COMFORT in a SHAKEN WORLD

 

March 20, 2024

Haggai 2:6-9



For thus says the Lord of hosts: “Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord of hosts. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,” declares the Lord of hosts. “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former,” says the Lord of hosts. “And in this place I will give peace,” declares the Lord of hosts.

COMFORT in a SHAKEN WORLD

The Old Testament book of Haggai was written to people who had returned from Babylon to rebuild the destroyed temple of God. The writings were to be an encouragement and a call to rebuild amidst rubble, hope despite desolation, and belief even during times of hardship and disappointment.

In verses 6 to 9, Haggai spoke of a time to come when the world would be shaken up as it had never been shaken before. Think of that message. How would you receive it? If on Sunday morning in worship your pastor stood up and said thus says the Lord of hosts: “Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations …. How would you feel to hear that all the unrest, and outrage, and wars and injustice that fill our news streams is a “shaking of the nations” by its creator?

Surprisingly, this message of a “world to be shaken” was intended to be a comfort for people who were standing in rubble! This may seem difficult to understand at first glance, the New Testament writer of Hebrews gives some insight, that writer took comfort in the shaking of this world, as it “indicates the removal of things that are shaken … in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain … a kingdom” (Hebrews 12:26-28).

At the core of Haggai’s declaration that all of creation (v. 6) and all nations (v. 7) would be shaken, there is the promise that “the treasures of all nations shall come in.” “Treasures” is a Hebrew noun that can function as either singular or plural. In other words, in this context not only will the treasures of the nations be brought to the house of God in tribute, but there will also be One, the true treasure, who fills the house of God with glory, and this One is to be prized above all the wealth of the world. That One the New Testament tells us is JESUS. According to Haggai, it was only when the world was shaken that we could see what really will stand and which treasures will endure.

Earlier I asked you to think of this message and how you would receive it. Would you find the message comforting, or might it cause you a level of fear or worry? I guess what I am asking us to consider today is this: when your world shakes, are you shaken with it, or is your faith unshakable in spite of the rubble, desolation, and disappointment? When the treasures of your heart let you down, does your heart fail, or does it take hold of the treasure of all nations, Our Lord, Jesus Christ?

LET US PRAY

God, help us to hold onto your unshakable kingdom when our world is being shaken; help us to remember that Jesus Christ experienced the earth shaking of the cross, so we would not be moved; and to remember that while the treasures of the world may fail, you are the treasure of all nations. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A FUTURE AND A HOPE

 

March 19, 2024



Ezekiel 34:23-31

“And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the Lord; I have spoken.

“I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land. And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them. They shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the land devour them. They shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will provide for them renowned plantations so that they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, and no longer suffer the reproach of the nations. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Lord God. And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God,” declares the Lord God.

JOHN 10:11


“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The image of the people of God as a flock of sheep occurs throughout the Bible. In the first section of Ezekiel 34, the current shepherds (rulers of Israel) are rebuked for their abuse of power (34:1-22). The situation that the prophet describes is one in which the “shepherds” had grown "fat and wealthy" at the expense of the very people they were supposed to care for. We are told that because of that, God would bring judgment on them. 

Then the message of Ezekiel 34 changes its emphasis as the warning turns into a promise for the future. This is revealed in the verses that we read today above. It is to be noted that not only will God rescue his sheep, God will also appoint a king who, like David, whose shepherding and care of them will bring lasting peace (v. 25). This is where we lift our eyes to see Jesus, who is God’s ideal shepherd-king. The comparison being made for us is between the promised shepherd and the corrupt “shepherding” described in the earlier part of Ezekiel 34.

In the gospel Luke tell us that Jesus came to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind (Luke 4:18). Luke also gives us a picture of Jesus as one who weeps over Jerusalem because they didn’t know what would bring them peace (Luke 19:41). It is Jesus who lays down his life for his sheep so that "the sheep", you and me, we might have peace with God and one another. And it is Jesus, as John tells us, who will one day bring everlasting peace to the world through his return (Revelation 21).

