Tag: power

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Powers that pound the throne.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past. The floods have risen up, O Lord. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore— the Lord above is mightier than these! Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.” Psalms‬ ‭93‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I first wrote about this Psalm, I did not know it’s author was Daniel and it was written while he and the majority of Jewish people were captives in a foreign land. One of the best, quick resources I came across was a Bible resource link to describe the probable date each Psalm was written and who wrote it. https://bit.ly/psalmsdates.

Psalms is a collection of writings. This Psalm describes the hope of God’s power and ability to stay in control while everything else feels like a destructive storm. Daniel describes how powerful these pounding waves can be. Babylon was the biggest and strongest force on the planet at the time and it looked as if the nation, that king would destroy the throne of God himself.

We have the benefit of knowing the before and after! Babylon was used as a disciplinary entity to put Israel in a 70 yr timeout. Yet, this massive kingdom would not overtake God’s throne. Think about this. There is no kingdom past, present or future that has storm-waves big enough to destroy God’s eternal throne. NOTHING can stop nor thwart the will of God! Not then, not now, not ever.

Daniel’s hope in God paints the picture of one of the most powerful forces on the earth – the seas. Untamable and unstoppable itself. As the sea, depicted as God’s enemies, roars, pounds and breaks on the steps below the throne of God, it will never overtake it. Daniel states this majestic truth, God’s royal laws cannot be changed and will never be subverted! This Psalm is a reminder of hope. No matter the size and relentlessness of the storms we face here on this planet, may they be attacks or even directed disciplines, they will never diminish God’s power or his throne! I take comfort in that. The darkness, the chaos may be great, but our God is GREATER.

Prayer

Dad,
I do not find fear in your power, I find comfort in it. I find hope in this; no matter what I see going on around me – you are on the throne that will never be overcome. No matter what I feel, my trust, my faith is steady in your power. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

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What can people do to me?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Psalm 118 opens with David’s bold declaration of trust – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” He had decided to center on who God is and what God wanted to accomplish, not the whirlwind of threats, intentions and plans of his enemies.

After the prophet Nathan had blown up David’s life, confronting him for his triple atrocities – rape, murder and coverup. God then deconstructed his faith, judging him and stripping him of the promises God had made to him when he was a younger man. These Psalms are the rebuilding and reconstruction of a whole new life. Yet, even with this fresh start there were consequences that followed David until the end of his life.

Along with this declaration, came the familiar sense of how powerful God’s will is and how weak are the constant veiled threats of people. Why do we listen to people compared to listening to God? It’s a common, flawed theme, in our lives! David writes out his process that is worth emulating. “In my distress I prayed to the Lord.” Again, how many times do I need to be reminded to go to God FIRST? We hear it, we are quick to encourage others to do it. But why do we wallow and wander in our hearts and ruminate in our minds when it looks like bad things may be heading our way?

David’s answer came quickly, “the Lord answered and set me free.” Wait? Did the threats stop? Did his enemies stop mocking? Did his own family situation just suddenly resolve? No, no and no. Circumstances did not change. David’s perspective, conviction and confidence changed! “The Lord is with me, so I will have no fear.” Then David scripts one of the most powerful narratives in the Bible, “what can man do to me?” NIV translates it, “what can mere mortals do to me?” The Hebrew text says, “What can adam (mankind) do?” Yahweh (Yhvh) is on my side! It is better to take refuge in and trust in Yahweh than people or princes.

David in his very natural, normal process of being confronted by his own sin and failures as a man, a husband and a global leader, decided to receive both consequences AND forgiveness. He begins the slow progress of reconstructing his faith and his life. This is extremely hard to do, right? If you don’t think so then maybe you have not blown your life up and watched the shattered pieces of friends and families have to rebuild their trust in you. David didn’t stay down, he didn’t continue to roll around in the gutter of his past. When God offered a hand to pull him out of the pit of despair, discouragement and depression, David took that hand and let God lift him. No, God didn’t not let him off easy for his sins. David paid dearly through massive loss of his sons and family integrity. Yet, God gave him a chance, a do-over. Psalm 118 is a great model of active repentance and rebuilding a life with God.

