November 21 - Acts 13-14: Paul and Barnabas vs. God's (Previous) Chosen People and Greek-god Worshipers

Today’s Reading: Acts 13-14

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Paul and Barnabas had to go against people who did not understand religion.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The Holy Spirit told the disciples in Antioch to send Barnabas and Saul to teach the nations.
At Paphos, Saul, aka Paul, blinded Bar-Jesus for obstructing the Truth. The Roman governor believed.
John Mark returned home mid-trip.
Paul was invited to speak at a synagogue. Gentiles were grateful to receive God's Word; the Jewish leaders argued with Paul.
After healing a man, Paul and Barnabas persuaded the Lyconians to worship the Creator.
Jews following them forced them out of several towns.
They strengthened the new believers and appointed leaders. Then they returned to Antioch to report on God's Work.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Paul and Barnabas left with the Holy Spirit's and the Antiochian Christians' approval.

God wanted to have more relationships set right, so He sent Paul and Barnabas to the nations around Antioch. The Disciples joined in and commissioned them to go. Don't do mission work alone. Have the Holy Spirit's direction and a group of Christians commission your work. This does two things—it gives you a group to provide support and accountability and a group that you can return and tell your story to.

The story of Bar-Jesus may have explained Saul's name change to Paul.

It is possible (and a complete guess) that the governor of Paphos, Sergius Paulus, gave Saul his name to give cache and an air of protection around Saul. This may have helped give Paul comfort as he was being chased out of town after town.

The Jews in Antioch in Pisidia repeated the irony of Israel.

The Jews were very interested in Jesus—when He was for them only. The moment the entire city showed up to hear Paul teach about Jesus they could no longer listen. They had to keep God for themselves—forgetting the real purpose of religion. This set up the most ironic moment in the entire book: God's Chosen People, who invited one of their own to tell them about Jesus, argued vociferously with their guests in public, ran them out of town on a rail, then followed along causing trouble from town to town while non-Chosen People accepted the Truth about Jesus and became His Disciples. No doubt it reminded the first Christians about Jesus' interactions with the Roman Centurion and His interactions with the Pharisees. God's Chosen People can be the second-greatest enemy to God setting things right on the earth.
What can we get from this today? Before we consider ourselves the Gentiles accepting the Message, we need to remember this problem is a generational one, not a racial or ethnic one. Yesterday we read how God no longer used race or ethnicity to limit His Chosen People. A similar story was when Joshua circumcised the Jewish males before attacking Canaan. We are often the Jews arguing minute theological details with people trying to set things right. I have a friend who grew up gangbanging in the ghetto. After bouts with addiction and other issues, God and he set their relationship right. He now works for a charity helping homeless people overcome their problems. His congregation is currently embroiled in a controversy over musical instruments to worship. He told me, "I don’t care if they worship with instruments or not. All I want to do is praise God for saving my life from the streets." To argue with him is to do the very thing the Jews were doing in Antioch of Pisidia. Reflecting on the philosophy of Gamaliel, we should allow people to speak to find out if the Spirit is guiding them or not.

The Gentiles "could hardly believe their good fortune" (13:48, The Message).

Not everything went wrong in Antioch of Pisidia. Many non-Chosen People realized that they could become God's Chosen People because He opened the door and entered their lives. They trusted in God because many in the world wanted to worship God if they only had the chance.

The Lyconians were so anxious to worship something that they almost did not listen to Paul and Barnabas explain that they were not gods.

It is a very strange thing when people become so excited to worship something that they have to be shocked into realizing the object or person they want to worship does not want their worship. Paul and Barnabas barely stopped them from offering sacrifices on their behalf. Paul and Barnabas were more diplomatic than Isaiah, though.

Paul and Barnabas appointed local leaders on their way back to Antioch.

These leaders were not multi-generational believers who had advanced training. They were people fully convinced that God was setting things right on the earth and were wholly for Him. Leaders should be fully-dedicated to setting things right, not advanced training, a long track record of coming to worship services, and the ability to lead meetings.

Do you praise with your missionaries when they return to tell all the great things happening to set things right?

November 19 - Acts 9-10: God Calls Gentiles and an Ambassador to the Gentiles

Today’s Reading: Acts 9-10

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Saul is called to minister to Gentiles because he is unafraid to make people angry.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus chided Saul for persecuting Christians.
Ananias baptized Saul, God's Apostle to the Gentiles.
Damascenes conspired to kill Saul for teaching about Jesus.
In Jerusalem, Barnabas helped the Apostles overcome their fear of Saul.
Saul was eventually sent to Tarsus.
Peter healed a paralyzed man in Lydda and returned life to a godly woman in Joppa. Many people believed in Jesus.
An Italian captain, Cornelius, sent for Peter. Peter saw a vision that all animals could be eaten. Peter taught Cornelius' household about Jesus and the forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit came upon them and everyone was baptized.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Saul was never shy about following God.

Whether Saul was persecuting Christians or trying to make disciples he went without any sense of trepidation or fear. When Saul believed God rejected Jesus' Disciples, no Disciple was safe. Once Jesus convinced him that he was wrong, the Disciples had peace and the Jews had problems—a motivated Disciple of Jesus wanting to prove that He was the Messiah. May God give more people willing to obey God with no fear!

Saul became God's Ambassador to the Gentiles because he was willing to stir the pot.

The first few years of his Christian life, Saul spent his days arguing with the Jews about Jesus being the Messiah. In Damascus, the Jews may have felt betrayed by Saul and posted guards to prevent him from leaving. Even though he had people waiting to execute him, Saul escaped to Jerusalem and continued teaching. The Apostles had to send him to Tarsus just so they could have peace again. Those who are willing to openly and forcefully teach in the face of opposition are the best ambassadors to people who others do not expect to obey God.

Tabitha was brought back to life because she loved to set things right.

I love this story because it reminds me of so many ladies (and men) I've known willing to help Jesus' Disciples. I have travelled many places in the world and one of few things that stayed the same was the eagerness Christians had to house us. We received many great blessings from God's Chosen People wherever we went.

Cornelius was chosen to become the first Gentile Disciple because he was willing to set things right spiritually and physically.

Cornelius was not the typical Gentile. He loved God with all his heart, soul, and strength. He loved his neighbor as himself. He wanted his household to honor and worship God. Of all the Gentiles in the land inhabited by Jews, Cornelius could have been the most worthy of being called God's Chosen Person. People other than God's Chosen People are willing to set things right.
Cornelius provides a great example for Saul's argument in Romans. We'll hold off until then to make it.

God no longer considered race or ancestry when choosing His Chosen People.

God chose Abraham and made a covenant with him and his children. They rebelled and would not listen to God, eventually killing His Son sent to call them to return to Him. Therefore, God changed the default to become His Chosen People from ancestry to willingness to set things right in God's Name. The Pharisees, religious scholars, chief priests, religious leaders, and Sadducees were all Abraham's physical descendents but were unwilling to obey God. Cornelius was not Abraham's son but he was willing to obey God. God chose Cornelius. God rejected the others. If you want to be God's Chosen Person, you must obey Him. Lineage is no longer acceptable.
Many people think Christians do not have this problem today. However, it is a generational issue not limited to the Jews. Children can grow up like the Jews and have no sense of setting things right but want to be considered God's Chosen People. We must understand that God's Message stays the same. Even though God has now called His Chosen People the Disciples of Jesus does not mean they are the only ones willing to set things right.

Who do you know willing to make others mad by telling them about Jesus?