In the in between time, there are periods of disappointment and suffering that can sometimes make us lose hope that God will fulfill his promise. The injustices of the world around us can cause us to be skeptical about such promises. That is an understandable response. Yet, it is at those times that we must turn our focus toward Jesus, Jesus only, our good shepherd, and remember, believe and trust the Gospel message that because he laid down his life for his sheep, we will one day, as the Shepherd Psalm tells us, “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23)



LET US PRAY

Jesus, thank you for your love and constant care for your sheep. Thank you for laying down your life on the cross so that we might know your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I WILL DO IT!!

 

March 18, 2024

 

Jeremiah 33:14-18

 

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”

For thus says the Lord: “David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to make sacrifices forever.”

 

THE BRANCH

 

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that God’s love and concern for us rise and fall according to how well we are doing in living the Christian life. It has been my experience that we humans frequently give and withdraw our love from others depending on whether they are living in a way that is pleasing to us. We have talked about this in recent sermons when we compared the basic principles of the culture and world to the basic principles of the bible. We ended up acknowledging with gratitude and thanks, that even though we are marked by inconsistency, God is marked by constancy, faithfulness, and steadfastness.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God reminds his people that they can count on his promises and that he will always be there for them. He promises his reliability and faithfulness: “David will never fail to have someone sit on the throne … nor will the priests ever fail to have someone offering sacrifices” (vv. 17-18). Here is the truth to which this passage points, Jesus is the king who remains on the throne and who has offered himself as a sacrifice once and for all.

Jesus is the righteous Branch who offers us his righteousness so that we never fear that God’s love and concern for us rise and fall according to how well we are doing in living the Christian life. Why does this matter? This truth matters because it teaches us that we can bring our failures and faithlessness to God. Jesus will not turn his back on us. We will not be rejected. Hear the beauty of all this, that we can bring our repentance to God and know he will receive it. We can count on God giving us a fresh start because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Let us be honest, we all need that fresh start each day. Remember this, if you come to God asking for it, the fresh start, God will be faithful to give it to you.

LET US PRAY

Jesus, we thank you that your mercies are new every morning and your faithfulness is great. Give us grace to repent today of those things which are dishonoring to you, counting on the fact that you will never leave us nor forsake us as we learn to walk in your ways. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

DRINK UP

 

March 15, 2024

Isaiah 55:1-7

Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

DRINK UP

We end our week of reflections with a reading that is a clear call to come to the spring of living waters. We find in verses 2 and 3 that this water is the word of God. The invitation is to drink deeply: to receive the word, reason with it, delight in it, to listen to it like never  before. “Listen diligently” (v. 2) is literally, “Listen-listen!” a call for undivided and sustained attention. Ultimately, this word is meant to save them (v. 3), transform them (v. 7), and make them a blessing to the entire world (v. 5). They are being called into communion with their compassionate God (v. 7).

What an amazing passage. The story of grace, the word that saves and transforms and blesses. Who would not want in on that?

In these verses, the Holy One of Israel is crying out through Isaiah, pleading with his people on the eve of destruction to return to the true fountain of life. Yet, they refuse to hear him. They are as Isaiah 6:9 says “ever hearing, but never understanding; ever seeing, but never perceiving.”

One of the important focuses of Lent is it is a time for us to admit the same tendencies displayed by Isaiah’s audience. For reasons conscious and less conscious, we are prone to neglect God’s word, and ultimately, God himself. “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,” we admit in the worship song.

I believe in our reading today there is the implication that time apart from the Scriptures results in a kind of “spiritual amnesia”, we forget that God’s word is “more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:10). The period of Lent is an invitation for us to see Jesus as the woman at the well came to see him, as the unlimited satisfaction for our thirsty souls. Lent is our invitation to return to that well and drink deeply.

Remember what Jesus said to the Women by the well? “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14). So. Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters!!

