Week 6 | Jesus Warns 

“When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” - Matthew 10:19-20

Matthew 10:16-25  

Before sending disciples on mission Jesus gives clear instructions like a general giving orders to officers who will be out in the field conducting individual operations. Previously, Jesus said to not take any provisions and expect to receive some favorable treatment. This will not always be the case, sometimes mission is not met with hospitality but hostility.

Jesus Sends (10:16) - Jesus send his people out on mission to the world to proclaim and live out His kingdom. Disciples of Jesus are sent, but not to safety. Jesus knowingly sends his followers on mission into harm’s way. This is not an accident, but part of Jesus plan from the start. If we are to seek and save the lost and the hurting, people of God on mission must be willing to dive into the difficult places they find themselves stuck in.

Expectations for Mission (10:17-20) – In a world marked by sin and opposition to God, when you are faithfully living on mission for King Jesus you should readily expect two things to happen in response:

• Expect Hostility - Spreading the Gospel is not perpetually easy. From the many who reject Jesus as Lord over their lives, we should expect opposition. Jesus does not say if we as messengers are rejected by men who hate the message, he says when. Hostility is a certainty.
• Expect the Spirit - While we expect hostility, we are not to fear it. When we are met with opposition we do not need to be anxious. The Holy Spirit will guide our speech and our conduct as we rely on Him. Jesus tells us to be faithful in the going and He will speak through us in His Spirit.

Purpose in Persecution (10:21-23) – Daily, Christians face trials and persecution of various kinds. While seemingly random and chaotic, it is never meaningless; there is always a purpose in persecution. Jesus’ name will be spread. Often when we settle down or slow down the mission for our own comfort, we find the opposite. In Christ, our pain is never in vain.

For information on the persecution experienced by Christians around the world visit OpenDoors.org

Jesus Endures, We are saved (10:24-24) - Jesus suffering on the cross saves, so we can be saved in our suffering. Because Jesus was silent, we can be bold to speak. Because Jesus was lead as a lamb to slaughter, we can be sent by Jesus as sheep knowing we have a shepherd who has laid His life down for us.

QUESTIONS:

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus and persecution?
2. Why is it helpful to know we should expect suffering, hostility, or opposition? How do we rely on the Holy Spirit during those times?
3. When have you either experienced persecution or opposition because of the Gospel? What are some examples of persecution experienced by the global church?
4. When has a pursuit of comfort lead to complacency? When has a time of suffering or challenge produced reliance and growth?

PRAY – Praise God the Father who sends us on mission to the world for the Gospel. Thank Jesus for enduring the pain and suffering on the cross on our behalf. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your speech and actions as you live out Jesus’ mission.

Watch or Listen to this Sermon or other from this series HERE

Sermon Series on Proverbs Chapters 1-9 can be found HERE

*Series Note: I am currently in a Masters in Applied Leadership program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. In our Bible Survey class we are to select a chapter from our assigned weekly reading to mediate on and write a brief devotional. These blog posts are adapted from these weekly assignments.

Week 5 | Jesus Sends 

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:36-38

Matthew 9:35-10:15  

While on earth, the physical scope of Jesus ministry was limited to where he was. Jesus knows his mission is bigger. There are many hurting and lost people who need the message and healing of the kingdom. As Jesus was sent from Heaven to earth on mission, Jesus sends those who are citizens of the kingdom to be on the same mission.

Motivation for Mission (9:35-38) – Every important mission needs a significant “why.” Jesus’ mission included Teaching, Preaching, and Healing. This is the same ministry and mission he gives his disciples and gives us. This mission is difficult and requires a deep level of selfless motivation. Compassion is to be our primary motivation. Genuine compassion motivates to action and knows the only true answer to every disease, sin, and affliction can only come from God.

Men for the Mission (10:1-4) - Jesus had many disciples but set aside 12 specific men as apostles. Apostle is a disciple who has been given authority. The authority of who sent them has been delegated to them meaning as they speak and act, they are doing so on behalf of the one who sent them. We do not get a report of how effective their ministry was, but we know who they represented, and we know they went when and where they were called. Who they were was not as important as what their mission was. They, like us, were called to be ambassadors of King Jesus and commissioned to make disciples of all nations.

Method of Mission (10:5-14) - Matthew gives us Jesus’ instructions for mission rather than the outcome of mission. The principals were timely for the apostles and timeless for us. Mission starts with religious people first who desire to be in communion with God and need good news. Mission includes preaching repentance and the kingdom of God with the clarity that God is the ultimate remedy to all that truly ails us. The mission requires trusting God’s provision and being wise on when to release and regroup when facing opposition and rejection. We endure in mission with a deep urgency to share and proclaim the gospel. Our motivation is a deep sense of compassion for people knowing their eternal souls are at stake. God is just AND God is compassionate. He loves people and through Jesus provides the way, the truth, and the life.

QUESTIONS:

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new Jesus, the apostles, and His mission?
2. Why is Jesus’ compassion for His people the driving motivation for our mission? What does that teach us about how we should see and engage with those who are far from God?
3. Which of the apostles do you find most intriguing? How does the eclectic make up of Jesus’ first team inform how we partner together for the Gospel?
4. Why does Jesus start mission with the religious people? What is the key difference between religion and the Gospel? Why is this essential to understanding our relationship with God and His mission to the world?

PRAY – Praise God the Father for sending His Son Jesus on mission to seek and save the lost including us! Thank Jesus for his great compassion leading to life giving mission. Ask the Holy Spirit’s to equip and empower you and your church for the mission God has for us.

Watch or Listen to the Sermon HERE

Week 4 | Jesus' Compassion 

“And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. - Matthew 9:20-22

Matthew 9:18-34  

Jesus shows compassion and we show faith. In these verses we see three more episodes of Jesus miraculous healing. These accounts are grouped together and significant to teach us the exceeding depth of both the King’s compassion for His people and the faith Jesus’ people have in His willingness and ability to use His power to act out his compassion.

Faith of a Father (9:18-19) – A ruler from the synagogue named Jairus comes to Jesus grief stricken at the death of his 12-year-old daughter. He is willing to risk his social standing within the only community he has ever know to reach out to Jesus even bowing before him as LORD on behalf of his only daughter. His desperation has led him risk all he knows because he has faith Jesus can heal his daughter even though she had just died.

Faith of the Long Suffering (9:20-22) - Jesus is on mission on the way to mission. Jesus clothes are touched by a woman who has be long suffering with a blood discharge condition. Her condition apparently was not life threatening, but the quality and condition of her life was greatly diminished by it. It was physically debilitating and made her a social pariah. What she did was both bold and fearful. Jesus tells her in front of everyone “Take Heart, Daughter, your faith has made you well.”

Mourning to Marveling (9:23-26) - With only the faithful present Jesus takes her dead hand and speaks “Little girl, I say to you arise.” (Mark 5:41) and immediately she gets up and starts walking around. Because of hand and word of Jesus, a faithful father who was in mourning is now marveling at the saving life-giving work of Jesus in the life of his child.

Faith of the Blind (9:27-31) - As the reports of Jesus healing go out more who are desperate place their faith in Jesus and begin to follow and pursue him. Two blind men follow Jesus and beg him for Mercy. Faith in Jesus leads to seeing the world with new eyes and sharing with the world what Jesus does. They go from being blind unable to see the works of Jesus; to broadcasting the amazing work he has done in their lives.

Compassion to the Faithless (9:32-34) - Jesus’ compassion extends far beyond those who have previously demonstrated their faith in Him. Through faithful friends a demon possessed man is set free by Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, his compassion, or our faith?
2. Which of these stories of faith resonated with you and why?How are each different? How are they each similar?
3. Why is the relationship between faith and physical or spiritual healing difficult to understand and navigate? Why is it important to distinguish between the amount of our faith and the object of it?
4. Where do you need Jesus to bring healing in your life? When have you been long suffering and received relief?

PRAY – Praise God the Father who loves His children more than Jarius loves his daughter. Thank Jesus for being on a mission of healing and wholeness. Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort our places of pain and turn or mourning into marveling.

