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Word Keepers.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.” Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

RANT WARNING!

Leave it to Proverbs to give us the raw, straight-up truth about relationships and the struggles we have maintaining them. This might seem like a common sense, a “no-duh,” concept. Believe me, we try to apply grace and allow ourselves to give them just “one more chance,” but we end up chewing food with a broken tooth, when it comes to trusting a friend to come through for us. Why do we do it? We want to give the benefit of the doubt, assume positive intent, but deep down we know – they won’t come through. Wisdom must snicker at us with this reminder – “sure, give it another go,” if you enjoy chewing your food with a broken tooth! Or, you just love waking around on a sprained ankle! Ouch!

Honestly, when I read this Proverb, I don’t review a list of friends that are unreliable. When I read this, I see MYSELF! I ask myself, am I unreliable? Over the last decade I have been working hard, committing to a difficult principle – “say what I’m going to do, then do it!” I think it’s one of the most important leadership qualities one could possess. If you say it, then do it! Quit making grand promises that are never fulfilled, grand ideas that may start but never finish. Say it, do it. That’s it. If I say I will be there, then I should be there! If I say I will help, then I help. It’s a matter of keeping our word and following through with our promises. What about emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances? Sure, that happens and there are some things beyond our control. But people can accommodate those when they are real and rare. It’s the always late with lame excuses or promises made but something always “happens” to come up. I don’t want to be the person, the friend, that makes OTHERS chew food with broken teeth or limp with a sprained ankle! I want to be a person that keeps their word – that says it and does it!

I can see how this trustworthiness reflects on how God works with us. He makes promises and keeps them. God says something will happen, and it absolutely happens! God is true to His word, and we should be doing the same. I want to be a word keeper not a promise breaker.

Prayer

Dad,
I know it is hard to commit and to keep our word when life is so fast. We just get exhausted when constantly saying “yes” to too many things. I need a lot of help when it comes to keeping my word. I think it builds character, I know it builds trust from others. We seem to be short on both these days. I can be thankful that you are always trustworthy to keep your word and follow through with your promises! Great is your faithfulness Lord unto me.

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Contrarian mandate for leaders.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world Lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

BE DIFFERENT

Matthew’s gospel records a series of conversations that seem to flow from one difficult conversation to the next. These observations may not be linearly connected. However, Matthew, isn’t just writing a gospel account, he is led and inspired by the Holy Spirit to communicate a narrative, and he does so with persuasive intent.

Jesus had just been telling his disciples of the events that would take place very soon. Namely, that he would be handed over to the Romans, tortured, then crucified! But afterward, he would rise from the dead. That’s A LOT to take in for his followers!

Then, Matthew has a mother approaching Jesus, asking for a future favor that would place her two sons on the right and left seats of the ruling throne of a king. Of course, she believed that Jesus, being the messiah meant that he was going to be taking over Rome and establishing himself as the legitimate heir to rule and reign over Jerusalem and the people of Israel. She believed this is how God would create a new world order.

Jesus clearly told her this is not how things will take place. He said to her, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” She and her boys were still thinking of the suffering it would take to overthrow Caesar and take the capital by force. “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”” Jesus ends the conversation with, “that is up to Father God.”

Just the mention of which of the disciples would get honored positions gets the whole group riled up! Matthew writes, the others were (aganakteó), grieved and incensed! Jesus then admonishes the disciples telling them the counterculture, counterintuitive way the Kingdom of God works. Jesus admits that rulers in this world lord and flaunt their authority over those they lead. Interesting Jesus connected secular lordship with rulers exercising “decisive control,” and power, “exerting authority downwards, oppressively.” We know this is how the world works. Rulers or leaders get to wield control and power to get things done.

However, Jesus emphasized the model of His rulership. Anyone who desires to be great in the Kingdom of God will NOT lead through control and power, but rather they will lead by serving! He told them very specifically, “But among you it will be different!” Leaders in God’s economy will be (diakonos), a servant/minister. The word comes from the common table waiters that serve in the open air cafe’s that line the dusty streets of Jerusalem. As Kingdom leaders, they wouldn’t control or oppress, they would serve so well, so fast that they would “raise the dust” to attend to their guests! They would be dust-raising table waiters! What? How? Why?

