Tag: hope

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So grownup for twelve.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭45‬-‭50‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Luke tells us that Joseph & Mary continued doing everything according to the law – “When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭39‬-‭40‬. This finishes Jesus summary of his childhood. The next stage would be the teenage years, but in Judaism, a Jewish boy is considered a man, or an adult, at the age of 13, when he becomes Bar Mitzvah.

Luke gives us a glimpse into Jesus life and mindset at 12 years old. At 12, Jewish boys were expected to participate fully in religious observances, including attending Passover in Jerusalem. This would be Jesus’ final year of preparation before he entered full participation in the religious life of the synagogue. But Jesus did far more than just attend the activities in the temple – he stayed there for three days!

At the same time that Joseph & Mary are discovering Jesus’ disappearance, the religious teachers are being quizzed by the Son of God. Every one of the religious leaders in the temple were amazed at his grasp of understanding God’s law AND the answers that the leaders were asking of him. It is always amazing when a student impresses the teacher with their understanding. For Jesus, it was hunger – driven by his relationship with God and grasping the mission set before him. How do we know that? Because of the answer Jesus gave his mother. When Jesus’ parents showed up looking for him, they asked him, “Why have you done this to us?” They were frantic and seemed to blame Jesus for wandering off and not telling them. Totally understandable from a parent’s perspective. Why three days? There has been a lot of discussion about this three days missing. One was the fact that families travelled together and often cared for each other’s children while on a trip. Three days seem excessive, but at twelve, the assumption is that he knows what he’s doing and whoever has him in their family unit also would assume that Jesus’ parents were completely aware of his absence – which they were not.

Think about this, even at 12, Jesus was gone for 3 days – 3 days is certainly reflected in Jesus time in the tomb! This “missing” time serves well as an early mission reminder of what will eventually take place 21 years later.

Jesus’ comments back to his parents may seem disrespectful, but actually he was letting Mary know that he has figured out a very important piece of understanding. Jesus understood his special purpose within the Temple. Listen to the depth of wonder and certainty in his words, “Didn’t you know – that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke tells us they didn’t understand, but I’m pretty sure Mary had some chills go down her spine as she heard Jesus say, “my Father.” In the very next verse it says, “And his mother stored all these things in her heart.” Even though Jesus would be in Jerusalem several times, he was only in the temple a few of those times. It was critical, hopeful and endearing for Jesus to be in his Father’s house!

Prayer

​Dad,
What an amazing sense of determination and duty that Jesus felt. To be drawn, not just visit, but to stay for three days. It is in this passion that I am able to see my own drive and duty not to be in a building, but to gather together with Your Church, the body of Christ. It feels right to be among the same mission driven folks that love and serve you. Since the pandemic, I have seen the awful results of people’s decisions to stop gathering with fellow believers. They seem to be weaker in their faith and stronger in their odd beliefs and conspiracy theories! And for those who are parents, it feels irresponsible to not have their children present where believers gather. I believe it is critical to their children’s faith. I also know as things come to the end, that people’s passion to gather, to be the church, grows cold. I wish it weren’t so, but it’s now a reality. Thank you for Your Church, where together, we still hunger and thirst for You!

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Kicking God.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Israelite foremen could see that they were in serious trouble when they were told, “You must not reduce the number of bricks you make each day.” As they left Pharaoh’s court, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who were waiting outside for them. The foremen said to them, “May the Lord judge and punish you for making us stink before Pharaoh and his officials. You have put a sword into their hands, an excuse to kill us!” Then Moses went back to the Lord and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” Exodus‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The opening scene of Moses and Aaron finally getting an audience with the Pharaoh, is filled with dictatorial vibrato. It’s a lot like trying to go and see the great and powerful Oz! Moses and Aaron deliver the words to Pharaoh and he scoffs at their request saying, “And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.” We know the story, so when we read that we think, “oh, arrogant man, you will soon know God and his ambassadors VERY well.”

