Genesis 50:15-18

“Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?’” vs. 15

The death of a matriarch or patriarch often provokes interesting reactions among family members. Sometimes there are disputes about the will that cause deep ruptures and unending strife. Often there is a deep sense of loss–mothers and fathers are hubs that hold a family together. When they’re gone some of the connectivity disappears with them. Jacob’s sons were afraid that with their father dead, Joseph might be freed to pay them back for selling him into slavery. They felt he had only been kind to them because he loved their father so much. Those dynamics are universal and still plague us. So it’s not at all unusual for unresolved tensions to erupt when a scattered family gathers for a funeral or memorial service. Old resentments bubble to the surface and when mom or dad isn’t there to referee, conversation is unfiltered and can turn ugly at a moment’s notice. In their uncertainty Joseph’s brothers came up with a lie about their dad’s last wishes that they hoped would keep the peace–and their lie worked! How good it is when families can enjoy open and honest communication through the years, and funerals can be a celebration and not an ordeal–and there’s no need for lies. And what a blessing it is when that happens!

Thought for the Day: What are the most common reasons for funeral tensions?

Matthew 18:18-20

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” vs. 18

As the early Christian communities began to deal with internal disputes, Matthew laid out some guidelines based on his remembrance of Jesus’ teachings. They followed a logical progression, beginning with one on one conversations and ending with possible dismissal from the community. In other words, this was no small matter, and Matthew reminds the believers that these procedures have spiritual significance. This is not merely a human exercise! Jesus himself has given this authority to the church. Through the centuries this authority has been known as the Power of the Keys and it’s been exercised regularly in worship. This is what’s happening in the words of absolution that follow our common confession. When the pastor says that our sins have been forgiven, it’s not just her word! The forgiveness comes from God! This can be a powerful word of assurance for troubled souls–it does our hearts good to hear on a regular basis that God continues to have mercy on us and that our sins are forgiven. It’s gotten a bit more dicey though when these same words have been used to excommunicate and drive people out of the church. It seems that we humans have a tough time exercising power in a God-pleasing way. Often the power goes to our heads, and any semblance of mercy is lost. We’re all a lot better off when our focus is on loosing rather than binding!

Thought for the Day: When should forgiveness be withheld?

Matthew 18:15-17

“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.” vs. 15

By the time Matthew wrote his gospel the community of believers was pretty well established in the larger cities of the Roman Empire. Congregations weren’t large and there were no church buildings as we know them. Rather, believers would meet in homes, ones that were large enough to accommodate a group of a few dozen people at most. Within those communities it was apparent from the beginning that there needed to be a way to handle disputes between members. As Matthew writes he remembers words from Jesus that could be helpful, and in keeping with his legal background, summarizes them in a series of easily remembered steps. His words have become the gold standard for reconciliation work ever since, and nearly every congregation, in its constitution, makes reference to Matthew 18 as the way to handle difficult situations among members. There’s great wisdom in what he writes and the first recommended step is crucial for the spiritual health of any group of believers. Put simply, Jesus is saying, “Never, ever triangulate in your relationships!” So often when we’re hurt or offended by someone our first impulse is to tell a third or fourth party, and that never does any good. Direct communication is always our best choice, and of course the key to healing in that conversation is listening! It isn’t rocket science, but it really does work!

Thought for the Day: What happens when we triangulate?

Romans 13:11-14

“The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;” vs. 12

There are some who believe that we are drawing near to the apocalypse, that humanity is teetering on the edge of calamity and that destruction awaits. It would seem that Paul was looking toward the same end, that the day of reckoning was near. But gloom was not what he had in mind. He did believe that something big was about to take place, but it wasn’t a day of death and destruction. In fact what was drawing near was salvation, the moment when Christ would be fully revealed in a way never yet seen. He told the Roman believers that it was time to get ready, not for a day of darkness, but for an outpouring of light. They’d been living in darkness, consumed by the desires of this world, but very soon a new day would dawn. And even though it was still night, they could start living as children of the Light, and put aside all those old behaviors that had caused them such distress. We’re now being reminded daily of the ugliness that exists in our country. Politicians warn of horrible consequences if we make the wrong electoral choices. But their vision of future darkness is just plain wrong! The Light is on the way and will ultimately prevail–and when we put on the armor of light, even if it’s still dark, the day of the Lord is hastened.

Thought for the Day: What is the armor of light?

Romans 13:8-10

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” vs. 8

Jesus had but one commandment for his followers, to love one another as he had loved them. Paul echoes that sentiment as he closes out his closely argued letter to the Christians in Rome. “All you need is love,” he says, in full agreement with The Beatles, and if they did, they would have fulfilled the entire law. Of course that little prescription is much easier said than done. For one thing, loving in the Jesus way, is a lot more than having warm, fuzzy, or even erotic feelings about another person. Paul devoted a whole chapter to it when he wrote to the folks in Corinth where he says, “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.” This is how we are to treat one another, no exceptions, and our lives and relationships are transformed when we can actually pull it off. Words and acts of love when accompanied by warm smiles melt hardened hearts and provide a seedbed for reconciliation and growth. Paul actually says that we owe love to one another, it’s the price we pay for being children of grace. And it has to be more than words! Without generous deeds our loving words are meaningless tweets!

Thought for the Day: When is loving hardest for me?