LET US PRAY

Gracious God, in compassion you call us. By your mercy, open our ears to hear your voice, remove the scales from our eyes and open for us the wonders of your word. Be our delight. Be our satisfaction. We are yours, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

THE SUFFERING SERVANT

 

March 14, 2024

Isaiah 53:1-6 


Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned — every one — to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

THE SUFFERING SERVANT

If we were to judge Jesus life by the standards of our culture and world, he would generally be considered a failure. Jesus was poor, rejected, and died a difficult and shameful death. Compare Jesus’ story to the ways that others pursue comfort, power, and recognition, he lived by a completely counter cultural worldview.

Our reading today describes God’s Suffering Servant, it points out that even in his outward appearance, there was no indication whatsoever that he was the creator and sustainer of the universe. It says that He had no beauty or majesty that would have caused others to envy him, even though he was the very source of all beauty. The text goes on to tell us that the servant was utterly rejected and despised, a man of sorrows, to the point that people turned away and hid their faces from him. He was stricken, afflicted, pierced, chastised, crushed, and suffered beyond all comprehension. All this and he was the most innocent and righteous person who ever lived.

Isaiah 53 was understood by New Testament authors as a Messianic passage that pointed directly to Jesus. Read our passage again slowly and you will notice that Jesus went through all these things that are described there. Jesus is the Suffering Servant.

The bible tells us why Jesus went through it all. Are you ready? Jesus went through it all in order that we would never have to. (Repeat that sentence) Jesus, went through it all in order that we would never have to. Jesus experienced sorrow and grief in a way that we ourselves could never have endured. He was punished for sin, though he himself never sinned. Amazing Grace right!!

This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross

You laid down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me


The last verse of today’s reading tells us that we are all like sheep, helpless and desiring to go our own way, but the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all. Though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that we by his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

LET US PRAY

God, we marvel at the humility and compassion of your Son, Jesus. It is only through his wounds that we are healed. Renew us daily in the joy of your salvation and help us to live in light of even greater things to come. In Jesus Name, Amen.

JOY SET BEFORE US

 MARCH 13 , 2024

Isaiah 50:4-9

 

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,

to know the word that sustains the weary.

He wakens me morning by morning,

wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears;

I have not been rebellious,

I have not turned away.

6 I offered my back to those who beat me,

my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;

I did not hide my face

from mocking and spitting.

7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,

I will not be disgraced.

Therefore have I set my face like flint,

and I know I will not be put to shame.

8 He who vindicates me is near.

Who then will bring charges against me?

Let us face each other!

Who is my accuser?

Let him confront me!

9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me.

Who will condemn me?

They will all wear out like a garment;

the moths will eat them up.

 JOY SET BEFORE US

In these verses from the Prophet Isaiah we witness the difference between the obedient servant of the Lord and those who persecuted and abused him. Notice, it is the obedient servant who is called to suffer on behalf of the disobedient people – to be struck, spat upon, and mocked. And yet, he “sets his face like flint” toward the road of suffering and will “not be put to shame.” The servant knows that his suffering is not in vain because by it people will be be redeemed.

Perhaps as you read the Bible passage today you found your mind going to the story of Jesus. Certainly, the writers of the New Testament identified that the servant of the Lord, referenced in this Isaiah passage, is none other than Jesus Christ. Jesus “set his face” toward Jerusalem, knowing fully the pain that awaited him there (Luke 9:51). Jesus was struck, mocked, and spat upon (Mark 15:19-20). While innocent, Jesus suffered, not because of his sin but because of ours. Jesus’ life was marked by perfect obedience, even so, he walked the road of suffering to death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-9 reminds us that Jesus “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

Through all of this, Jesus remained the sinless servant. Hebrews 12:2 teaches us that Jesus, “for the joy set before him endured the cross.” How was Jesus able to endure such treatment and still be confident that ultimately, he would not be put to shame? Well, the answer, in the word we are given, is joy: for “the joy set before him, he endured the cross.” The joy that motivated Jesus was the fact that by his suffering his people would be rescued and restored.

There is a great joy set before us today. In our being united with Jesus by faith we will not be put to shame! Let us take up our cross and follow Christ, the sinless servant.