Moses tells Pharaoh something I had never seen before, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they declared. “So let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness so we can offer sacrifices to the Lord our God. If we don’t, he will kill us with a plague or with the sword.” What? God would kill them? I don’t remember God saying that He would kill his own people? The Pharaoh doesn’t lay a hand on Moses or Aaron, but he does lay out a plan to make things even more miserable for the people slaving to build his kingdom.

“Pharaoh replied, “Moses and Aaron, why are you distracting the people from their tasks? Get back to work!” Then Pharaoh does what most narcissistic rulers do – he takes his anger out on the people Moses Aaron (and God) care about, declaring “No straw for you – find it yourselves!” Pharaoh directs Israelite foreman’s to quit providing straw for the bricks but still demand the same quota of the final product. Obviously, the Egyptian directors had a well working supply chain of getting straw to the Jewish foreman. Without the supply chain, the work slowed and thus so did the quota of bricks necessary to keep the massive building projects moving forward and on schedule. Really, this would have been a minor problem to the Pharaoh, just slowing down the completion of his own legacy. Egyptians Pharaoh’s, believing themselves to be gods, were obsessed with two things, the memory of their greatness and the amount of statues and buildings dedicated to their glory. This request to put a pause on the work just cut into the Pharaoh’s enormous ego. Pride started a chain reaction of blind stubbornness that would lead to tremendous loss, eventually the lives of all the firstborn males (both human and animal) in his entire kingdom. In this scene, where the Israelite foremen realized that Moses and Aaron had made the Pharaoh angry, they took their anger out on the two ambassadors God had sent to negotiate the Israelites’ freedom, saying, “you make us stink before Pharaoh!” Moses only option is to go to his own source of who he believes is the problem – he blames God for making things worse, not better!

This whole very long story is not about Pharaoh and his self-determined stubbornness to believe his own false narrative of being a god. It is not about the 400 years of enslavement of the nation of Israel, cementing a dark multigenerational slave mentality in the people. And, it’s not even about Moses’ story of going from a convicted murderer to a global leader of the nation of Israel, about two million people. The story is about God’s glory and the redemption of humanity shown through the full scope of what sin has done and what it will do without the savior – Jesus.

Pharaoh kicks the foremen. The foremen kick Moses. And, Moses tries to kick God – blaming Him for ever starting this. But God will not be kicked by our human frustration and little understanding of His ways. God tells Moses, “you ain’t seen nothing yet!” “Then the Lord told Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh. When he feels the force of my strong hand, he will let the people go. In fact, he will force them to leave his land!” Exodus‬ ‭6‬:‭1.

Prayer

Dad,
Oh how little we see and understand of your ways! We may be able to look back and figure it out, but knowing your ways in the midst of suffering or frustration of current events takes enormous trust and faith. My first response is to look for immediate cause and effect! Who did this to me and why? I just can’t seem to see things from your perspective. So I must trust you. I must have faith that sees with different eyes and insight. As I piece together your grand plan, I begin to understand that you’ve got all things under control and that all of your ways are true, just and right. That your mercy and love are dedicated to our good, not our destruction. You give us every chance to kneel and submit to you! And in that moment and only in the moment will we find true life to the fullest. Thank You, Oh God.

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Parents doing things right.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

”Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus was the firstborn in more than one way – Paul said that Jesus is the “firstborn of all creation” in Colossians 1:15 . There is so much information out there about birth order. There are studies, stats, science and lots of controversy. I often wonder if it always comes back to the old B.F. Skinner theories – is it nature or nurture. Are we born with specific traits and characteristics? Or are these personality quirks brought about by our family of origin and the influence of siblings.

Luke, the doctor, is very specific about Jesus’ beginnings. Here in this passage Luke makes sure we know that Joseph and Mary followed the law perfectly. “It was time for their purification offering.” God instructed Moses about the firstborn, “The Lord said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal” Exodus‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬. The New International Version correctly translates “firstborn,” as firstborn male. “Bakar,” meaning “to be born first” or “to bear early fruit,” is “prototokos,” in New Testament Greek. As mentioned, in the New Testament it refers to Jesus as the “firstborn” over all creation (Colossians 1:15) and the “firstborn from the dead” (Revelation 1:5). Not only is this firstborn son theme an echo of of the death of every firstborn male in Egypt, it is also seen in the entire sacrifice/offering system that God set up to teach humanity all about both the penalty, but also the consequences of sin.