Psalm 119:37-40

“Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.” vs. 37

When the word “vanities” is Googled the search results are exclusively related to those furnishings most often found in our bedrooms and bathrooms. There is an endless variety to choose from, all including mirrors and extravagant lighting. The styles change frequently and the message is that vanities should be changed out frequently. The psalmist had nothing like this in mind when he pleaded with God to turn his eyes from such things, though if he’d known what they were he might have doubled down on his prayers. Vanities are excessive pride in one’s own appearance or accomplishments and they are a particular problem for people in our self-oriented times. The psalmist believed that there was nothing more important than living a life centered on the ways of the Lord–and such a life has nothing to do with externals. Of course it’s necessary and good for us to take care of our bodies–we all want to look good! But such concern can easily become an obsession. Americans spend over a trillion dollars each year on skin and hair products designed to enhance their appearance. In the meantime spiritual poverty is increasing–more and more people feel alienated from God. It doesn’t make any difference how beautiful our faces are when we’re afflicted with ugly souls. As scripture reminds us, “Mortals look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Thought for the Day: What makes me beautiful?

Psalm 119:33-36

“Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.” vs. 34

The Jews had deep affection for the law. They rightly understood that its precepts provided a guide for healthy and orderly life in community. No country or nation can expect to know internal stability without an overwhelming allegiance to what is called the “rule of law.” Many in our land have expressed deep concern over what has been called the breakdown of law and order. It’s a legitimate fear. Our hearts crave security and the widespread disruptions have sparked anger and resentment. The disorder threatens our future together. Some have proposed a national crackdown on expressions of dissent and the use of federal troops to restore order. Others are saying that what is needed is a new approach to policing and a wholesale revision of the justice system. Obviously there are no easy solutions to what has become a national crisis. But generally the way forward isn’t found in a tougher version of the past. The law is a gift from God but it’s constantly evolving, and rigid enforcement is seldom the answer. The psalmist asked for understanding, and that’s a worthy prayer request for us as well. Out of the current disorder, a new order will emerge–we pray that it will lead to the end of injustice and the advent of what scripture calls the “peaceable kingdom.” If partisan bickering can be put aside, good things can happen!

Thought for the Day: What will the new order look like?

Ezekiel 33:7-11

“So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” vs. 7

Whenever Israel embraced wickedness, Ezekiel had been charged by the Lord to issue a warning. The people were to turn from their wicked ways, and if they did not, they would die! There are some for whom that would be a dream job! They love pointing out the sins of others and issuing dire warnings. A few of us may even have had such persons in our own families. Ezekiel didn’t have a choice about his calling–if he refused to issue the warning he would forfeit his own life. That was likely a powerful incentive for him. But most of us don’t feel that same pressure to offer corrective advice to the people around us, particularly if they are family and friends. In our culture we’ve been pretty much conditioned to keep our mouths shut about the poor behaviors we observe in others. We’ve been taught to “live and let live” and keep our nose out of other people’s business. But that’s not how it is in the family of God. We have responsibilities for one another and if someone is living in self-destructive ways, we are called by God to intervene. They may not like it, and sometimes they’ll ignore us, but many times our intervention will save lives, and our warnings can bring healing. 

Thought for the Day: Times I’ve seen interventions save lives.

Matthew 16:24-26

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” vs. 24

Jesus did not consult a marketing expert when he began his historic mission in the towns and villages of Galilee. If he had, he would have been told that self-denial is not the way to attract followers. It just doesn’t work! Which is why contemporary Christian leaders have largely abandoned any pretense of self-denial in either their personal lives or in their professional outreach. That message, while clearly evident in the lives of so many saints, has been completely drowned out by our consumption obsessed culture and the worship of winning at all costs. We are taught from an early age that we can be and do anything that our heart desires, and all that is needed is hard work, wise investment, and discipline. The result has been, to a large extent, the loss of our souls. We’ve gained the whole world and lost our lives! But Jesus doesn’t give up! The One who sacrificed all, and went willingly to the cross, continues to come to us as the Christ, with an invitation to lose ourselves for the sake of others. And amazingly, some are listening and walking in the way of the cross. They have found that the secret to the good life is in self-surrender and in looking to the needs of those around them. Joy floods in when we stop trying to be right, admit our weakness, and give others the last word.

Thought for the Day: How can self-denial be made attractive?

Matthew 16:21-23

“But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’” vs. 23

Peter likely felt honored to have been elevated to the position of “messianic advisor” among the disciples of Jesus, so when Jesus began outlining his mission plan, Peter was ready to offer his opinion. But Jesus isn’t impressed with his new chief of staff, and fires him on the spot. He heard in Peter’s words the voice of the old adversary he’d encountered in the wilderness of Judea–by this time in his ministry Jesus couldn’t be fooled or misdirected. Doubtless the encounter was a jolt to Jesus too. It always surprises us when a trusted friend or family member turns out to be the main stumbling block in finding our direction and purpose. It isn’t that they have it in for us–they probably love us very much–but they don’t get our vision or our call. They think they know the realities of life and what’s good for us, and they want to protect us from losing our way or making mistakes. So they speak up and tell us the smart thing to do, and assume we’ll do as they suggest. But all the while they’re making their pitch our minds are awhirl–we know in our hearts that the way we have in mind has come from God, even if it doesn’t make sense. So we say “No” to the adversary–and pray that the stumbling block was not the cornerstone!

Thought for the Day: Someone who was a stumbling block to me.