Watch or Listen to the Sermon HERE

Week 3 | Jesus' Authority

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” - Matthew 8:26-27

Matthew 8:23-9:7 

Being called to mission for and with Jesus does not always mean smooth sailings. Sometimes it is exciting, sometimes mundane, and other times it can feel like being amid a storm. Matthew 8 continues with the disciples in the boat encountering what is described as a “great storm”. Storms come quickly and they can be overwhelming. Storms are chaotic and destructive. Far from comfortable or stable raging water is all around them, beneath them, above them, even running through them. But through all of this, Jesus is with them.

Jesus just told a scribe the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head and now he’s taking a nap in the back of the boat. God can rest in the middle of the storm because He is not worried about the outcome. When the waves got so high they could not see beyond them, the sailors call out to the carpenter. The disciples were wise to call out to Jesus with a three- word prayer. Lord! Save! WE-Perish! Despite their weak and fickle faith, Jesus is going to save them. This is because it is not the amount of our faith that matters, it is the object of it. Faith for faith’s sake, ignoring or minimizing the storms destructive power is foolish. Faith in Jesus saves.

Jesus is the captain of the storm and is the ultimate spiritual authority. Jesus encounters two demon possessed men who have been terrorizing the region. At the arrival of Jesus, it is the demons who cower recognizing His authority overall. Jesus commands them “go”. They fill a herd of pigs and cast themselves into the sea. The men are freed and news of this exorcisms spreads throughout the region causing fear and confusion.

Jesus has authority and power over natural world and the spiritual world. He can change our circumstances, set us free from bondage, and bring us holistic healing. Being brought a paralytic, Jesus sees the faith of those who brought him. Before offering physical healing, Jesus grants him spiritual forgiveness. Pharisees recoil and Jesus responds by declaring His authority by also miraculously healing the man. Rising and walking away many marveled some with fear and some with worship. Jesus’ authority over everything is rejected by those who want to be their own authority and received as a blessing to those whose faith and trust is in Him.

QUESTIONS:

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, faith, or authority?
2. What is a storm you have experienced? In the midst of the storm did you find yourself choosing faith or fear? What did you learn enduring the storm?
3. How do we resolve the tension of Jesus having all authority overall things and yet we can experience storms, oppression, and aliments? When has Jesus been a comfort to you
4. What does Jesus forgiving sin before giving physical healing tell us about the importance of our spiritual condition? Where does Jesus need to grant you healing, forgiveness, or freedom?

PRAY – Praise God the Father for being holy, powerful, and good. Confess Jesus authority over everything including your soul and circumstances. Seek the Holy Spirit’s power to bring healing and wholeness.

Watch or Listen to the Sermon HERE

Week 2 | Mission Costs

Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go. And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” - Matthew 8:18-20

Matthew 8:18-20 & 9:9-13 

Living on Jesus’ Mission comes with a cost. Jesus wants those who would follow him to understand the personal costs associated with being one of Jesus disciples, the difficulties they will face, and ultimately be reminded why Jesus is worth trusting as Savior and following as Lord.

Mission Misunderstanding (8:18-20) – Crowds are gathering around Jesus, yet many had not considered the full cost of becoming a disciple of Jesus. They thought they could use Jesus as a supplement to their current lives. Jesus wants more than crowds; He wants converts who become champions of His mission. Jesus tells them discipleship and mission means leaving your present securities and venturing into path and territories that are presently unknown. He wants anyone who desires to follow him to have a clear picture of what they are signing up for and to thoughtfully count the cost before impulsively saying, “Yes I am all in!”

Mission Avoidance (8:21-22) – While the boat is getting loaded to head on to the next stage of mission one of the disciples shows hesitation. He is more concerned with his present or possible responsibility than being faithful to what Jesus is calling him to. “Jesus, I’ll follow you, but not until I’ve taken care of all responsibilities I currently have or may have in the future.” He wants the promise of being with Jesus in the future without living with and for Jesus today. Jesus says the time is now. “Follow me now. You’ve been following me while I’ve been in your hometown where you are comfortable now get on the boat and follow me to the unknown.” Jesus calls His disciples to radical and immediate commitment to mission.

Mission for Matthew (9:9-13) – Matthew was a man living for himself, serving the kingdom of the world. He was a Jewish man collecting taxes from Jews to give to the Roman government. Jesus meets Matthew in his tax booth outside of Capernaum and clearly calls him saying, “Follow me! Renounce your allegiance to your king Herod, to your Caesar, and come follow me THE King.” He follows Jesus and his response is not “Lord Jesus, can you bless me?” it is “Lord Jesus, let me honor you!” Matthew throws a party with all his sinner friends with Jesus as the guest of honor. Matthew is excited for his new life, but he’s more excited for his new king and he wants to share with everyone he knows who needs to Trust Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, the cost of discipleship, or the call of Matthew?
2. Why is it easier to draw a crowd than make converts who champion Jesus’ mission? How does our responsibilities to the people and places we are called to lead us to mission and purpose?
3. How has discipleship or mission been costly for you?What is Jesus calling you to give up or sacrifice to faithfully follow Him on Mission?
4. What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and following Jesus in your daily life? Who is God calling you to share Jesus with? How is it both a responsibility and a blessing to be on mission?

PRAY – Praise God for His mission of redemption and freedom for His people. Thank Jesus for His ultimate sacrifice in saving sinners and calling us to be on mission to sinners. Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and boldness to faithfully follow Jesus on mission where He has you.

Watch or Listen to the Sermon HERE

Week 1 | Jesus Heals 

“That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” – Matthew 8:16-17

Matthew 8:1-17

Chapter 8 begins on the heels of what is likely the greatest sermon ever preached. Kingdom Message + Kingdom Power = Kingdom Advance. Citizens in God’s kingdom, adopted into the King’s family, are to be hearers AND doers of the King’s commands. Healed people will become instruments of hope and healing. Those who are Saved by Jesus’ Work, Changed by Jesus’ Grace, should be Living on Jesus’ Mission. As chapter 8 opens we see three accounts of Jesus healing and saving work in the lives of desperate people. These incidences highlight concepts of truth, community, and living in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Gospel Truth – The Leper (8:1-4) – God created us good and clean, but because of sin we are infected with a disease making us “unclean”. Jesus preaches the kingdom of heaven is open for those who want to be made clean. The leper hears Gospel Truth preached by Jesus and recognizes his need for healing that can only come from God. He is moved to action seeking healing by kneeling in worship before Jesus. He submits his identity of “unclean” to the merciful will of the King who heals us.

Gospel Community – Centurion’s Servant (8:4-13) - As Jesus enters the community of Capernaum, a Roman Centurion seeks Jesus’ healing not for himself but for another. He has a love of God’s people and love for people suffering. He cares for his servant enough to seek Jesus on behalf of someone most would show little concern for. Jesus heals and uses this opportunity to show the boarders of His kingdom are dramatically broader than the lines drawn by the world. Gospel Community is radically inclusive around the radically exclusiveness of Jesus Christ.

Gospel Living – Peter’s Mother-in-law (8:14-16) – Gospel Living initiates. Jesus arrives at Peter’s house, sees a need, and acts on it. Peter’s Mother- in-Law wasn’t seeking Jesus’ healing, yet Jesus came to her, found her, and was moved by her condition of having a “great fever”. Jesus does more than merely remove her fever; He restores her to full strength and stamina. She responds with the only legitimate response there is to the healing work of Jesus in a person’s life, she begins to serve him. She is saved to serve; we are saved to serve.

The Cross (8:17) – This section closes saying, beyond Jesus profound compassion for the sick, there was an even greater and specific purpose for the healing works of Jesus. Matthew points back to the prophet Isaiah showing Jesus is fulfilling the promise of the suffering servant in chapter 53. This chapter anticipates the Cross of Christ where God the Father, lays the sin (and the sickness) of His people on His Son as the sacrificial Lamb.

QUESTIONS:

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you?
   Did you learn anything new about Jesus, healing, or mission?
2. How does Jesus’ healing of the leper lead to him experiencing new life? Why does Jesus tell him to follow the ceremonial requirements for restoration to community?
3. The centurion seeking Jesus on behalf of another is an example of “intercession.” Who has been an intercessor for you? Who can you be pray for as an intercessor seeking healing and wholeness?
4. What does Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law teach us about everyday mission. How does Jesus lead us from sick to servant?