Prayer

Dad,
Whew. What a rough read. To go from a happy, singing shepherd boy to giant killer to a global leader. Then, with all that power, wealth and opportunity, to see David cave to his long-battled, selfish lust and desires is so gut-wrenching. He knew better, he should have behaved better, but he didn’t and I’m not beyond making those stupid, selfish mistakes myself. Yet, in your mercy and massive long-suffering, you gave him another chance to get it right. Even then, David had to go through the consequences and climb out of his own darkness and depression to let you forgive and help rebuild his life. Thank your for your mercy and patience over me. I never want to take it for granted.

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Power to serve.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If the gospels were to sum up one thing in the retelling of all the miracles Jesus did, it would be this – Jesus had all authority. Mark’s book consistently highlights, Jesus also had all power. All power and authority over EVERYTHING. What does one do with all that power? To be able to speak and your every command is carried out?

This is what is so shocking in John’s book as Jesus heads into the final moments with his closets friends. Just follow this thought that John lays out. Jesus knew… He knew the Father had given him authority and that He had come from God and would return to God. So then… then what? What does Christ do with that knowledge, that confidence? John says he got up, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist and poured water into a bowl. Are you able to mentally picture this scene as John gives a step by step view of Jesus’ behaviors. Now, Jesus looked like a servant, a slave. Someone you would hire for the night to tend to guests as they came into your home and left their dirty sandals on the stoop then walked in with the dust of the day on their feet. Every person in the room knew what this looked like. Every reader of this story knew what this felt like.

The radical role reversal was that Jesus IS God and he now would take on the persona of a servant. Jesus washed the disciples feet. Is it humiliating to have someone wash your feet? Sure, today it is. Was it humbling to have it done then? No, not by the lowest person of cultural status. But it would be extremely difficult to let the hands that multiplied loaves of bread, touched the blind eyes to make them see or reached out to grab a little girl’s dead hand and raise her to life. Those same hands on my dirty feet? No way! No wonder Peter was aghast saying, “you might as well wash my armpits as well then!” You get the idea.

This is what God looks like in all His might, power and authority? With all justice, judgment and wisdom across the eons of time and space? Yep. Take a selfie quick, God cleans my dirty feet. This gives Jesus the perfect time to tell the disciples (and us) His one final, summary command. Get this, Jesus wrapped up all the laws, all the commands, all the rules of faith and conduct towards others right here in John 13:34, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Take all the authority that Jesus clearly gives His followers, take all the power of Christ’s name and use it, apply it in this way – love one another! Just like Jesus served them by washing their feet, this is how the body of Christ, the people of God should be treating each other. Do you see the filth of the day caked on your brother or sister in Christ? Don’t judge them as dirty, grab a towel and a bowl of water and serve them.

Prayer

Dad,
In some of my most depressing days, when I have been down and struggling to get a clear view of your grace, I have had friends reach out and figuratively wash my feet. I had so much yuck caked on my soul, but they tenderly reached out and encouraged me, spoke hope into my life. This is the way! This love for you gets transferred into a humble love of serving one another. How beautiful! Help us keep that in mind in the whole body of Christ as we live as examples of how to distribute true power and authority.

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Our pronouns.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“In the west, people will respect the name of the Lord; in the east, they will glorify him. For he will come like a raging flood tide driven by the breath of the Lord.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭59‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah uses a lot of cooperative personal pronouns when he writes about the desperate state and culture of Israel. He starts most of the sentences in these passages with “we.” “So there is no justice among US, and WE know nothing about right living. WE look for light, for bright skies. WE grope, we stumble, we are like the dead. WE growl like hungry bears; WE moan like mournful doves. WE look for justice, but it never comes. WE look for rescue. For OUR sins are piled up before God and testify against us. WE know what sinners we are. WE know we have rebelled and have denied the Lord. WE have turned our backs on our God. WE know how unfair and oppressive we have been, carefully planning our deceitful lies. OUR courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed.”

We, us, our… Isaiah understood THEY were all willful, purposeful participants in the culture of WRONG. There is no waggling finger pointing out of a self-righteous soul declaring – YOU…. you did this! No, it’s us and ours.