Jesus, was circumcised and dedicated, completely fulfilling Old Testament requirements. In this purification offering, there is fulfillment of prophecy and the future picture of completion for all of us. GotQuestions.org writes, “In the Old Testament, purification was associated with ceremonial cleanliness. The Law of Moses included numerous rituals and sacrifices to achieve purification from physical and spiritual impurities. It [symbolizes] both the cleansing and liberation from impurity.

What effect do you think Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, doing everything right, had on Jesus? It was critical for Jesus’ life and mission. Being the Son of Man and Son of God meant that Jesus’ parents played an important role in his early formation. God trusting Mary to carry, deliver and care for His only Son is pretty crazy! Then relying on Joseph to father Jesus as a foster dad, following every detail of what is required in the Jewish Old Testament Law. That’s a lot of pressure to get it right. There are only a few glimpses into the young life of Christ. But what we do see is Joseph and Mary doing everything humanly possible to give Jesus a wonderfully, normal, orthodox Jewish upbringing. What a difference it makes when parents do things right in raising their children! I have seen the difference in the way my wife, Robin, was raised and the way I was raised. Her parents raised her in a Godly environment and followed God, mine did not.

Prayer

​Dad,
Even though I did not have the benefit of having godly parents or even an attempt at giving me an understanding of who you are, you watched over me. Even as I heard your voice at fifteen, I had a vague sense that I recognized it. There was a strange recollection of familiarity. That gave me comfort and definitely increased the odds of me listening and saying “yes” to you. Robin had a completely different experience with her parents raising her in Godly ways. So we were quite the mixed-marriage when it came to raising our own children. Thank you so much for her parents and her upbringing! I am grateful that you have fathered me all along. And, gave me the opportunity to be a father to our own children. Your grace was more than sufficient!

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Freedom flaunters ruined communion.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

But in the following instructions, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it. But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God’s approval will be recognized! When you meet together, you are not really interested in the Lord’s Supper. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Apostle Paul is really hard on the churches in the bougie metropolis of Corinth. There was a lot of money, influence and notoriety in the coastal port of the region. And, there was a tremendous success of the gospel penetrating a progressive, multicultural city, where money and power could get you anything you wanted. All of this, of course, is if one had money! But, as it goes with money, if you’ve got it – it changes how one thinks, lives and behaves towards others.

Paul is so frustrated with the Corinthians believers that he writes a biting, snarky comment about their behavior because it in no way reflects the phrase, “love one another.” He writes, “there must be divisions!” Paul taps into the utter disaster of what happens when believers are willing to raise their “freedoms,” above doing what is right. In this case it would mean a raucous, drunken party which immediately causes schisms, division and bad behaviors. Paul recognized the effects of these alcohol fueled parties along with the sin of gluttony. It was exactly opposite of the purpose of communion! Flaunting freedoms and treating others poorly Paul writes, is so evil that it reaches the level of being heresy. “Hairesis” primarily refers to a group or faction that arises from a division or choice, with a negative connotation of causing division or promoting false teachings.

Paul, with tongue-in-cheek, says, oh – this is a great way to get God’s attention – for those who would grab God’s approval by what Christ said would happen in a “divine economy of permission,” such divisions will arise (Matthew 18:7, 24:10, 12). The recognition is not good! God sees us because of our arrogance of liberties instead of our humility in love. Our freedoms in Christ are for doing good, not indulging to press the edge of our sin (Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 6:12). Certainly the “freedom” to party at an alcohol fueled gathering, would not include stuffing our faces with food, and putting ourselves above others.

