Sabbath

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. Ezekiel20:20¹

Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,

and in striking each other with wicked fists.

You cannot fast as you do today

and expect your voice to be heard on high. Isaiah58:4 ²

“God established the Sabbath, the day of rest, not simply to exact from people what is due to him. Nor did he establish it merely that people might rest. Therefore the prophet Ezekiel explains how God’s Sabbaths should be sanctified or kept holy.”³

Sabbath

This morning I poured myself into the church office and opened my Bible program and looked at he reading from a book I have been going through, “365 Days With Calvin” It is a devotional book based on the writings of John Calvin’s commentaries. Today’s reading struck me with the idea of Sabbath. I remember well being taught what the word means and the reason why it was given. God told the people of Israel that the earth was made in six days and God rested. The same will be for the people of God. They will labor six days and rest on the seventh. We hold to a similar principle in U.S.A. today. We just get confused about which is the seventh, so we take off two days a week. The Jewish/Christian mind at work. Respect for the Jews and the Christians. But most people do not get the old dedicated days off any more. The U.S.A. still recognizes a five day work week, but not always coming to a close on Friday.

American Church Frustration

This frustrates many people, episodically those of us in the church world who see numbers quickly falling off. We blame all the world about taking over our Sunday mornings. We remember the good old days when everything was closed and everyone went to church. At least some people in the church speak about these days. I do not remember these times. Since I can remember, everything has had hours on Sunday. The hours may not be as long as today, but lots of places were open. Then I ask myself, “Am I helping to stop the business from being open on Sunday?” I get gas. I go out for dinner. I get supplies from the store. My actions are not helping the condition. Let alone the fact that God calls people to a Sabbath, a day of rest.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

As I read the selection today from Calvin and the Bible, I realized that the Sabbath was not about rest and maintaining a rule. It is also not about a day of the week. It is about an intentional encounter with God. No matter what day each person has to take a break, a day of rest. We need to give that time to God and let God restore us. The true reason for the Sabbath was to identify the people from the rest of the world as the people of God. Not because of a break, but because they gave something important to God, time. We can accomplish the same today. We can demonstrate to the world we are followers of Christ by giving something important to God, our time.

I want us to remember that he Sabbaths was about giving time to God to celebrate and rejoice in the Holiness of God. How will you celebrate God? 

 

1 Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 149). Leominster; Grand Rapids, MI: Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.

2 The New International Version. (2011). (Is 58:4). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

3 Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 149). Leominster; Grand Rapids, MI: Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.

Fourth Monday of Lent: Lent 2014

Lenten Devotional

Luke 8-9

I was missing a few days due to other requirements, but today's reading is full of two fascinating teachings on the church.  They revolve around the twelve disciples and there teaching.  The first revolves around the practical teachings of the disciples.  

The twelve are given an opportunity to practice all they have been taught by being sent out in pairs.  This is just as important form us today.  The twelve are given specific instructions as to how to conduct themselves as they travel.  

"he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”  So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere."

This is a practical way for all people being trained to follow Jesus.  We need to give them a mentor who has spent time already deep in Jesus' teaching and walking his ways.  Then the mentor guides and leads the newer followers of Jesus in the ways of Jesus teaching and giving opportunities to practical in real ways.  This is a training system still used in the building and construction trades today.   

The second moment is when they were sitting after the first experience and the twelve were asked about what they believed about Jesus.  The list of what others believe is long, but Peter comes up with an astonishing statement.  He declares that Jesus is the messiah, the son of God.  This is a point of drastic change for the life of the twelve disciples and the work of Jesus.  From this point all the Gospels take a turn towards what we know to be the culmination of Jesus' mission and life.

This same question is asked of us.  What do you say about me?  There are still people today who will give all the multiple answers given in Jesus' time.  We are asked the question of Jesus' reality in our life as the foundation of how we will live and work.  The question is simple, but the implications are profound.

Third Monday in Lent: Lent 2014

Lenten Devotional

Mark 12-13

Sorry of for missing some days, but the weather, study leave and all good things of God's creation pulled me away from the computer.  I am learning a devotional like this is harder to put together day by day than I anticipated.  I covet your prayers as I pray for all who read.  In these chapters we have some more parables and teaching on the end times, but I feel that the center is held by Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment.