PRAY – Praise God the Father for His plan healing us through the work of Jesus on the Cross. Thank Jesus for his inexhaustible pursuit of us in our pain. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of ourselves and others.

Watch or Listen to the Sermon HERE

KINGDOM POWER | Courage & Compassion | Matthew 8-12 | Introduction & Matthew Series Recap

Part I | A King is Born | Matthew Chapter 1-2
Advent Series focusing on the birth of Jesus as the promised messiah and the incarnation of God into human history. Generations longed and waited for one who would come to defeat evil and bring restoration. Jesus is born of a virgin fulfilling centuries of prophecies. Light had dawned, yet evil is still present. Wise Men come to worship the one born King of the Jews, while King Herod plots death to maintain his kingdom. Death comes to Bethlehem, but Jesus is spared as this young royal family is warned by an angel and flees to refuge in Egypt. When Herod dies, they return to Israel setting in the obscurity and relative safety of Galilee where Jesus continues to grow in favor with God and men.

Sermons for this series are found HERE

PART II | Upside Down Kingdom: Mission & Message | Matthew 3-7
In the beginning of his ministry as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and succeeded where the first man Adam failed. Jesus called His first disciples, literally those who would follow him and assist in spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. As Jesus was preaching and teaching, He was also healing the sick, and His fame grew beginning in the poor region of Galilee, spreading throughout Judea and even into Jerusalem. As a great crowd formed around him, Jesus went up a hill and began to preach what we know as the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus gives the seemingly simple yet incredibly deep command to love God and love people. There is no value in hearing Jesus’ instructions without actively living them out. Citizens in God’s kingdom, adopted into the King’s family, are to be hearers AND doers of the king’s commands.

Kingdom Message + Kingdom Power = Kingdom Advance

Sermons for this series are available HERE

PART III | Kingdom Power: Courage & Compassion | Matthew 8-12
The Sermon on the Mount concludes but Jesus’ mission continues. There are so many people hurting physically and spiritually. Jesus has a message of repentance and forgiveness to proclaim and the power to bring holistic healing to the suffering. Jesus’ power is displayed in the lives of individuals who seek and receive healing, with even some being brought back from death. Jesus shows His power over nature, bringing calm to even the most chaotic storm, and He demonstrates He is THE greatest spiritual authority by casting out demons who have possessed hurting people. His power causes some to marvel, some to worship, and others to reject Him as a threat to their own authority. When challenged by the Pharisees, Jesus lets them know the greatest sign of His identity and power is yet to come. When the world’s rejection sends Jesus to the cross, where our sin will be paid for, Jesus will show His power over even death itself with His glorious resurrection.

Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart, but we should not confuse gentleness with weakness. True gentleness is power under control for a purpose. Jesus’ Kingdom Power is not driven by ego or pride and when we are following Him it should not lead us fear or terror. Jesus’ power is motived by His great compassion for us. This should lead us to great courage as we live our new lives on mission for Him.

Week 13 | Resting on the Rock

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
- Matthew 7:24-25

Matthew 7:15-29
 
Jesus’ Words Are Different - People were amazed by Jesus’ teaching because it was unlike anything they had ever heard. The scribes and rabbis of Jesus day always taught referring to what previous teachers said using tradition as their primary source of authority. Jesus’ preaching is different because He is teaching as if he is THE authority. Several times Jesus says “you have heard it said.... But I say...” The Sermon on the Mount is not universal common wisdom Jesus merely breathed in from the air of the culture around Him and exhaled back out. Jesus is not building a consensus; He is building a kingdom.

Fruitless Leaders (7:15-20) – Who we follow matters. Jesus warns His disciples there will be false teachers and prophets that will appear like innocent sheep but will devour like ravenous wolves. Disciples need to be discerning on who they allow to influence them. Teachers should be judged not just by their words but by the fruit they do or do not produce.

False Disciples (7:21-23) – Entrance into Jesus’ kingdom is more than skin deep. Superficial actions or affirmations are insufficient for genuine discipleship. Jesus wants our whole lives and our whole hearts. Many may profess allegiance to Jesus but only those who are in communion with Him will be part of His forever kingdom.

Fools & Faithful Followers (7:24-29) - Jesus is not giving a campaign speech hoping to become a king, he is giving declarations because he IS the King. Jesus is lovingly warning everyone listening; there are consequences for failing to turn hearing into doing. While both the wise and foolish desire an eternal home, fools will reject Jesus’ teaching and suffer for it. The wise who receive and respond to Jesus will be safe and secure. We do not build our lives on the shifting sands of the world but on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ the Rock of our salvation.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus or His Kingdom?
2. How are Jesus’ words and teaching different than other great teachers? How does this change our response to Jesus?
3. Why is it important to judge teachers and leaders by their fruit?Who have you followed or allowed to influence you that you later regretted?
4. What is your reaction to Jesus’ warning about superficial faith and the kingdom of God? Does it dive you to any self-reflection? Where in your life do you need to build on the firm foundation of Jesus?

PRAY –  Praise God the Father for sending Jesus on mission with the message of the Kingdom. Thank Jesus for being the rock of our salvation. Ask the Holy Spirit for conviction of sin and comfort of the Gospel.

Introduction | What path are we on?  

We self-sensor all the TIME! A fool gives full vent to his spirit. But intimacy means being able to be real and raw. For us to not be emotionally stopped up we need an outlet and a counselor. You do not and should not self-sensor with the Lord. When you are disheartened or discourage God is ready and able to hear your clear or even intense doubt or… You can and should bring them to God without Holding back. You can be clear, raw, and bold with God.  Knowing He can handle it AND being prepared to receive a response of both comfort and when necessary, correction. God will never leave you or forsake us so be assured God will listen, love and lead when you are seeking Him. We walk with Him and for Him on a Path of Mercy.

PART I | Path of Tension | Psalm 25:1-5

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. - Psalm 25:1-5

Path of Tension - We start a path with tension. On the one hand we want our souls lifted and trust resting in a place of security, here David says it is to be lifted in the Lord. On the other we know there is external opposition to flourishing, there is evil seeking destruction AND our inability to remain faithful or change on our own. Before recognizing our doubt or beginning unraveling in deconstruction, maybe we ask where is our trust is and if it’s primarily in ourselves reconsider how that is working out for us. The tension begins hope because in begins with trust in the Lord. Lifted soul leads to greater trust in God. To say, “To you I lift my soul” acknowledges a soul that has been brought low, maybe even humbled, but is in need of being lifted up. There is great confidence displayed “None who wait for you shall be put to shame.” AND there is great realism in the fact there are enemies present and humiliation possible.
 
Shame or Honor – Shame in this context is more than just internal feeling we don’t want to associate with, in David’s “Honor/Shame” culture it is the public and societal being brought low. You, your actions and attitudes are not part of the society we deem appropriate so you are “put to shame” this would impact your family and your finances (business). Defeat or victory? We fear being overcome and having defeat overwhelm us. God I am worried about defeat and disgrace. I know enemies and evil are real so I fear… AND I know you’re victorious. No one who wait for you are put to shame.  There is an end of Shame there is a victory assured not going to be defeated from the enemy either externally or internally. This is a normal tension.
 
“Make me know your ways” is an admission that we know I cannot make it on my own.  "God don’t have the will or want to so you’re going to have to do it for me!!" The tension needs to be solved by us fighting harder to make it but rather surrendering to God’s leading because He is the God of my salvation.
 
Persistent Patience - Wait is to accept God’s timing over your own… This is SO hard. We want resolution now!! We want deliverance now!! We want it better now!! We can be eagerly waiting now and hoping while remaining on the path of steady patience.
 
PART II | Path of Pardon | Psalm 25:6-11

Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. - Psalm 25:6-11

From Self- Righteousness to Humility - The path of tension can only be resolved with a necessary pardon from the Lord for our sin and a disposition of humility because of our sin. The contrast made in these verses is between God’s character and our own. To be on a path of mercy assumes you need mercy in the first place.

Who are we? Sinners from our youth, currently transgressors, and ones of great guilt. This is a holistic and realistic view of who we are, people who need a pardon, need forgiveness. The result of repentance is implied, a turning from sin, “That is who I was” and an intention to walk in a new direction even if that isn’t perfect. Remember me (is an action not just an idea) not because of who we are but because of who God is.
 