These “love feasts” were supposed to be common meals, a communion focused on sharing, serving one another and remembering what Jesus had done for us. These excessive “celebrations” became so problematic, that early church leadership had to shut them down, forbidding these kinds of gatherings. This seriously affected the way the church did communion for years to come. The love feasts being banned meant that the bishop would then need to administrate and personally administer communion, changing the experience into a highly controlled sacrament instead of family gathering of stories, laughter and prayer. It became a religious experience for and of individuals, even though they would participate together in a church building. The early church was able to stamp out the abuses of the freedom flaunters but the results were a much different communal experience within the church, the body of Christ.

As I have written about this before, we have reduced a beautiful gathering of family enjoying a meal, similar to what Jesus did with his disciples, to a thimble-cup and cracker. Of course this made it possible to serve communion to hundreds or thousands of people, but it lacks the intimacy of being with close friends and family. We are still able to “remember,” just as Christ commanded, but we do so far more individually, rather than communally. Being in a room with a hundred, or a thousand people is not the same as having a long, leisurely meal discussing the way Jesus’ love has revolutionized our lives.

Prayer

​Dad,
I certainly understand that we can still make communion memorable and effective by sharing our modern communion elements in a church service together. And, I understand how flaunting our freedoms at any gathering can be problematic. But I still long for the intimacy and deep connections that happen around a meal, in this case a very special sacred meal of conscience and consecration. This is just one of those experiences I just wish we hadn’t streamlined for convenience and control. I am happy to think about the future, amazing communion meal in heaven where I am positive it won’t be served in a thimble with a tiny cracker.

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Integrity, us in the light of the sun.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul in writing his second letter to the churches in Corinth, gets very real with them. We might use the word authentic, non-hypocritical, where Paul’s words match his life no matter where you find him living it. Paul was the same whether you met him in the open-air marketplace on the streets of Corinth. Or you met him at one of the synagogues. Or you met him in one of the house churches that met on Sundays throughout the city. He was even the same person in prison or house arrest in other cities.

Paul writes how “eilikrineia,” sincere with integrity he has been wherever he goes. Integrity is being the same in character no matter the circumstances. It suggests a state of being free from deceit, hypocrisy, or pretense, embodying genuine and unadulterated motives. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the purity of one’s intentions and the integrity of one’s actions, especially in relation to faith and conduct. Integrity, “eilikrineia” characterized by honesty and transparency literally means, “judged in the light of the sun.”

Men and women have often struggled with some kind of duality of character, where we are one way at work and completely different at home or at church. Those differences show a lack of integrity and doesn’t allow people to get to know the “real” us. Paul despised these facades, believing that it detracts from the work of Christ showing up consistently in each other. What a powerful testimony Paul maintained, especially in the multi-cultural morality of a city like Corinth! Paul was obsessed with being the same no matter if you dealt with him as a businessman on the street or preaching in one of the churches. This also encouraged the Corinthians to live the same – like they were living in the light of the son!

Prayer

​Dad,
I only have one life to live! And, it is with utmost intention that I live the same way at church as I do at home. That I live the same way when out with friends as I do when I am sermonizing or leading as the pastor. I desire to be consistent in my faith, my walk and my ways no matter where people find me. Help me live as Christ. Help me reflect the integrity and authenticity of my savior. Help me not be pluralistic in the way I conduct my life, but rather singular in being myself. Thank you for your grace to live in the light of Jesus! Amen.

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When it’s time, it’s time.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. And all their neighbors assisted by giving them articles of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They gave them many valuable gifts in addition to all the voluntary offerings. Ezra‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One of the beautiful, but difficult mysteries about God is His impeccable timing. It is always perfect! We see God make promises, prophetic words of what will happen and we believe Him. We even trust him. But it is rarely about IF something will happen, it’s about WHEN it will happen.

God has been thoroughly, transparently trustworthy throughout all of human history. But even as we see how God fulfills his Word, we also get a peek at how long it takes for His promises to be fulfilled. Whether it’s 400 years, 70 years or 450 years – we forget because our lives are nowhere that long. Every generation waits for these amazing, global promises to be fulfilled, but only specific generations get to actually witness the results! And, even then, our hearts and minds, along with an inability to keep the stories of God’s promises alive, we become dull, even forgetful.

