Matthew 10:32-39

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” vs. 34

Religious warmongers delight in this little verse from Matthew. “See,” they chortle in the face of those who devote their lives to the peace effort, “even Jesus advises his followers to take up the sword against their enemies.” They then go on to support increased military spending and the development of even more destructive weapons. In their estimation violence is the only way to deal with those who oppose us. Are such interpreters correct? Is Jesus telling his disciples to make the move from peace-making to warmongering? The answer is a resounding “no”. Even a cursory look at the context of this saying shows that Jesus is talking about the divisions that his followers will face in their families and communities. And in many instances the divisions came precisely because those followers chose to work for peace instead of war. In the early years of the church there were zero efforts by Christians to take up the sword against their enemies. It was only in later centuries, when the church had been thoroughly infiltrated by the dominating powers, that some Christians turned to violence in their efforts to overcome opposition. Jesus did want his disciples to know they would face conflict as they continued his mission. There would be plenty of divisions. But he likely never fathomed that someday those calling themselves his followers would actually become advocates of war.

Thought for the Day: What do we mean when we call a war “just”?

Matthew 10: 24-31

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” vss.29-31

As Jesus sent his disciples out on their mission he offered comfort by assuring them of God’s constant attention. Nothing that happened in their lives would be beyond God’s notice. If God’s eye was on the sparrow, God would surely not lose track of his valued servants. With these words Jesus lets us know that we have an intimacy with God that is quite beyond our comprehension. Certainly that’s good news for all, but it’s the best news imaginable for those who feel alone on the journey. Many people, for one reason or other, feel incredible isolation, a sense of estrangement even from family or friends. It’s hard for them to feel that anyone cares…some begin to think that no one would even notice if they disappeared. Even in this age of constant social interconnections some get left out…their posts on Facebook go unnoticed, birthdays are ignored…they imagine they have no worth or value. To such persons Jesus says, “You are loved. Even the hairs of your head are all counted.” What humans fail to do for one another, God does. And if we can’t wrap our minds around God’s caring…that’s okay. God isn’t on Facebook and God’s ways of connecting never fail. Even when we don’t feel it…God is with us!

Thought for the Day: How do I know God cares about me?

Romans 6:1b-11

“Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?” vss. 1b-2

Wherever people have heard the good news of God’s steadfast love and abundant grace some have reacted by assuming that they were now free to do whatever they please, that there are no limitations for behavior. That attitude drove Paul to distraction and he took pains to remind his readers that grace was costly. Jesus had had died so that sin might be destroyed. Paul couldn’t believe that those who had been baptized into Christ would blithely go on living as they had before. Being a follower of Jesus means more than mindlessly reciting the Apostle’s Creed in our worship services. It means boldly changing our ways and walking in newness of life, not to gain approval from God, but because Jesus has been raised from the dead and is alive in our world. In him, by grace, all that resurrection power has been made available to us…and as we daily make it our own, we become the incredible saints God intends for us to be. We are set free from sin, not to do as we please, but to be the living breathing presence of Christ to everyone we meet. Granted, sin will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on our journey, but it’s a defeated enemy and has no power to control our destiny.

Thought for the Day: What does it mean to “walk in newness of life”?

Psalm 69:16-18

“Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.” vs. 16

The psalmist didn’t know everything about God. His knowledge like ours was certainly limited, but he did believe that when things got tough God would deliver him from his adversaries. For faithful Israelites that was a given. From their perspective they simply would not have survived as a people if God had not acted as their rescuer and redeemer. But even though the psalmist trusted God he wondered why God’s prayer response time seemed to be so slow. Sometimes that’s our question too. It is so very natural for us to cry out for assistance when we’re feeling harassed and harried. In those moments we can pray up a storm with no problem at all…and when there seems to be no answer it can be frustrating. There are some among us who even give up in such circumstances…it’s tempting to just stop believing in God. In the presence of such doubts it’s wise for us to think back on one important thing that we do know about God, something that Jesus reminds us of again and again. That one truth to hang our hats on is God’s steadfast love! That knowledge kept the psalmist praying…and it’s what sustains us through the barren times of life. As we often sing in our worship, “God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” God’s mercy endures forever.

Thought for the Day: At what point is it advisable to give up on our prayers?

Psalm 69:7-10

“It is zeal for your house that has consumed me; the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” vs. 9

We can’t possibly know the particular reasons for the psalmist’s lament but it seems evident that a controversy has arisen and he is being persecuted for standing with the Lord. He believes that he’s being insulted as the Lord’s surrogate, and it’s almost more than he can endure. That kind of treatment can come as a surprise to us when we begin walking in the way of Jesus. There is an assumption that because we’re doing the Lord’s work we’re going to be admired and treated with respect. But that’s not how it works. Often we find ourselves taking positions that are difficult, ones that go against the popular culture and provoke ugly responses, even from those we have considered our friends. In those instances it’s easy simply to retreat, throw in the towel, and even bury our convictions. It hurts our spirits to face the insults and negativism that go with faithful discipleship. The psalmist refused to give ground. His response was to turn back to the Lord, give voice to frustration and anger, and ask for some sign of support and affirmation. Jesus told his followers, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,” and that is our hope too. When our cause is just, no matter how humans respond, we will receive God’s richest blessings.

Thought for the Day: What’s the most difficult position I’ve ever taken?