Jesus didn’t just tell them this is how he rules and reigns in the Kingdom of God, he showed them, he lived it! “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I will leave it up to you to decide if this applies to ALL disciples, all followers of Jesus – which may be you. Or, it just applies to those who aspire to lead, to pastor, to shepherd. Maybe it even applies to those who lead in their business or other areas where they volunteer. You decide. Just know this, if you choose to LEAD in God’s Kingdom, God’s economy – you MUST be a dust-raising table waiter… a servant of all. Albert Baylis said, as a Jesus follower, “we all want to be called servants until someone treats us like one.”

Prayer

Dad,
That all sounds wonderfully spiritual and humbling for sure, but everyone knows it it NOT easy. It’s easy to preach and proclaim servanthood. It’s easy to tell others to serve. But when it comes down to it, actually serving others, it is very hard. Once one serves, people begin to expect it and they seem happy to demand more. It’s hard to figure out the difference between humbly serving and being someone’s doormat. Try we must, right? You did it. You let people mock you and speak lies about you and yet you still gave your life to save us. What a magnificent mystery. Help me not to hold power or control over others, but instead, to serve them.

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Why does God seem silent?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff, asking, “Where is their God?” Show us your vengeance against the nations, for they have spilled the blood of your servants. Listen to the moaning of the prisoners. Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭79‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm was written as a record of repentance, as Jerusalem was being destroyed – here’s what was happening: “Meanwhile, the Babylonians burned Jerusalem, including the royal palace and the houses of the people, and they tore down the walls of the city. Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took as exiles to Babylon the rest of the people who remained in the city, those who had defected to him, and everyone else who remained. But Nebuzaradan allowed some of the poorest people to stay behind in the land of Judah, and he assigned them to care for the vineyards and fields.” Jeremiah‬ ‭39‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬.

In a strange turn of events Nebuchadnezzar told Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, to find Jeremiah. “See that he isn’t hurt,” he said. “Look after him well, and give him anything he wants.”” Jeremiah writes, Nebuzaradan “sent messengers to bring Jeremiah out of the prison. They put him under the care of Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, who took him back to his home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people.” Jeremiah had been thrown in prison for telling King Zedekiah what God was going to do to Israel. God then tells Jeremiah to write this about their beloved city, “‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’””

God did keep His promise. The city was destroyed, Jeremiah’s life was spared for a few more years. The Psalmist, recording the most grievous moments, begs for God’s help and vengeance upon Babylon. We know that God did not answer this prayer for 70 years and we know that the final answer to this prayer would not come for several thousand years – at the end of all things.

Interestingly enough, people are still asking this question when looking at the current sufferings throughout the world, “Where is their God?” Tough question, right? God is well aware that evil has been playing out its hand for eons. God is well aware of the grief and suffering humanity has endured. However, God gave us the choice and the free will to “do as we please.” God allowed Israel to be completely unfaithful and turn to worshipping idols and behave unjustly. God punished Israel, He disciplines those He loves, yet still, Israel would not be faithful to Him, to the promise they made to God.

Of course wickedness and evil will be judged, but the delay is for ALL to come to God, restored, reconnected to Himself through Jesus’ sacrifice. The final judgment is coming for those who still refuse to see their own sin and the hope of their own salvation. The Psalmist captures the truth, “demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.” That truth is more profound and powerful today than it ever was!

Prayer

Dad,
Even in my sin you have displayed the power to save me! Even though you get mocked and blamed for evil and wickedness, your judgement is held and tempered by your mercy. The delay of finality is for the benefit of all who would come, all who would see you, know you, love you. I pray for those who have believed the lies of the enemy by trying to secure their own goodness, their own salvation. Help us Oh Lord, save us Oh God!

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The End of the Personified City

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“He gave a mighty shout: “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen! She has become a home for demons. She is a hideout for every foul spirit, a hideout for every foul vulture and every foul and dreadful animal. For all the nations have fallen because of the wine of her passionate immorality. The kings of the world have committed adultery with her. Because of her desires for extravagant luxury, the merchants of the world have grown rich.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Babylon, the great city of antiquity. Bible Study Tools writes, “As Nimrod began his reign, he and his followers had one overriding goal for their new territory; they wanted to ensure the security of their community by building a prestigious landmark to make a name for themselves. “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4). And includes an interesting note, “The ancient historian Josephus states of Nimrod, ‘He also said he would be revenged on God if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, Chapter 4).”