November 1 - Matthew 20-21: Jesus Uses a Vineyard to Teach the Expansion of the "God's Chosen People" Label

Today’s Reading: Matthew 20-21

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would soon take the His exclusive "Chosen People" tag from Israel and give it to others.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Israel would not receive more blessings because she was called first.
James and John's mother asked that her sons be given the highest places of honor at Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection. "I do not give places of honor. The first will be last."
Blind men called Jesus' healing name.
Many people honored Jesus while entering Jerusalem—fulfilling prophecy.
Jesus outraged religious leaders in the Temple.
Jesus condemned a fig tree for not bearing fruit.
Jesus played political chess with the religious leaders.
"Unrighteous" people who changed would enter God's Kingdom before Israelites. God would hand the Kingdom to new people.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The three parables of the vineyard told Israel they would be replaced since they were not doing their job.

God called Israel to be lighthouses to the nations. Instead, Israel acted like everyone else and eventually placed idols in the Temple in Honor of God. Jesus gave three parables which would anger Israel because they removed their exclusivity on being "God's Chosen People". They told God they would obey Him, failed to follow through, killed His Chosen Prophets, killed His Son, and complained that they were given the exact-same wage as a person who set things right later in life. That isn't a good track record.
As God's Chosen People today, we need to make sure we understand these parables. We must follow through on our promises to obey God. We must not reject His Chosen Messengers. We must not complain when others receive the same blessing as we do though they came to know Him late in life. These are difficult things to do—though you probably already knew that. Many places in the world see an explosion of people setting things right who are not part of an "organized" religion when God's Chosen People fail to act. We should not feel threatened or angered by this. We should realize that God gives blessings to anyone who sets things right and punishes His Chosen People who reject His Message.

The blind men were healed because they did not listen to the crowd but cried out to God anyway.

May we find more and more people willing to cry out to God even though the people around them are telling them to stop. (No, I'm not talking about the guy on the street with the bullhorn telling people how their sins are going to land them in Hell for eternity. He should stop. Now.)

Jesus is preparing for His Crucifixion.

We started the long trek toward the crucifixion a few days ago. As Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, His Followers greeted Him as they should—a benevolent King who asks for voluntary worship, not forced obeisance. I believe this episode gave Him hope as He moved toward the end.

The Temple was a house of prayer, not a house of merchandise.

We have read a similar story in John, so I will not go into detail here. However, I wanted to remind us that a space that has been dedicated to God should stay dedicated to God. It should be used to set relationships right.

Are you willing to cry out to God even when the crowds tell you not to?

October 30 - Luke 17:11-18:14: The Kingdom of God, Jesus' Return, and P.U.S.H.

Today’s Reading: Luke 17:11-18:14

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

I'm glad I'm not like the people who say they are glad they are not like the Pharisee who said he was glad not to be like the tax collector.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus healed 10 lepers. Only the Samaritan thanked Jesus.
Jesus told the Pharisees God's Kingdom was already here. To His Disciples He added, "Someday, don't fall for desperate attempts to see Me! I will arrive like lightning—like Noah's day or the demise of Sodom and Gomorrah—quick and sudden."
Jesus taught a parable about a woman bothering a judge until he answered her. "Continually pray to God and He will hear you."
He also compared a Pharisee's pompous chest-beating prayers to a tax collector's humble request for mercy. "The tax collector had his relationship made right, not the Pharisee."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Samaritan leper and the other nine illustrated Israel's problem with God.

Israel was taken out of Egypt and brought into a new land. They were given a stable kingdom and lived in ease. Instead of becoming a lighthouse to the nations they became self-righteous and treated God as just another god. Eventually they rejected Jesus because He was not like them. The Samaritans (half-blooded Jews and outsiders) were willing to listen to Jesus. They obeyed Him and wanted Him to stay around. Just like the Samaritan leper thanked Jesus while the other nine ignored Him, Non-Chosen People bless God while His Chosen People cannot find the time to praise Him.
This should seem somewhat familiar to Chosen People today. We struggle with accepting Jesus as our Lord. We want Him as our Savior to wash our sins away, but we struggle with obeying Him. There are many outside God's Chosen People who bless God. We must be willing to see their praises for what they are and join them.

Jesus' Disciples would one day long to be with Him.

Jesus realized the Apostles and Disciples would have the world's worst case of nostalgia after He left. He knew they would desperately seek to be with Him again. This is why He warned them not to fall into a trap and believe when people said Jesus was right around the corner or hiding in a back alley. Do not listen to anyone saying they are (or have seen) the Return of Jesus. His Return will be so obvious there will be no confusion. Unfortunately, this message has been lost throughout the years when many people have thought themselves the reincarnation of Jesus (or the sibling of Jesus).

The Kingdom of God existed even before Jesus died.

We are left with a large question—what is the Kingdom of God? I have a semi-educated guess. I believe the Kingdom of God consists of any person willing to set things right under God's direction. This is why Jesus told the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God has already arrived. Some people were willing to set things right because they believed in Jesus and were willing to obey Him. Today, we spread the Kingdom of God not by claiming land for Him or by baptizing people in nations all over the earth. We spread the Kingdom of God by making Disciples of people around the world and help them obey Jesus.

P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) is not a trite cliché.

I have a confession to make: I do not like acronyms or other silly language tricks. I especially can't stand ones that are religious (F.R.O.G – Fully Rely On God or the infamous W.W.J.D. – What Would Jesus Do). However, P.U.S.H. is quite biblical. In fact, it quite succinctly summarizes Jesus' parable of the widow nagging the judge until he protected her. Continue to cry out for justice. God will hear you and act.

We must not think too much on the story of the Pharisee vs. the tax collector or we risk becoming the Pharisee.

Jesus wanted to make sure that His Disciples understood that God did not need to hear how wonderful they were. They would not set right their relationship with God if they acted like they were greater than everyone else. Only humility is acceptable to God when we pray. Prayer requires humility—we cannot get what we need on our own. Highlighting your strengths or successes to God does no good.
There is a funny story of a person teaching this story to a group. At the end of the class the teacher exclaimed in an excited voice, "Aren't we glad we aren't like this Pharisee?" In reality, many in the Restoration Movement have almost done this very thing. It is not limited to the Restoration Movement, either. Many Chosen People have thought "God is so lucky to have me (us) as His Chosen Person (People)." We must be ourselves—not too proud but remembering that we are God's Chosen People. If we humble ourselves and allow God to mold us, He will turn us into more than we could be alone.

How is god molding your life?

October 27 - Luke 14-15: God's Chosen People Cannot Be Bothered to Eat with the God Who Sets Things Right

Today’s Reading: Luke 14-15

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Following Jesus has a high cost. It also has a high reward.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus argued that if Pharisees could rescue someone on the Sabbath, then He could heal, too.
Jesus added, "Sitting in a seat of honor before being asked brings embarrassment," and "Inviting misfits who can't pay back brings blessings."
Jesus told a parable of a man whose friends were too busy to attend his dinner party. Instead, he called misfits, the homeless, and strangers to join him.
Personal sacrifice is essential to following Jesus.
God celebrates over one relationship set right. A man's son returned home after squandering his inheritance and received a banquet. His (faithful) brother resented the banquet.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus presented another paradox: those who want to be in the seat of honor should take the lowest seat available.

Jesus previously mentioned that children were the greatest in the Kingdom of God and if the Apostles wanted to be the greatest they should become the servant of everyone. Today's reading continued that paradox of becoming the greatest by being the lowest. This time the setting is a banquet. If you want to be considered great and honored, become humble as a servant and take low positions. Then you can be called to a higher place.

We are to give without expectations of receiving.

