9:16 God reveals why the king of Egypt has been spared: to glorify the God of Israel. The next verse brings a rebuke to Pharaoh; in spite of God's sovereignty Israel has not been sent out. But God declares that even Pharaoh's arrogance is being used to display God's power. So if God can use the stubborn defiance of an ancient king to advance his plan we need to consider what he can do with the repentant hearts of believers.
Stuart

Exodus 5-8

From whom do we seek affirmation? I have the tendency to look to those with whom I work for feedback on myself. It was the same with the Israeli slaves. They sought to please their task masters. It was those people whom the Israelites believed had control of their lives. Is that why I seek affirmation at work? The story related in chapters 5-7 show the struggle between seeking affirmation from people or from God. Finally, 7:6, Moses chooses God. In spite of all appearances of failure Moses bought into God's plan. And he began to see the power of God displayed in ways never seen before.
Stuart

Exodus 1-4

When Moses encounters God at the bush he hear for the first time of God's plans to redeem his people. In Ex 3:8 God declares; "I have come down to deliver them." But as he unveils his plans it becomes evident that God has made his plan of deliverance dependent upon Moses' obedience. God is following the patter he began with Abraham; his eternal plan will unfold and the people of faith are an integral part of the plan. It may look like the people are doing all the work but in reality God is moving the mountain while the people demonstrate their faith. The same is true with the ministry of reconciliation in our times. God does the greater work of grace but he involves the faithful actions of believers to initiate that work.
Stuart

Psalm 21

Psalm 21 begins with a list of blessings that God bestowed upon king David. When we consider them we can see a reflections of the blessing God has poured into the life of every Christian. Granting of the heart's desire and request. A golden crown to wear. A long life and a dynasty. Great honor and the joy of entering God's presence. Each of these blessings that David received believers have been receiving. The big difference is the realm in which those blessing reside. David's blessings were initially limited to this physical world. But because of Jesus he has received the same spiritual blessings that are now our inheritance.
Stuart

Mark 13-16

I had never noticed the similarities of the questioning  words of Caiaphas and Pilate to Jesus in Mark's gospel  (Mark 14:60 and 15:4).
14:60 -"Have you no answer? What is this that they are testifying against you?"
Mark 15:4 - 4 "Have you nothing to say? See how many charges they are bringing against you!"
Both men were amazed at the silence. Was it because they both knew the charges were baseless? Or was it because they had never encountered persistent silence in any other person they had accused?
The words of one other man stand out in this passage: the centurion at the cross. This was not the first centurion that Jesus had encountered. And I find it interesting that both officers admired Jesus. But the words of this second soldier was accurate in one way his lack of understanding blinded him to another truth. The centurion confessed Jesus' relationship to God: 
Mark 15:39 - "Truly this man was God's Son!"
Yet, he missed the mark in marking the confession in past tense. Even as he hung dead on the cross Jesus IS the Son of God. Not even death could rob that title from his crown.
Stuart

Mark 10

In Mark 10:35-37 the sons of Zebedee boldly request positions of honor in Jesus throne room. Jesus respond with a question to the men; Are you able to walk in my sandals?(My paraphrase) I wonder what events did they envisioned where included in that walk? Preaching to crowds? They had already done that. Healing sicknesses and casting out demons? They had exercised that authority as well. Arguing with the Jewish leaders? They may have done that but not with the effectiveness Jesus had displayed. But had they carried Jesus' burden for the lost? Did they refrain from speaking until the Father moved them? Were they ready to face death unflinching? Could they receive the beatings that Jesus knew was coming? Had they considered any of these things? That was the root of Jesus' question.
Stuart

Mark 4-6

The beginning of Mark 5 is the story of the man who lived among the tombs in the Gerasenes area. We know the story that he had been possessed by a crowd of demons. We recall that Jesus cleaned out his body of this evil malady. But how much time to we consider what Mark tells us about his life after his encounter with Jesus? The last Biblical record of this man is Mark 5:20 where he took up the task of a Gentile evangelist; telling everybody what Jesus had done for him. Can you imagine what that was like. A man with scars all over his body walks into your town. He tells fantastic stories during his years of torment. And then he met a Jewish teacher named Jesus. The demons drove him toward the man and he heard his distorted voice shouting out a divine title. An idea that he had never imagined before. And for the first time in years he felt the demons shudder at the command to come out of the man. His body was thrown to the ground and everything went dark. Slowly he regained consciousness and he noticed something different. The voices were gone. He had control of his body. Instinctively he tried to covered his nakedness. Jesus took off his outer robe and handed it to the man. Had it all been a dream? The scars told him otherwise. What could he do for the man who had restored his mind, his voice, his life? “Tell others what God has done for you.” That was the command he was given by Jesus. So that is what he did.