Jeremiah 20:10-13

“O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.” vs. 12

There is much to admire in the prophet Jeremiah. He was a man of conviction and courage, and dared to speak the truth to power even when it made enemies of his friends. Many of us can even resonate with his desire to see the Lord’s retribution on those who opposed him. It’s exactly the way we feel when someone does us wrong. It’s a desire for justice on a primitive level, the justice we see in popular movies when evil is vanquished and the good are rewarded. We love to see the bad guy die in a hail of bullets while the righteous live happily ever after. And when we see those sentiments in the bible we can feel justified in our thirst for revenge. There’s only one problem! Jeremiah was not the Word of God; Jesus was! Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you?” And as he hung on the cross looking down at his accusers Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” It’s good to have Jeremiah’s prayer in our scriptures. It reminds us of our passions and our desire for revenge. Jesus’ prayer is more difficult…but ultimately it is the way of salvation!

Thought for the Day: Why do we love to see bad people get punished?

Jeremiah 20:7-9

“O Lord, you have enticed me, and I was enticed; you have overpowered me, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me.” vs. 7

Jeremiah was unhappy…and he blames the Lord. Somehow he had gotten talked into being a prophet and it wasn’t turning out well. Maybe he had thought his call would bring him enhanced status, that like a much-loved pastor he could bask in the love of his people. Whatever he had anticipated, the call wasn’t working to his benefit, and he couldn’t get out of it. The Lord had left him no flexibility…and the message he had for Jerusalem was one of doom and gloom. To top it off, no one paid any attention…the citizens just laughed it off and mocked him. The authentic prophetic message is still a tough one to proclaim. We see that in our culture and congregations when someone lifts a voice in opposition to the status quo. Prophets are threatened, called out on social media, and sometimes lose their jobs. No one likes to hear discouraging words or be warned of dire consequences for self-serving behavior. If Jeremiah were around today his word from the Lord probably would have been called “fake news.” But true prophets can’t be silenced! Even when they want to give up and take the easy way out, they have convictions that come straight from the mouth of God. And ultimately, as Jesus says, “Their reward is great in heaven!”

Thought for the Day: Who are some contemporary prophets?

Matthew 10:1-8

“Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.” vs. 1

It didn’t take long for Jesus to figure out that he was going to need some help. The response to his ministry of healing was overwhelming and large crowds gathered in every village. His solution was obvious: he gave the twelve disciples authority to cast out demons and cure diseases…though he did not authorize them to teach. And really that makes some sense. We too have been summoned and sent by Jesus to be his instruments of healing.. Like the disciples we can proclaim good news and act with compassion in every encounter, but we’re really not called to add to his teachings! We don’t have to create new wisdom or manufacture additional directions for folks. That’s why it’s so important for us to totally immerse our thinking in the thought of Jesus. There are so many claiming to represent Jesus…they call themselves Christians and say that they are believers. But the things they say are totally contrary to the things that Jesus had to say. Instead of being meek they are arrogant…instead of showing mercy they seek vengeance…rather than being peacemakers they push for war. And the list goes on and on. It’s as though they’ve never read the Sermon on the Mount! True followers of Jesus devour his teachings and make them their own…and then go on to live compassionately among the poor and the needy.

Thought for the Day: Why didn’t Jesus direct his disciples to teach?

Matthew 9:35-38

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” vs. 36

As Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming good news, and curing every disease and sickness, he was overwhelmed by the profound needs of the the people. They came by the hundreds, almost more than he could deal with, and they reminded him of sheep without a shepherd. They were easy prey for predators and the wealthy fleeced them at every opportunity. We see the compassionate heart of Jesus so clearly in these interactions with the least and the lowly. Oh how he yearned to help them! Some of us have been on the receiving end of compassion in the course of our lifetimes…how good it feels to be supported and lifted up. All of us have a call to be on the giving side too, in spite of the growing trend in our society to see the poor as a problem rather than an opportunity. Some are even saying that we should let the the sick and the helpless just fend for themselves. Surely such sentiments could never issue from one walking in the way of Jesus! The call is so clear! There can be no misunderstanding! The harassed and helpless are still among us, crying out for attention and assistance…exactly like sheep without a shepherd. To be compassionate is to be the presence of Christ!

Thought for the Day: How do I show compassion?

Romans 5:6-8

“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” vs. 8

It’s hard for us to truly believe that we are loved…even by those who are closest to us. Though they tell us again and again that we are precious and dear to them there’s a little voice within that says, “Really? I don’t think so.” And if we have stuff on our conscience, things that we’ve done a great job of hiding, those feelings of unworthiness are even stronger. Sometimes we even have a hard time believing that God loves us, especially since God knows all the secret stuff we can sometimes keep hidden. But God’s love for us is the gospel…and Paul even ramps it up a bit by saying that the proof of the love is that when we still were sinners Christ died for us. That’s a pretty radical statement. Just imagine for a moment what it would be like for a friend to purposely die on your behalf. We’d likely be overwhelmed with gratitude…and the best of us would determine to live each day in a way that would give our friend’s sacrifice meaning. But somehow it’s hard to think of Christ’s death with that same degree of appreciation. Maybe it’s because we’ve heard the words so often that they’ve become religious background noise. At any rate we tend not to have a sense of grateful appreciation for each new day. But what if we did? Chances are that daily thanksgiving would make a difference…and we might even become more loveable!

Thought for the Day: For whom would you be willing to die?