Again, Jesus is being trapped by the religious elite of His time with the question of what is the greatest commandment.  Now, Jesus answers with the general teaching that all great rabbis and teachers have given, 

‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (Mark 12: 29-30).

The first part of this response is from Deuteronomy 6:4-5.  This passage called the shema.  It is the central teaching of all the law as Jesus proclaims. All people we to memorize this text and it was part of the worship for Jewish people.  Jesus does not end with this proclamation.  He gives a second that is just as important.

Jesus proclaims it is just as important to love your neighbor as yourself.  Between these two commandants is the fullness of the law and the prophets.  This is the twist that is true in all of the Old Testament, but never seems to come out in the teaching by the elders.  If we demonstrate our love for others, we are demonstrating our love and devotion to God.  The opposite is true also.  In demonstrating our love of God, we demonstrate love of others.  

The religious leaders of Jesus time were getting caught in the law of making sure all the rules were followed to the neglect of other people.  THis is true many times today.  We want to make ourselves look great in the eyes of others even if it pushes other people away.  When we start looking at others as people in need of our compassion and deserving of God's love and forgiveness as much as us, the world turns upside down.  Jesus was very good at turning things upside down.  

We are left with the same challenge today as they were, love God and love your neighbor.  What are some ways we can demonstrate love to others in tangible meaningful ways?

Third Wednesday of Lent: Lent 2014

Lenten Devotional

March 4-5

We come again to some of the great parables we read in Matthew.  We see some of the similarities between the gospels, but soon after a few teachings, we get a glimpse into Jesus' humanity.  After spending time teaching and healing people of different ailments, Jesus and the disciples take off over the sea to a different location.  Jesus is exhausted.  He falls asleep in the back of the boat.  Anyone who has spent time on a boat could understand how this would happen.  The gentle waves would lull someone sleepy into a great sleep.  This is what happens to Jesus.  Yet, it does not stay like this for long.

The waters turn rough and the waves come over the top of the boat.  The disciples become scared and worried for the own safety.  But Jesus is still asleep in the back of the boat and attempts to rest.  The disciples wake him and explain the situation.  The whole world changes around them.

Jesus cries out to the wind and waves to calm down.  Everything goes back to normal on the water, but not in the hearts of the disciples.  This was another moment when they are surprised at his power and command of the world.  This was a teaching moment to their faith.  They got to see that the teacher, Jesus, has great power.  He does not just heal and teach.  He protects people and calm nature around them.

This is a  teaching for us.  Jesus wants His ministry and work to continue.  If we are following Jesus' call and passions, there will be many obstacles to our service.  Can they be over come in miraculous ways?  I believe this passage teaches us yes.  IF it is too turbulent, God can and will calm the storms.  He does listen to our concerns and worries.  We just need to be faithful. 

Second Tuesday of Lent: Lent 2014

Lenten Devotional
Mark 1-3

I was not able to write on yesterday's reading due to travel and attending a conference.  I wish this was not so as that reading was on the death and resurrection of Jesus.  The most important of all aspects of the Christian Gospel.  This is the foundation of our faith and hope.  None the less, today we start into a new Gospel.  Mark is the shortest of the four gospels and believed to be the first one written.  It is also believed to be the foundation of Matthew and Luke.  But as Matthew has a specific picture of Jesus' life, Mark also has a specific picture to help us see Jesus.

The one thing we see early is that Mark speeds the story faster than any of the other gospels.  Along with John, Mark does not retell the birth story.  He starts the gospel (Good News) of Jesus with the work and ministry of John the Baptist.  Then Jesus is sent to the wilderness for fasting and temptation.  Then Jesus starts calling disciples to follow Him.  Then people start following after Him due to the healing and forgiveness offered.  

The crowed following makes us think about in a time when there where numerous healers and prophetic voices floating around the Jewish circles, but Jesus was able to draw a crowd among all these voices.  Yes people followed some of these others, but they did not last after the gifts and the good things left.  Today, we have many voices calling around the world and people wanting followers.  The message of Jesus is still one of the most empowering to people.  I have heard stories of missionaries in India that the gospel is spreading fast.  It is due to the fact that through Christ, people are elevated out of the cast system and given value as a person.  They are able to have positions of value and jobs of meaning.  People are seen as valuable in the eyes of Christ and through His message.

The church in America and the west does not seem to be drawing crowds with the same message.  In fact, many people are running away from the church in droves.  Others do not even want to hear from Jesus people.  Why are people running away?  Why do people not want to hear the message?  