At the same dinner Jesus told the host that he should not limit his guest list to those who were rich enough or friendly enough to invite him back. If we gave without expectations we would be blessed greater than if we only gave to our "friends". Christianity is among the few religions that give in thanksgiving to what God has done in the past. God challenged Israel to test His Faithfulness by giving the entire tithe. Jesus challenges us to give even when the person can't or doesn't want to give back. Giving is based on what God has done for us in the past, not what we want from God in the future.

God's Chosen People cannot be bothered to eat with Him.

The saddest part of Jesus' parable of the man who gave a feast is that the man's friends could not be bothered to join him in his celebration. Jesus is showing the Pharisee how his statement about those sitting at God's Table may be true but the ones at the Table are not who he thinks they are. The Pharisee thinks the people in the "Pharisee Hall of Fame" are there. Jesus tells him they couldn't be bothered to join God at His Table. In their place were the misfits, the homeless, the ones the Pharisees would least expect to be there. This is a glimpse into what will soon happen when Israel cannot be bothered to set things right even though God sent His Son to earth. God calls others to join Him at His Table because His Chosen People are unwilling to obey Him.
We as Christians should read this parable and realize we are in both groups. We were once the strangers on the highway God called to join Him. After a generation or two we became the ones to whom God sent an invitation. Now we cannot be bothered. We have taken a new job and need to make sure they are impressed by us. We have bought a new thing and need to spend time paying it off or playing with it while we can. Or we have married and want to enjoy our togetherness. You can fill in your own excuse but the truth remains—God is calling others to set things right because His Chosen People are too "busy" to do it. That may sound harsh, but it sounded equally as harsh to the Pharisees who heard it.

Becoming Jesus' Disciple requires greater commitment to Him than to any other person—even yourself.

God has twice told His Chosen People the great benefits of obeying Him and the great punishments for cheating on Him. Jesus gives another version of this when He says we need to count the cost before choosing to follow Him. We could lose our parents, our spouses, our children, our siblings, our friends, our freedom, or our lives if we decide to become God's Chosen Person. Jesus has wrecked many people's careers. He has taken away dreams. Many who obey Him would testify that He replaces them with much better relationships, careers, or dreams, but it still hurts to have them taken away. Being Jesus' Disciple is for anyone but not for everyone. If a person is not willing to pay the price, they are only setting themselves up for greater punishment in the future by trying.

God rejoices over one person who needs to repent.

Yesterday I mentioned how Jesus did not want to solve systematic problems because He wants to solve individual problems and through solving these individual problems the systematic problems would work themselves out. Today Jesus' saying is that God rejoices over that individual who sets their lives right. Just like a shepherd rejoices over the return of one sheep, God rejoices over the return of one person. The issue isn't that Jesus loves that person more than the 99 who are safe in His Care. It's because when something you own (or someone you love) returns, it is greater than replacing it (or them) with something (or someone) else. You have a relationship with that thing or person. It feels great to have that relationship set right. No person is too insignificant to God that He does not rejoice when they return.

The Prodigal Son's brother became bitter because the he never received a fanfare similar to his brother's.

The brother's issue sounds very familiar,

Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast! (15:29-30, The Message)

The brother thinks that his father's rejoicing over his brother's return means the father loves his prodigal son more than his faithful son. The brother is wrong—everything the father owned now belonged to him. The fanfare was because a severed relationship was set whole. The brother did not realize he was inside the safe barn with God's other sheep the entire time the lost sheep, his brother, was in danger of death. God's Chosen People must deal with their bitterness and rejoice when someone sets their relationship right with God. If not, we start down the road Jonah and his contemporaries travelled and may become so bitter we kick someone out for trying to set things right with the "wrong" people.

Have you counted the cost to becoming Jesus' Disciple?

October 24 - John 9-10:21: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who Sets Things Right

Today’s Reading: John 9-10:21

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus calls His Sheep by name and sacrifices Himself for them. The Pharisees argue with their sheep and insult them.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus told His Disciples that God shows His Power by healing.
Once blind, a man confessed to his townspeople that the Prophet Jesus healed him. The Pharisees sneered at this ridiculous idea.
The man's parents confirmed that he was once blind. Angry, the Pharisees threw the new believer out.
Later, Jesus told the man, "I give sight to the blind and blind arrogant 'see-ers'. I am the gate only shepherds use. I sacrifice Myself for the sheep. I will soon merge them all into one Flock. I give Myself freely and can retrieve My Life by the Father's Word."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Apostles wanted to find someone to blame for the man's blindness.

Jesus' point was not that handicaps never occur because of sin. We know some issues are caused by mothers abusing their bodies during pregnancy. Others are caused by lifestyle choices. Jesus point is that trying to find someone or something to blame for a person's handicap detracts from God's purpose—setting all things right. A Chosen Person should seek ways God can set the situation right, not find out who is to blame for its existence.

The man was wiser than the Pharisees.

As I mentioned yesterday, the Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus using technicalities. The man Jesus healed received the same treatment. They questioned him, doubted his infirmity, and bullied him to get their way. The man held firm—Jesus, the one who healed him, was a Prophet. All the evidence he needed was found in his eyes. It is here that Jesus' statement about the blind receiving sight and the arrogant "see-ers" being blinded comes into focus. Those who see God's Work believe faster than those who want to control God's Work. The man believed because of what Jesus did. The Pharisees insulted and threw out a person healed by God because they could not control Jesus.

Jesus' Sheep would be in one flock.

This is one of the earliest inklings that enrollment in God's Chosen People would become open for the world. Jesus wanted to bring all of His Sheep into one flock, where He would lead and die for them. Jesus' death would allow the entire world to enter His Flock.

Jesus laid down His Life so we could gain ours.

Jesus became the Good Shepherd because He was willing to sacrifice Himself to prevent His Flock from suffering. If we want to be like Jesus, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves to prevent others from suffering.

Are you part of Jesus' Flock?

October 21 - Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62: Confirmation of Jesus' Authority

Today’s Reading: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus receives confirmation of His Authority.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus received confirmation of His Authority before Peter, James, and John. He later cleared confusion around John the Baptizer's role as the second Elijah.
His Apostles lacked sufficient faith to excise a certain demon.
Jesus predicted His betrayal.
He paid the Temple Tax.
The Apostles argued over rank. Jesus taught them that a childlike servant is the pinnacle.
Jesus reminded them that all things done in His Name were acceptable regardless of the source. Harassment of a young believer would be punished.
Jesus set course for Jerusalem. He stopped the Apostles from harming some unaccommodating Samaritans.
Following Jesus required sacrifice.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus prepares for His betrayal and death.

He started by telling the Apostles He would suffer and die. In today's reading, He showed the three closest Apostles (Peter, James, and John) confirmation of His Authority. He was shown with Moses, the author of the Law, and Elijah, the second-greatest prophet (to Moses). When Peter offered to build three memorials, God interjected—not anymore; listen to Jesus. Aside from the lapse of judgment each of them had at the crucifixion, this experience would keep their faith strong for the duration of their lives.

The Apostles could not excise the demon because they lacked faith.

The Apostles could not expel the child's demon. When they asked Jesus He gave a cryptic response, "Because you're not yet taking God seriously" (Matthew 17:20, The Message, emphasis original). I'm not sure what all that means, but we can be certain of one thing—Sometimes the only way to set things right is through fasting, prayer, and trust in God.

Those who wish to be the greatest should serve others.

Jesus provides a leadership paradox. If you think about it, managers in offices do not get things done. People on the ground get things done. So any discussion over who is the most important or greatest has to take that into account. Those who serve as small children are the greatest.

Anyone who does something in Jesus' Name (unless it is self-serving) is acceptable to God.

