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

Genesis 18-20

Two people looked upon the destruction of Sodom. What they saw were two opposite events. In Gen 18:26 Lot's wife looked over the burning valley. She saw her life going up in smoke. Tears must have filled her eyes with the realization that all she had treasured was gone. Her heart did not overflow with gratitude for the mercy she had been shown. It seems that her heart was burning with sorrow over Sodom.
In Gen 18:27-28 Abraham looked over the burning valley. He saw God's judgment displayed in the smoke. Surely he also saw the answer to his prayer. Tears must have filled his eyes with the realization that there had not been 10 righteous people in Sodom. Verse 29 implies that Abraham's heart was filled with gratitude that God had rescued Lot from his judgment.
Two people looking at the same situations from opposite perspectives and desires. One walk away with faith in God built up. The other remains unmoved just as her heart refused to leave the center of her life.
Stuart

Genesis 15-17

Abram's head must have been spinning after his conversation with God in chapter 15. First God promises the sonless man with a multitude of children. Then he explains that his heirs will be enslaved. As a slave holder Abram understood the status that would create for his descendants (Considering Hagar serving Sari the irony of this reversal of roles should not be overlooked). However, God creates his own paradigm when he explains that the slaves will be emancipated with great wealth. The very sequence of events that Abram anticipated for his slave Eliezer of Damascus would be played out in the lives of his generations (v 2). Then God promised an inheritance for the slave descendants of the rich man. His promise included land. The one possession that Abram had surrendered on his quest to follow God's plan.
Stuart

Genesis 12-14

If it weren’t for the chapter dividers that have been added to the text the narrative of Genesis might, at times, seem very abrupt. Chapter 12 is one of those occasions. The story moves from the death of Terah to the call of Abram (Abraham). Though no time frame is given there is no reason to speculate that a great deal of time passed. God’s call to Abram also seems startling. Seemingly out of nowhere God calls Abram to leave everything he has known and go to Canaan. What I find most interesting about this is the message it would have conveyed to Moses’ first audience. Isn’t that the same message the God gave to captive Israel? So what about me? Is God’s call in my life the same message? I think the message is the same even if the details aren’t. God called Abram to give up what he knew so that he could experience what God had planned. For Abram that wasn’t going to leave a house, or tent, in Haran. It was a call to leave his old way of thinking. That message was equally true for the former slaves; quit thinking like a slave to the Egyptians you are free. God’s message to me is the same; stop thinking like the world, I give you a new way of thinking (Rom 12:2; Eph 4:22-24). Abram was called to leave all of his past. I know I have been tempted to live in some of the “good times” of my past. The past is comfortable. It may not have been positive at the time but we’ve either survived it or celebrated it. Those freed slaves dealt with the same struggle. The work was hard, relentless, and thankless but they had a roof over their heads and at least they knew they would have some food. The past also doesn’t surprise us. Since it is behind us there is nothing in our past that will catch us off guard. God’s message to Abram was also about what he was going to do to the world through Abram. Surely Abram knew about how God had created the world. He had probably also heard the story of how God’s flood had destroyed all things living in the world. So why would such a powerful creator God want to use a nobody from Haran to be a blessing to everybody? That was a message that had to have struck a chord of similarity with the Israelites at Mt. Sinai; What would God want to do with a nation that only knows slavery? I have struggled with the exact same question; What does God expect that this middle-aged single man can accomplish? God’s message to all three of us (Abram, Israel, and me) is identical. It is not what you can do that is important. What is important is what I can do through your obedience. Go where God leads you and see what he can do to the world.

 

Stuart

 

Genesis 10-11

The last two verses of Genesis 11 tell of the last event of Terah father of Abraham. After nearly two centuries in Ur he moved with the intention of relocating to Canaan. The Bible offers us no purpose behind the move. There is no mention of a conversation with God so we must rule out that possibility. But that does not remove the prospects that God was behind the move of the old man. Surely the resettlement to Haran  "loosened the soil" for Abraham to complete the move on to Canaan. He would be acting not only on the LORD's command but also in memory of his father. He could honor both his God and his father. Likewise he and his servants were already adjusted to living as nomads; which was the lifestyle of the next three generations. But I wonder what explanation Terah might have offered his son on the desire to land in Canaan? Was there an ancient call to "Go West!" Was it rumors of abundant space? Was there a description of a land flowing with milk and honey? Or was it God's revelation to those freed slaves of Egypt that since before Abraham he had been calling those people to Canaan. Even before it was a land promised to them? We won't know but those are interesting thoughts.
Stuart

Genesis 6-9

In Genesis 9:21 the shame of nakedness is center stage again. This time we see Ham's mocking response to his father's drunkenness. Though Noah's actions are not nullified Ham's gossip adds insult to injury. The greater shame was transferred to the one who did not honor his father. Ham received his father's curse for his callousedness. Is there a greater lesson in the drama?
Stuart

Psalm 2

In psalm 2:6 God presents in verse the same thought that Paul dictated through prose in Romans 13:1; that God has established every earthly authority. They are intended to serve him. So believers honor God by serving rulers. Knowing that the question that introduces psalm 2 takes on a new meaning. The kings who are rebelling against the ruler of Israel are frustrating the plans of the one who had earlier enthroned them. They are biting the hand that feeds them. I wonder if David wrote and sang this psalm as he laid siege to one of the rebel cities? I wonder if the tune was carried on the breeze into the rebel king's bedroom? It is a song of love and God's grace that we need to sing to our rulers.
Stuart

Genesis 1-3

Genesis 2:25 makes a statement that is intended to startle the first reader. It should also stand out to the modern reader. It is a mystery why human nakedness is universally viewed as inappropriate. The definition of nakedness may vary between cultures but the public exposure of the genitals by adults is discouraged across the globe. What is the origin of this aversion to nudity? The story that follows the proclamation of Gen 2:25 makes it clear that the shame of adult nakedness originated in the sinful rebellion of mankind.  So the shock of Gen 2:25 is that it is the solo Biblical entry where nakedness and shame where not synonymous. That is the way it was. We look at our culture and we see the obsession of nakedness. Yet no matter how often the beauty of the human body is stated we all know the exposure is naughty. Why? Sin. That is what the rest of the Bible states. Will there be a time when this perspective is reversed? It seems not in this world.
Stuart