After a slew of declarations attributed to the mess WE make of things – almost entirely against each other, Isaiah boldly declares that God will roll-tide in by His mighty breath of judgment and justice to make things right. God will rise like a raging river to “nō·sə·sāh,” drive, make to flee all evil. Who would NOT want God to sweep across their land and clear out the evil that has destroyed life, love, families and friendships?

In other places in the Bible, God tells us exactly who opposes His removal of evil – those who love evil and benefit from it. You start to understand that it’s the selfish, the tyrants, the proud and powerful, those on top that do not want God’s way. The ones who do not want justice are those who better themselves by keeping others down and dependent on their systems of power and control. God brings freedom where all others bring control, or enslavement.

Prayer

Dad,
I’m beginning to understand just how upside down our world and our thinking really is. When you bring justice and righteousness, it is to our advantage, it is for our freedom. It’s not just a freedom from tyrants, it’s the ability to be free from our own selfish, devilish desires! It’s not just my sin that is so destructive within, it is my sin that is devastating to all those around me, those that I love and want the best for. And as I read about the mass of people Isaiah is talking about, I see the effects of our unity in brokenness and darkness rather than wholeness and light. It is just so clear to me now. I pray that in the east and in the west that you rise and breath justice into us and ours.

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Answering to ultimate power

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful. You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all.” Psalms‬ ‭89‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Psalmist writes these broad strokes of power and huge overarching themes of ultimate control over all things – heaven and earth. This Psalm is written while Israel is parked in a 70 year timeout under Babylon’s rule. Daniel is the main character during this time, and even though he could have written this tribute to God it’s more likely that Ezra, the scribe wrote it.

I live close enough to the Pacific Ocean to enjoy parking along the cliffs of Big Corona and sitting on benches overlooking the expansive sea. It is breathtaking to watch the waves constantly, consistently crash on the shore and the reflective sunlight to dance on the endless vista to the horizon.

The ocean is so vast it’s intimidating. Every seaman story tells of its dangerous and untamable nature. No serious captain or crew underestimate its power and often merciless mysteries. That is why it so poetically appropriate for the Psalmist to declare God’s strength and dominion over the waters that cover 71 percent of the Earth’s surface and hold about 96 percent of all Earth’s water. As humans we all basically live on an island!

The Psalm says, “You rule the oceans.” I am impressed with God’s power, we all should be. All heavens and earth are His. How can God, with this much power not only be concerned but involved and in love with US? How can God with this much power and control not be feared, respected and obeyed? How can this mighty, ocean-ruling God put up with so many who mock, profane and arrogantly ignore Him as creator of all things? It’s shockingly unbelievable! Why doesn’t God just instantly zap every mouthy, foul fool into oblivion?

Because He made us, and has determined to love us. His enduring mercy and patience is utterly, unconditionally FOR us! However, time, like all created things, has an end. There will come a time when everything wraps up and concludes this existence. Every human is given time and every opportunity possible to remind us of God’s existence and His plan for our redemption, our rescue. Many have decided, with full recognition of God’s plan, to go at life and eternity their own way – which we know is simply death, then the moment of accountability. If you have rejected THE most powerful and most loving force in the universe? God will ask why and you will answer.

Prayer

Dad,
When I stand on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and look out to the unending vastness of the sea, I feel so feebly small. I also get just how powerful and as the Psalmist wrote, MIGHTY you really are. You tame the tides and control the storms, yet with our human hearts your greatest power is not force or constraint, but love and freedom. I am overwhelmed, undone, as Isaiah wrote, with your mercy. I will recognize your power and submit to your everlasting love.

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Just another new trick up his sleeve.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.” ‭‭Acts ‭8‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Simon the Sorcerer. What a nickname, what a title to carry around. Luke admits that Simon was a big deal in Samaria. He had a big following of people that called him “The great one – the power of God.” Interesting right? Simon was earnestly flamboyant. Then SHOCKER, he becomes a believer and is baptized. He was a formerly a great magician, a crowd pleaser. Now he’s a Christian following Philip around, learning the ropes of this new religion along with signs and wonders. Curiosity must have got the best of him. Simon must have thought, hmmm, Philip was a believer and so was he. Then how or why could Philip perform these feats of great power with miracles. Could he do the same?