A few days ago we read where Jesus stated those who are not for Him were against Him. Today He elaborates on that a little more—those who set things right, no matter who they are, are blessed for it. I believe this is connected to the next section about bullying childlike believers. Those who disqualify young believers because they are not part of "their" group can cause them to become cynical and abandon any form of community.
This saying is difficult for Christians today. We love our exclusive claim to setting all things right. We want to think of the world in a simple duality: saved (those in the church) and completely and utterly depraved (those in the world). We cannot accept anyone not part of our group setting things right. Inclusion in God's Chosen People is not a prerequisite for setting things right.

Jesus valued peace over principle when it was necessary.

Once again, Jesus foregoes freedom for the sake of peace. The first time He told the man He healed to stop carrying his bed. In this reading, Jesus pays the Temple Tax even though He was the one it was built for. The reason was for peace, to not give them a reason to complain. When dealing with unreasonable people, sometimes it is better to sacrifice principle to preserve peace.

What do you do in the Name of Jesus?

October 19 - Matthew 15; Mark 7: Pharisees' Traditions vs. the Law - Unclean is in the Heart

Today’s Reading: Matthew 15; Mark 7

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

"Religious purity" no longer depends on food or drinks. It depends on the heart.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The Pharisees complained that Jesus' Apostles did not strictly follow the Law and traditions. Jesus countered, "Why do you ignore the Law and allow 'religious' acts to trump God's Requirements? Only things that mess up relationships are unclean." This made all foods clean. He continued, "They are blind guides for the blind."
A Gentile wanted Jesus to excise her daughter's demon. Jesus refused, stating He came only for Israel. She only asked for a scrap of His time. Jesus granted her request.
Jesus continued healing. Many people praised God. Feeling compassion, Jesus fed them with a few loaves and fish.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Pharisees did not understand the role of religious acts.

The Pharisees wanted to outdo everyone else in obeying the Law. If God placed a barrier to prevent people from going off a cliff, they would have put two or three barriers inside God's just to make sure no one got close to the edge. Earlier, Jesus had complained that they read the Bible but missed its Message. They considered religious acts more important than people. This philosophy anchored their tradition of giving to God what should have gone to parents and caused them to miss God's Purpose for His Chosen People. Instead, they fell into Isaiah's description, "They just use me as a cover / for teaching whatever suits their fancy" (Matthew 15:9, The Message). Those who stress law to the omission of heart are in danger of missing God.

"Religious impurities" were no longer physical impurities.

This point stood out much more then than today. To them, religious impurities were based on food, what you touched, and your genetics. God wanted to make His Chosen People stand out from the wicked people who lived in Canaan. Israel, in turn, used these distinctions to think they were better than everyone else even though they practiced the same wicked acts. Jesus took away the physical impurities and simplified them to spiritual impurities only. God only considers heart-pollutants as impurities.
We may not have dietary impurities today, but we do have religious quibbling. We argue over worship styles, obscure and unimportant theology, and which interpretation of events should be taught in school/seminary/church. I believe Jesus would have a similar statement for us today, "It doesn't matter what enters your head. What matters is what enters your heart and comes out in your actions that pollute a person."

The story of the Canaanite woman in Tyre shows both Jesus' Purpose and a non-Chosen Person's faith.

Jesus did not come to be a miracle-worker. He came to set things right for God—first with the Israelites and then with the world. Jesus did not come to fix the world's problems personally. He came to fix Israel's problems so they could go and fix the world's problems. The Canaanite woman begged Jesus to reconsider not because she was worthy (she never questioned His "dog" comment) but because she loved her daughter. Her humility to accept the second-class citizen status in God's Kingdom meant she was actually a first-class citizen in God's Kingdom—someone willing to obey God. This is why her daughter was healed. When we ask God for what we need, remember we are only worthy of the scraps left behind. The bountiful blessings God bestows shows His greatness!

Are you using God as a cover to teach whatever you fancy?

October 11 - Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7: The Irony of Israel and the Pharisee

Today’s Reading: Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Pharisees watched Jesus perform miracles but wanted to destroy Him. The Roman centurion wanted Jesus to perform a miracle but did not want inconvenience the Savior.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

A Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant but preferred Jesus do it long-distance. Jesus marveled, "The man with the greatest trust isn't an Israelite! Soon 'pagans' like him will take faithless Israel's place in God's Kingdom."
Jesus returned life to a widow's only son.
Jesus proved His Authority to John's disciples. They passed the message to John in prison.
Jesus complained, "John was ignored as a crazy, religious nut but you ignore Me as too worldly. Make up your minds."
A prostitute cleaned Jesus' feet at a Pharisee's home, exemplifying that affection is often proportional to forgiven sin.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus wants to heal.

God has always wanted to heal His Chosen People. All the leper needed to do was ask. God wants to heal when we are willing to ask.

The Roman Centurion's faith in Jesus demonstrated the irony of Israel.

In Malachi we read that people from all over the world wanted to worship God. The Roman centurion gives a great example of this saying in person—he did not think he was worthy of a visit from the one the Pharisees wanted to destroy. There are people who want to obey God around the world if they only had a chance to hear His Name. Those who know His Name could not be bothered to lift a finger for Him.
Today we find this same irony in churches where individuals who come to know Jesus later in life are often more interested in obeying God than the people who have been there for generations. I believe this is more of a generational problem than anything else. People who grew up with Christian parents who also grew up in Christian homes have no great "salvation" story to tell, similar to Israel's forgetfulness of the Exodus. God took them into exile so the big event that tied them together could be the salvation from exile. It is this reason alone that missions are an essential component of setting things right—it spreads God's Name all over the world. The spreading of God's name can re-infect trust and obedience to God's Chosen People.

Soon the distinction of "God's Chosen People" would be open for the world.

Because of the Roman centurion and the multitude of others willing to obey God if they had the chance, Israel faced losing their exclusive claim to being God's Chosen People. God would no longer keep them exclusively as His Chosen People if they were unwilling to obey Him. When God's Chosen People refuse to set things right, He finds new Chosen People.
Is this happening today? I believe so, but not in the same way we think. God's Chosen People are losing their place as the center of attention in society. This is both a positive and a negative (more on that later). Non-Chosen People willing to set things right replace God's Chosen People as the ones worth emulating. We no longer tie "righteousness" and "church" as we once did. I believe this can provide a place for non-Chosen People and Chosen People to help each other—one pushing the other to go out and set things right while the other gives the Name of the One ultimately setting all things right. We need both and if we work together, we may help non-Chosen People give praise and honor to our God.

"The masses" do not know what they want.

Jesus described the religious leader's dilemma—either you are "too holy" or "too worldly". There is no middle ground when it comes to popularity. John the Baptizer dressed, ate, and acted differently than the masses. He was considered a religious nut who didn't need a place in a "civilized" community. Jesus dressed and ate like the people but they dismissed Him as too much in the world, unfit for the "religiously pure" community. John's and Jesus' rejections were not because they failed. They were rejected because Israel did not want to obey God in the first place.
We, too, should not be surprised when popular culture rejects Jesus' difficult teachings. They do not wish to set things right and therefore cannot legitimize Jesus' teachings. It is not new, it's as old as popular culture.

The prostitute in Simon's house gives another example of the principle that great forgiveness is met with great affection.