At a conference I attend in the fall, the question was put forward about the holiness of the church.  If the holiness of Jesus attracted crowds and people, what does this say about the holiness of the church?  This was a hard to hear when it was presented.  It is still hard to think about.  I believe when we come back to be followers of Christ and treat people with value as a Child of God, the people will hear and come to faith to follow with us in the life of Christ.  

Second Friday in Lent: Lent 2014

Lenten Devotional

Matthew 23-24

As we come through the last chapters of Matthew' Gospel and as we enter into the retelling of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, we are given some teaching about the end times and the end of the temple.  Chapter 24 is full of information from Jesus on this event in the future.  People have used this and other parts of the Bible to determine when these last days will come.  Jesus does not want even the disciples to worry about guessing when it will happen.  They are only to look for signs and be ready.

This is the consistent message through the Bible and here especially in Jesus' teaching. He teaches that everyone should not worry about the days.  No one knows the hour.  The time will come to matter, and people will be provided by God in the times of hardship.  I believe this will be important even in times that are not the "end".  Jesus proclaimed there will be many false prophets and people claiming to be Him.

“Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matt. 24:4-8)

 At the end of the chapter, Jesus tells his followers to keep on the path.  They are told to keep following in the ways of God and the work set before them.  This is our best advice for today in a time when everything seems to be against the Christian faith.  Keeping faith in Christ will continue His work and keep the faith alive and moving in the world.  The words to His followers thousands of years ago seems to be the best advice for today.

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Second Thursday of Lent: Lent 2014

Lenten Devotional

Matthew 21-22

We have entered the closing parts of most exciting section of any of the gospels.  We have come to the point where Jesus has made the triumphal entry into the Holy City of Jerusalem and started the week long path to the cross and His crucifixion.  Jesus makes sure that the controversy between Himself and the religious leaders is well established by the time we come to the trial.

There are a number of times Jesus has disagreements with the religious leaders, but the story that always seems to draw the most attention in these chapters is the actions at the temple.  Soon after His arrival in the city, Jesus enters the temple and throws out the sellers of goods and traders.  

“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’ (Matt. 21:13)

Why were these people in the temple to start with and why did Jesus call them thieves and making the temple a den of robbers?

The people selling and trading in the temple were providing a service to others at first.  People traveling from a far distance were not able to bring the necessary animals for sacrifices at the temple.  The merchants provided the appropriate animal to be purchased by pilgrims for the sacrifice.   The problem came when the people providing the animals realized they had a monopoly on the pilgrims.  The price for even the simplest of animals for sacrifice was unreasonable.  It came to a point where a person without means could not purchase the animals for the sacrifice.  This is what Jesus is fighting against.  People are being robed to provide for the religious needs of the day.  Greed over came assistance.

Has greed ever over taken a desire to assist someone?  I feel our society has become greedy in ways that hinder helping people.  Sometimes it is a two way street.  Some needing assistance have learned the receiving from the system and/or government is easier to working.  Others  see assistance as just a way to get breaks and keep more money in the long run through dedications on taxes.  This does not even begin to break into the religious goods industry.  The price of Bibles are a sign of this.  I do not think they should just be given away free.  There is a cost, but what is a fare tipping point.  At what point do we move past assisting people practice their faith and become a robber?

Greed is a powerful tool through the centuries.  It finds many different ways to show up in history and our lives.  This is why we must keep our prayers and studies to help us see where and when we a re moving from the path of Christ to greed.

Second Wednesday in Lent: Lent 2014

Lenten Devotional

Matthew 18-20

As I put down words for a multiple chapter reading in the Bible, I realize more and more that this is a daunting task.  In the gospels, the lessons may not always build as nice and neatly on one topic to the next.  It is a living story of situations and testing by people disagreeing with Jesus.  I would love for sections to focus on a particular subject, but that would not be true to the reason for the gospels, they are a way to tell the story of Jesus to the cross and beyond.  

So, I must focus on what I am being led to bring out in the passages.  Today the three chapters seemed to come together at Matthew 29: 26, Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

We use this passage many times in conversations about what followers of Christ can accomplish and what he church can do through God's power.  But I hope this will change a little.  We need to read passages in the context of the whole chapter, book and Bible.  This is not about generic situations in life that if we follow God, it will all work out because of His power.  This specific quote is about salvation.  I need to focus on that topic specifically.