It all seems so oddly paradoxical, that the Vegas of ancient days became more than just a city, Nimrod built an alternative to God’s way – thus an option to a different salvation for humanity. What other option? The option of doing things my way, saving myself. The underpinnings of that thought, that subtle lie is this: I CHOOSE sin over salvation. Translation: God, I can save myself, if you don’t mind!

Babel, then later Babylon became the personification of the great lie, along with the great liar – Satan. Satan is the governor of Babylon. The city, the way of life, the culture and self determined religion, doesn’t just survive – it thrives in pockets all over the globe. You can see it in every “ism” that is known. Not just communism, fascism, socialism and even capitalism. ISM, might as well stand for “I Save Myself!” America struggles with five dangerous “isms”: humanism, pragmatism, materialism, secularism and relativism. All of the “ism’s” are distinctive doctrines, systems, or theories, simply beliefs on how to do life.

Babylon spawned years of tower-building philosophies of how to “out-god” God! But John, the revelator, is shown the destruction of the evil city and the systems, a “home for demons.” And it won’t happen until the end. The spirit, the arrogance, the perpetual lie will continue until the final days. As believers, we have been warned throughout all history NOT to go there, visit there and absolutely not live there and believe in the city motto: “to thine own self be true.” Remember in Shakespeare’s play, Polonius, himself was a pompous, hypocritical, and empty man. Jesus, alternatively said this, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Mat 16:25. The antidote to sin isn’t self, it’s Jesus’ sacrifice and we will not find it in Babylon.

Prayer

Dad,
I’ve seen Babylon alive and well, living within my own soul. I do not intend to make it my permanent home. I will choose the New Jerusalem instead, the city of God. I will choose heaven as my final destination and to do so means daily dying to self and having you, and only you SAVE me. Thank you for your grace, mercy and enduring, endless, patience towards me. Amen.

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Extraordinary promise fulfilled

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all— the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem.” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“End times” certainly gets my attention! I’m a product of the sixties and came to Christ, late in the seventies. I completely remember our church teaching that Jesus return was IMMINENT! So soon, that my wife, Robin, felt that Jesus would come back before we were married. The very cultural push in the church was definitely the results of what was happening on the global stage. Fuel shortages, price hikes, and wars along with an explosion of films that predicted certain apocalyptic themes – it was obvious to the church, Christ second coming is near!

Here in Micah however, a spokesperson for God, wasn’t writing about the end of the world. Micah was writing about the coming of the Messiah and what the “end” of the old ways, old covenant would look like. The Old Covenant that covered the Jewish people would be fulfilled by the Messiah and usher in a new covenant, which would now fully embrace the Gentiles as well! Yes, these Old Testament prophecies can have dual fulfillments. One that takes place in their near future AND one that takes place at the end of time. Micah writes about the historical moment when ALL will come to Jerusalem and gather to hear the teachings of God’s ways.

This actually took place, when Jews gathered in Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s final week before His death. And the Sabbath Day during that time, the one in which Jesus meets his disciples for the “last supper,” was also the last Sabbath, the last “high” Sabbath. Truly all people from many nations arrived in Jerusalem for this special “Feast of Unleavened Bread” which was combined with the festivities of a regular Sabbath made it a multi-day, “High” Sabbath. Micah’s prophecy continues to talk about God’s intervention during this time, “The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away.“ He was speaking of the Messiah’s ability to judge and make peace between Jews and Gentiles and clearly bringing salvation even to the heathen, the non-Jew.

This prophecy is ongoing even today! And it will continue to be so until Christ returns and brings a finality to all things. Micah is uniquely special during the season of Advent or Christmas because he had declared in Micah 5:2 EXACTLY where the Messiah would be born. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Prayer

Dad,
It is so amazing to see the historical accuracy of your plan, your will being done. However, it is multiple times more spectacular that you keep your promises! They are guaranteed and witnessed throughout history. And we are the beneficiaries or your grace! Thank you.