As mentioned earlier, God's Chosen People had difficult times obeying God. Within God's Chosen People there were varying abilities to see God's Way. The woman lived a sinful life. She knew it. Jesus knew it. Simon and his guests knew it. However, she also trusted who Jesus was. She was willing to humiliate herself in front of these powerful, influential men and women. Simon and his guests were not. Because of her humility and trust in Jesus, her sins were forgiven. The guests could not see what was going on because they were stuck in their religious arguments—"Who does this man think he is, forgiving sins!" (Luke 7:49, The Message). They could not see God's Love because their sins did not cause great suffering. Those who have seen the consequences of their sins express their love for God more than those whose consequences for sin stay easily hidden. May we neither miss God's Forgiveness nor God's Way!

Do you feel jealous when non-Chosen People outdo you in setting things right?

October 6 - John 2-4: Jesus Tells the Whole Story

Today’s Reading: John 2-4

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The two people with the most faith were not part of God's Chosen People.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus provided a glimpse into His Glory while attending a wedding.
Jesus forced bankers and merchants to stop transactions in the Temple and prophesied that He would rebuild it in three days.
Jesus told Nicodemus that only those reborn physically and spiritually could see God's Way.
God sent Jesus to save the world, not condemn it.
John the Baptizer said Jesus' success did not diminish his work. He would fade into the background.
Outside Sychar, Jesus had a conversation with a woman who then called her neighbors to listen. Many believed.
A Roman official begged Jesus to heal his son.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Not all of Jesus' acts were meant to call attention to Himself.

The feast at Cana was not a moment when Jesus called many people to follow Him. He helped a bridegroom and his family from embarrassment without even taking the credit. Later he healed the son of a Roman ruler without being in the same city. By the time the man knew Jesus had done it, Jesus was far away. An interesting thing happened, though. His disciples believed in Him at Cana. The Roman ruler and his entire household believed in Jesus in Capernaum. Neither followed Jesus because they wanted more miracles. When we set things right without calling attention to ourselves we may wind up setting more things right than if we had publicized our actions.

Jesus became angry that the Temple was used for something other than setting relationships right.

The Temple was built as a place to meet God and others. The Jews used it as a place to sell animals and loan money to the poor. Jesus wanted to retake the Temple and make it wholly for God again. Buildings wholly dedicated to God should stay wholly dedicated to helping people be wholly for God.
Church buildings can be a double-edged sword. They can be a great, holy meeting place. They can also be a temptation to house non-God-centered business. Treat a religious building with care—if it is wholly for God, make it holy. If you do not need a dedicated place to worship God, don't build a building.

Jesus did not trust His Life to just anyone.

Jesus knew the hearts of the people who came to Him. He knew some would profess faith but would not change their heart. Be careful who you trust your life to—they may not want to set things right.

Only those reborn physically and spiritually will see God because they are the only ones who will understand His Way.

So many people love John 3:16, and rightfully so. But it comes after Jesus has told Nicodemus what it takes to truly understand John 3:16: rebirth. We must be changed spiritually and physically to understand God's Way. And here is an important point: it's not a religious act. If it had been a religious act, Nicodemus would have understood it. It is much larger than a religious act. It is a complete transformation of body and spirit. That is the only way a person can understand what God is doing in the world. This is also the reason why a person who does not believe has already been under a death sentence—they refuse to look at the evidence and understand the Truth about God.
For this reason we should not be surprised when people who are not reborn cannot understand why we have faith or act the way we do (this includes "religious" people who are not reborn). They cannot understand because they lack the transformed eyes to see. Our goal is not to make them see, it is to help transform their body and spirit to see God at work.

Where we worship no longer matters because God cares for the heart of worship, not its location.

Jerusalem became the location of worship to God because the Temple in Honor of God resided there. Even with the Temple in Jerusalem, the location of worship did not determine whether a person was acceptable or not. The heart was the determining factor. When Israel cheated on God with foreign gods, their sacrifices at the Temple were not wanted. God wanted their wills to change. Where we worship is a moot point because now God rests among us (we'll read that later). What is still true is that God cares for our heart when we worship.

The Samaritan woman became the sower Jesus mentioned.

Jesus told the woman her life's story. She, in turn, told others to listen to Him. Her reward came when everyone told her, "We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world!" (4:42, The Message). Think about it—a woman who was the wrong type of person, had a bad past, and a bad present was the first to bring an entire city to Jesus. Her city asked Jesus to stay, not because they wanted physical healing but because they wanted to know more from the Savior of the world. When you tell others what Jesus has done for you, they will see He is their Savior, too.

Are you fed by setting things right?

September 30 - Malachi: God's Chosen People's Shoddy Worship

Today’s Reading: Malachi

The Message

English Standard Version

CONGRATULATIONS! You have made it through the entire Old Testament! Pat yourself on the back, give yourself a hug, whatever you do when you accomplish something awesome. Tomorrow we will begin the New Testament, so enjoy reading Malachi, the 39^th and FINAL book in the Old Testament.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God, through Malachi, wants Israel to give Him more respect than they would their government officials.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God's Message through Malachi:
"You sacrifice crippled, blind animals as sacrifices to Me. People from all over the world would love to worship Me. But My Chosen People? Bored.
"Priests, Levi stood in reverence. Teach the truth."
Why can't we live in peace? Religiously-foreign women who change Israel's allegiances. Holy marriage creates holy children. "I hate divorce. Do not cheat."
"Don't think I'm too nice to punish sinners.
"A messenger is on his way to scrub you clean and fit for service.
"I haven't changed. Test My Faithfulness by bringing the full tithe.
"Those who set things right are mine."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God blessed Jacob's descendents more than Esau's. In return, Israel ignored God.

As we close the Old Testament, it is fitting that God reminds Israel that He chose Jacob and not Esau—the main theme throughout the entire Old Testament. God cannot understand why Israel will not obey Him. He gave them everything they wanted and in return they grew tired of serving Him. The same sacrifices over and over again grew stale. Instead of giving God the best of their herd, they gave what they could not sell. It's a fitting summation of the entire Old Testament: God calls a people to bring His Light to the nations who instead enjoy His blessings and ignore His calling. God has people willing and waiting to be His Chosen People but instead is stuck (for now) with a group of people who couldn't care less.
As God's Chosen People, we are blessed more than those who are not. But instead of worshiping God fully and becoming His Lighthouses to the world, we follow our spiritual ancestors and enjoy the blessings of being Chosen without the responsibilities of being Chosen. We find worship boring. We only give God the scraps of time—when we cannot find a better thing to do. We give the leftovers of our income. God never changes. Unfortunately, neither do His Chosen People.

God would rather His Chosen People not serve Him than to play "religious" games.

God pulls no punches:

Why doesn’t one of you just shut the Temple doors and lock them? Then none of you can get in and play at religion with this silly, empty-headed worship. I am not pleased. The God-of-the-Angel-Armies is not pleased. And I don’t want any more of this so-called worship! (1:10, The Message)

God wants worship coming from obedience, not ritual.
This section is tough—especially for a person told from birth that how we worship is the most important part of who we are. God would rather we lock and board up all church buildings and stop holding meetings than keep "Sunday services". Worship that does not come as a result of setting things right is no better than sacrifices to a dead idol expecting a magical result. There is no magic in rituals. There is no magical style of worship, prayer, or teaching that obligates God to continue blessing us. Our songs, prayers, and praises must come from the heart or God does not want them.

God's Chosen Proclaimers must speak the Truth.

God tells His Chosen Priests that they must speak the Truth. They must put new life into the stale Covenant. They guide His Chosen People. They can either guide in God's Way or in the convenient way. One way leads to God cursing them. The other leads to people cursing them. Which do you fear?

God hates divorce but hates cheating spouses more.

