Follow the Steps of the Good
Readings:
Genesis 41,42
Matthew 14, 15
Psalms 12
My comments during today’s gathering:
Why do people say one thing and then do the opposite?
A friend online posed this question:
My immediate thoughts were:
Usually because in a moment, they let the desires of their flesh and their pride and ego lead them to compromise their integrity with little regard for the consequences.
Especially if they have no firm foundation with regards to their values and beliefs to guide them, they might listen to their own heart on the matter, which can get people into all kinds of compromising situations.
And people learn to lie by watching those around them. Look at the examples of politicians, of media/news, of television shows, of social media posts where so many people are thinking only of their agenda, wants, feelings, opinions, etc — with no real interest in what is right or just our fair or reasonable.
So unless they see someone who is willing to admit, “I was wrong” and “I lied and that was wrong, and here’s what I’m going to do to try and make things right from what I’ve done that was wrong” — until they see that example (instead of people pointing out other’s lies and continuing to lie themselves) — what can we expect but for them to mimic the example we are giving them?
Yes, fearing God, and loving what is right, and turning away from what is bad is the best answer for a liar to become a source of truth.
But the concept of God is the most horrible lie to someone who only knows liars — they just see hypocrite religious teachers getting rich off of their followers when they hear “God” or “religion” mentioned, because they expect God to just be another liar and charleton (like what they know of themselves and of everyone else).
So we need to see the cost of being a liar ourselves (not just hope everyone else would be truthful, but we could still lie to gain an advantage).
This is necessary before we can even consider the value of genuine truth, of wisdom that does not change with the opinions of a culture or time, something truly pure, and holy and righteous without any hint of deceit — that is so unlike mere man.
And then, we might seek out this holy God to see if He is just a myth, or yet another lie.
His Word says that His promises are true and that He can not lie. Have we sought Him and tested to see if this is true?
Have we asked Him to teach us to be like Him so that we can turn from our lying ways?
We can’t control, demand, or expect others to not lie to us when it is convenient for them — if we still mitigate those “harmless little less” when it is convenient for us. So let’s focus on cleaning up our own house and sweeping it clean first — and if we can’t keep our own house clean by ourselves, let’s ask someone stronger and more powerful and more truthful than ourselves for help.
Ah, Youth
Readings:
Job 32
Job 33
Job 34
Job 32:6-10 NLT
Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think. I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’ But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.
I’m reminded of the snowman from the stop motion Christmas classic “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” when he replied “Ah youth” after Rudolph’s friend Fireball talks eagerly about showing off in front of the does at the reindeer games.
I wonder how often in my youth, I waited for the opportunity to prove my teachers wrong — to puff my chest and show off my intelligence — to have the “last word”.
It isn’t lost on me that Job had just before this described how people used to listen when he spoke, and here this young one is coming right behind him expecting to speak last and leave everyone quiet.
Job 29:21-23 NLT
“Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak. And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them. They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.
But in just a few chapters when this young Elihu finishes his rant, we will see who has the last word. And it won’t be Elihu, or Job, or Job’s friends. It will be who always has the final word in such things, God.
Too often in life, I want to tell what I think. And even after plenty of correction and discipline from the Lord on this matter, it can still prove to be a challenge. It doesn’t matter what I think; it matters what His Word says.
I’ll say that again
It doesn’t matter what I think; it matters what His Word says.
True Children of Abraham Repent
Readings:
Genesis 19
Genesis 20
Matthew 7
Matthew 8
Psalm 7
How shocking and offensive it must have been for the Israelites who were descendants of Abraham to hear this– especially if they were counting on a guaranteed spot in the Kingdom:
Matthew 8:11-12 NLT
And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
And we see this distinction about “blood descendants of Abraham” clarified in the New Testament:
Galatians 3:6-7 NLT
In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.
Galatians 3:28:
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus
Romans 9:7-8 NLT
Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too. This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children.
And we see that the evidence of supernatural healing fulfilled prophecy about the Messiah:
Matthew 8:17 NLT
This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”
And we see this prophecy about believers that is given in the New Testament:
Mark 16:17-18
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
And again this warning even in the New Testament readers who are casting out demons and experiencing supernatural power:
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
So how will we know true believers? How will we know the true children of Abraham?
John 13:34-35 NLT
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Matthew 7:15-20 NLT
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
And the fruit of a good disciple:
Galatians 5:16-26 NLT
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Repentance. The good news isn’t just that we are saved from hell and getting into heaven “some day”. The good news isn’t just that we are called to be disciples and ambassadors of God through which His miraculous work will be accomplished on earth as it is in Heaven. The good news is that all of His mercies are pointing us to repentance, to holiness, to love not just freed from punishment, but freed from the bondage and thievery of sin. Hallelujah!
Recognizing a Fools Errors while Ignoring Their Pain
Readings:
Job 14
Job 15
Job 16
When someone who is hurting lashes out about God or about us, I wonder how often like Job’s friends we are quicker to correct them than to encourage them?