The answer would soon arrive with Peter and John’s arrival. When the apostles heard what had been happening in Samaria (of all places), they sent a couple of guys down to see what was happening. Doing a little follow up, they “they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.” I’ll let you sort out the truth of this moment. Luke says that the Holy Spirit had NOT YET come upon them even though the belief in Jesus and Baptism meant the Holy Spirit would take up residence in them just as Jesus had promised. What? How is that possible? Yeah, there’s a second and critical “in filling, outpouring” of the supernatural work of the Spirit. Peter and John were just following the instructions that God had given them.

What were the results for the Samaritan believers being filled? Luke doesn’t say, but clearly Old Simon the Sorcerer saw something! He saw something they had that he did not have. Was it speaking in other tongues? Probably. Was it prophesying, boldly proclaiming the works of God? Sure. It was clearly something Simon had not received. And, he wanted it desperately! But, not for the right reason.

He tells Peter and John, “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” Wow! He wanted more “power” than his former theatrical performances could possibly possess. That’s just what the show needed, a new trick to bring in more people, possibly more money! Simon tries to cut a deal with the two apostles and Peter quickly rebuked him, immediately revealing Simon’s motives, “But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!” Whew. I never thought about people trying to buy the power of God. I’ve heard of people trying to buy salvation. Well there have been long dark seasons in history where the “church” was selling salvation as well!

Peter, who is full of the Holy Spirit and has the gift of discernment because of this, tells Simon far more about himself that we would have ever known, “for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” Whoa. Wasn’t Simon just some street performer trying to make a little more money? Where did Peter get all that from? From the same Spirit that Simon was trying to bribe! Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, wanted to lovingly and quickly judge this new believer’s heart and motives by exposing his sin and giving him opportunity to repent of his wickedness, this controlling sin of bitter jealousy. The light of Jesus Christ shines in darkness exposing sin to make us or allow us to get rid of it. We don’t know what happened to Simon or his sideshow after that. But all his new friends, who were believers, all knew what Simon was really struggling with.

Prayer

Dad,
As powerful as this scene is, it’s also a little creepy and convicting. Creepy because it is so mystical and outside of our understanding of how Christianity or certainly religion is supposed to work. Convicting, because it really hits home with my own sin and your desire for me to be completely free of things that I hold onto. Thankfully it’s not bitter jealousy or obsession with money, but I’ve got other problems to deal with. I am thankful that when I confess and turn away from my sin that you forgive and clean me up.

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What do YOU want?

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God asked Solomon in a dream. What a dream that must have been. Just coming off the Christmas Day experience yesterday, that question gets more and more difficult to answer as you get older – at least it does for me.

If God came to me in a dream and asked me what I want, I’m not sure I could answer right away. Solomon was probably 20 to 24 years old and was looking at ruling a population of 5 million people. And, shocker, Israel had become so large and powerful that their previous captors, Egypt, became an ally! The Pharaoh gave his daughter to be married to young Solomon.

In this dream where God asks Solomon a question that had never been asked, Solomon answers God. He humbly and honestly asked God for what he needed the most to carry on the legacy his father had left him. What leader doesn’t grab all that he can get with an offer like this at the outset of his totalitarian rule? Maybe Solomon had a sense, a taste of what ultimate power and wealth brought him. It didn’t look like more of the same would help him be the son, the King that God’s people needed him to be. So he answered, “give me an understanding heart,” so he could govern well. So the nation would be known, and have a culture of knowing the difference between right and wrong. Wow. Anyone who has studied history knows how many wacko leaders have taken the reigns of power and wealth, only to use them for their own selfishly sadistic purposes. We had those kind of rulers then, and we have them scattered throughout the globe even today. You can probably name the mentally-maniacal men ruling and ruining lives as you read this sentence! Solomon, as a young man, wanted to judge and govern well and to do so with God’s wisdom and justice. God, give us leaders that want this today.