Israel was God's (spiritual) wife. Every time they worshiped another god, they committed spiritual adultery. God hates divorce and does not want to separate from Israel, but He will not stand for their cheating. This is why Ezra wanted Israelite men to put away their foreign wives. Foreign wives turned Solomon's heart away from God and caused him to commit spiritual adultery. Spiritual fidelity is essential to obeying God.
The product of marriage is children. If you are in a spiritually-monogamous marriage, your children will be wholly for God. If not, your children will be torn between parents, between religions and may eventually give up on God completely. Don't risk your children's spiritual allegiance. Marry someone who is wholly for God setting all things right on the earth.

God is not a fluffy-pillow god.

God is love; however, love does not mean He accepts those who do not set things right. He does not punish using fluffy pillows.

God will be obeyed. The cliché "God loves the sinner but hates the sin" may be trite, but it is not far from the truth. God will punish people who do not set things right—Chosen or not.
Boy do we do not want to hear this today. Part of it (rightly) comes as a result of the "fire and brimstone", judgmental style of preaching we endured for generations. Yet, we must not go so far that we say God will not punish anyone regardless of how they lived because He loves everyone. God will not save everyone just because He's too "nice" to punish anyone. I would suggest you read through Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah, and the other prophets again to see if God is a pushover. People must set things right or they will eventually be cut off from God.

God wants Israel to test Him—by obeying.

In Deuteronomy God told Israel not to put Him to the test. But now He tells them to put Him to the test. The difference is in how it was done. Israel tested God's Patience by not listening and obeying. They wanted to see if God would punish them or not. God punished them. Now, God wants Israel to test whether He will bless them or not. Giving a tenth—especially when it is off the top, not after everything is paid and balanced—is a step of faith. God wanted to give Israel great blessings. He could not do that as long as they wanted to be in control. Instead, they skimped on their sacrifices and complained that God didn't bless them as they want Him to.
I wish we read this section more often when we ask for contributions. The impetus for our giving is neither from an outside force nor an expectation of blessings in the future. Our contributions are thanksgivings for our blessings and acts of faith that God will continue to bless us. If members of every church gave the full 10%—and then more as they wanted—we could receive a full blessing from God. Until then, stop complaining that your church isn't as blessed as it should.

God would send a messenger to prepare the way for His Judgment.

Remember this for the rest of the week. It's coming very soon.

What a grand adventure. See you tomorrow as we open the New Testament.

September 22 - Zechariah 8-14: God Gives Strength to His Reunited Chosen People

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 8-14

The Message

English Standard Version

Congratulations! You have made it through 34 books. Only 5 left! You also have read 265 days. That means you only have 100 days to go!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Judah's strength would come from God.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

"I once punished My Chosen People. Now I will bless you. In return, set things right. The world will associate Jerusalem with peace and prosperity. Your king will ride a humble donkey. I will initiate a grand homecoming. I'll make you strong and you will live My Way."
"No more guidance for sheep who beg for slaughter."
Zechariah asked the people for his worth—only 30 silver coins. Insulted, he put them in the offering plate.
"Judah can only survive through My Strength. Then all foreign gods and their priests will vanish."
Soon God will rule over the entire world.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God asks for us to set things right in return for His Protection and Blessings.

God would return Judah from their exile and give them protection from the people who lived in the area and wanted to hurt them. They would also have bountiful harvests. What did God want in return?

Tell the truth, the whole truth, when you speak. Do the right thing by one another, both personally and in your courts. Don’t cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others. Don’t do or say what isn’t so. I hate all that stuff. Keep your lives simple and honest. (8:16-17, The Message)

God protects His Chosen People so they can set things right.

Foreigners would recognize Israel as representatives of the god who blesses.

In a great shift, Jerusalem would change from a place people wanted to overthrow to a place people would want to visit looking for a blessing. Judeans would be a popular group because God would bless them. The world would want part of God's Blessings. This is God's ultimate plan in the first place—people from all nations worshiping Him. When God's Chosen People set things right, the world wants to pray to our god.

God prepares His Chosen People for their Messiah.

As first seen yesterday, Zechariah uses many images which would be taken up later in the New Testament: a humble king riding on a donkey, the Good Shepherd, and thirty silver coins. These were meant to give Israel mental clues to look for when God sent the Messiah and used by John in the Revelation to pass on information that outsiders would not understand.

Judah could only survive if God was their strength.

God wanted to bring Jerusalem back to power, but this time with the right power—His Power. They would be famous because of their god: The Mighty Uniting God who brought His Chosen People back from their exile. What Judah needed to remember was their strength did not come from within but from God. Our strength comes from the Creator who gives the only strength built to last.

God would punish nations that did not observe the festivals.

This is an interesting passage, especially after yesterday's notion that God was not interested in religion but people. Why would God tell a group they were observing festivals only for themselves and then punish nations for not observing festivals? I believe the reason is that God wants festivals and religious observances which bring us closer to Him. Mourning the loss of a city that disobeyed God does not bring you closer to God. Observe religious times that help get us closer to God, not makes us feel more "religious".

Do you get your strength from God?

September 19 - Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137: Israel Endures Harassment to Rebuild the Temple in Honor of God

Today’s Reading: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Israel's enemies wanted to stop the Temple's construction. Instead, they condemned themselves.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Israel's enemies heard they were rebuilding the Temple. They harassed the builders 15 years. They wrote accusation letters to Artaxerxes about Judah's rebellious past and warned that the Temple was a ruse to rebel again. Construction was stopped.
Tattenai, the governor, asked Darius to find the order for construction. The decree from Cyrus was found. It warned that if anyone tried to stop Israel, they would be executed. Darius enacted the order fully.
The Temple in Honor of God was rededicated with a large feast. Everyone observed the Passover—exiles and locals alike. They enjoyed a sea of joy.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 137

While the exiles mourn the loss of Zion their captors demand happy songs. How could they sing happy songs at a time like this? They will always remember Jerusalem. They cry for God to repay the Babylonians for what they have done!

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Israel had to endure harassment 15 years.

When their first plan of sabotage was foiled, Israel's enemies settled in on the sure-fire way of working against Israel while not being punished—discouragement. This went on for 15 years. This type of psychological warfare may not stop the victim from trying, but it severely weakens their resolve to do something difficult. It is easy, cheap, and less risky than physical warfare. God's Chosen People must endure discouragement from people who do not care to set things right.
One of the hardest obstacles for Christians to overcome is discouragement. We struggle with our own doubts while having to listen to harassment by people who don't understand our faith, our trust, and our willingness to obey God. While some Christians are too quick to claim they are being persecuted, we must admit there are some who do not want to see Christians succeed. Some may have had negative experiences with Christians before. Others may have no reason other than wanting to see Christianity look bad. No matter what type of discouragement comes our way, we, too, should have faith that God will set things right and continue in our obedience.

Half-truths can only win if no one is willing to seek for the whole truth.

Israel's enemies sent a letter to the Persian king Artaxerxes detailing Judah's rebellions. They were historically accurate but telling only half the truth. They either did not know or knowingly omitted Cyrus' decree. The interesting part is that it took Israel at least two years to remind king Darius of Cyrus' decree. They almost allowed the harassment and half-truths to keep the Temple in Honor of God from being rebuilt.
Those who tell half-truths hope no one is willing to do research to question their assertions. We hear half-truths often. It may be difficult to go against them, but we must be willing to demand the whole truth to set things right.
At the same time, half-truths come in handy when they make ourselves look good; however, we cannot succumb to the low road. Beware half-truths and half-truth-tellers. They do not set things right.

God "plunged them into a sea of joy" (6:22, The Message).

At last, God has rebuilt the Temple to His Honor. Israel is now safe in its borders again (though not self-governing). The Levites and priests became ritually clean and everyone observed the Passover together, although the time for God to accept anyone into the Temple is still ahead. Non-Chosen People observing the Passover is nothing new, but a great thing to see—especially after 70 years of no one observing the Passover.

