GIFT

Day 25 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Scripture

John 10:22-29

Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Comments & Reflections

As a pastor, I frequently encounter people who are extremely worried about the salvation of a loved one who no longer believes and/or practices their faith. “Will they go to heaven?” I am asked. In response, I always point to these words of Jesus: “No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

Granted, this topic deserves way more discussion than a daily devo can provide. However, I will say this much on it. If the authenticity of the gift of salvation depends on certain outcomes in the recipient, doesn’t it then become a conditional gift? And if it is a conditional gift, can the giver then take it back if the recipient doesn’t use it properly or continually? And if the recipient can lose the gift because of misbehavior or neglect, does it really deserve to be called a gift? The lawyer in me would say “loan” or “lease” might be better terminology.

I’ve always been taught (and firmly believe) that we receive an unconditional gift when we receive the grace of Christ. Once accepted, all the “benefits” of the covenant go with it, and it can never be retracted. In other words, it cannot be “snatched away.” Like ever.

We receive the gift and have the freedom to do what we will with it. We can flourish in it, or we can flush it down the toilet. But it is, and always will be, ours. And if that sounds a bit unfair, it is exactly the point. Because in reality, if salvation was fair, NO ONE would get it. It is no stretch of the truth to say that salvation is the most unfair gift in the history of humanity. And yet there it is for the taking. Jesus has told us plainly. If we don’t believe it, than what more can he do?

Go into this day knowing the security we have in the promise of Jesus. It won’t be taken from us, or anyone who has received it. So why not use it to the fullest?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for the free gift of your love and grace. A gift we never lose. Show us how we can live into this never ending gift. Amen.

BAD BOSSES

Day 24 - Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Scripture

John 10:11-15

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep." 

Comments & Reflections

Recent surveys suggest that the majority of people who quit their job is because of a bad boss or manager. Think about that for a moment. The reason is not about money. It's not about working conditions. It not because they got a better opportunity. The majority leave because whoever is over them doesn't treat them as a boss or manager should.

I have been part of the workforce now going on 45 years now. Those forty plus years have provided me with countless exposures to bosses and leadership styles, both good and bad. In fact, I'm confident it doesn't take decades of experience to detect the difference. We know pretty quickly because we can sense whether or not the person who is leading us cares about us.

In these words, Jesus recognizes the same reality. He admits that an uncaring God doesn't deserve loyalty. So he lays down the standard of care expected of a shepherd, and for God himself: A willingness to die for those under his care.

In our current circumstance, it would be easy for us to use that as evidence that God doesn't care. But just because we experience pain in our situation doesn't necessarily equate to God "not caring."  God's love and concern extends far beyond our present context. Jesus is focused on our eternal future more so than our present one. He laid down his life for ours so we have everlasting life, not a comfortable earthly one.

As we step into another day of a life that has no previous parallel, recognize that Jesus is watching over us. He loves us. He cares for us. He will not run away from us just because trouble has appeared. Go through this day with confidence because we have a good shepherd.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are the good shepherd. You tell us that not even a hair will fall from our head without your knowledge. In these times of uncertainty, give us your peace and your presence. Reassure us of your goodness. Amen. 

Keep the Faith ~ Art.

FOLLOW

Day 23 - Monday, Marcy 23, 2020

Scripture

John 10:1-4

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

Comments & Reflections

Jesus as shepherd is one of the most enduring and welcoming images of God. What has gotten lost in our post-agricultural society is the nature of sheep. A specific quality that sheds light on this analogy of Jesus, sheep are followers by nature. They have a strong urge to flock together, and when a leader of the flock moves, the rest just follow along without complaint or question.

So that got me wondering. Does Jesus’ analogy lose its power of the imagery when we try to think of it in the modern age? After all, the flocking/following nature of sheep doesn’t seem to line up with current human behavior. We tend praise and give worth to independence of thinking. We value and uphold our individual freedom of movement (not withstanding our present circumstances.)  Does that mean we are no longer sheep?

I did some research, and I discovered one quality of sheep that recaptures the analogy. Absent a natural predator, the flocking/following nature of sheep is greatly diminished. If they don’t sense a long term and persistent threat, their gathering instinct starts to fade away over time. They are much more prone to wander away on their own, and resist being herded back to safety.

I’m not sure if those traits make sheep like people, or the other way around. However, I am sure that Jesus knew this analogy would withstand the test of time. So for us, maybe the point is return to our agricultural roots and learn to be better sheep and do a better job of following our shepherd.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we know that you watch over us. The beginning of this week finds us isolated in our homes, but still skittish in our anxiety. Calm our fears. Lead us, and invite us to (once again) follow you. Amen.