God has Ezra, the high priest and chief scribe announce the end of the 70 years of timeout and the good news that the Jews could return to their homeland and begin rebuilding what previous Babylonian rulers had destroyed. The temple, and as we know from Nehemiah, the walls surrounding Jerusalem were all in shambles. I find it an interesting, a very human clue that Ezra tells us in these verses about returning and rebuilding.

God prompts King Cyrus of Persia that it’s time to send the Jewish people home! This whole first chapter is about God loading up the people with vast amounts of riches, not only replacing what was taken by King Nebuchadnezzar but even given much much more. God had Israel’s enemies discipline His people and then had those enemies finance the entire rebuilding process! Wow.

Here in verse five, Ezra writes something unique. He says, “God stirred the hearts…” of the priests and Levites. The fire, the drive, the patience of the spiritual leaders of Israel had all been sapped! Much of these priests and Levites were appointed while in captivity. Ezra was born while in captivity – it’s all he knew. It’s not surprising, as God’s word comes to Ezra, that God himself would need to jumpstart the hearts of the leaders of Israel, giving them hope that rebuilding was even a possibility. They had all heard the stories of what got them to Babylon, but had no real sense of when it would be over and they would be returning home.

I love this simple verse because it reminds me of how much loss we (The Church) have experienced over the past 25 years. And even through Jesus himself prophesied that these days would come in ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭4‬-‭12‬, saying “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold,” we have never really known WHEN – the timing of the final, final days. Since Jesus spoke those words over 2000 years ago, there have been many cycles and seasons of these signs of the “end times.” And, to each generation that experienced it, it was determined that it MUST BE THE END! I believe that this season has been the worst loss of faith and people walking away from Jesus ever. And so many faithful people just flat out gave up the gathering of the Church. Statistically it is true – there has not been a time like this.

But I also believe that God will once again pour out His Spirit, supernaturally speaking to the hearts of those who have believed the lies and experienced immense loss of hope and deep depression. I believe God will sovereignly stir the hearts of the broken and they will turn their hearts towards home! God’s grace and ability to woo the hearts of those He loves is powerful and effective to accomplish His will. We, as Jesus’ bride, the Church p, should be ready to embrace the broken and with open arms to welcome them into His grace. We should all be REUNION READY!

Prayer

​Dad,
I am so glad you still stir hearts! I am one who was fortunate enough to be a part of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the 70’s and I remember how powerful it was to hear your voice, repent, receive forgiveness and a new life in Christ. I virtually knew nothing about the Bible, but you saved me and began disciplining me to be like Jesus! If you can do this for me I know you will do this again for so many. Pour Your Spirit out Oh sovereign Lord, save us from ourselves and our desires to be our own God!

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Aspiring to inspire.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Leadership is never easy, especially when it involves guiding people. And, every sector of culture needs leadership to make things happen, whether that is in business, government, healthcare, education, protective services, nonprofit or the Church. Paul writes to Timothy, saying, anyone that “oregó,” stretches or aspires to such a position, “sets their heart upon,” a good thing.

Paul lists a very high degree of requirements to be an overseer, a bishop in the Church. Paul is looking for a stellar reputation to lead as a chief shepherd, even more so when they are over other ministers. It is no surprise that Paul starts with the family structure of the leader.