LET US PRAY

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Jesus, our sinless servant. May this good news bring strength to us as we pursue joy in the midst of our pain and suffering. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

THE CHOSEN

 

March 12, 2024

Isaiah 42: 1-9 


Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;
I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the Lord; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.
Behold, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them.”

THE CHOSEN

In the preceding chapters, God through the prophet Isaiah has been building a case; God says that though people pursue false idols, these idols continue to mislead, enslave, and ultimately fail. Here in this passage of Isaiah 42, God’s chosen “servant” is called to bring about justice and free those bound in “the dungeons” (v. 7). This was the lesson for Israel, yet it remains the lesson for us today as well.

The Bible talks about Idols or Idolatry frequently. For me, that must mean that idolatry creates a problem for us in our spiritual life, in all of life really. The nature of idolatry is that we worship and serve that which does not deserve it. Central to the Christian message, however, is that Jesus “the Chosen One,” who truly deserves our worship, has served us first.

I am sure that if we paused for a moment and jotted down the things in our lives that have been or are idols, we would have quite a varied list of those things that mislead, enslave, and ultimately fail us. God’s lesson here through Isaiah is that our creator has something much more life giving and secure than those undeserving things that we worship.

So, idolatry is a problem for us. How can we begin to replace the idols in our lives with true worship?

In verses 1-4 of our reading, we are taught to “Behold” the one in whom God himself “delights.” To behold means to both see and consider. So here, Isaiah calls Israel to see and consider the Lord through his servant; appointed by God and supported by his Spirit. In beholding this servant, we are able to distinguish what is real and life giving, from what is counterfeit and consistently fails us. This discernment leads to a Spirit-filled servant who has come in the flesh.

Here is the good news, this servant, who “pitched his tent among us” (John 1:14), knows that we are wounded and always on the verge of losing hope and we are told he will complete his task of healing and restoration with the gentleness of a friend (v. 3). The Gospel is that our “dungeons will flame with light; and our hearts will be free.”


Here is our invitation today, Behold the joy the Son found in serving the Father even unto death, for you. Then, “delight” in Jesus and be free.

LET US PRAY



God, We delight in you for sending a servant-king, Jesus, who truly has “set the captives free” (Luke 18:4). In Christ’s Name, Amen.

THE NAME

 

March 11, 2024

Psalm 72: 12-19


For he delivers the needy when he calls,
the poor and him who has no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
and precious is their blood in his sight.
Long may he live;
may gold of Sheba be given to him!
May prayer be made for him continually,
and blessings invoked for him all the day!
May there be abundance of grain in the land;
on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
may its fruit be like Lebanon;
and may people blossom in the cities
like the grass of the field!
May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen!

THE NAME

Psalm 72 is a Psalm of King Solomon. In the history of Israel this Psalm found its place as a prayer used at the inauguration of the kings of Israel. This prayer was a recognition and acceptance of the king, and also expressed a set of expectations and standards for their leader. You see because the King was God’s anointed, the king was then viewed as the instrument through which blessings came to the people from God and this ruler was expected to uphold God’s standards of justice and righteousness.

The people of God in the Old Testament looked to the king for compassion and deliverance especially for the weak. This was a hope rooted in God’s own character, after all the King was anointed by the Creator. God as revealed in the Bible is a rescuer and helper to the helpless, so the king should be too. Prayers like Psalm 72 were founded on the expectant hope, that the king would fulfill his commitment to the weak, by upholding God’s standards of Justice.

That’s not the way we think of political leaders today, is it? Today many have lost faith in our leaders and distrust them all, while others spend their lives and money promoting this name or that name as the one who will finally save us. In truth, no king or leader has ever been able to fulfill these divine standards. That should not leave us feeling hopeless, however. As followers of Jesus, we can know that God has given us the One in whose name the needy, poor, and helpless will truly find deliverance. Here is for me the overwhelming message for us today. In Jesus, we have a king who is not only concerned with our needs and suffering, but compassionately identifies with them by his own path of suffering. Prayers for the flourishing of his name and reign will mean peace and blessing for all. Listen to the end of Psalm 72, 

May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen!


