Hebrews 12:18-21

“You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest…” vs. 18

The writer of the book of Hebrews, writing to people who were familiar with scripture, found inspiration in the faith of the ancestors, but also pointed to the limitations of their stories. Here he compares the experience of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai with the new covenant mediated by Jesus. The Israelites had come to something that could be touched, a holy mountain, and had experienced the presence of a terrifying God. For those who follow Jesus the God experience is personal. We don’t go to a mountain or a temple or some sacred shrine to meet God, God instead comes to us. Just as God came to Jesus at the Jordan with a flutter of wings and a word of love, God comes to us every day of our lives through the presence of that same Spirit. It can happen anywhere…at home, at work, golfing or hanging with friends. And when God comes near one message touches our hearts…we are loved! And more than that, our future is secure. Choose whatever image you wish for life in the world to come, but cling to the promise that is common to all. One day we will be with God in all God’s purity and holiness…and it’s all a gift! And best of all, there will be perfect peace and rest for all!

Thought for the Day: Why is God a terrifying presence for some?

Psalm 71:1-6

“Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.” vs. 6

What a blessing it is to have a life-long connection with God…and be aware of it! Most of us know that we were born and that we have mothers but not so many know God as the sustainer and protector of their lives. The psalmist knew, and gave continual praise to the Lord through his entire life. When times were tough it was that faith that gave him confidence…God was his rock, the stronghold of his salvation. Many times we can’t be certain where that assurance comes from…it’s just always been there. Maybe it’s instilled in us through our closest associations, perhaps fathers or mothers who prayed by our bedsides from earliest remembrance. We know of course that God is present in all from the very beginning but that presence can easily be obscured by the cares and pains of the world. Some wander their entire lives never knowing the God who dwells within. They may even think that the trials and tribulations of life are all that is, and that they’re on their own in dealing with challenges. Occasionally God will break out in such persons’ lives with resurrection power…in a flash they know they’re not alone and that there’s more to life than meets the eye. In that moment God becomes for them their fortress of refuge and strength, and they too will sing for joy.

Thought for the Day: How was faith instilled in me?

Jeremiah 1:6-10

“See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” vs. 10

Jeremiah’s boyhood commission likely made a huge impression on him. He believed that the Lord had put words in his mouth and from that point on he devoted himself to bringing that message to whomever would listen…and even those who wouldn’t! There was a tough principle at the core of what he had to say and it wasn’t designed to make people feel good. He told the people of Jerusalem that the nation would be destroyed and overthrown…the temple and religious institutions would be pulled down. Jeremiah was remembered for that doom and gloom…but that wasn’t all he had to say…he also talked about building and planting. There would be a new covenant and a restored relationship with God. We see that sort of thing played out again and again in history. The people of God regularly go astray…their intentions are flawed and their institutions become corrupt. Continuing to build God’s peaceable kingdom often means that old ways must first be destroyed. Old traditions, rituals, and practices will need to disappear before growth can continue. Such transitions are never pleasant…the Jeremiahs who lead the way will be scorned and ignored. But God is at work in the rubble and soon green shoots will be seen, there’ll be a new beginning, and glimpses of the kingdom will abound.

Thought for the Day: What words has God put in my mouth?

Jeremiah 1:4-6

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” vs. 5

Jeremiah did not believe that he was a prophet by chance, nor did he think he had chosen to be one. Rather he was convinced that what he was doing in Jerusalem was his destiny. God had appointed him even before he was born and he had been aware of his calling from his youth onwards. Some believe that each of us have been predestined in a similar fashion for a particular purpose…they then spend their lives trying to figure out what that is. It’s more likely that the Jeremiahs among us are a special category…indeed history is replete with leaders who seem to have been born for what they do. We see them as special gifts from God and we’re blessed by their presence. For most of us God’s purpose is more mundane. We make our own decisions about where to live and what to do and then use God’s gifts to love and serve in that context. We are called to let the Light of Christ shine brightly wherever we end up living. That Light does indeed originate in God and was present before our birth, but the manner of its shining is unique to our particular personalities. Only a few of us will be Jeremiahs but we are all children of the Light and a blessing to the nations.

Thought for the Day: What is my destiny?

Luke 12:54-56

“You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” vs. 56

There are times when we humans are pretty adept at making our predictions. Like folks in Jesus’ day we’re even skilled at figuring out what the weather is going to be, and we don’t even look at the clouds. A quick look at our phones will tell us precisely when rain will fall and when the sun will shine…and a lot of the time the forecast is right on target. But we’re not so good at figuring out the truth or consequences of words and actions when it comes to the social environment. For instance we still haven’t figured out that an atmosphere filled with insults, threats, lies, and hate speech will result in an outpouring of violence and destruction all across the land. So many seem to believe that there is absolutely no connection between the things they say and do and the things that happen. It’s actually pretty predictable: if we hurl hurtful and demeaning insults at our opponents, they’re going to fire them right back, and the conflict will escalate. Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies, pray for their detractors and practice kindness and forgiveness in all of their relationships. When those behaviors can begin to dominate our social landscapes, sunny dispositions will most certainly follow!

Thought for the Day: Which brings most satisfaction: being kind or getting even?