Truly and deeply hurt people are in no position to be argued against — is like the fable of the Tiger arguing with the donkey over something clearly wrong the foolish donkey said. And the Tiger brings his dispute before the Lion king. And the Lion kings punishes the Tiger because he should know better than to argue with a foolish donkey when he is a tiger — not the donkey for being wrong.
I’m reminded of the intense need and deep grief that Job was in. I can not fault him for being genuine and transparent about his pain and his very real suffering.
Isn’t it better to be the man who screams out and curses God in the midst of great pain, than to pour salt in the wounds of hurting man?
Wouldn’t it be better to carry the hurt man however you must, even if it is too cut through a roof to get him to Jesus — rather than argue to prove yourself more right and less wrong than him?
Being able to see and point out the errors of another fool doesn’t make us wise.
Proverbs 9:7-8 ESV
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
Proverbs 29:9 ESV
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
In contrast, the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18), He comforts those who mourn (Matthew 54), He gives rest for our weary souls (Matthew 11:28-30). He will wipe every tear from their eyes (Revelation 21:4). We are called to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15).
It’s Trade in Time
Would you like to trade in your ashes for a crown of beauty?
Your mourning for a joyous blessing?
Your despair for festive praise?
Isaiah 61:3 NLT
[3] To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.61.3.NLT
Call on the name of the Lord:
Joel 2:32 NLT
[32] But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.
https://bible.com/bible/116/jol.2.32.NLT
No matter the enemies we may face, our victory comes from the Lord:
Psalms 3:1-8 NLT
[1] O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. [2] So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Interlude [3] But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. [4] I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude [5] I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. [6] I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. [7] Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! [8] Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. Interlude
He is God, I am not
Reading:
Genesis 2
Genesis 3
Genesis 4
Genesis 5
Genesis 6
Genesis 7
Matthew 2
Psalms 2
This story has always been challenging for me, because I read it and contemplate what it tells me about God. As a child, I would wrestle with “How could God destroy everything yet still be a loving God?” Or “If God is all knowing and all powerful, why would He create something that would frustrate himself to the point that He must destroy it?” All kinds of troubling questions come to me as I contemplate things like Cain and Abel, the Sons of God having sex with women and bearing Nephilim, and the story of Noah all read more like the scary fables of old and of an authoritarian rule of force than like the gospel, the New Testament, etc. Then I think about my experience being a parent, and how I raised my daughter as a baby looks very different than now that she is older. I contemplate on how different (yet still like us) God must be if He is truly all powerful and all knowing yet is able to generate these situations where his patience eventually comes to an end and He must intervene.
As I read stories like Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Herod killing the firstborn of Israel, God killing the firstborn of Egypt, and the description of Jesus given in Psalm 2, it pushes my comprehension of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit far beyond the image of “buddy Jesus” that is easy to swallow, easy to ignore, and easy to call up when you need a friend to talk to. If we cookie cutter and twist the Word of God into our own feelings and opinions of what God “should be like”, we’re making ourselves and our own way out as an easy to swallow “my personal truth” (that is truly a lie) that doesn’t require us to change. But no, The Way we are given is narrow, and He is God, not us.
A New Year & New Beginnings
Reading:
Genesis 1
Genesis 2
Genesis 3
Matthew 1
Psalms 1
I’m reminded that evil twists what God has said and lies to try and deceive. It’s useless to try to point the finger at someone else when we’ve been disobedient. The only way to align ourselves with God is through humble repentance (not by arguing our case).
I love how God’s perfect creation has a perfect and beautiful design and purpose — and how He knew in the beginning how it would all play out. He has been revealing Himself and His plan and The Way to us. He offers wisdom and blessing, but even when we are foolish and have turned away, we are not meant to remain in that foolishness. In fact, He allows consequences and He disciplines us so that we learn that His guidance isn’t arbitrary and it isn’t authoritarian, but is meant to reveal his love and His mercy and how holiness and that walking with Him is best.
Something Unexpected?
There is a story in Matthew, Mark and Luke about a paralyzed man whose friends bring him to Jesus.
Combining the text from all 3 accounts, I put together:
https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.5.17-26.AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mrk.2.1-13.AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.9.1-8.AMP
But the news about Him was spreading farther, and large crowds kept gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their illnesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion]. And Jesus, getting into a boat, crossed over the Sea of Galilee and came to [Capernaum] His own city. Jesus returned to Capernaum, and a few days later the news went out that He was at home.
One day as He was teaching, there were Pharisees and teachers of the Law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present with Him to heal. So many people gathered together that there was no longer room [for them], not even near the door; and Jesus was discussing with them the word [of God].
Some men came carrying on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed, and they tried to bring him in and lay him down in front of Jesus. Then they came, bringing to Him a paralyzed man, who was being carried by four men. They brought to Him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a stretcher. But finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof [and removed some tiles to make an opening] and lowered him through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. When they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus; and when they had dug out an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying.
Seeing their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], Jesus said to the paralytic, “Do not be afraid, son; your sins are forgiven [the penalty is paid, the guilt removed, and you are declared to be in right standing with God].” When Jesus saw their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], He said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” When Jesus saw their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven.”