Let Us Pray

God, we praise you that your Son is the king we all want and need; that his compassion far outweighs anything we have ever seen. Help us to trust you as our righteous king. In Jesus Name, Amen.

YET I WILL REJOICE

 

March 8, 2024

 

Habakkuk 2:2-4

Then the Lord replied:

"Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.

4 "See, the enemy is puffed up;
his desires are not upright --
but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness."

Habakkuk 3:1-2; 17-19

A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. . . .

2 Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.

YET I WILL REJOICE

Let us end our week, with a Snapshot of Grace for the times of distress we sometimes face. Are you going through stressful and difficult season in your life? Are living in moments of desperation, fear and dread? Well, I believe these verses have something to say to us about such times.

Notice that Habakkuk’s prayer describes God dressed as a warrior, coming down from Heaven, and causing the heavens and the earth to tremble at His power. "He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed, but he marches on forever. Did you rage against the sea when you rode your horses and your chariots to victory? You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers; the mountains saw you and writhed." (Habakkuk 3:6-10)

In the Bible, on many occasions God is pictured and described as the ultimate warrior, establishing His authority over His creation with absolute power. Makes us think back to Psalm 29 doesn’t it “the Lord sits enthroned over the flood.” These passages, like Habakkuk 3, reveal that even the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers surrender to God’s power as He moves, like we see in todays reading, directly and promptly toward Israel’s enemies to defeat them. Habakkuk’s message is one that is to reassure God’s people that even in times of great economic distress, for example, when the crops are dead, and there is no livestock, they can rejoice in the God of their salvation. God would be their strength even when circumstances reached a point of desperation.

James 1:2-3 tells us to “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” Have you heard that one? It begs the question, How can we be joyful when facing trials? Certainly, we are not joyful because we are suffering; the natural human reaction to suffering is sorrow. At least that’s what I have experienced. However, I believe the lesson we learn from Habakkuk is this: joy is not found in the moment’s circumstances but in the fact that the God we trust is absolutely powerful and righteous. This confidence is what enables Bible writers to say things like “though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” BECAUSE “The Sovereign Lord is my strength”. Some time ago now, I read the following:

If you think God has forgotten you,

then you have forgotten who God is.

                                        Anonymous

Are you facing something that causes feelings of despair, desperation or even hopelessness? I wonder if in moments like this we were to change our focus to think about God’s authority and ability and promise to be in the struggle with us. Moving into the conflict on our behalf. When we are in that place of overwhelming odds. What do we do? We remember what God has done and we dare to believe that what he’s done before, he will do again. With Habakkuk we say "I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known.." How would such thoughts change our perspective today?

Psalm 77:11-15


“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,…”

AMEN

GRACE: PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE

 

March 7, 2024



Psalm 68: 7-18



O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah

the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.
Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.

The Lord gives the word;
the women who announce the news are a great host:
“The kings of the armies — they flee, they flee!”
The women at home divide the spoil —
though you men lie among the sheepfolds —
the wings of a dove covered with silver,
its pinions with shimmering gold.
When the Almighty scatters kings there,
let snowfall on Zalmon.
O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan;
O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!
Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain,
at the mount that God desired for his abode,
yes, where the Lord will dwell forever?
The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
thousands upon thousands;
the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.

You ascended on high,
leading a host of captives in your train
and receiving gifts among men,
even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.

GRACE: PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE

David the “worshipping King” invites us into worship with a song of praise for the saving power of God. Psalm 68:7-18 has three key themes. In verses 7-10 it describes the power of God in delivering the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. Then, verses 11-14 recount the power of God in the present to uphold and sustain his people as they lived among their enemies. Finally, a third theme found in verses 15-18 is to rejoice in the power of God that will safely bring his people home to the mountain of God.