Prayer

Dad,
We still have rulers, kings and leaders in every part of the world. And some are responsible for populations as big or much bigger than Israel at the time of Solomon. I live in a country that used to be united as individual states, under a series of balanced power or cooperative leaders. Now, under our nation of Divided States of America, we have deep divisions and distrust with sweeping, reactive grasps of power. We have each cycle of elections and votes trying to wipe out the changes of the other regime. We all ache for justice for our own agendas. I see the end coming. Especially when the world looks for that one person who has all the answers. They search for the one who will give us what we want AND promise peace. Each time I’ve seen this cycle of chaos in our world, I understand the real possibility that THE antichrist (not an antichrist), the imposter of all time will come to power soon. When, where, who – I do not know. But all the signs start showing up again. My longing for the Kingdom of God grows in these turbulent times. Come quickly Jesus – maranatha!

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Confidence without cockiness.

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus was teaching and preaching IN the Temple. This is the pro league if religion were a sport (and to the religious leaders, it was). It was written elsewhere that Jesus spoke with authority and the common folk noticed and liked it. The religious leaders, comparatively, had the authority to speak, given by long-standing rights and privileges passed down to them and conveniently given the stamp of approval by their mentors.

The religious leaders, of which three power-groups are mentioned, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law and the elders approached Jesus. Sounds intimidating right? What were they asking? And why were they asking? There were systems and steps that one had to go through to gain the right to speak in the temple, or even a local synagogue for that matter. Those steps were incremental and had the guidance and blessing of a “master” Rabbi so to speak. That master Rabbi would have been well known and approved by others himself. Ray Vander Laan writes, “Jesus seems to be a type of rabbi believed to have s’mikhah or authority to make new interpretations. Most of the teachers were Torah teachers (teachers of the law) who could only teach accepted interpretations.”

I can almost see these powerbrokers of the temple getting together and trying to figure out who was Jesus’ master Rabbi. Was it Nicodemus? Was it Gamaliel? These religious leaders could not connect Jesus with any known Rabbi, yet he spoke with “authority.” Jesus not only quoted other Rabbi’s from time to time, he also did something extraordinarily rare, he interpreted the law and the prophets making application from the entire Old Testament passages. Who gave Jesus that authority? Who gave Jesus this right to interpret? God himself!

Jesus answered their own question with a brilliant question. He said, “Let me ask you a question first,” he replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?” Ah, yes! There was another Rabbi who spoke with authority and interpreted scriptures as well – John the Baptist. Jesus knew how much religious leaders STILL couldn’t stand God’s spokespersons (Prophets). And Jesus knew how the locals, the “people” loved hearing the pure truth of God spoken with power.

This power group, approached Jesus to shut him down and ended up being scolded for not recognizing the Spirit of the one they were supposed to be working for! Jesus flat out told them, “I’m not telling you who gave me my credentials.” Most of them ended up referring to Jesus as Rabbi from that point on.

I understand that leaders can start out being protective, like a good shepherd should. Knowing who is speaking on behalf of and leading others in the ways of God. But when it twists and turns into controlling others, this is where it goes badly. Power and authority is to protect NOT to control!

Prayer

Dad,
Help us, as leaders, as “religious” Rabbi’s so to speak, always lean towards protecting and not controlling others. Help us to be servants, humble and meek, taking every opportunity to love and give and reflect the true nature of a shepherd to those who believe. Help those in positions of influence be careful to lead, only reflecting Jesus and not themselves. Help us gain back the trust we squandered in the past.

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Power prayers of Paul

Reading Time: 2 minutes 
“Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,” Ephesians‬ ‭1:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wow, I read Paul’s prayer for the folks in Ephesus and I think, “my prayers are so fluffy and weak comparatively! Here’s Paul’s prayer: “asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Here I am asking God to give my friends peace and comfort and Paul is pushing for spiritual wisdom, GROWING in knowledge, flooded with light and confident in hope! Wait, there’s more… He also prays that they understand God’s power for US who believe (calling it resurrection power).

These are examples of continued TRANSFORMATION prayers. Paul writes of us, frail, broken humans being God’s rich and glorious inheritance. I think about that, we are God’s inheritance?

We are the outcome and expression of this epic battle of free will to choose Him, choose good over evil. Even after knowing and experiencing evil. Even after being lured by lies and falling for the bait every time. Even after carrying guilt, shame and natural consequences of our CHOICES! We can still chose God? He has provided the way back to himself.