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Jesus and the H.R. department

Reading Time: 3 minutes


This story always rattles the nerves of an economy based on money, fairness and work ethics. Jesus has no problems telling an offensive story to make a point when it comes to comparing God’s economy to ours. The Kingdom of Heaven is like… God’s Kingdom, God’s rules.

The landowner hires workers for his vineyard for the day. He hires in the morning, noon, afternoon and just an hour short of quitting time. And if we look at fair labor laws and practices, we might think about reporting Jesus to our human resources department, or get the government to fine Jesus for unjust treatment. It is ironic that I can only read and understand this story in my own cultural framework. And, I can immediately Americanize it and see God and His Kingdom as unfair. But this story wasn’t told in my cultural context. And, the listeners weren’t American. And, my own framework of unfairness is actually very fair and filled with grace for folks like myself – a non Jew. Oh, but when I find myself in the story, I see it in a completely different light? Yeah, that’s what happens when making every Bible story about me! A little reminder that this whole life experience is all about God and His story, not mine.

The Jewish audience listening to this would completely understand this as a historical lesson as well as a spiritual one. The first hour workers were readily recognized as the very earliest of humans that followed God – Adam, Eve, Noah and such. The next would be the post flood followers, then the patriarchs like Abraham and Moses. The next would be the prophets. And last would be the Gentiles, which would be most of us! The Jewish listeners would completely see themselves as the “late to the field” workers, because the more famous, obviously more holy ancients would be seen as the longest, hard working hired hands in the story. It was the “last shift” workers that became the problem. God had always intended that ALL come to faith and forgiveness including the Gentiles! God wanted the Jewish people to be the ones who reached across the religious isle to embrace them. This angered the religious leaders who felt that their heritage and their “righteous” acts should get them MORE.

Certainly if the last hour workers received a full days pay, then those who “worked” longer should get some kind of bonus or reward. This isn’t at all how grace works and that’s why Jesus told the story to begin with. We like to think about grace when applied to us who might have served Jesus longer, maybe even better. In our economy, those who came first should get MORE grace, extra favor! We might bristle at the idea that the thief in the cross received the same amount of grace and forgiveness as Mary, the mother of Jesus did – but it’s absolutely true.

Some might think that God’s grace to Mother Teresa or Billy Graham might be exponentially MORE than the small amount of grace you or I would receive. God’s grace is given, not as a reward, payment or bonus, it’s given completely and wholly out of His abundant mercy, His inexhaustible, unfathomable LOVE. And we did NOTHING to deserve it. It is not owed to us, it is a gift! Let’s just say, I will not be reporting Jesus to H.R. I will rejoice when one sinner comes home, when one person, even with their last breath repents and receives mercy and God’s full measure of grace!

Prayer

Dad,
Whoa. I am such the slow learner when it comes to understanding your grace. And, I am constantly fighting the urge to judge others by my own economic standards of spiritual fairness. I am so thankful for the grace extended to me. Thank you for Jesus’ reminder to not be one of the disgruntled workers in your field!

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When nothing seems to go right.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies. They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves. The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalms‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we read the Psalms, they are often used for comfort, encouragement or even sung as expressive praise to God. Each one of these Psalms were written by individuals for specific circumstances that they were going through at the time.

David writes this Psalm as he is running from his own son, Absalom. David and his men happen to run into a village that was “pro Saul.” The backstory of this Psalm is called “the reproaches of Shimei.” Who is Shimei? ‭‭

2 Samuel‬ ‭16‬ captures the drama. “As King David came to Bahurim, a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. He threw stones at the king and the king’s officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. “The Lord is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the Lord has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!””

Abishai offers to cut off the heckler’s head, but David turns and corrects his own general, ““No!” the king said. “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah! If the Lord has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?” Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to do it. And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.”” These verses in Samuel capture David’s humility, but the Psalm captures his true feelings of being hunted by wicked men, both Saul and Absalom. Of course Saul was dead, but David was not the one who took his life. Neither would he take his own son’s life.

