April 15, 2014
Jesus pointed to Old Testament scenes of God’s judgment to answer end times questions. His use of the “Son of Man” title seems a clear reference to the exalted Messianic figure of Daniel 7. The fact that Jesus speaks of his future suffering and return further points to his self-awareness as the Messiah. Then, he compares the timing of his return to the days of Noah and later, to the time of Lot. In both cases, God’s judgment came without anyone being prepared, except the few warned by God (Noah’s family and Lot’s). Their was no worldwide awareness of God’s pending judgment, no readiness to face the Righteous One. It was a day like any other, it was “business as usual” when the end came suddenly. This is sobering news. Yet, nested within these stories is the fact that God saved Noah and Lot. They escaped God’s wrath through divine means. Perhaps the better question is not “when will the end come?” But “how can we escape God’s judgment?” How can we be ready for Christ’s return? The answer is to be found “in” Christ just as Noah was found in the boat when the floods came. As Paul said in Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
April 14, 2014
This was Abraham’s response to the rich man who while in torment in Hades begged for Lazarus to return to warn his brothers of the reality of heaven and hell. This dialogue was the conclusion to a story that Jesus told to illustrate the way people would continue to doubt Him even after His resurrection. The intellectual pride of the skeptic cannot be overcome with persuasion or evidence. The agnostic’s resistance to the gospel is not so much intellectual as it is willful. It’s not that they “can’t” listen to the evidence. It’s that they “won’t listen.” Believing in the resurrection of Jesus involves not only intellectual assent but a submission of the will, so that we confess Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).
April 13, 2014
People are often heard saying, “If I had more, I’d start giving, but I’m just too broke to give right now.” Yet, Jesus taught that faithfulness in large things begins with faithfulness in little things. Stop waiting for a better job, more money, a bigger house, or a nicer car before you start being faithful with what you have. Having more and bigger things won’t change you. You’ll still be unfaithful until you start putting God first. Be faithful with the little things and trust God for the rest.
April 12, 2014
Achan hid the things he had ransacked from Jericho under his tent after God had warned against it. When Israel fought against the city of Ai they lost the battle and 36 warriors as a result. Many say that their sin is their own and it doesn’t affect those around them. Yet, here we see the error. Sin in the camp affects all in the community.
April 11, 2014
This is the repetitive chorus of Psalm 80, perhaps written after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (“broken down walls” – v.12). The psalm is a prayer to God, begging Him to “turn us again” to Him. They recognized their inability to turn themselves. They needed God to restore them, to bring them out of captivity and return them to Himself. This is a powerful prayer: God restore us. God show mercy on us. God save us. And He did answer their prayer, especially the part found in verse 17 about the “son of your choice” (“Son of Man”). This points to the Messiah, who is Jesus the Christ, who is the fulfillment of their prayer for salvation.
April 10, 2014
Many attributes of Moses’ ministry could have been mentioned here that made his prophetic office unique. Challenging Pharaoh, leading Israel out of Egyptian slavery, shepherding them in the wilderness, giving them the laws of God… any one of these would make him one of the greatest prophets in Israel. Yet, here it is supported by the fact that the Lord knew him “face to face.” It was this intimate relationship with God that marked Moses’ ministry. He was a mediator, a go-between for God and Israel. In this, Moses was a Christological type, one whose life pointed to a future fulfillment in Christ Jesus. Unlike Moses, who could never really “see” God in all His glory (Read Exodus 33-34), Jesus came from God Himself. As John wrote: “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:18). Jesus is our Great Mediator. There never has been, nor will there ever be another like Him!
April 9, 2014
This is a description of King David, whom God took from the sheep pens to the throne room and made a shepherd over Israel. God loves taking the least and raising them up to prominence. And God cares more for the inner than the outer life. He knew David’s heart. He knew that he could be trusted with God’s people. David “cared” for God’s people. David had a “true heart,” a heart of integrity. There’s a character trait greatly needed in our presidents and pastors today! But he wasn’t just all passion and no competence. No, he had hands to match his heart, God had given him skill with people and with administration. David was the shepherd king, the greatest king Israel had known. He was the foreshadowing of the true Shepherd King, which is Christ Jesus the Lord. Christ’s heart and hands are unmatched! He is the Shepherd who willingly lay down His life for the sheep.
April 8, 2014
Many aspire to leadership, yet few qualify. Many think this due to politics or birthright, but the few who work hard and find themselves elevated know better. Leadership comes to those who first serve well. Great leaders begin as great followers. Obey those in authority over you. Make their job easier. Make your boss look good. Work hard and those over you will take notice. Many want to steer the boat, but few volunteer to row. Yet, it is the callouses from rowing that prepare the leader to steer.
April 7, 2014
How do you measure life? Jesus warned the man who asked him to act as judge in settling his father’s estate that such things were not so important. Too many families have been divided over the disposition of their parents belongings. How sad that a time of mourning is further multiplied with the greed of sibling selfishness. Everyone should beware! None are immune to the flesh’s desire. Yet, a good strategy for guarding against greed is generosity. Give things away and watch their power over you diminish. Make Jesus the object of your very great desire and be set free from worldly greed. Let the abiding Christ in you be the measurement of your life.
April 6, 2014
Moses gave final instructions to the Israelites before his departure. He told them that they all had to make a choice between life and death. Both paths are clearly marked, yet few choose life. Here, Moses said that the “key to life” is to love, obey and commit yourself to God. Yet, the only One to really accomplish this is Jesus, who alone expressed love, obedience and commitment to the Father fully. When we “choose” Jesus (who has already chosen us), we choose life.