In reading and reflecting on the verses above, would you agree that they describe the life of a follower and worshipper of God? Think of it, we are those who have been brought out from the bondage of sin and death, are being preserved in our present journey, and have been given a promise that we shall arrive safely home. How are all these wonderful truths possible? Well here again we are witness to a snapshot of Grace. These benefits are assured for us because of our “champion”, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 68:18 refers to one who "ascended on high” leading a host of “captives in his train.” It is interesting to note that according to the Apostle Paul, this passage (psalm 68:18) is describing Jesus, particularly the victory accomplished by him through his resurrection from the dead (Ephesians 4:8). There in Ephesians we read that “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

In Hebrews 12:2 we are told to keep our eyes on Jesus, the “archegos” of our faith. “Archegos” has been translated as “author” or “pioneer,” but it is also translated as “champion.” In other words, “Jesus went toe-to-toe with sin and death and won!” The victor!! Now, that is very good news, that is a great snapshot of grace, you see we can rest in him, knowing that the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead is also at work in us (1 Corinthians 6:14).

I wonder, do you find yourself anxious today? 

Are you maybe fearful of what the future holds? 

Let the truth of these verses, sink deep into your mind and spirit, and may they be a reminder that the power of God is present in your life because of the work of our “champion”, our Archegos. Because of him we have been brought out of bondage, are being preserved day by day, and through his grace we shall arrive safely home.

Let Us Pray

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the power present in our lives because of our champion, Christ Jesus, and we would ask that today we would find ourselves equipped with courage and joy because of him who ascended on high. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

THE GRACE OF WORSHIP

 

March 6, 2024



Psalm 29:1, 2

“Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due His Name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”

Scripture reading: Psalm 29:1-11

THE GRACE OF WORSHIP

We can describe King David in many ways, the shepherd, “giant slayer”, mighty warrior, the Great king. One might describe aspects of his character, after all King David embodies a combination of humility, courage, obedience, and compassion. How about describing David as the “worshipper” or the “worshipping King.” That is, David was consumed and enthusiastic about the worship of our holy God.

As you are aware, the Holy Spirit inspired David to write many psalms, these poems come from David’s heart and experience, and they all seek to exalt God. To direct his fellow worshippers to the God of creation. David’s psalms became the songs of worship for the gathered community. David loved to meditate on and engage in the worship of Almighty God and wanted to bring others to the place of spiritual focus that had been his strength over “many dangers, toils and snares.” The understanding that God was the King over the whole creation, and yet was present to be worshiped wherever one was overwhelmed King David.

We are incredibly blessed, don’t you think? For example, we get to worship God together surrounded by his presence as a community on Sundays at our church. Those are special moments indeed. It is a special blessing of God’s grace to worship Him with His people in His house. Yet, we must also not discount the truth that we can worship together united by the spirit through online videos or streaming or podcasts or in our quiet times. The Bible tells us that we should worship God in every circumstance of life continually.

We see in David’s story that he couldn’t always get to the worship gatherings of God’s people, just like some of us can’t for a variety of reasons, but he could enter into worship. We can “…give unto the LORD the glory due His Name.” where we are. Today is a day that we can enjoy the grace of worship. In Psalm 29, David directs us how we may “Give the LORD the glory due His name; how we may “Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” The Psalm ends with a promise to the worshippers that “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God

THE GRACE OF PROVIDENCE

 

March 5, 2024


Ruth 1:21

Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

Scripture Reading: Ruth 1:1-22

THE GRACE OF PROVIDENCE

Hard times come into the life of us Jesus followers. This reality can be troubling to a child of God. Somewhere along the way we have believed a narrative that says that the Christian life should be success after success with only joy and happiness. It’s one of those lies that the “enemy” attacks us with. Walking the path with Jesus Christ will include some real and serious hardships. In Jesus own story we see that even he, the Son of God, experienced battles. In Ruth 1, Naomi is in the midst of such a hardship. Think of what we know about her, she lost her husband, her only two sons, and the dream of finding relief in Moab. Now, she returns to Jerusalem carrying the weight of the burden of defeat and despair.