Who is God? Good and upright. God’s reputation proceeds Him and it’s the nature of the appeal for the pardon. God you know my reputation…. If you’re going pardon me it’s got to be based on your goodness and good name because it cannot be my own. This is not because we deserve God’s favor and leadership but because we desperately need it. He is one who answers our transgression with Mercy, one who meets our Guilt with Pardon, One who forgives and forgets our sins. God is good SO “therefore” He instructs sinners. This is so important on the Path of Mercy He doesn’t just leave us and forsake us to figure it out ourselves, but He instructs us on what our path should look like in a way that is Right, steadfast, faithfulness. He can pardon you and me and it doesn’t defile or defame Him it’ cleans and redeems us!!

Humility Required - We need new leadership and we need new desires too. We redirect our perspective and what/who we are focused on. Pride keeps us from learning and growing. Humility is necessary to grow.

PART III | Path of Presence | Psalm 25:13-15

Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. - Psalm 25:13-15

As we then go on the path we are not alone. We are not just pardoned sinners left to leave the confines of a prison sell only to wander aimlessly in a wilderness. As we are freed and declared not guilty, we are also welcomed and walked with an identity of innocent, with loved with intimacy and lead with intentionality.

Life Abundant/ Legacy Assured (v13) – That soul that was lifted up to the Lord dwelling with the Lord. Abide is a resting and dwelling in a place of security. We have hope because of the promise of a lasting legacy.

Friendship/Faithfulness (v14) – We walk with God as our faithful friend. Not peer or buddy but faithful counselor and confidant. It is a fellowship of shared purpose. God is faithful to His promises.

Perspective/Protection (v15) – We can have our perspective adjusted when our protection is assured. We don’t have to walk in fear because we know that God will save us if and when we stumble or are ensnared.
 
PART IV | Path of Endurance | Psalm 25:16-22

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. - Psalm 25:15-22

We are not home… yet. While we are not left alone in the wilderness, we are still in wilderness, we are not home. The Path will not be easy, but it is able to be endured, so we are back to realistic expectations and experiences of doubt and distress. We can at times doubt God will continue with us or worry He’ll leave. Wilderness is where are, but home is where we are going. We are lonely, Afflicted, Hearts shrinking, Distress growing, still dealing with external afflictions, external opponents and internal conflicts and even ongoing sin. These hinderances are great, but our God who leads us and sustains us is greater. He will remove and/or give us the strength endure what is on the path. We will persevere because God is our refuge we will patiently endure with God as our strength. We are not alone we are loved and led.
 
Jesus in Psalm 25:

• Because Jesus enduring the path of wrath for our sin on the cross we can walk the Path Mercy. 
• Because Jesus resolved the tension of “take this cup from me” with “not my will but your will” faithfully we can be led in faithfulness and have assurance of mercy when we are not. 
• Because Jesus paid for our sin on the cross, we can be pardoned in our sin. 
• Because Jesus humbled him and endured great shame being reviled, we can live in the reality of honor. 
• Because Jesus was forsaken for us we know we will never be forsaking and be welcomed as friend.
• Because Jesus said, “It is finished!” on the cross we have assurance we will finish the path God has for us. 
• Because Jesus rose again, we can walk in new life now and have the hope of a lasting legacy for eternity. 

*Series Note: I am currently in a Masters in Applied Leadership program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. In our Bible Survey class we are to select a chapter from our assigned weekly reading to mediate on and write a brief devotional. These blog posts are adapted from these weekly assignments.

Week 12 | Judge Like Jesus

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." - Matthew 7:1-2

Matthew 7:1-6 & 12-14
 
This section begins with one of the most famous and oft quoted verses, by Christians and non-Christians alike, in the entire Bible. It also happens to be one of the most misapplied and misunderstood. It also includes a well-known teaching on blind hypocrisy, a verse you likely did know Jesus said because of its obscurity and perceived offensiveness, and Jesus’ version of the universal “golden rule.”

Who are you to Judge? (7:1-2) - We live in a cultural ethos where everyone has an unfettered right to do whatever they want or feel. Concepts like right and wrong or good and evil are not firm timeless truths that stand alone and apply universally to all people. Instead, right and wrong are fluid ideas that change over time and place and are ultimately decided by personal desires, intellect, experience, of individuals and groups. When Jesus says, “Judge not,” He is not instructing us to throw out clear teaching or ignore sin. We are called to use critical thinking and discernment while applying justice and rebuke with mercy and integrity. Judgment belongs to Jesus, so does forgiveness, and ultimately only He can render both perfectly.

Plank vs Speck (7:3-5) – It is easy to see the small sins in others while being blind to the big sins and issues we are dealing with. Sometimes there are grievously worse sins that can completely blind and paralyze us. These are planks in our eyes. Planks are big and debilitating. They keep you from moving and effectively helping others at all but ultimately, we can still function moving forward and helping others. We need to have clear, unimpaired vision to be able to perform delicate procedures on others. Do not be a hypocrite while you try to help others grow.

Pearls for Pigs (7:6) – Jesus transitions from warning us on being too harsh with our brothers and sisters in Christ and hypocritical with ourselves, to being too lax in giving what is holy and valuable to dogs and swine who seek to misuse and destroy what is from God and attack the people of God. Good judgement includes knowing when to disengage.

Golden Rule (7:12-14) – Jesus takes a well-known and popular Jewish proverb and gives it a remix. “What you hate, do not do to anyone” gets restated positively “Whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them”. This is not an insignificant change. Jesus is showing God’s character and how we as God’s children and citizens of His kingdom are supposed to respond to others with purposeful and proactive love.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus or judgement?
2. How are judgement and discernment different? What happens when we only condemn or condone with out proper consideration?
3. Why is it essential to focus on the plank in your eye before attempting to engage with the specks in other’s eyes? How does this teaching lead us both to greater humility and greater boldness?
4. Why it is Jesus restating the “golden rule” positively such a paradigm shift? How does this help us love our neighbor as ourselves?

PRAY –  Praise God the Father for His perfect judgement. Thank Jesus for enduring the plank of the Cross so we would not suffer condemnation for our sin. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment on where we need to grow and how we should engage with others.

Week 11 | Don't Worry, Trust the King

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:33-34

Matthew 6:25-34
 
What are we worried about? We are very fearful people. We have fears about how we are going to provide for ourselves or others. Fears of loneliness, fears of what others think of us, fears of not living up to others’ expectations or our own, fear of loss, and fear of the unknown. Jesus knows our fears and answers our anxiety with what is true about God the Father and how He is for us each day.

What is Life? (6:25-26) - Don’t be Anxious. He doesn’t say, if you get anxious or when you get anxious. Jesus tells us to not be anxious because he knows we already are. When we are anxious, we are seeing our problems as bigger than the God who made us and gives us life. We turn worry into worship when we remember what is true. Life is more than, but not less than, survival. We are made to thrive as we are loved by God. Yes, we have daily needs, but God loves us more than the birds, who find fresh food daily, so we have assurance He will provide for us.

Anxiety Does Not Produce, It Takes Away (6:27-30) – It would be great if simply being told to not be anxious took our anxieties away. Jesus goes further to tell us how fruitless our worries can be because He does not want us focused on futility. Jesus gives us more than a command to not be anxious for our benefit, He goes further explaining why we don’t need to be. God is the creator and Author of our lives and everything. He makes the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields. He provides for the birds even when they do not plan. He makes flowers beautiful to show He is the source of all beauty. We are valuable to God and He care for us.

Your Father, The King, Knows What You Need (6:31-34) – God is intimately aware of everything in our lives. He cares about the details of our lives. He knows all the hairs on your head because he made you. He knows what you need to survive. He also knows every aspect of our lives we are worried about. While you are worrying anxiously concerned about yourself with what may or may not come, God is orchestrating a billion details in and around your/our lives that we don’t even think about. He knows how each day has its own trouble, so we trust and focus on today.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus or anxiety?
2. What are your fears? What gives you the greatest insecurity or anxiety? What would it look like to gives these to God?
3. When has worry or anxiety robbed you of joy? How do you wish you would have responded? What are we called to focus on and pursue in our anxiety?
4. When have you experienced God’s protection or provision in a way that gave you greater confidence in His character?

