APRIL 25, 2022

  “The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” 

― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

2 SAMUEL 13-14

13The woman said, “Why then have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, for the king has not brought back his banished son? 14Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.(14:13-14)

LUKE 20:1-26

9He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

13“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’

14“But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”

17Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written:

“ ‘The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone’^a ?

18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

19The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

JOURNAL 

David is dealing with the banishment of Absalom after he kills his brother Amnon. There is such heartache and backstabbing within the kingdom. To see it all fall apart is discouraging however it can be traced back to David and his affair with Bathsheba. David errs in his leadership...and as a result he brings a spirit of selfishness into his family and kingdom. God does forgive him yet now this cancerous spirit is going to bring consequences. 

Jesus addresses this same spirit with the pharisees in the parable. Because of their own pride and arrogance they fail to see that Jesus actually is the answer they have been waiting and searching for. He is the messiah...he is their path to redemption and joy and peace yet they fail to see it. 

I think it all goes back to motive...what is the underlying motive and is it for good or evil. As a believer our motive must be for good...it must drive us to serve and be our best for the collective good, for the kingdom of God. It must drive us to be assertive...not for the sake of gaining glory or honor for ourselves but rather for our team. Everyone belongs to a team, whether that is a sports team, a family, a community, a country, a world. We all are a part of something and as a result we are part of everything. 

We are important and we have a role to play. In playing that role, we are called to give our very best every day, every moment. That is our greatest challenge...to give our best and to fight the temptation to procrastinate, avoid, lie, hate, deceive etc. The present moment is our battle ground, it is where the war is fought for our souls and the allegiance of our hearts. If we successfully fight our daily battles and give our best selves for our team then God promises that we will experience true joy, which ultimately is peace and hope and contentment.

However our enemy of shame and fear will tempt us, and when we surrender to them...we will begin to question the present, wishing it were different, longing for more or less or different. We risk losing our joy, our hope, our gratitude and all will turn dark as we seek to consume something, anything to quench our despair. We will long to change the past, fear the future and completely lose the one thing that we can control...the present. This was the temptation that drove Adam and Eve to disobey God. This was the enemy that drove David to seek Bathsheeba and kill Uriah. This was the evil that captured Judas in his betrayal of Jesus and the same spirit that caused Peter to deny.  

Jesus plowed this path...he lived a life that perfectly paved a path to the kingdom. In doing so he bought us for his team, he gave us a purpose and a role and he sent his spirit to comfort and guide us along the way. 

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 TIMOTHY 1:7

APRIL 24, 2022

 “God desires to reveal His heart to us and to build His heart into us as we seek His face.” 

― Bill Mills, Adequate: How God Empowers Ordinary People to Serve

2 SAMUEL 10-12

11The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.

4“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”

5David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! 6He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

7Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. (12:1-9)

LUKE 19:29-48

41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Jesus at the Temple

45When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46“It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be a house of prayer’^c ; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’^d ”

47Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

JOURNAL 

As humans we are so blinded by our fears and our pride. I still struggle to wrap my head around how David could have fallen so far, so fast.  I guess the answer is that when reliance on God ceases, anyone can fall prey to sin in ways that we could never fathom. What's crazy though is that David didn't seem to turn from God as much as he just stopped seeking and needing him in the way he had before.  As a result he misused his power and did something awful. He broke up a marriage and murdered one of his own men. 

It is interesting though that this happened as a result of boredom...David had stayed home from the battle and was on his rooftop...no doubt admiring his kingdom when he saw Bathsheba. Even though he had pretty much any wife or concubine he wanted...he got greedy and lustful and wanted Bathsheba. He wanted what was forbidden..hmmm sounds familiar. 

I think this is the meaning behind Jesus words that "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-". Success, riches, leisure...those are obviously, not the source of peace. It is true in my own life that when I am working through problems and actively dealing with struggle is when I truly find the most joy. I've definitely had moments on vacation that were peaceful, restful and wonderful but they didn't grow my soul. Those moments weren't markers on my journey of great revelation or profound growth and change. Peace with God is found in seeking him...which happens most often when I am struggling to solve a problem...when I am outside of my own wisdom etc.      

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9

APRIL 23, 2022

  “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”

- Theodore Roosevelt

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.” 

― Eric Liddell

“Hide not your talents, they for use were made,
What's a sundial in the shade?” 