But some of the scribes were sitting there debating in their hearts [the implication of what He had said], And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes [by claiming the rights and prerogatives of God]!” “Why does this man talk that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins [remove guilt, nullify sin’s penalty, and assign righteousness] except God alone?” The scribes and the Pharisees began to consider and question [the implications of what He had said], saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies [by claiming the rights and prerogatives of God]? Who can forgive sins [that is, remove guilt, nullify sin’s penalty, and assign righteousness] except God alone?”
Immediately Jesus, being fully aware [of their hostility] and knowing in His spirit that they were thinking this, said to them, “Why are you debating and arguing about these things in your hearts? But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? But Jesus, knowing their [hostile] thoughts, answered them, “Why are you questioning [these things] in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your mat and walk’? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven and the penalty paid,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? [Both are possible for God; both are impossible for man.]
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority and the power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your stretcher and go home.” But so that you may know that the Son of Man has the authority and power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralyzed man, “I say to you, get up, pick up your mat and go home.” But, in order that you may know that the Son of Man (the Messiah) has authority and power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralyzed man, “I say to you, get up, pick up your stretcher and go home.”
And he got up and went home [healed and forgiven]. He immediately stood up before them, picked up his stretcher, and went home glorifying and praising God. And he got up and immediately picked up the mat and went out before them all, so that they all were astonished and they glorified and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God and praised Him, who had given such authority and power to men. They were all astonished, and they began glorifying God; and they were filled with [reverential] fear and kept saying, “We have seen wonderful and incredible things today!”
Jesus went out again along the [Galilean] seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them.
We see that:
- Jesus was drawing a crowd, but rather than seeking celebrity, He sought seclusion and returning home.
- Even when home, He was teaching, and the crowds and the critics followed Him. He allows all and turns none away.
- Some particular men did everything they could to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus (it’s easily presumed for physical healing)
- Jesus recognized the faith in their hearts, and pronounced their friend free from sin (not necessarily the outwardly visible healing they were hoping for by bringing their friend to Him)
- Jesus sees the anger and hostility boiling up in hearts around Him and addresses it directly (this is expected and He is prepared for it). He speaks to the state of their hearts.
- To the ones who may have thought He was a fraud who couldn’t heal this man who had used “forgiving his sins” as an “easy out” of proclaiming instead something that couldn’t be proven — He probes them to consider “what is actually easier” emphasizing that He is not lying and is not a fraud. Presumably provoking them further with such a claim.
- And to the religious ones who were not focused on the healing of the people but were there to examine and test and critique Him, His claim prevokes them in a different direction with this very same claim. He is willing to turn the whole crowd against Him in order to prove this point.
- He proves his authority to both forgive sin and to heal — shattering everyone’s expectations and understanding in that moment of what was really happening before their eyes
- Everyone was awestruck and praises God
- Jesus keeps on teaching
It’s pretty awesome how every step of the way, Jesus is breaking through people’s expectations in a profound way to reveal that He sees them at a spiritual level — He sees what is in their hearts. He knows what truly matters most. And He speaks to that directly, like a surgeon offering to cut out a cancer.
And His claims in this story leave little room for second guessing who He is saying (and more importantly, proving) who He is.
What is most shocking and unexpected in this story isn’t these men’s great faith or great determination — they are not the heroes of the story here. This reminds me that when I’m tempted to “do great things for Jesus”, that there is always a humbling yet loving demonstration that He is greater and that He is the real hero. And He does it not in some prideful way of a competitor one-upping me, but in a way that opens my eyes to true wisdom and understanding in a new way that has me astonished and grateful for His mercy and His grace, while fearfully in awe of His holiness.
Thank you Jesus!
Today’s Outfit
What if we wore an outfit covered with jewels that represented each of our friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and acquaintances — and each jewel reflected how precious and valuable those people are to us?
What if instead of wearing a garment to display this, we honor each other with compliments, acts of kindness, being there for each other in times of sadness and of joy?
Every day, every decision is something we each wear like a garment — not just about reputation or pride — but a living testimony of how precious life truly is.
What will today’s garment look like for us, my friends?
Will it be clean and shining bright with our love for others?
Hidden away by missed opportunities?
Or even gotten filthy with thoughts, words and actions towards others that don’t appreciate their precious value?
Let’s choose love, my friends.
And wherever we haven’t, let’s clean up any mess we’ve made, and commit to reconcile.
Amen. Thank you Jesus!
——
Since God values us so highly, shouldn’t we value each other highly as well?
1 John 4:11 NLT
[11] Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.4.11.NLT
Malachi 3:16-17 NLT
[16] Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. [17] “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.
https://bible.com/bible/116/mal.3.16-17.NLT
Isaiah 43:4 NLT
[4] Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.43.4.NLT
Zechariah 9:16 NLT
[16] On that day the Lord their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.
https://bible.com/bible/116/zec.9.16.NLT
Proverbs 31:10 NLT
[10] Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.31.10.NLT
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
[19] Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, [20] for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Harold J. Ballinger 