PRAY –  Praise God the Father for knowing what we need and His care for us. Thank Jesus for knowing our worries and calling us to casts them on the Lord who provides. Ask the Holy Spirit to meet your anxiety and worry with peace and comfort.

Week 10 | Kingdom Economy

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

Matthew 6:19-24
 
Jesus knows how easily His disciples can turn their attention and affections from the King, Father, and Gift-Giver to the gifts He’s given them. We can quickly find ourselves pursuing and serving God’s gifts rather than loving God and loving people. Jesus knows money is used by us to show what we value, so Jesus teaches on the obligations and pitfalls of how we steward our finances for God’s glory and our joy.

Treasure on Earth vs Treasures in Heaven (6:19-21) - What is Treasure? It absolutely includes money, but it is a big all-inclusive term of anything we see as valuable. Jesus says earthly treasure is a bad investment. Why? Because earthly treasures wear out, they are corrupted rust meaning they can easily decay or be devoured. When they are gone or rotten, we are quickly led to discontentment. This causes us to spend and get, or strive to achieve, leaving us less content than we previously were. Conversely, Treasures in Heaven are secure and eternal. They do not wear out, cannot be used up and will be enjoyed forever. The implication is we invest in what cannot be taken away but what is guarded by God. How and where we invest shows where our heart is. Our battle is not with the budget or the income it is with our heart first. Money is not about math it is about worship.

Gospel Vision (6:21-23) - It in the context of what we value, Jesus talks about what we see. We are always fixated and focused on something. We have hopes and dreams we entertain. They are not neutral. Our vision, what we focus on, what we feast our eyes and mind with have incredible power. What we see can be incredibly motivating. Our motivations can also be all controlling because they lead to action. Look to a new horizon long for the coming country while loving those in our current country.

Choose Your Master (6:24) - With our vision right, Jesus calls us to choose which king and which kingdom we are going to serve. There are two kingdoms we can accumulate treasure in earth or heaven, two ways of viewing the world in, either in darkness or light, and there are only two masters we will ultimately serve, God or money. Choose Wisely.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, God, or Money?
2. How do you assess what your “Treasure” is? What do you value most? What would you most hate to lose? What do you think about most when you have free time?
3. How is the concept of Treasures in Heaven comforting and motivating? Where is Jesus calling you to invest in now?
4. What does your current relationship with money look like?Where do you need help? What does your stewardship and generosity look like?

PRAY –  Praise God the Father for His perfect provision for us. Thank Jesus for teaching us to look beyond the temporary and fleeting to what is eternal and satisfying. Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to help steward your finances for God’s glory and your joy.

Week 9 | Calling The King

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-9

Matthew 6:5-18
 
We need help to make sure our hearts and our actions are in line with the radical obedience being a citizen of the kingdom of God requires. Jesus shifts from teaching about God’s Law to instructing the crowd and his disciples on prayer, how, what, and why we call out to the King.

Prayer is both incredibly natural for us because we were made to commune with God, and yet it is incredibly difficult because sin has distorted our relationship with him.  There is a right way and a wrong way to pray. Jesus talks about the wrong ways before laying out the right way. Who are our prayers focused on, the one who is praying or the one who is being prayed too. When we are overly demonstrative in our prayers, we must ask ourselves who are we speaking too, God or those around us. We do not heap up empty phrases believing God desires incantations or a specific formula for us to communicate and commune with Him.
 
Pray to the King, who is Our Father - Instead, we pray to God as we should talk to a loving father. The Lord Prayer is given to disciples to have a template to help us form our thoughts and words around who God is and how He wants to shape our hearts. We may be entering the throne room of the King, so we show proper reverence, but we come with humble confidence because the King is also our Father. Our prayers include longing for a different and better kingdom. In saying “Your kingdom come” we are both pledging allegiance to His kingdom and renouncing our own. In essence we are saying: “God expand your kingdom and start with me!” Our pledge of allegiance moves to a call to mission.

We easily pray for our will to be done in our lives and world. Jesus tells us to desire God’s will to be done to shape our hearts as we set aside our agendas for His.

Prayer can shift from focusing on God’s glory to our needs. Prayer includes petitions for provision, forgiveness, and protection. We need daily bread, a posture of forgiveness as we have been forgiven, and protection from the evils of the world and those which tempt our hearts. God is a Father who cares about His children. He gives us good gifts and responds to our cares and concerns we bring to Him.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, God, or Prayer?
2. What does Jesus teach are wrong ways or motivations for prayer and fasting? How is it comforting to know we can go to God “in secret”?
3. How does the Lord’s Prayer intentionally reshape our attitudes and reorient our hearts toward God’s glory while caring for our needs?
4. Why is important to both relate to God as the Holy King and Loving Father? What happens when we forget one of these attributes or over emphasize the other?

PRAY – “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours in the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen”

Humility and selflessness lead to honor and satisfaction. God’s response to Solomon is to lavish him with wisdom like “none before” or “after” and promises to provide him with great prosperity and long flourishing life. This divinely bestowed wisdom equipped Solomon to navigate his life of leadership leading to unprecedented national prominence, wealth, and security for the nation of Israel. Godly wise leaders lead to flourishing and prosperity for the people they lead. Solomon also wrote extensively in Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and  Ecclesiastes  to  impart  wisdom  for  godly  living  in  marriage,  leadership,  money,  work, relationships, education, parenting, sexuality, and other topics to generations in perpetuity.

PART II | Wisdom Received => Wisdom Applied | 1 Kings 3:16-28
Wisdom Received is Wisdom Applied. Wisdom not applied is wisdom ignored- Solomon has asked for and received divine godly wisdom to lead and bless his people. Nearly immediately it is put to the test as he is to judge a tragic situation between two prostitutes who have both give birth. One’s son died tragically while the other lived yet they dispute whose child is the living one. Solomon proposed the son be cut in half and each mother receive half a body. The one who was stricken with grief over loss agrees because if she cannot have him no one can, while the true mother would rather give up her son than see him killed. Solomon was able to shrewdly determine who was the true mother.

The wisdom of God is more than just instruction of what “works best” but ultimately what is “right” and “good”. When it is rejected, the result is folly, strife, and ultimately death. When its embraced and rightly applied it leads to life, flourishing and justice for God’s people. This chapter reminds us that all the wisdom literature in the Bible written by Solomon was the best words of a great man but the Word of our Great God.

*Series Note: I am currently in a Masters in Applied Leadership program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. In our Bible Survey class we are to select a chapter from our assigned weekly reading to mediate on and write a brief devotional. These blog posts are adapted from these weekly assignments.

Week 8 | Engaging Enemies

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:43-45

Matthew 5:38-6:4
 
There are different and higher expectations for citizens of the kingdom when compared to citizens of the world. This may be the most challenging teaching from the Sermon on the Mount because it changes how we respond to evil done to us and those who do that evil. Christ willingly died for His enemies so they could be brought into His Kingdom. As His disciples we have received great mercy from God and are to extend mercy to other even those whom have or desire our harm.
 
Retribution vs Revenge (5:38-40) - When we get slapped, insulted or even slandered by another person our first instinct is to hit back harder. We want to be the judges. We want to take the law into our own hands. Our spirit of self-defense can easily lead to actions of offense. We cannot let others sin lead us to sin. We need to rid ourselves of a spirit of revenge. Vengeances is not yours, or mine, it is God’s! Leave it to Him.

Extra Mile Charity (5:41-42) - Jesus tells us more than not fighting our own battles we are to go beyond what is required even when it is inconvenient. We are to be less concerned with our rights and more concerned with discerning what Jesus would have us do. Jesus wants us to move from vengeance to charity where we care less about ourselves and our possessions and more about helping meet the needs of others.

Love Your Enemies (5:43-47) – It is easy to hate our enemies, but it is not required. Jesus disciples are not to be defined by what they are against, they are to be known by what they are for. It is not enough for us to simply not hate, even our enemies, we are a called to love, specifically our enemies. More than not striking back, more the being charitably to the needy, we are to actively love those who actively oppose us.  Why would we act this way? Because it is how God our Father acts to those who hate Him. God gives common grace to the unworthy. His sun shines on all giving comfort, and the rain rains on all giving provision.