The New Living Translation also lays down the word, “must…” adding to the imperative of high standards. The leader MUST… Live a life above reproach, blameless. Faithful, if married, to only one. Exercises self-control, sober and temperate. Must be respectable, well-behaved, and hospitable. Hospitality is a major part of leadership, requiring an openness of home and an authenticity in the way one lives their life in all things – business dealings, personal connections inside and outside the church. One of the skills required of an elder, is that they must be able to teach. Often, people who aspire to lead, want to do so in humility, preferring to stay behind the scenes. Humility is admirable, but leaders have got to also speak, leading requires teaching. Alcohol use is mentioned because the church leader cannot be known as a drunkard! Not violent, but gentle. Not argumentative, and definitely into generosity rather and hoarding and being cheap. Beyond just being a person grounded in family, an elder cannot be a new believer, Paul citing that arrogance can quickly go to their heads and cause their fall. Finally, Paul sites the necessity of having a great reputation outside of the church, these are the unbelievers God has called us to reach. Being a leader in most other areas would not have the intense scrutiny required for being a church leader. Unfortunately, most people, secular or Christian believe that church leaders should be perfect, which we know is impossible.

Prayer

​Dad,
With trust at an all time low and more necessary than ever before, it leaves the church at a crisis point. We need more great leaders, not less! More charactered leaders, full of the Holy Spirit, not less! The timing of all this is amazing. Less of our younger generation desires to step into leadership because it’s hard, but also there are so many generational conflicts and frustrations. We are absolutely dependent on You, Oh Lord! We long for a supernatural move of God among us, pulling us together in unity. We admit our failures and shortcomings Oh God, please come and make Yourself known among this generation who desperately needs to see You moving on their behalf. Amen.

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Sorry not sorry.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Apostle Paul is so transparent and open to the churches in Corinth. I believe this is exactly what is needed when addressing cities and cultures like the Corinthians. These verses, especially using the phrase, “severe letter,” has theologians baffled with several theories of what this letter contained and what happened to it.

First the three ideas of what happened to the letter:

One theory is that the letter was 1 Corinthians, although many agree that the description of severity does not match the content nor tone of 1 Corinthians.

Another theory is that the “severe letter” was simply lost, or it was decided that it did not belong in the canon of scripture.

And the last theory is that contents of the “severe letter” were included in 2 Corinthians 10–13, where Paul is very raw and real. Once again, he defends his Apostleship not just by the authority of Christ, but also the extreme episodes of suffering Paul went through to bring the gospel to Gentiles. He is utterly transparent in all humility to challenge the fake apostles and judaizers that tried to win over the hearts of the Corinthians.

The “severe letter” contained the core issues that Paul mentions in 1 & 2 Corinthians. The harsh letter addressed issues that were causing division in the church. It addressed his concern the church following the fake apostles who were teaching false doctrine and causing strife. Also, Paul was also concerned about church members who had not repented of their immoral behavior, he was angry that sin was openly tolerated and not confronted.

However, Paul received word directly from Titus that the Corinthian churches had not only listened to Paul’s rebuke, but had repented of their sins as well of their distrust and disrespect of Paul. ”But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!“ ‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭6‬-‭7‬).

Paul explains here in these verses, the importance of sorrow that can go one of two ways. He says there is sorrow that leads us away from sin and towards salvation and the alternative “universal worldly affairs,” or powerful cultural influences that leads us towards sin. It not only lacks repentance, but actually leads to death! One is a good sorry of being caught and called out, the other is sorry for being caught but still believing you’ve done nothing wrong.

Exposure of sin is not meant to shame but to shine the bright light of Jesus on dark matters of the heart. Exposure of our sin, Paul says is meant to cause a pain of realization, forcing our dim eyes and hardening heart to repent, to change, to run towards God and not away from God. Hiding from our sin, thinking we are hiding from God, only produces calloused and cold hearts. We don’t like to be confronted by our sin, this is why confession is so hard for us.

Confession is an admittance of error, sin and selfishness but we also expose ourselves, thinking we will be humanly judged by believers! Do you know that most unbelievers welcome and celebrate confession? Go to any twelve-step, alcoholic anonymous or celebrate recovery gathering. Do you know what you’ll find – a humble acceptance from everyone in the space that already knows the truth about addictions. We all have something we’re trying to hide or hooked on something that is controlling us! Why can unbelievers do confession better than believers, followers of Jesus? We believe the lie that we should not have any sin in our life. It’s too embarrassing to admit and we will bear the judgment of those we share it with. James made it clear that it is good and healthy for us to openly talk about our sin, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” ‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬. We should take Paul’s and James godly advice – sorrow for sin, along with confession and repentance.