The passages leading up to this statement are about what it takes to inherit eternal life.  A rich young man comes up to Jesus asking this very question.  He does not like Jesus' response and walks away sad.  Then a story is told of a camel passing through the eye of a needle being easier than a rich man entering heaven.  This is where Jesus comes in with the testimony of God's power.  

Jesus is telling His disciples and us today that there is nothing we can do for salvation.  We can only believe in Christ and that through his power we will have salvation.  All we need to do is follow. We must be willing to submit to God.  We must surrender to Him and not try and force our will on God.  This is much harder than it sounds.  Most of us a wired to fix problems on our by ourselves.  This is one thing we cannot fix ourselves.  Only God can fix and provide an answer.  

First Friday in Lent: Lent Devotional 2014

Lenten Devotional

Matthew 8-10

In yesterday's reading, we experience more of  the teaching of Jesus and less of His power. Today we enter the fullness of Jesus' power of illness, nature and demons.  Through this reading, we are face to face with some of the most radical moments in life.  Confronted with a real test of faith.  Did Jesus heal?  Why can no one heal like Jesus today?

 Many people rad through these passages of people being healed of terrible illness and afflictions and wonder why none of these are occurring today.  Is not cancer just as evil as the bleeding of the women in Matthew 8:20-22?  Yet, the women in Matthew just touches the hem of the garment and is healed.  Later, Jesus is asked to heal a daughter.  When Jesus agrees and leaves for the home, a centurion (her father and requester) tells Jesus not to come but just speak and it will occur.  Why not today?

I will admit that this frustrates me many times in life.  When I see a young person with an illness and no hope of a cure, I am frustrated.  The times I have looked into the face of a person who just sees no hope of release from pain and weakness.  Where do we find hope and strength?  

Then, I think and pray.  I realize that there are miracles all around us.  How many people are brought back from the dead every day with the power of CPR?  Others are in remission of cancer.  Still more are seeing for the first time.  We give the credit for these to science.  I give credit to God.  For without God, the skills, talents and knowledge would be unavailable to us simple humans.  

The last point on these is the purpose of the miracles.  All of them are performed as moments of demonstration to the people of Jesus' power and position.  They are being used in a way of reaching out to others.  Even in the Acts of the Apostles, the healing and jail beaks are for others to see the power of God.  Now I am lent to ask, am I praying for a personal desire and hope or am I seeking for a demonstration of God's power for people to see?  No matter, we have hope in and through Jesus Christ.  He has brought and offers new life and strength.  

First Thursday of Lent: Lent Devotional 2014

Lenten Devotional

Matthew 5-7

The reading for today is the bulk of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  These passages are some of the most most difficult and blessed passages in the New Testament.  For these passages ring of great hope of the lowly and hopeless.  But they also speak of great demands on the life of one who follows after what God desires. 

the first chapter we read is the great list of blessings.  We can probably find our self in at least one if not more of the blessings listed by Jesus.  Who has not mourned a loved one or fells meek.  We gain a connection quickly and acknowledge in one way or another a blessing will be coming for us in the life to come.  

Jesus soon turns from a great blessing to mighty teachings.  We are left in trouble and frustration.  For what is to come seems gravely hard to follow.  Jesus is not just asking the hearers to follow the current laws of Judaism, they are being asked to go even farther.  

Jesus tells people to cut out and off body parts if they even think or look in ways that are contrary to law.  What I think is that Jesus is coming to a point on what the foundation these very specific rules demand.  By the end of chapter five, Jesus makes a statement on oaths, "All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."  Then he teaches on giving more than required.  When demand the cloak give them your tunic.  There is something greater to come by following.  The life of a follower of Jesus will be profoundly different. This is what what the foundation of the Old Testament Law in ancient times. The follower of Jesus is called to stand out for following in fantastic ways.  

We finish our reading today with the parable of the wise and foolish builders.  For one had built on the sand while the other built on the rock.  The one who listens and follows the teachings is like the one who builds on the rock.  When the rains, winds and storms come through, the house will stand.  Everything Jesus just presented was hard and difficult.  Some was even radical to the people listening.  Some is radical for us today.  But when the storms of life and society come through, the person built on the rock will withstand.  May this be our building foundation.