Have you ever felt that way? Have you carried “the weight of the burden of defeat and despair?” If so, and I expect most of us have, we can identify with Naomi. The hardships of her life, have her say in our reading “Don’t call me Naomi,” (Naomi means “pleasant”) she told them. “Call me Mara, (this name means “bitter”) because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

Let us think for a moment of Jesus experience of the “dark night of the soul.” He arrived at the Garden of Gethsemane entering a very dark valley, “the valley of the shadow of death”. Soon after Jesus faced the torturous cross, which were preceded by “fake” trials unlawfully held, and harsh beatings and ridicule. Then add to this that His disciples would abandon and forsake Him. We know also from his words from the cross that Jesus felt forsaken even by God the Father. Yet in all of these experiences, we discover God’s providence at work. On the other side of Jesus’ “dark valley”, we all experience God’s saving Grace!!

Now, if you know the story of the book of Ruth, you will remember that Naomi would eventually enter the most fruitful and joyful time of her life, but at the end of chapter one she could not see that. I believe its important for us to remember, Naomi’s story as she moved from bitterness (Mara)back to pleasant  (Naomi) because of God’s providential grace. Remember Jesus and all he endured for us and may we learn what the Apostle Paul learned “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

God,

With gratitude in our hearts, we lift our voices in praise. Your providence is woven into the fabric of our lives, a tapestry of grace and sustenance.

As we journey through life, may we remain open to your providence, whether it arrives as a gentle breeze or a mighty storm. Grant us the wisdom to see your hand at work, even in the ordinary moments.

Amen.

 

IN THE SECRET ... YOU ARE THERE

 

MARCH 4, 2024

Matthew 6:5-13

... "when you pray,  go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.... for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

IN THE SECRET ... YOU ARE THERE

In reflecting on this  familiar passage, that sits at the mid-point of  Jesus teaching in the Sermon on the Mount we have a picture of one person, secretly in their own room, praying. Jesus has been teaching and revealing a vision of the kingdom, of God's/heaven's kingdom coming on earth. Here in Matthew 6 Jesus instructs us about the role of prayer. 

Prayer is a mystery. Right? In conversations I have often heard people saying, with a bit of a sneer,  "Prayer? It doesn't go beyond the ceiling, you know." In reading these verses yesterday something really struck me in Matthew 6. The point of prayer, at least the way Jesus saw it, is that it doesn't have to "go beyond the ceiling". Notice the reading above, Your father, Jesus says, is there in the secret place with you. God sees and knows your deepest thoughts and hopes and fears. God hears the words you say. God hears, are you ready? God hears even the things we can't put into words but want to lay before him anyway. Prayer, isn't a mystery in the sense of "a puzzle we can't understand". Prayer is a sign of the incarnational mystery that heaven and earth actually mingle together. "Heaven and Earth are touching", as the song goes, and where this occurs "it is a holy place." 

As we begin our week together let us pray the Lord's Prayer below with reflections from the Psalms.  

We Pray:

Our Father in heaven, you indeed are our Father, adopting us into an eternal family. As an earthly father has compassion on his children, so you show compassion on those who fear you. You know how we are made, and remember us in our weakness. [Ps. 103] 

Hallowed be your name. You alone are holy, there is none like you; your glory is above the heavens. Yet you stoop down to lift up the needy. We exalt and worship you, for you are holy. [Ps. 113, 99] 

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Christ your kingdom has already come, even though rulers of this earth gather together against you, thinking they can thwart your purposes. They cannot, for you have installed Christ, your Anointed One, the everlasting, all powerful King over all creation. [Ps. 2] 

Give us this day our daily bread. All creatures look to you for their food at the proper time; when you provide, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified. Lord, help us be good stewards of the gifts of food you have given us so that all may have their daily bread. [Ps. 104]

 Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who sin against us. Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is covered, and who know the joy of forgiveness. [Ps. 32]

As we have been forgiven, help us to become like Christ, forgiving those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. In mercy, O God, answer the prayers of all who are in deep distress. Hear their cries especially when they are tormented by those who deny you and act as if you do not care. At the same time, save us from sinning in our anger. Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. [Ps. 4] 

For the kingdom, the power, and glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.