Psalm 137 is an emotional response to a great loss.

Psalm 137 may be the most difficult psalm to read because they cry:

God, remember those Edomites,
   and remember the ruin of Jerusalem,
That day they yelled out,
   “Wreck it, smash it to bits!”
And you, Babylonians—ravagers!
   A reward to whoever gets back at you
   for all you’ve done to us;
Yes, a reward to the one who grabs your babies
   and smashes their heads on the rocks! (vv. 7-9, The Message)

As I wrote earlier, we are not used to such emotional responses. Some take these sections to discredit the entire Bible. What I hope we get from this psalm is a sense that these people were real and were not dispassionate robots doing God's Will. God does not censure emotional responses. Neither should we.

How can we encourage you today?

September 15 - Daniel 4-6: Daniel's Steady Trust in God Inspires His Kings to Trust God

Today’s Reading: Daniel 4-6

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

While the kings of Babylon were taken out of power because of disobedience, Daniel continued steady, non-compromising faith.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Nebuchadnezzar praised God:
"I had another troubling dream. Daniel said God would remove me from power because of my ego. Soon enough, I believed I created Babylon and lived among animals for seven years. God returned me and I praise Him!"
Nebuchadnezzar's son Belshazzar, who inherited Babylon, outdid his father's arrogance. God presented a public vision against Belshazzar. That night he was killed and Darius took over.
Darius made Daniel a high leader. Daniel's enemies conspired to execute him. Darius was forced to throw Daniel in a lion's den. God protected him. Darius then decreed that God would be worshiped.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

All three kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius) were caught by their egos.

All three believed they were gods. Two needed to be disciplined by God. The third would learn from his mistake because of its consequences. Beware of power—it can make you think more highly of yourself than you should.

Daniel's power came by giving glory to God for his great works.

Nebuchadnezzar knew Daniel was not the source of his power. He knew Daniel's power came from Daniel's God. Since Daniel did not claim God's Work as his own, God was praised. God greatly blessed Daniel and Babylon in return. When we give glory to God for our good work, others will understand God's Goodness and God will bless us all.

Daniel never tells the kings to stop worshiping their gods.

Nebuchadnezzar gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar after his god. Nebuchadnezzar was not fully dedicated to worshiping God; however, Nebuchadnezzar was not a Chosen Person. Daniel never told Nebuchadnezzar to become a Jew or offer sacrifices to God. He told the king to set things right in the kingdom and God would keep him in power. Why did Daniel tell the king to set things right instead of being circumcised? God wants to set all things right, not create religious people. Don't get me wrong—religious people setting all things right is God's ultimate goal. But he prefers people to set things right instead of being religious.

The kings praised God because they saw His Work through Daniel.

We saw part of this yesterday. Nebuchadnezzar tells a story praising what God did for him—including his punishment. Darius, after decreeing no one could pray to any god except him, told the kingdom to worship Daniel's god. Belshazzar made Daniel the third-highest leader in Babylon, although only for a few hours. When non-Chosen People see God's Chosen People giving credit to God, they praise Him, too.

Daniel's problems came because he was loyal to God.

Considering all of the problems Israel and Judah had with loyalty, Daniel serves as the complete opposite of his people. Daniel's loyalty gets him into hot water with the other governors. The entire plan was to kill Daniel. Notice that because of Daniel, Darius trusted in God to save Daniel from the lions, "Your God, to whom you are so loyal, is going to get you out of this" (6:16, The Message). Loyalty to God does not ensure a quiet life. Loyalty to God ensures a life others cannot speak against.

Do non-Chosen People praise God because of His works through you?

September 14 - Daniel 1-3: God Sets Things Right for Those who Trust Him

Today’s Reading: Daniel 1-3

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah trusted in God even after seeing God's great punishment.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

King Nebuchadnezzar assembled exiled Judah's brightest for training. Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego), proposed a developmental competition: their vegetable-and-water diet against the king's menu. The four became exceedingly-more helpful than their peers.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream deeply disturbed him. Daniel asked God for its interpretation. God told Daniel it forecasted Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom. Daniel and his three friends were highly promoted.
Nebuchadnezzar ordered his kingdom's leaders to worship his statue. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. Nebuchadnezzar threatened them. They again refused. Nebuchadnezzar threw them in a furnace. They were unaffected—and joined by a god-like figure. Nebuchadnezzar blessed God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God more than they feared their captors.

Before we look at this story we need to understand that Daniel and the three men with him have seen terrible atrocities in Jerusalem. They (presumably) had to watch their family and neighbors die horrible, agonizing deaths. Questioning, doubting, or rejecting God would be a reasonable response. Full faith in God even when given the opportunity to live a long, luxurious life in the king's palace would be unfathomable. This setting is what makes their test of a diet full of vegetables and water vs. the king's food and wine a test of faith, not a proof of the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. Although they were improved by not drinking the king's wine and eating all of his food, their test proved it was better to trust God than abandon Him—even in their exiled land. Trust God in everything and God will set things right in your life. You may not be rewarded as Daniel and his friends, but you will excel.

Daniel's trust in God soothed Nebuchadnezzar's nerves.

The king wanted the young men to learn magic and fortune-telling—two things specifically prohibited in God's Law. When his dream disturbed him, he called the ones who learned magic and fortunetelling to figure out and interpret the dream (and exposed fortunetelling as a fake practice of reading a person and telling them what they want to hear). Daniel and the three prayed to God to give them the interpretation. God gave Daniel both the dream's contents and its interpretation. Daniel blessed God. When Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar the dream's interpretation he gave God the credit. Nebuchadnezzar blessed God. When God's Chosen People trust Him, God can set things right for non-Chosen People.

God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because of their trust that He would set all things right.

The great lesson from the three being thrown in the furnace is two-fold: 1. God will protect His Chosen People to uphold His Name; and 2. When non-Chosen People see God's Protection, they, too, will give praise to God. The three were unwilling to compromise their trust in God even in the face of death. Nebuchadnezzar saw God protect them and praised God for doing so. What an awesome God!

Are you willing to trust God to set all things right?

September 12 - Ezekiel 46-48: God Parcels Israel's (Returned) Land

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 46-48

The Message

English Standard Version

We've now read 30 of 39 Old Testament books! We are less than 20 days away from finishing the Old Testament! Keep going! You're almost there!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The prince would be given more land and would be responsible for more of the offerings.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God continued, "The prince should supply the offering for everyone. Everyone except the prince should exit the opposite gate they enter.
"The royal family's land may be given to servants but must return at the Jubilee. The royal family cannot run any family off their land."
God showed me a river that would supply water and fish for the local people. Then God told me how to divide the land between the tribes and current residents of Israel. The Levites and priests would receive choice parts of the land for their pastures. There would be a new city, named "God-Is-There".

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The royal family would be given a larger amount of land but a larger amount of responsibility.

The royal family taking land was commonplace in the area. Jezebel taking Naboth's vineyard cost Ahab his family's future. God wanted to make sure Ahab's situation never repeated. Princes were also charged with supplying animals for the corporate sacrifice. This responsibility would tie the royal family to the rest of the country. This arrangement would prevent the need for bribes and a blasé attitude toward Israel. God's way is for the leadership to have more possessions in return for more responsibility.

God gave land to the resident aliens among Israel.

This is a very big shift from the first time Israel settled Canaan. God would open His Temple to the nations and open His Land to people who will set things right. The reason He wanted the previous inhabitants to be driven out was because they worshiped other gods. God has not changed—the people living in the land have changed. God accepts anyone willing to set things right.