Covert Generosity (6:1-4) – We are to be generous, particularly when we see a need that can be addressed. Just as we are to avoid the natural temptation to retaliate when wronged, we are to seeking glory when we act with compassion and generosity as our reward is in heaven.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, conflict, or generosity?
2. Why is Jesus’ teaching on retaliation and loving our enemies so challenging? When have you endured injustice? Who might you need to forgive? Who is God calling you to no longer hate but to love?
3. Why is an understanding of God’s “common grace” important in navigating a world where it can seem even the wicked prosper?
4. In an age of conspicuous virtue signaling how is Jesus’ teaching on generosity and righteousness counter cultural?

PRAY – Praise God the Father for His common grace to all in the world. Thank Jesus for loving His enemies (us) all the way to sacrificing for us on the Cross. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you love and forgive your enemies. 

Week 7 | Radical Renewal

"And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil." – Matthew 5:36-37 

Matthew 5:31-37
 
As Disciples of Jesus, we understand the Christian faith is rooted in the biblical principal “covenant”: an unchangeable, legal agreement between God and man that clearly defines the requirements, promises, and conditions of the relationship. The concept of covenant is vital for how we understand key relationship like marriage and our relationship with God.

From the beginning God instituted marriage between one man and one women. It was a covenant from God whereby He says the two will become one flesh. A married couple is in that sense a new creation made by God.  Marriage isn’t a civil, cultural or governmental contract it is an institution of God by God for His people. We don’t define marriage, God does, because He created it. He made marriage to be monogamous and to be cherished by all involved.  Yet we recognize sin impacts marriages.

Because men and women bring sin to their relationships and sin in their relationships the covenant bonds of marriage can be frayed and broken. God’s Old Testament laws were written to include instruction on divorce to protect women and children from the negative impacts that are often experienced. However, what God meant for provision man turns to perversion. Men would use the Laws on divorce to easily end a marriage.

Jesus restores and renews the significance of marriage by raising the stakes of divorce. Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage as laid out in scripture and affirms it cannot be dissolved lightly.  What God has joined together cannot be torn apart painlessly so it should be avoided. Jesus says there is only one completely legitimate biblical cause for divorce, “sexual immorality/fornication”. Physical, or emotional, unfaithfulness by one or both parties in the marriage effectively destroys the bonds of one flesh enough to violate the covenant. The sin of unfaithfulness in marriage destroys the marriage covenant and can make divorce allowable. Divorce for adultery is legitimate. When legitimate divorce ends a marriage, the non-offending spouse is free to remarry. Your relationship to that person is the same as if they were not alive. We are to remain faithful and true in our marriages and all our other relationship.

Jesus wants what his disciples say to be reliable. Truth in relationships, particularly between Christian brothers and sisters, is a command from God. We acknowledge the dignity of our neighbors who are made in the image and likeness of God by recognizing they have a right to the truth.  Telling the truth is important in respecting our neighbors and God who is the source of all truth.  There is mercy and grace. We have broken our promises and covenants with God when we fail to love Him and our neighbors perfectly. On the cross God Jesus is broken so God does not have to break His promise with us.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus, marriage, or divorce?
2. What examples, positive or negative, of marriage did you experience growing up? How did these examples shape your view of marriage?
3. When have you seen or experienced divorce? What was the impact on those involved? Did it line up with Jesus’ teaching on divorce?
4. Why does honesty and truth matter in our speech and relationships? When have you seen trust broken? When has it been restored?

PRAY – Praise God the Father for creating the gift of Marriage. Thank Jesus for being forsaken on the cross so we do not have to be. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen and sustain the marriage in our community. 

Week 6 | Radical Renewal

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell." 
- Matthew 5:27-29 

Matthew 5:21-30
 
Jesus preached the kingdom of heaven is a revolution, not of radical rebellion, but of radical obedience. While Jesus teaches His disciples Kingdom Ethics, He makes it clear that obedience is more than merely skin deep. God absolutely cares about our lives and our ward actions. However, the transformation Jesus is calling us to is deeper. Jesus wants radical renewal in our lives and that start down deeper at the heart level.

Radical Reconciliation (5:21-26) – Jesus challenges the standards and norms of the day with an authority only He possesses. He goes from “You’ve heard it said” to, “But, I say to you”. He is saying teachers of the Law got it wrong. Their standards are not too high but too low. When talking about something as evil as murder he says you may think you are escaping judgment and getting off merely because you have not actually taken someone else’s life.  Instead, you are more liable for the same judgment of a murderer then you think. Jesus takes the 6th commandment from the extreme outward action of killing another person and drills it down all the way to the depths our inner heart attitudes and emotions. Murder and malice are now put on the same plain. Suddenly, this part of the Sermon on the Mount goes from being applied to the relatively rare cases of physical murder to impacting EVERYONE who has ever had angry thought toward, uttered an unkind word, or directly insulted another! No one has met this standard. The implication is when there is conflict we should quickly seek reconciliation.

Radical Amputation (5:27-30) – In a second case study, Jesus restates and rewrites the 7th Commandment to not commit adultery. Again, outward actions matter and sex outside the covenant of marriage is still prohibited. Yet, Jesus takes it a step further. Actions flow from your heart’s desire so adultery may end with a physical act but the commandment is broken with lustful intent. The spirit of the Law matters as much as the letter. Jesus wants more for us then just behavior modification He wants heart transformation. Jesus says it is better to remove from your life that which leads you to sin then to regularly face temptation attempt to prevail. His desire is for the purity and protection of your heart and soul so you can experience greater freedom and joy.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus and our hearts?
2. When have you been driven by or responded to another with unrighteous anger or malice? How does Jesus call us to respond when we are in personal conflict? Why is this difficult?
3. How does Jesus’ teaching in this section both radically raise the bar of what sin is and provide us a greater opportunity for renewal?
4. What area of your life has the greatest opportunity to cause you to sin? Who do you need to confess to or seek accountability from? What would radical amputation in this area look like?  

PRAY – Praise God the Father for His plan of radical reconciliation. Thank Jesus for perfectly fulfilling the Law where we have failed. Ask the Holy Spirit to free you from debilitating sin and give you a renewed mind.

Week 5 | Preserving & Proclaiming the Kingdom

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 5:14-16

Matthew 5:13-20
 
From internal heart disposition to external engagement Jesus teaches His disciples what the impact of living out kingdom character will be in the world. Jesus’ disciples are not retreating from a broken and dark world but are helping to positively transform it with their presence and actions.

Distinct Disciples (5:13-16) – While our identity as disciples is “In Christ” our role in the world is to be both Salt and Light. During this time, Salt is not primarily a flavoring but a necessary preservative from rot. Likewise, disciples of Jesus are to serve and act in our cultural as a preservative keeping our contexts from further societal decay. This means we will be active in our cities and world while also being distinct from them. We seek and practice wisdom from above and avoid the foolishness of the world.

Similarly, while Jesus is the light of the world, He calls us as His disciples to shine His light into the darkness of the world around us.  Disciples of Jesus are like a great city on a hill whose light is visible to all. Our light can be made visible through tangible good works which are conspicuous to those around us. We do this not to draw attention or acclaim for ourselves, but to point others to the goodness and glory of our King Jesus.

A Kingdom of Law (5:17-20) – If we are going to attempt to shine a light of Good Works, we need to know what those are. Being part of a kingdom means living under the King’s laws. We live out the commands of God, the Law, given to God’s people for His glory and our joy. Experiencing mercy and grace from God in Jesus does mean God does not take His word and will seriously. Jesus’ mission and purpose was not abolishing God’s standards but to fulfill them perfectly the way only He can. All of us have fallen short of the perfection and glory of God. Even the most disciplined religious Pharisee is incapable of achieving salvation. Jesus perfect obedience and fulfillment of the Law does not make the Law smaller; it makes our salvation in Him bigger.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new Jesus or the role of Disciples in the world?
2. What does it mean to be Salt and Light our current cultural context? How is it a tension to be in the world but also distinct from it?
3. What Good Works is God calling you to? How can being actively obedient to God’s word and will help point others to Jesus?  
4. How are both legalism and lawlessness insufficient responses to the Gospel? Which do you struggle with most? How does Christ fulfilling the Law give us both comfort and confidence to pursue obedience?