How many times have you longed for the innocence and wonder you see in a child? When they were at a stage that they only knew of the safety and love of a good parent. Before they discovered bullies and lies. Before the fear of real monsters who prey on others. Before they even knew we, as parents, were not perfect! Oh, I know children aren’t completely innocent. But in terms of what they know of their world, remember how we feared the day they found out that not everyone and everything is good?

I have longed for that innocence and a future without politics, predators and pain. Paul prays that the church would know God, as He has always been and always will be – GOOD. But to also know God even in the midst of and surrounded by bad.

Prayer

Dad,
I want to know this wisdom, knowledge, hope and power now, when I need it the most. I pray for my family and friends to know these things now as well. Why wait, right? Why believe in in these eternal ideas and not live in such a way that reflects those truths now? I want them in my life and friend’s lives – now – because we so desperately need them now. Father, help us to remember to not just pray these words, but believe and live these words in our lives.

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Gehazi goes side-giggin’

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the Lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.” 2 Kings‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Why not get a little something-something for my trouble? In Gehazi’s mind, his master, Elisha, was a poor money manager, negotiator and certainly lacked the common knowledge – you never say no to money! Gahazi thinks, Elisha should NOT have let this Aramean (uh, foreigner) get away. Oh, but Gahazi, who was learning about these mysterious ways that God interacted with Elisha, must have drawn the line at the whole “work man worthy of his hire,” or “don’t muzzle the oxen when it’s eating,” concepts that are very common in minister circles today.

And it was hard to figure out the pattern by just observing Elisha. Remember there was famine in the land. One time Elisha asks a widow to give him her last bit of food for herself and her son. Then another Elisha feeds hundreds of people with the gift from from Baal-shalishah. Elisha said, “Give it to the people so they can eat.” 2 Kings‬ ‭4:42‬ ‭NLT‬‬. It must have driven Gehazi a little crazy.

No matter the motive, Gehazi’s plans were sketchy from the start. He runs after Naaman’s entourage, and bold-face LIES to Naaman about Elisha changing his mind! “my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.” What? Two guys arrived SINCE the time I just left? Naaman doesn’t care about the money or the expensive clothes, he just received a new lease on life! Sure “take double that,” he says being extremely generous.

You feel the moral tension when the text says, “Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house.”

The next interaction with Gehazi and Elisha is so predictable. It’s like that conversation every Father has had with their lying, scheming Junior High son! Elisha asks Gehazi, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” Now, I need to insert here that great parents all play the same game of truth or how-dare-you with their kids. Parents ask questions they already have the answer to!!! We’re just trying to let our children have one last chance to come clean and confess to something we already know about. It’s a setup and it works every time.

Gehazi replies with the most ridiculous answer, “I haven’t been anywhere.” Oh really? So this whole time you’ve been GONE, nowhere to be found, you were really here, but just what, invisible? Elisha doesn’t give him a second chance to be truthful. Apparently, Moms are the only ones with “eyes behind their head!” Prophets have that spirit-intuition that something smells nasty!

Gehazi must have turned sheet-white when Elisha dropped this question…“Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you?” I would have been sick to my stomach if I were Gehazi. Then, oddly, Elisha goes on to describe MORE than just Gehazi’s greed, he lays out the young servant’s true plans and intentions for his future. A future filled with lots of wealth and lots of influence! Gehazi didn’t just want money, he wanted MORE of everything. Elisha asked him, “Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants?” The answer for prophets in training or young ministers everywhere is NO. This is NOT the time for more. Then maybe to discipline Gehazi, but possibly even to save his life, he blessed him with Naaman’s curse – incurable skin disease.

Prayer

Dad,
These are hard lessons for those who are called to be ministers, servants, evangelists or even prophets. The lesson of how to handle money and power. The lesson of how to “know” things in the Spirit and NOT let that go to one’s head. To have multiple opportunities to get ahead or secretly take or make a deal on the side and think like Gehazi’s, “I deserve this.” Or, “know one will ever know.” It gives me chills to think about how often this happens in ministry and ministers today. Help us oh God to trust and completely depend on your supply, your care for us and our families. Help us to do the right thing always!