― Benjamin Franklin

2 SAMUEL 7-9

18Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:

“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human!^c(7:18-19)

LUKE 19:1-28

20“Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

22“His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

24“Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

JOURNAL 

It is interesting that Jesus tells this parable upon his declaration that salvation had now come to the house of Zacchaeus. Interesting that Zacchaeus was a tax collector and hated by most in his community. Yet Jesus is really unconcerned about his past or his reputation. Jesus looks to the heart and what he finds is what others cannot see. Jesus sees passion and action, not passive goodness. 

Too often when I think about the "good" things in life, my thoughts go to times of ease, peace, vacation and moments where success was realized and I could rest in the rewards. While those are blessings...they are not the meat and potatoes of life. From David to Zaccheaus, the heart of God is one that affirms action, not passivity. That reality is at the heart of Roosevelt's quote as well as Jesus' message. A great life is not a life defined by leisure and possessions but rather a life defined by work, courage and love. 

It does not matter what I haven't done or the wrongs I haven't committed. Ultimately it doesn't even matter my past or my sins. What matters is my heart today, in this moment. The hope of Jesus is that every day I can embrace being a new creation. I can rest in his love, redemption, forgiveness and grace. God gives me the freedom and authority to work and love in spite of fear, frustration and the distractions of immediate gratification. In fact he affirms that his spirit moves me beyond timidity into great confidence and boldness. Shrinking back is actually rebellion and a refusal to acknowledge and live in his love. 

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 TIMOTHY 1:7

APRIL 22, 2022

 “Imagine how much a man's life would change if he trusted that he was loved by God.” 

― Donald Miller

2 SAMUEL 4-6

20When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”

21David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. 22I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”

23And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.(6:12-23)

LUKE 18:18-43

35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

38He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

42Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

JOURNAL 

Again I see David's  passion on display in his worship of God. David does not care about traditions or what is customary or proper. He worships with all his heart because he loves God with all his heart. He is persistent and dedicated to following and honoring all God has done, even when it comes to his enemies. Twice David executed Men who took, or claimed to take the life of those who God had put in power ( Saul and Ish Boseth - his son). It is not particularly David's actions but rather David's heart. 

David at this point is refusing to let anything come between him and his love for God. He does not care what is proper or that Michal is embarrassed of him. He does not care that he is not acting like a "king". David is being himself and doing and responding accordingly.

It is the same with the blind beggar...he cries out to Jesus and is rebuked for it. He persists still, and as a result Jesus heals him. The message in all of this to me is very clear...never seek to please man, for man is not God. Seek to honor God and God will redeem us, God will rescue us, God will provide a way to healing and success. 

I don't think this means that we are to not care about other people...rather the opposite...that we are to care so deeply about God and his love for us that it in turn spills over into every area of our lives.  Our objective shifts from getting what we want to being my very best and working to solve the daily problems and challenges in loving Godly ways. Love of God and seeking him and serving him becomes more important than everything else...as a result we will love others in greater ways that we ever would have before. 

37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40

APRIL 21, 2022

"But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing!” 

― John Wesley

2 SAMUEL 1-3

1The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker(3:1)

LUKE 18:1-27

1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

4“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ”

6And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

JOURNAL 

After Saul's death it would seem that things would get easier for David or maybe even that he would be handed the kingdom. However that's not the way it happened, in fact David had to engage in a long bloody war with Saul's descendants and the rest of Israel. Yet he continued to get stronger. For adversity did not weaken him but rather made him better and stronger. 

This is what Jesus speaks of when telling the parable of the widow. She never backed down and persisted and ultimately got what she needed and wanted. True dedication and persistence only happen when our hearts are undivided. Jesus tells this parable to remind us that we are to be dedicated and relentless in whatever endeavor God leads us. He promises that if we will persist undaunted he will reward us.

Our culture holds out rest, vacation and retirement as the ultimate goals of life. This is such a lie. We do not exist for pleasure, we exist to engage in the conflict of this world and come out victorious. Our purpose is to spend our lives working for God, solving problems, loving others, giving, sacrificing...these are the ingredients of a well-lived life. It can be confusing because God does promise rest and "safe pasture", but that is a by-product of following him. The real reward is that he dwells in us as we take on the adversity of this world. He is with us and never leaves us...the 23rd Psalm says it best.

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

 

3Trust in the Lord and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

PSALM 37:3-4