Keep the Faith!

CHILD-LIKE

Friday, March 20, 2020

Scripture

Luke 18:15-17

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Comments & Reflections

When we lived in Colorado, we would frequently do family hikes in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Invariably, we would start the trek with lots of energy and enthusiasm. We’d marvel at the beauty of the landscape, and revel in the privilege of being in the midst of it. That would last all of about ½ a mile. Then the newness wore off. Marvel dissolved into complaint. Laughter became labored breath. The journey became a trudge. Yes, we would reach our goal. Yet, struggling to the mountain top was always worth the view…well…almost always.

I think our faith journey can be much the same experience. It starts with excitement, but then it becomes a slog. Our eyes never rise above the trail, and we’ve long stopped enjoying the passing views. We become complacent and maybe even a bit jaded. The journey is more of a chore than a privilege.

This teaching by Jesus reminds us to never lose our sense of wonder when we engage in our faith. Rather than get stuck on the unsolvable mystery of how God works in the world, he encourages us to be like a child! Let imagination and hope and optimism and joy and love rule the day. It doesn’t require us to set aside reality, but rather, to simply look through it and discover the “glory sightings” of God. If children teach us anything about finding it, it is usually in the little things that escape our adult eyesight.

My girls taught me a lot about life and faith during those hikes in the mountains, because it was me who usually started flagging in the first mile. But my spirit was always lifted by their sense of adventure and joy. To use a word that has recently become taboo, their attitude was infectious. It did more than sustain me for the journey, it transformed me.

We are currently in the first mile of a new, but long, journey. Yes, it was kind of fun to have a couple of days of newness, but now the length of the path ahead might give us excuse to drop our eyes, start to grumble, and labor in pain. But Jesus encourages us not give into a world-weary and discontented faith. Have a faith like a child…for we will receive the gift of the Kingdom.

Prayer

Jesus, forgive us for our grumbling and complaining. Remind us of the time when we first met you, and the sense we received of your love and grace. That no matter what lie ahead of us in the journey through life, we were convinced you would get us through it. Retell us again that you have overcome the world. Amen.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Scripture

Luke 18:9-14

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Comments & Reflections

In this parable Jesus reveals the dynamics of “social distancing” long before that actually became a common phrase in our life. As we will see, many people have been doing it for thousands of years, but not for the same reasons we are doing it now.

The biblical version of “social distancing” happens when our adherence to the faith slowly devolves into self-justification. Let me explain. In the faith, we are always encouraged to practice various methods of discipleship. This include prayer, study, serving, giving, and most of all, the practice of forgiveness. For most of us, discipleship takes concentrated effort and consistent discipline because we are battling against our human nature that wants to do the opposite. But if we gain any measure of success in our practices, the danger becomes getting wrapped up in what we do versus why we do it.

In the parable, this is the fate of the Pharisee. Apparently he not only met the religious expectations of the day, but exceeded them. What happened? His focus was on what he had done. Notice that his prayer asks nothing from God, and at the same time, he looks down others who don’t meet this standard of practice. So what is the outcome? He has unwittingly “socially distanced” himself from anyone not as “good” as he is.

I doubt we would practice that against anyone who is publically repentant as the tax collector in the parable. But what is our attitude toward people who are not repentant, or indeed, defiant toward God? Do we, like the Pharisee, mutter a backhanded “thanksgiving” that we are not like THEM (whoever “them” might be.)

In this season of Lent, let us adopt an attitude of the tax collector. In this time of coronavirus, let us give up the practice of “spiritual distancing” from others who are not like us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, forgive us when we pull away from others because we see them as “less than.” Remind us that without your love and grace, all of us are nothing. In this time of being physically separated from each other, draw us closer to you and each other spiritually. Give us your peace. Amen.

PERSISTANCE

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Scripture

Luke 18:1-8

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

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

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

Comments & Reflections

We need to get something important out of the way before we dive into this scripture. There is always some confusion around this parable because it seems to put God in the position of an unjust judge. Ummm…no. Remember that parables are illustrations using fictional characters to reveal actual truth. As such, Jesus is setting up a contrast between an earthly judge and our heavenly Father. In other words, if the judge finally acts justly, how much sooner and better will God will act.

So what else do we draw from this parable of Jesus? Two things. The first concerns persistence, the second focuses on subject matter.

This parable is an encouragement to persevere in our faith and in our prayers, especially in situations of hopelessness. After all, what were the odds that the pleas of an elder widow would prevail with a powerful and uncaring judge? Yet, this reveals the real power of enduring faith and persistent prayer, even when the world says it is against the odds or useless.