Luke 12:49-53

“From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three…” vs. 52

We’ve all become aware of the increasing divisiveness in our country as opinions have become polarized and it’s been more difficult to find common ground. In some instances life-long friendships have been threatened, family members have stopped speaking to one another, congregations have splintered…we’re finding it harder and harder to find peace in relationships. As a consequence, many have simply stopped talking about controversial issues in most circumstances. They don’t want to risk losing a friend. That sort of thing works well in political situations, but sometimes it just isn’t reasonable or prophetic to keep our mouths shut. Jesus certainly was not silent when it came to confronting injustice and evil in the course of his ministry…and he knew people would not react well to the things he said and did. Even though he was the Prince of Peace, division was constantly at hand. As his followers we’ve been called to walk in his Way and that means risking division for the sake of truth. Not everything is a matter of opinion…some of the things we’re seeing in our society are just plain wrong and we have a duty to speak, even if our words mean the loss of long-time friends and acquaintances. Someday the peaceable kingdom will become a reality, but it’s not here yet…right now the world needs our prophetic voices. Wisdom is knowing when to speak!

Thought for the Day: What keeps me from speaking my mind?

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” vs. 1

It’s hard to overestimate the influence of those believers who have walked in the way of faith before us. Sometimes it’s fathers and mothers who have brought us to worship and lovingly taught us to pray. We see the way they live and make decisions on the direction of our lives based on their experiences. As we grow in years and our horizons expand we’re touched by the witness of prophets and teachers and often adopt their ideas our own. Through time all those influences are foundational in developing our own peculiar sets of beliefs. We are who we are because of those who have gone before us! And now we’re the ones carrying the torch in the great race of life. If we value the faith they’ve passed on we will honor them by living according to its principles. The writer of Hebrews advised his readers to lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely. While that may seem like a tall order and an impossible task, it’s not! As we use God’s gift of forgiveness, we can be daily restored and live as God desires…and be significant influencers for generations to come!

Thought for the Day: Who was the greatest influence in my life?

Hebrews 11:29-40

“Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised…” vs. 39

The writer of Hebrews was well aware of the proud history of his people…he could recount the stories of judges, prophets, and kings in great detail. And it wasn’t only the notable folks who had caught his attention…there had been countless others too who had been faithful to the Lord, even to the point of suffering and death. And none of them had seen the benefits of what had been promised. We know what that’s like! People have continued to be called by God and many have responded with lives of faithful service as they’ve walked in the way of Jesus. We know their stories of discipline and sacrifice. Some have become well known as pastors and missionaries…others have been known only by their families and friends. They’ve clung to the promises of God with all their hearts…and none have seen the realization of those dreams in this life! With that as a heritage it’s a wonder that any become believers…and yet we do. We devote our lives to Jesus, live out our days to their end, and never see the fulfillment of the resurrection promises. Oh we do catch glimpses of the Kingdom along the way…and that seems to be enough. The promises alone sustain us! It is as Hebrews tells us, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Thought for the Day: What promises of God are most dear to me?

Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

“The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.” vs. 13

In 1520 Pope Leo X quoted from this psalm in a papal bull called “Exsurge Domine” in which he officially condemned Martin Luther and 41 of his teachings. According to Leo Luther was a wild boar from the wilderness of Germany who was ravaging the Church, the choice vineyard of the Lord. When Luther received the bull, he burned it and the Lutheran heresy continued to spread. Leo was not wrong in comparing the Church to the vineyard of the Lord. It’s a solid biblical metaphor, one that was first applied to Israel. His error was in thinking that Luther’s intention was to destroy the Church. Luther loved the Church…but he also hated the abuses that had become a part of its structure and that were threatening its foundation. We can empathize a bit with Leo X. When a person is deeply entrenched in the organization of the Church it’s hard to hear any criticism without perceiving it as a threat. That even happens in our congregations…critics are treated as enemies and are often ignored or ostracized. But sometimes those who speak most negatively about what is happening in the community of faith are those who love it the most. For some it’s their special calling from God…they’re prophets among us, and their words can be the beginning of reformation. 

Thought for the Day: How are critics treated in my congregation or church?

Isaiah 5:4-7

“For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry!” vs. 7

We frequently read scripture from an individual perspective, looking for guidance and hope in our own changing circumstances, and often the verses speak directly to our hearts. Isaiah however wasn’t speaking to individuals, he was addressing the nation on behalf of the Lord, and he wasn’t offering compliments! Israel had been called to be a land of justice and righteousness, a veritable light for the world, and it had failed miserably…now it would have to face the consequences. When the United States was established many saw it as a city on a hill, a nation full of promise that would be a blessing for all people. At times in our history it has been just that, a land of freedom and opportunity, one in which the highest ideals of humanity could be realized. But our country is not perfect. Grave errors have been made. Injustices have been perpetuated. Some would say that it’s gotten turned in upon itself…violence and bloodshed have become commonplace. Ugly rhetoric has displaced compromise in our congress and legislatures. Fear and distrust are everywhere as politicians vie for power and control. As followers of Jesus we are called to be instruments of peace and love in the midst of the turmoil. By ourselves there’s little we can do…but together we are a force for righteousness and justice.

Thought for the Day: Why is politics so divisive?