Samuel captures the situation, but Psalms captures the turmoil of being constantly pursued by evil. Have you ever felt like David? You’re trying to do everything right and it seems like nothing works. And worse, you are being attacked or harassed by people or circumstances that just continue to hurl rocks and curses at you! David’s behaviors are a good example of what to do in this case! Be humble. Don’t retaliate. Pour out your heart to God and let him deal with evil plans and people. Let God judge correctly and be your justice. And, thank God for He is just! Oh, by the way, Shimei continued to chase David and his men all the way out of town – “So David and his men continued down the road, and Shimei kept pace with them on a nearby hillside, cursing and throwing stones and dirt at David.”

Prayer

Dad,
It’s wild when we try to do right, live right, and things just keep going wrong! It seems incredibly unfair. It makes it so much harder to do what is right while people critique and criticize every decision, every action. Apparently doing right does not mean we are given a public parade filled with poseys! Evil people be evil. Ol’ Shimei had been cheering for a wicked King and didn’t even know it. And he was hurling rocks and insults at the guy you chose to be on Israel’s throne! What a mixed up world when right and wrong are entwined with people’s opinions. I trust that truth and justice are best applied by your hand!

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May your cause be true.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The voices of those who have seen, known, maybe experienced the bait, the traps, the allurement of this great prostitute are now shouting the praises of God for His judgements. Who, or what is this great prostitute? Interesting that the word, porné, for prostitute, is also the word used for an idolatrous community. That’s the true nature of porné, a person or thing that pulls us away from God. When we leave the covenant with God to turn to an idol. We find try to find fulfillment in ANOTHER. John says this porné, is the corrupter, the moral deterioration – i.e. decomposition (break-down), due to the corrupting influence of sin.

The cheer rising from the crowd is the great relief, the rejoicing of pure accountability for the one who lies, steals and kills the lives of those he has lured away. The shout is for justice and judgment to be served!

This generation aches for justice. This generation wants judgment so badly that it looks for any opportunity to rise, riot and celebrate what it deems to be worthy of violence to achieve justice. The passion is real, their hearts desire for wrongs to be made right. The difference between the many false causes that manufacture and manipulate the crowd and this gathering in heaven is God Himself.

God is the only one whose judgements are true and just. Crowds have always found their voice in violence throughout history. And crowds are easily swayed by salacious lies that appear to be based in truth, their truth, group-think, mob truth. In my mind, I can still hear the crowd screaming, begging for the death of an innocent man. The hate-filled rage that drove the lie that would lead to the torture, beating and horrendous death on a cross for Jesus. The crowd screamed, “crucify him,” and took a paradoxical pledge to prove their commitment, “may his blood be on us and our children!” Their just cause seemed real, seemed true, but it was all based on subterfuge and lies. It was but a plot from this same great prostitute to poison the truth and an attempt to silence the judge and justice over all humanity.

No wonder the crowd in heaven shouted and cheered, giving God glory. There will be no force great enough to silence these final moments of God’s judgment. It will be final and it will forever end the deceiver’s reign of terror. This will happen. The book of revelation is the book of truth of humanity’s future and the end of the war against our souls.

Prayer

Dad,
The greatest relief in knowing that you are in control and will judge rightly and rightfully are found in this book of endings. I know and I have settled the issues, questions and doubts of my youth. My course is set and I believe! You are always just, right and true. Your Word is truth, it is the light that illuminates my path. Your cause is the redemption of humans. Anything or anyone that detracts from that is of the lie, of the deceiver. I will join with that crowd that cheers for Your judgment. For all things to be laid out bare before you. Nothing hidden, nothing silenced or spun for further discussion. Even when my life, along with every life will be fully exposed and disclosed, we will all rejoice for the war to be over. Praise to You for your salvation, glory and power!

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Orphan to Queen.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve know several adoptees and fostered children who have grown up hoping and wishing for a grand purpose, almost a fantasy to help make sense out of their loss, their life. Being an adoptee, I can relate. Coming from a difficult, disconnected birth story and struggling to find your identity in your parents or family history can be really disheartening. So, sometimes we make up stories to ease the pain.

The book of Esther was written during the time of captivity in Babylon. There were lots of famous Bible characters that came out of the seventy years of captivity. Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah and the fiery story of the three Hebrew young men (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) who would not bow to Nebuchadnezzar. Esther’s story is an adoptees dream come true.