Yet, this is not an encouragement to think that if we nag God enough, we’ll finally wear him down and get what we want. We might, but we might not. For example, in this parable, the issue at stake was seeking justice. We know God loves justice, and he will bring his justice, but only in his timing. So what is the “issue” we are bringing to God in our persistent prayers? Is it consistent with the Father’s attributes, or is it some other demand to make our life easier or more comfortable?

I believe prayers shape and change us far more than they “wear out” God. Consistent supplications to God will transform us into his likeness, not the other way around. The only way to prove that assertion is to keep praying and find out.

Prayer

Father God, we lift up our prayers to you. You invite us, call us, welcome us to your presence through our petitions. We can only present to you what we know and long for. But we ask that in your reply, you shape us into YOUR image. Lead us into the fullness of who you created us to be.

INFECTED

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Scripture

Luke 17:11-19

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Comments & Reflections

It goes without saying that the current pandemic is wreaking havoc on our society. Suddenly we are being told to isolate ourselves for coming weeks…and yes, maybe longer. But if we think the fallout of the coronavirus is bad, know that in ancient times the diagnosis of leprosy, and the stigma that accompanied it, was far worse. It meant a lifetime of being an outcast from society.

In this story, Jesus miraculously heals 10 men who are suffering from the disease, but only one returns to give thanks. Ironically, he was already an outcast in Jewish society by the fact that he was a Samaritan. We don’t know the reason why the other 9 didn’t return, and quite frankly, whatever their reasons, they wouldn’t suffice.

I think we can take a lesson from that in our current situation. Fear of the unknown and the sense loss can dominate our thoughts, which divert us from a posture of thankfulness that we eternal life with Jesus in the first place. I’m not trying to downplay the anxiety and frustration we will undoubtedly feel in the comings weeks and months. This is an event that will definitely leave a mark on our society, and living through it is never pleasant. But it is in these times of trial where the depth of our faith is tested. It is in these moments we forget our life saving healing (salvation) and don’t return to God with praises.

Recently we talked about the biblical definition of temptation: choosing whether or not to be faithful. We saw it in action when Jesus was led out into the desert for 40 days. It was 40 days of isolation far worse than social distancing. It was 40 days of fasting worse than empty grocery store shelves. His faith was tested and he had every invitation and excuse to give in to unfaithfulness…but he didn’t. He chose to be faithful because of his love and trust in God the Father. He chose to be faithful in the face of fear and isolation so we can’t stand before him and say: “You don’t know what it is like [fill in the blank.]” 

I’d feel pretty silly if I filled in that blank with how the current situation is tempting me to lose faith. So let’s start today with thanksgiving; and in these ongoing days of uncertainty…Keep the Faith!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, calm our fears and remove our anxieties. Let us remember the words you gave to your disciples…and to us. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Amen.

IN OUR MIDST

Monday, March 16, 2020

Scripture

Luke 17:20-21

Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Comment & Reflections

As we step into our first full week of being homebound and social distancing, we have more time on our hands than we typically are accustom to having. I will invite you to use that time to reflect a little longer on the above passage because there is something special within it that we might miss if we read to fast or casual. What I am about to share might seem a little academic, but sometimes we have to dig a little deeper to find the hidden treasures.

This passage has a double meaning, and perhaps, a beautiful paradox. It all turns on the final three word in the sentence that we read as “in your midst.” The word midst in the original Greek is a rare find in the New Testament. It only shows up twice, the other place being Matthew 23:26. The other translation of the word we can use is: within or inside. This is how it used in Matthew, and is the more common use in ancient, non-biblical Greek texts.

Notice how the two translation options impact the statement of Jesus. If it is midst, the meaning is obvious: the Kingdom of God is the midst of the Pharisees because Jesus is in their midst. Wherever Jesus is at, the Kingdom is found. Makes sense. But if we apply the other translated word to the verse (within or inside), it reveals something completely different. Jesus is saying that the Kingdom of God cannot be observed because as a “place” or “location” because the place and location is within us, and perhaps a statement foreshadowing the Holy Spirit residing within us.

So which translation is better? That’s the beautiful paradox because both are true. Even as we find ourselves facing the prospect of medical quarantine and social distancing in the midst of a world caught up in upheaval, we are not alone and in isolation. The Kingdom of God is coming because we know Jesus is coming back…but we don’t need to search for it, because it is already here, for it within us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give us a healthy dose of your peace in these uncertain times. Forgive us for trying to find signs of your kingdom by looking around us, instead of within us. May we take this opportunity to go deeper with you and receive your love. Amen.