PRAY – Ask that your life and good works would give glory to God the Father in Heaven and point others to Him. Thank Jesus for perfectly fulfilling the Law where we have failed. Seek the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance to be both a disciplined and distinct disciple.

Part I | We Want a King | 1 Samuel 8:1-9

Dedicated by his mother and called by God to serve His people, Samuel had provided effective, godly leadership as priest, prophet, and finally, judge. Worship of God was restored, the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Israel, military victories were secured, and the borders were safe. But the people recognized a very human problem—every leader has a limited amount of influence because they age and eventually die. The answer wasn’t in Samuel’s legacy, as his sons were selfish and “perverted justice.” The people saw a human problem and sought a human solution. There’s no prayer, fasting, or sacrifice here—there’s no seeking of God’s will for His people, only seeking their own will.

God’s people crave leadership. This is a good thing. They had just come out of the cycle of Judges where “everyone did what was right in their own eyes,” and they had experienced the consequences of self-rule—everyone became their own solitary kingdom. We were created to be led. We were saved to be led (as God says, "I will be your God and you will be my people"). We were never designed to be completely independent. We were designed to dwell in a garden kingdom with God as our King. The problem isn’t that they want leadership. The problem is the type of leadership they want. They want a king "like all the nations."

God had saved them to be a distinct nation, set apart from the pagan nations of the world. They were given leadership and victory by God, meant to reveal His glory to the nations, but now they want to blend in with the rest. Why can’t we be like Midian or Moab? They worship multiple gods, like Chemosh who demands child sacrifice, Baal who allows them to do whatever they want, and Asheroth, a sex goddess symbolized by a pole. And, of course, they have kings—great general-politicians who are their national icons.

The people aren’t rejecting Samuel; they are rejecting God. God was their King, and now they want a king that’s as flawed and worthless as all the others. In His grace, God knows their hearts, so He has Samuel warn them about the consequences of this decision, giving them a preview of what's to come.

Part II | Be Careful What You Wish For | 1 Samuel 8:10-18

In most elections, we think we know how things will turn out, but we’re often surprised. Promises are made, but rarely do they go as expected. Not in this case. Before Israel votes on “King/no King,” God reveals exactly what this “Give us a king” platform will look like:

He will take your sons and daughters. They will be drafted not to fight for your freedom with God as your champion, but for the king’s glory and interests. Your children will be used to help the king (some mere man) become glorified like a god. Your daughters will be used to make the king’s feasts. The talents, creativity, and energy humanity has been given to flourish will not be directed toward creating a God-glorifying culture but a king-glorifying society.

Taxes will increase to support the infrastructure needed to make the king seem like something more than just another person. The best of your society will be directed toward the king’s interests, not for the benefit of all, but of one. God gives His best to His people, but earthly kings will take your best for themselves.

Verse 17 contains the most damning charge against the “Give us a king” party:

“And you shall be his slaves.” Whoa! God’s people were enslaved for over 400 years, and now Samuel makes it crystal clear: If you go down this path, it’s a voluntary return to slavery. They cried out when they were enslaved in Egypt, and now they’re about to put themselves back into bondage, this time under a king of their own making. The platform has been set. The people have been warned. It's time to vote.

Part III | Our Kingdoms | 1 Samuel 8:19-22

They didn’t heed the warning. God gave them what they wanted, even though it wasn’t what was best for them. They didn’t get what they desired; they got what they deserved. Kingdoms are about glory, and lesser kingdoms ruled by lesser kings have lesser glory. The king will fight for us so we don’t have to, they think. But they already had that with God! When we declare independence from God as our King, it doesn’t lead to freedom—it leads to slavery.
We need to see ourselves in this chapter of The Story. We are not Samuel, and we are not God. We are the Israelites. We define, seek, build, and protect our kingdoms just as Israel did.

Our Kingdoms Are:
 

1. Fundamentally Flawed – Our kingdoms begin with a rejection of God’s rule, and we seek to be our own kings apart from Him. This sin, whether quickly or slowly, destroys everything we build on top of it.
2. Fake Façade – Like the kings Samuel warned of, we build our kingdoms on a false appearance of glory, taking resources that aren’t ours to create an illusion of greatness.
3. Fractured – While the kingdoms of David and Solomon saw some prosperity, the rest of the kings in God’s story were more like Game of Thrones than Camelot. Our relationships are fractured because we live as if we are kings and others exist to serve us.
4. Fear Based – Many kings rule out of fear, not faith in a Good God who saves. We either avoid engaging with others for fear our kingdoms will be exposed, or we lash out at anyone who threatens our fragile sense of control.
5. Fickle and Fleeting – Kingdoms rise and fall, and legacies come and go. In the end, we see that everything we worked for will come to an end, just as earthly kingdoms do.

The outcome of Israel’s decision led them deeper into sin and idolatry, into greater fear. Their choice did not lead to boldness; it led to a deeper insecurity. When walking with God, we can be bold because we know He fights for us and that His Kingdom doesn’t have the same flaws ours do. We cannot keep pledging allegiance to our own kingdoms or to kingdoms built on false promises and weak foundations. We need to place our hope and allegiance in the Firm Foundation—our King, Jesus!

*Series Note: I am currently in a Masters in Applied Leadership program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. In our Bible Survey class we are to select a chapter from our assigned weekly reading to mediate on and write a brief devotional. These blog posts are adapted from these weekly assignments.

Week 4 | Message on the Mount

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." -Matthew 5:5-8 

Matthew 5:1-12
 
Jesus’ mission has momentum. People are being healed, spiritual freedom is being experienced and His message is gaining popularity. As he ascends a hill to teach, he is followed by both his growing inner circle of disciples and massive crowds of those interested in His message and mission. Jesus is the savior King of His people, the Great Physician capable of healing, and He is a great teacher (rabbi) of the ethic and ways of His Kingdom. What begins in chapter 5, and continues through chapter 7, is a compilation of Jesus’s essential teaching for His disciples. Yet this is more than a legalist manifesto or utopian ideal to be pursued. True relationship with the rabbi is necessary to receive, understand, and apply what Jesus desires for His disciples. The call is nothing less than perfection which has only been achieved by Christ himself. This message is aspirational in nature but also drives us to radical reliance on Jesus’ work.

Hope for Hurting (5:2-5) – Jesus’ sermon begins with a series of “Beatitudes” with phrases beginning with “Blessed is/are...” While formulaic in their structure, these are not legalistic actions and promises but rather the heart disposition and attitudes of Jesus’ disciples as they navigate the world around them. Longing, grief, meekness are natural feelings in a dark and broken world, yet they are temporary. There is hope, comfort, and inheritance in the future eternal Kingdom of God.

Peace for the Conflicted (5:6-9) - How see and understand the world and others matters. Recognizing sin, seeing injustice, feeling disconnected from God, and navigating conflict are all part of a disciples of experience when our eyes and hearts are opened to spiritual and relational realties. Jesus assures us our journey as disciples will ultimately satisfying as we receive mercy, experience righteousness, commune with God. While we wait, we act as agents of peace and reconciliation pointing other to Christ.

Endurance for the Persecuted (5:10-12) – Resistance to the message is because of rejection of the Messiah. Darkness hates the light. Jesus’ disciples will face opposition and even persecution in a world opposed to Him. When following and proclaiming Jesus, we should assume we will be met with hostility. This should not be reason to be discouraged or give up, but to press in with the great assurance of eternal reward.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus or the Sermon on the Mount?
2. What does it mean to be “Poor in Spirit”? When have you been stricken with grief or found yourself meek when you desired boldness?
3. How are the Beatitudes confusing?How are they comforting?How do they give us hope or dive us to greater reliance on Christ?
4. Where do you see or experience opposition to the Message of the Gospel? What are some false narratives you have heard about Christians, Jesus, or the Gospel in our culture?

PRAY – Praise God the Father for the promise of our eternal inheritance and communion with Him. Thank Jesus for His world changing message and mission. Ask the Holy Spirit for encouragement and endurance as a disciple in a hostile world.

Week 3 | Mission Launch

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. - Matthew 4:18-20

Matthew 4:12-25
 
After his Baptism and Temptation in the Wilderness, Jesus spent additional time in solitude before launching his public ministry and mission. Jesus’ mission of light and life would face great opposition in a world full of darkness and death. Yet when things are darkest the light is most desired. Jesus’ mission begins in obscurity but reaches the masses.