We know very little about Hadassah’s (Hebrew name) parents, other than the fact they died when she was young. Why was she called Hadassah? Hadas (Heb. הדס), is the word for a myrtle tree. The myrtle tree was a symbol in ancient Israel, because the righteous are called myrtles. As it states (Zechariah 1:8), “And he was standing among the myrtles [the righteous prophets Chananiah, Mishael and Azariah, otherwise known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego]. Mordecai, stepping in as her rescue relative, adopted her into his own family. He raised his young cousin as his own. Just reading this line in the Bible story gets me all emotional, “Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.”

Mordecai became more than just a father to Hadassah, he became kind of like her life-coach, her career manager as she grew up to become a beautiful young woman that God would use to save the Jewish nation. Mordecai has his own heroic story in Persia under the reign of Ahasuerus. Mordecai’s loyalty and bravery are highlighted in the story as he helps Esther foil the plot of Haman, the king’s Vizier, to exterminate the Jewish people. How many attempts have been made to eliminate the Jewish people? Egypt, Assyria, Persia, Roman Empire, Germany…

Hadassah’s (Esther) story becomes a real life fairytale come true, from an orphan to the Queen of Persia! However, the bigger story in this amazing book is all about God’s grand story of redemption. God keeps his promises. And, God will accomplish all that He has set out to do through His will. We are in His story, even today. So, if you are an adoptee, or fostered or have come from a bleak and dark family history. Just know this, God has a purpose and a purpose and a plan for you! Your heavenly Father sees and knows every part of your story. And, even better, God knows how it ends. Although my story is not an “orphan to king” kind of story, I am living far beyond anything I would have ever believed was possible because of God’s mercy and grace – His redemptive plan for me!

Prayer

Dad,
I am so thankful for these adoptive stories in your grand story. I am so thankful that even Jesus was raised by a foster Dad, Joseph, who adopted him as his own. This gives a lot of us, who have come from difficult childhoods and soiled family reputations – hope! Hope in you.

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Living right side up in an upside down world.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David writes this Psalm after the victory over Goliath. The Psalm was a song, sung to the tune of “death of a son.” WHAT? A Bible commentary mentions this odd detail about this Psalm, “Upon Muthlabben, or, after the manner according to “death to the Son,” by which some song was known, to whose air or melody the musician is directed to perform this Psalm.” Another admits to the mystery of who this person or what this musical notation is, “To the chief musician upon Muth-labben” which has given rise to infinite conjecture. It may be either upon the death (muth ) of the fool (labben ), as an anagram on Nabal or as Gesenius, “to be chanted by boys with virgins voices,” i.e. in the soprano. Who is Muthlabben, and why did David borrow the tune to give praise to God over the triumph over the Philistines? Apparently, we just don’t know!

Yet, the content of the Psalm is clear, God reigns over all things, all nations and all people. I find it comforting and odd. Comforting that God is completely and totally perfect in judgment and justice. Odd, because that is NOT what many people believe about God! And, clearly God is maligned and misunderstood in modern culture today. God, and “religion,” is blamed for the majority of offenses and pain including slavery, oppression, colonialism, and social inequalities. It matters not that these massive atrocities are because of human sin and selfishness. Who cries and protests of the secular, darwinian, godless barbarity?

Folks proudly declare lies about God as truth and post them as yard signs and bumper stickers. My prayer, similar to David’s is, “Oh Lord, do not let the lies of Satan and humankind obscure or obstruct your goodness from those who seek you!” It’s frustrating to see or hear people call out God to be something He is not. They are 100% wrong about Him. This is further proof of the lies that Satan has permeated and perverted our understanding of God. It becomes difficult to believe and live upright in an upside down worldview. This is the contrarian, revolutionary message of Christ indeed. Jesus’ declaration of truth of who God is, clashes with culture (then and now), but it does so because it bristles against our own self determination and will to be our own god. I want everyone to see God as David saw Him – as a shelter, a refuge, a secure place and safe relationship to run to, not run from.

Prayer

Dad,
I have always found these words David wrote, thousands of years ago, to be true! No matter what I’ve done, what I feel or how desperate things look around me – you have always been my safe place. When I am sad, angry, wrong, happy, or fulfilled I can run towards you. My sin, my past, my stinky attitudes are always before me, yet I can still come to you. Thank you for that place of comfort under the shadow of your wings, that cleft in the rock.