God prepares for His Chosen People to return.

Similarly to the first time God parceled out Israel's land, God wanted to make sure they knew where they were to go. For a god who punished His chosen People for disobeying Him, He cares enough to plan their return. That is the greatest comfort we can get from this book—God cares enough for His Chosen People that He will prepare their way when they exit their punishment.

What did you think of Ezekiel?

September 8 - Ezekiel 38-39: God uses Gog to Show His Holiness to the Nations

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 38-39

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Gog would show the nations that Israel's enemies are God's enemies.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

"Ezekiel, when Gog tries to rob My Chosen People, My Holiness will be in view for everyone.
"Gog, years ago I prophesied that I would defend Israel when you attacked. You will help the world see I am God as I defeat your army. It will take seven years to burn your spears and shields and seven months to collect and bury your dead.
"Ezekiel, call the animals! They will feast on Gog's army. The nations will understand Israel's unfaithfulness was to blame for their exile.
"Once I return My Chosen People from their exile, we will live face-to-face."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Gog's demise would show the nations God's Power.

God is redeeming His Name, as we read yesterday. Gog wanted to exploit these weak people by attacking and stealing what they had. God would show His Holiness for Israel by standing by them and defeating their enemy. God defeating an army the size of Gog's would show how powerful He was. God's punishment of Gog would prove His Allegiance and Power.

God would defend Israel to remind the nations that unholiness does not pay.

God would defend Israel this time because they had been stripped of their other gods. The Exile forced them to reconsider who they would worship. When they returned to their land and started setting all things right, He would bless them again. The nations would understand that blossoming crime would lead to punishment and blossoming goodness would lead to blessing.

Can you see God defending you?

September 7 - Ezekiel 35-37: God Remains Wholly on Israel's Side to Show the Nations His Holiness

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 35-37

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would not restore Israel because of their righteousness but because of His Holiness.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

"Ezekiel, Mount Seir thought Israel's and Judah's land could be theirs. I will demolish them.
"Tell Israel's mountains they will grow large populations and tell Israel's valleys they will give life again.
"Israel sullied My Reputation. I will rebuild My Reputation when the nations see that I give Israel a new, clean heart. Then everyone will regret years of disobedience."
God brought to life a valley full of human bones. Israel would likewise rise again.
"I will rejoin Israel and Judah to show the nations that I made Israel holy when I become the center of their lives."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God would stay wholly for Israel.

Mount Seir thought God's removal of Israel meant their land was free to anyone. So they attacked a vulnerable, weakened remnant and took over some of the land. What they did, though, was bring God's punish on themselves because they looted Israel's (abandoned) towns. God was not finished with Israel, though. He would give them the land again. God's punishment of a group of people does not mean they are abandoned forever. God is wholly for His Chosen People because God is Holy.

God gave Israel their land because of His Holiness, not theirs.

Israel dirtied God's Reputation from the time He saved them from Egypt. Isaiah also mentioned God's reason to restore Israel was based on His Reputation, not their merit. God wanted to reset His Defining Act from the Exodus to the return from the Exile. God wanted the nations to see His Holiness, Reputation, and Name. Restoring Israel would be how they would see this. God wanted to make sure Israel did not believe they earned their return. God's Chosen People are blessed to show the world God is Holy, not that we are holy.

The nations would see that God made Israel's and Judah's relationship right.

God would take Judah's and Israel's "unholiness" away. He would give them a new heart and His Spirit. Famine would be removed. All would be well. His Servant would reign in righteousness. United Israel would obey God and God would greatly bless Israel. God would return to His Place of Worship. All of this would show the nations how awesome He is. God wants to set our relationship right so the nations will see His Holiness.

God would retake His Place as the center of Israel's worship.

Israel's problem is their unwillingness to worship God alone. This brought in a host of problems ranging from bad worship acts to murder in the streets. God wanted to contrast that lifestyle with the one that has Him as the center. That lifestyle sets things right and makes people a lighthouse for the nations. When God is the center of our worship, His Promises come true! This is why Israel would regret their years of disobedience. It's not a guilt trip—it's sadness over a missed opportunity!

Is God the center of your worship?

September 4 - Ezekiel 24-27: God Prevents Israel's Mourning; Punishes Judah's Neighbors

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 24-27

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The people who laughed at Israel and Judah would be punished, too.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

"Ezekiel, Jerusalem's murderers have stoked my vengeance. I will purify the city—no more compassion.
Ezekiel's wife died. People asked why he was not mourning. "You will be unable to mourn when God destroys the Temple and your children are murdered."
"When that day happens, Ezekiel, I will allow mourning and through that they will see I am God."
"Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia laughed at Judah and their plight. They treated My Chosen People without mercy. They will be punished. Tyre cheered Jerusalem's downfall. Nebuchadnezzar will smash them into a bare rock. Ezekiel will hold a funeral for them."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God would not allow Ezekiel to mourn the loss of his wife to show Jerusalem how bad life could be if they did not surrender.

One important part to remember as we read this section is that Ezekiel is not prophesying alone. Jeremiah is prophesying at the same time to the same people. Jeremiah's message is to surrender and survive. Since Judah cared little for God they were unwilling to listen and God was forced to punish them to the fullest extent. But at the moment they were completely defeated, God would allow Ezekiel and Israel to mourn.

The surrounding nations would be punished for not helping their ailing neighbor.

Most of my life I assumed God only cared for Israel during the Old Testament's time. Little did I realize how much the surrounding nations were mentioned. If God wants to set all things right on the earth, then all nations are rewarded or punished for their actions. Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre would be taken over because they would not help Judah and laughed at God because Judah was taken into captivity.

Do you rejoice at the downfall of your hated neighbor or do you try to help first?

August 24 - Jeremiah 51-52: Hurricane Persia Exacts Revenge for God's Chosen People

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 51-52

The Message

English Standard Version

Congratulations! You have reached the end of Jeremiah—book 28. The final chapter in Jeremiah repeats the story of Judah going into exile, told twice already; therefore, the summary and comments will only be about chapter 51.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Israel has not been left in the dark forever. God would return them to their homeland.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God's message against Babylon continues:
"Hurricane Persia will wipe Babylon out. Nothing will be spared.
"God is committed to His Chosen People though they sin. Get out of Babylon while you can!"
Israel and Judah praise God, "God has set everything right! Let's go home and tell everyone what happened!"
Our God is the creator. Stick-gods are nothing but foolishness.
"Nebuchadnezzar brutalized Judah. Now I will get Judah's revenge—Babylon's finished. Israel, remember God and Jerusalem in your exile."
Jeremiah had Seraiah read the letter in public and sink the manuscript into the river as a sign of Babylon's downfall.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Judah and Israel were not abandoned.

God punished the godless nations to show them how useless their gods were. Their gods could not protect them. They would be destroyed completely along with their gods—nothing would remain. Israel and Judah, however, were not abandoned by their god. He would seek them out and return them to their home. God will never abandon His chosen People.

God provides Israel's revenge.

Nebuchadnezzar's army committed terrible atrocities. Israel and Judah wanted revenge and God would provide it. God will bring revenge for His Chosen People in a just way.

Israel and Judah should tell the nations what God accomplished for them.

Most likely this was written before the events occurred; therefore, the section of Israel and Judah praising God and telling the nations is what God wanted them to do upon reentering their land. God wanted them to be lighthouses to the nations and this is how God wanted them to complete the task. When we praise God and tell of what He has done for us, we become God's lighthouses for the nations.

Are you God's lighthouse to the nations?