Prayer

​Dad,
Most folks, believers and nonbelievers, think the Church, which is just people, saved alone by grace, should be perfect. Or, at least they should have minimal issues, disagreements, or outright conflict! Yet, even as Paul pointed out, we are all in process. We are in the process of doing things that lead us away from sin, or stubbornly towards it. The standard of perfection is hard, especially when we are all still sinners saved by your perfecting grace! What I do love is Paul’s honesty and transparency in leadership over Corinthian churches. I am so thankful for these letters helping all of us become more like Jesus! Amen.

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What hubris leader ignores warnings?

Reading Time: 4 minutes

So Jeremiah sent for Baruch son of Neriah, and as Jeremiah dictated all the prophecies that the Lord had given him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll. Then Jeremiah said to Baruch, “I am a prisoner here and unable to go to the Temple. So you go to the Temple on the next day of fasting, and read the messages from the Lord that I have had you write on this scroll. Read them so the people who are there from all over Judah will hear them. Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the Lord’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the Lord has threatened them with his terrible anger.” Baruch did as Jeremiah told him and read these messages from the Lord to the people at the Temple. ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭36‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What kind of leader, king, president or ruler ignores a clear warning from God? One that believes they are untouchable, too powerful to be affected by truth. Zedekiah was told exactly what was going to happen, what God was going to do. And yet, his kingly power had gone to his head, infecting him from common sense.

Gotquestions.org writes, “Zedekiah was the last king of Judah and was king when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by Babylon in 586 BC and the majority of the people were carried into exile. Zedekiah was 21 years old when he became king, meaning he would have only been about 10 when his father, Josiah, died and his brother Jehoahaz became king. Zedekiah ruled for 11 years but continued on all the evil of his brothers and nephew Jehoiachin. Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, and, as a result, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. Zedekiah was confident of Egypt’s help, which never materialized. In the eleventh year of Zedekiah’s reign, the city fell to Babylon.” As we can clearly see from Zed’s inflated ego, he thought he was savvy at playing political games, gambling with the lives of the people of Judah.

What is interesting is how Jeremiah’s prophetic word actually made it to the king. It seems like it was a very circuitous journey, gingerly making its way to Zedekiah, the king. Jeremiah’s scroll, given to Baruch to present at the temple did get the attention of the temple priests. Micaiah heard the messages from the Lord (36‬:‭11‬). Micaiah got the message to Elishama the secretary and other officials. When Micaiah told them about the messages Baruch was reading to the people, the officials sent Jehudi son of Nethaniah to ask Baruch to come and read the messages to them, too. So Baruch took the scroll and went to them. “Sit down and read the scroll to us,” the officials said, and Baruch did as they requested” (36‬:‭12‬-‭15‬).

Obviously, the officials serving king Zedekiah took it seriously. It was so serious, they investigated who the message actually came from, “When they heard all the messages, they looked at one another in alarm. “We must tell the king what we have heard,” they said to Baruch. “But first, tell us how you got these messages. Did they come directly from Jeremiah?” So Baruch explained, “Jeremiah dictated them, and I wrote them down in ink, word for word, on this scroll.” “You and Jeremiah should both hide,” the officials told Baruch. “Don’t tell anyone where you are!” Then the officials left the scroll for safekeeping in the room of Elishama the secretary and went to tell the king what had happened” (36‬:‭16‬-‭20‬). It was looking like Jeremiah’s message and the chance for mercy if the king listened to God ‭would resolve the whole situation.