 

Stuart

 

Mark 1-3

In Mark 2 the conflicts between Jesus and the Pharisees begin to be described. The different focus came to a head when Jesus was faced with the faith and hope four friends had for their crippled companion (2:1-5). Jesus' desire was to tell people about the truth of God eternal Kingdom. A radical change from the idea of the restoration of David's kingdom. The healings that Jesus conducted was a means he used to attract the crowds so that they might hear his message and to validate the authenticity of his message. The response of the Pharisees is boldly portrayed in these encounters. But I think we should focus on the response from the people. The crowds reacted with amazement; "We have never seen anything like this!" (Mark 2:12) They looked at what Jesus did first, then they had to consider what he said in light of that. The Pharisees responded to what he said and then ignored what he did. Which group do I mimic?
Stuart

Genesis 48-50

As Israel prepared to bless Joseph's sons (Gen. 48:3-4) he recounted the promises that God had made to him at Luz (that is Bethel). It was during his flight from his brother. The words that he shared were seared into his memory. The most startling point is that the event occurred over 100 years earlier. There were many tragedies that Jacob endured, as well as an abundance of celebrations. But I imagine that dream out shined everything else he could remember. That dream was a defining moment in his life. What are the defining moments that God has given me? Have I allowed them to guide my steps in the way Jacob walked?
Stuart

Genesis 36-38

Genesis 38:6 says that Judah's firstborn son was evil before the LORD. How evil was he? His father had instigated the sale of his brother Joseph to slave traders. His calloused attitudes showed no concern for the young man's welfare. He was caught up in greed. I wonder if Er was more evil than his father? Perhaps his actions were persistently evil whereas his father acted selfishly less frequently. Perhaps Judah continued to revere the God of his father Israel and Er was godless; accountable to no one. Whatever the difference between father and son the Bible makes it clear that Er was the less favorable before God.
Stuart

Psalm 13

The 5th verse of psalm 13 provides a snapshot of not only the psalmist's faith but also mine. We share a trust in God's faithfulness. He has said he would act and there has been time after time when he delivered just as he promised. So his past faithfulness has been demonstrated to me. But there are times when the temptation to depend upon men rather than wait on the Lord is strong. That is the same struggle noted by the psalmist at the end of verse 5. That is where the walk of faith becomes a test of my faith. I look forward to a clarity in God's purpose. And I hope that my walk will align with his purpose. When they do I will join the psalmist and rejoice in the Lord.
Stuart

Psalm 12

Since Abel fell at the hands of his brother there have been oppressors. Those who use whatever means possible to use others to their own advantage. We all are guilty of such manipulations. But there are some who extend their influence to the level of violence. Psalm 12:5 let's us know that God is not blind or indifferent to violent oppression. The rest of the psalm lays out a pattern for God's response on behalf of the oppressed. There will be a provision of safety and a shelter against the wicked. But I will confess that as read of believers who are imperiled everyday I wonder how (not IF, because I believe God is following this pattern) he delivers these promises. God's unchanging nature dictates that he offers the oppressed safety and shelter. But why don't I see it? Is the evidence of his safety and shelter only for those who receive it and those nearby? I wonder.
Stuart

Psalm 10

There are two truths in psalm 10:17-18 that are to comfort us when we are oppressed. The first is that God listens to the prayers of the oppressed. So when the walls of circumstances or personal attacks seem to be closing in on us God has offered us an outlet. But it is not retaliation through word or deed. Our outlet is to pray to God. That goes against our nature but it is the direction that God has given us. The second message of encouragement is that God defends the oppressed. The biggest struggle I have with that promise is that I hear about a lot Christians who suffer and die for their faith, and I wonder; how is God defending them? Perhaps I have adopted the worlds definition of defense. Maybe his defense is not seen in this life. There is no question that he will defend our eternal self; no one can snatch that part of us away from him. When we are burdened to the point of breaking God will be with us so that we do not snap.
Stuart

Psalm 8

The intricacies of the human body is spectacular. But it offers nothing when compared to the grandure of the heavens. That observation moved the writer of psalm 8 to ask the creator why he takes any notice of humanity. The answer is made clear is his acknowledgment of God has bestowed on humanity. We are his treasured representatives on Earth. So long as we have life we are to display the potency of the LORD at work in our lives.
Stuart