A Light has Dawned (4:12-17) – John the Baptist has been arrested and imprisoned by Herod for speaking out against his decadent sexual practices. The environment for prophetic ministry is quite hostile. Jesus strategically retreats from the area around Jerusalem into Galilee. Leaving his hometown of Nazareth, he uses Capernaum by the Sea as his primary base for mission. Where John’s ministry was focused on baptism, Jesus’ mission is, in part, his message. “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Times may be dark, but the light of Jesus is beginning to shine.

Men for the Mission (4:18-22) – Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost is unique to Him and only He can accomplish it. Yet He invites us to participate. While near the sea, Jesus engages several local fishermen directly calling them to leave their current vocation for an eternal mission. Peter, Andrew, and later James and John are the first disciples called by Jesus to be his disciples. Following Jesus can be costly. For these men it meant leaving a lucrative profession necessary to feed their community and join a mission feeding souls. They have been recruited by Jesus to be recruiters for Jesus. Because of their immediate response of obedience and their lives and the world will never be the same.

Growing Influence (4:23-24) – Jesus and His disciples begin taking the mission on the road throughout the region. Beginning with the religious, Jesus spoke in synagogues and preformed miraculous healings wherever he went. People oppressed spiritually and infirmed physically begin to experience freedom and heath. Jesus’ gospel message pared with healing and wholeness are radically contagious as Jesus’ fame begins to spread and great crowds begin to follow.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus or His disciples?
2. Why is the geographical and sociological context of Jesus’ initial mission significant? What does it tell us about His Kingdom values?
3. What mission has Jesus called you to? What has He called you to leave behind in order to follow him? How is following Jesus costly? How is following Jesus worth it?
4. When have you experienced healing and or wholeness from Jesus? How are both Good News and Good Works essential to Jesus’ Kingdom message? What happens if we emphasize one while ignoring the other?

PRAY – Ask God to given you clarity for the mission He has for you. Thank Jesus for where you have experienced healing or wholeness. Seek the Holy Spirit to continue to work in your heart to bring freedom and peace.

Legacy is secure, so is Life with Jesus – We cannot just try harder to be a Joshua and be burdened unrealistic expectations of our own faithfulness. Joshua was in many ways faithful, if not actually perfect. But Joshua’s legacy didn’t endure much beyond his time or the next generation. Read ahead into Judges to see how well God’s people did. Not Good. We don’t follow Joshua, we follow Jesus. Joshua is dead and buried in the land of his inheritance, Jesus died for us, is risen and will return to take us into the land of our inheritance.

*Series Note: I am currently in a Masters in Applied Leadership program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. In our Bible Survey class we are to select a chapter from our assigned weekly reading to mediate on and write a brief devotional. These blog posts are adapted from these weekly assignments.

Week 2 | Kingdom Coronation & Conflict  

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;  and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:16-17

Matthew 3:13-4:11
 
Around the age of 30 Jesus begins His public ministry by coming to His cousin John the Baptizer. John has been preaching “repent the kingdom of heaven is at hand” The kingdom of heaven is at hand because the King of heaven has arrived in Jesus. He is telling people there is sin that needs to be dealt with. They have been made dirty because of their sin and need to be made clean. The Baptism of John is symbolic of repentance turning from sin and being made clean. John says a better baptism is coming that includes the Holy Spirit breathing new life into dead hearts because of their allegiance to the king of Heaven.

Amidst the public baptisms of countless sinners, Jesus arrives and tell John “I need you to baptism me too.” John is skeptical. Jesus does not have sin to be forgiven or unrighteousness to clean yet there was a purpose to His baptism. He is revealing his identity while identifying with His people. In Jesus’ baptism he is entering into the individual story of sinners who need to be cleaned, estranged people who need to be made family, and rebels who need to become citizens.

God also used this moment to make a royal announcement. As Jesus is identifying with lost sinners, seeking repentance and restoration; Jesus is being identified by God the Father as God the Son. Jesus is God. Then God the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove and in case the symbolism is lost on everyone God the Father speaks and says, “This is my son with whom I am well pleased.”  Here we see the trinity, the Godhead 3 in 1, made manifest in the mission to make people new.

Jesus’ coronation is immediately met with intentional conflict. Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to endure 40-day trial of fasting and temptation. After 40 days fasting in wilderness, and then being tempted by Satan, He faithfully overcomes where Adam failed in a garden paradise. He taught the law of God is as simple (an overwhelmingly comprehensive) as love God and love people. He preached to crowds of thousands, played with kids, healed countless sick, performed mighty miracles, insulted the self-righteous, and befriended sinners all on a mission to rescue lost people and restore the broken relationship between the perfect Creator and His fallen creation. Jesus’ life of perfect obedience succeeds for us where everyone of us has failed.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus or John the Baptist?
2. How is Jesus life and ministry different than what God’s people in the Old Testament anticipated? How is Jesus different than what you expect?
3. In Matthew 4 Jesus is tempted in the wilderness. What do we learn about Satan, God’s word, and Jesus during this encounter?
4. Why is the gospel more (but not less) than “Jesus died on the cross for my sins.”?  

PRAY – Praise the work of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to enter our stories, identify with our sin and brokenness, and make us both clean and new. Thank Jesus we have a savior who has been tempted in every way we have been yet is faithful and without sin.

After a generation wanders the wilderness for 40 years Israel is preparing to finally enter the Promised Land. A new generation has the 10 Commandments ratified for them in chapter 5, is instructed how to teach God’s works and words to future generations, and are reminded they are God’s chosen people not because of their goodness but because of His grace. Now they are being reminded of God’s commands and character and how it applies to their purpose. They are to Love/Follow/Obey the God who saved them from slavery and sustained them in the wilderness and the outcome will be life and fruitfulness.

PART I | Wilderness & Want | Deuteronomy 8:1-3

In verse 3 we are told the wilderness and hunger they experienced was not accidental but was purposeful to intentionally drive God’s people to greater reliance on God not just for daily bread but that we indeed live by the very Word of God. Jesus will later quote this verse (in Matthew 4:4) when tempted by satan after spending 40 days fasting in the wilderness. We often find ourselves in places of wildness and want thinking this must be a pause to God’s plan and our purpose. Yet here we see these are often graces from God who is drawing us into deeper reliance and relationship with Him for our lasting joy.

PART II | Sustenance & Satisfaction | Deuteronomy 8:4-10

While do not live by bread alone but by the Word of the Lord, bread, clothes, etc are still needed. God knows what we need. Even in wilderness and want God sustained His people supernaturally as shoes didn’t break and clothes didn’t wear out for FOURTY YEARS. I have often thought about this at times when our big family (we have 6 kids) were sustained in both ordinary and extraordinary ways causing us to both rely on and rejoice in the Lord’s good provision. Each of the more noteworthy instances was during times of wilderness or want where provision seemed improbably at best. Yet it still easy to forget God's goodness during the next inevitable time of need or deep want. 

God’s sustenance for us and discipline of us are because He is a loving Father, so we respond as His grateful children with obedience. While God sustains us in wilderness and want, flourishing and satisfaction are His desire for us and our ultimate destiny. God is leading us to and has promised us an eternity with him in a good land where we will be whole and satisfied in His presence and provision where we lack nothing but are finally and fully free to worship, praise, and enjoy life with God and His people.

PART III | Remembrance & Reliance | Deuteronomy 8:11-20

When we are in wilderness and humbled, we can and should respond to God with reverence and reliance. In desperation we cry out for deliverance, God answers with salvation and sustenance. We might move to a place of sweetness and favor and begin to think we have earned or deserve what we are enjoying leading us to prideful entitlement rather than humble worship. Put simply, I think we can easily blame God when our circumstances are difficult and credit ourselves when our circumstances are favorable. Entitlement can easily move to idolatry especially when the “idol’” is ourselves. We are never the hero of our story, God is. The antidote to entitlement and idolatry is remembering who God is and what He has done for His glory and our Joy.

*Series Note: I am currently in a Masters in Applied Leadership program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. In our Bible Survey class we are to select a chapter from our assigned weekly reading to mediate on and write a brief devotional. These blog posts are adapted from these weekly assignments.