But Zedekiah’s response was shockingly hubris! As the scroll makes its way to the king, Jeremiah records the environment and mood of Zedekiah. He was chill, comfortably sitting by the fire seemingly worry-free. “The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. Jehudi brought it from Elishama’s room and read it to the king as all his officials stood by. It was late autumn, and the king was in a winterized part of the palace, sitting in front of a fire to keep warm. Each time Jehudi finished reading three or four columns, the king took a knife and cut off that section of the scroll. He then threw it into the fire, section by section, until the whole scroll was burned up. Neither the king nor his attendants showed any signs of fear or repentance at what they heard. Even when Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah begged the king not to burn the scroll, he wouldn’t listen” (36‬:‭21‬-‭25‬). Section by section he cut it up as it was read and threw it into the fire! Understandably, he then ordered the arrest of Baruch and Jeremiah, but the Lord had hidden them. Every word of Jeremiah’s words, promises from God came true. Israel and Judah were put into a 70 year timeout by God, captives in Babylon.

How did it end for the hubris king? During the siege, Zedekiah fled the city by night but was captured. Zedekiah’s sons were killed before him, and then Zedekiah was blinded and taken to Babylon in chains. Even still, in God’s mercy, Zedekiah died a peaceful death, as God promised in Babylon years later.

We think, “if we were just clearly warned of what’s ahead, what are the results of our arrogance and sin – we would turn and repent.” Zed’s heart like many of our human hearts are far more complicated, far more stubborn, far more determined to have our own way even when we know it will end badly. James says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). It was true then and still true today!

Prayer

​Dad,
I don’t want myself or anyone I know to be a Zed! Wow. I know it’s in our human hearts to have the propensity to self serving and selfishness. But to be told, to be warned that judgement is coming AND miss the opportunity to repent – is just sad. Even with what little power I have, I want to maintain a soft, pliable heart before you. I am not perfect, but I certainly know how to repent and ask for forgiveness and mercy.

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So BIG it leaves us confused and disturbed.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There were promises and there were warnings. Clearly ancient words were spoken and recorded, prophesying, predicting what was to come – but few in the future believed. Time ebbed and flowed, dynasties and massive people groups shifted over hundreds of years, burying the truth alive in plain site. Yet one day, perfectly timed with precision, God sent Gabriel to announce the day of all days had come! Did the other angels know? Was heaven notified ahead of time? The news was never a secret, but the moment must have been highly guarded – maybe just God and Gabriel!

All history and all future would be extraordinarily changed by this annunciation – Mary, “you will.”

You will conceive.
You will give birth.
You will name him.

Then, He will be great.
He will be called.
The Lord God will give him.
And He will reign – over Israel forever and His Kingdom will never end.

All of this spoken to a humble, virtually unknown, young woman. Understandably Luke tells us Mary was “diatarassó,” thoroughly disturbed and “dialogizomai,” debated within herself – what does this all mean? Mary was completely knocked off center simply by Gabriel visiting her and complimenting her as being “highly favored with grace.”

After hearing what would take place within her young womb and who would yet to be conceived, and who that yet to be born person would become, she asked, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” Gabriel simply explained this one time supernatural event that would take place within her. The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” Mary’s famous words, “I am a female servant, a “doulé,” of the Lord. May it come into being, exactly as you have said.” From disturbed and debating to resolute with the will of Almighty God!

Even though this was a one-time, never to be repeated event, God is still fulfilling promises today. There are hundreds of yet to be announced prophecies that are scheduled to happen – maybe within our lifetime! For sure, we can give ourselves permission to question how or when, but being a believer or not – what God has said will become reality. Each one of the BIG, bizarre predictions and promises found in Revelation, will happen! Through who, or by when, or how it will all come to pass – we don’t know. But like Mary, anyone who is as wise and humble as this once young virgin, will say, “I am your “doulos,” your servant, may it come to be exactly as God has said.” Be aware. Believe and be ready! We may not have regular angelic visitors, but God is still dropping earth-shaking moves around the world. And, there some really BIG events yet to come.

Prayer

Dad,
I know you are still at work, still fulfilling prophetic promises all around us. It should not surprise us nor catch us unaware. Your word tells us that when the BIG events of wrapping up this life and the creation of a new earth, people will be having “normal” days when the events of Revelation take place. I don’t want to be confused or disturbed, I want to be excited to see the return of Jesus! Come quickly Lord Jesus, Amen.