Daily Reflections from Deut. 17:2-7 (A Rare New Insight)

New insights are rare, at least for me. And when I get one, I want to celebrate. Most of my learning and understanding comes from the insights or wisdom or experience of others. To see something on my own or to hear from the Lord in a unique way, stirs my heart toward Him.

As I was reading today's passage, a scene from the life of Jesus popped into my mind. I could see it with clarity, almost as if I was there. The scene that came to mind was that of the woman caught in the act of adultery and brought to the feet of Jesus. Now the religious leaders were looking for a stoning and more than likely to create controversy around Jesus. They decried that the Law demanded that she be put to death. But if you remember, Jesus simply stooped down and started writing in the dirt. Then He said to the blood thirsty crowd, whoever is without sin, you cast the first stone.

What Jesus wrote in the dirt has been the subject of speculation from many. Was He writing sins? Was He writing names, dates and places? Was He playing tic tac toe? To be honest no one knows what He wrote, because the Bible doesn't say. I wonder if He started writing this passage from Deuteronomy 17 regarding the Law. God told the Israelites that if anyone, man or woman, did a detestable thing, that they were to take that person to the city gate and stone them to death. But the two or three witnesses were to be the first to cast the stones, followed by the others. However, if there was only one witness, then no one was to be stoned.

Did Jesus write, "city gate," or "two to three witnesses" or possibly "no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness?" The fact that they only dragged the woman "caught in the act of adultery" to Jesus and Jesus' obvious response, tells me that there was more to the story than meets the eye. Speculation tells me that this was a contrived event to discredit the popularity of Jesus by the religious leaders of the day. My guess is that they grabbed a girl with a questionable reputation and through her at the feet of Jesus.

The only problem with the stoning thing; either they weren't prepared to go through with it if Jesus said to go ahead and stone her OR these keepers of the Law didn't have their law straight. Either way, Jesus had them by their own miscalculations. The place was wrong. The number of witnesses or the accuracy of the witnesses' testimony was wrong.

Jesus said, you're right, the Law says to stone her. So you guys who know the Law so well, you go ahead and stone her, but do it in keeping with the Law. They had no choice but to retreat. The woman wasn't the only one caught red handed.

As I contemplate this passage, I can't help but think of how many times I've bent the law to rationalize my actions. How many times have I circumvented God's truth and teachings with my own ideas and agendas. How many times have I manipulated things to get my results. Not that I was necessarily attempting to discredit Jesus, but simply to get what I wanted. The mean doesn't always justify the end.

God, I'm done with legalism. I embrace grace, your grace. Forgive me when I try to manipulate your truths to get what I want. I surrender. I'm dropping my stone. I'm not walking away from you, but rather I'm coming to you. I'm still learning to be your disciple. Help me to dump my self righteousness.

Daily Reflections on Deut. 9:1-6 (Chosen Doesn't Mean Deserving)

As kids, whenever it was time to pick teams the same routine always played out. The two captains stood across from all the other participants and one by one everyone was selected. The best players or personal friends were always chosen first. The final picks, well let's just say felt like leftovers. Nobody really wanted them on their team but took them anyway. Sometimes the picking stopped before everyone was chosen and the final persons were more or less assigned to a team.

When you were picked, there was a kind of personal satisfaction and almost an exuberance for being selected in the early rounds as one of the elite, one who was worthy. You looked forward to displaying your prowess or amazing skills in the imminent contest. Being chosen was an honor. There was a sense of pride among all those chosen. The leftovers, they were just glad that they were allowed to participate.

The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. It was already inhabited, so God was going to drive out the peoples living there. It had to be both an exciting and nervous time for the Israelites. The people living in the land were strong and powerful and some tall, giants in fact. The spies, thirty-eight years earlier, had a correct observation of the people already living in the Promised Land. Ten of them were so intimidated that they gave a bad report about taking the land. They referred to themselves as "grasshoppers in their eyes."

But God had already demonstrated His power and ability to drive out the Israelites enemies. They had fought and soundly defeated any enemy that stood in their way. God had already fought for them as they defeated the people on the east side of the Jordan and given that land to some of the tribes or Israel. By this time, they were a little cocky. They hadn't suffered a defeat and had watched their enemies and existing nations fall prey to their hands. Even though they had been outnumbered in the past, in made no difference. They were God's people and proud of it.

Realizing their arrogance at being chosen by God to inherit the land, Moses had a a little message for the Children of Israel. In Deuteronomy 9, he tries to set them straight. "Dudes, you aren't getting this land because you're special. God's getting rid of these people because of their sins. They are vile and God is punishing them. Don't think you're anything too special. Because if you act like them, God will do the same thing to you." Then he goes on to remind them of their recent history with God, their disobedience. He point blank calls them a "stiff necked people."

Being stiff necked doesn't have anything to do with how they slept. It has to do with their stubbornness, their arrogance, their rebelliousness. Moe might have called them a pain in the neck (or some place else) to both himself and God. They no doubt were. At times God was ready to destroy them and Moe pleaded in their behalf. At other times, Moe was ready to destroy them and God intervened.

Here in chapter 9, Moses clearly states that although they were the "chosen" people, they didn't deserve what God was doing for them on the basis of their own merits, righteousness, integrity or good looks. God was clearing the land of wickedness and preparing the way for His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was working His plan to redeem all mankind.

Being a part of God's elect or chosen people is a unique privilege. So often we think that just because we're followers of Christ we're above everyone else. We somehow think we're special, deserving. The good news is that we're on the winning team when accept Christ as Lord and Savior and become a member of God's very own family. But we're on the team not because we deserve it or because of our righteousness or because we're good people. We're really no different from the Israelites. We, too, are stiff necked people. If it weren't for God's grace, we'd simply die in the desert.

God, I'm so thankful for your grace. I realize I'm a mess without you. It's such a privilege to be welcomed into your family and share in your Son's inheritance. I never want to take for granted your favor, your love, your mercy, your riches, your presence. I never want to assume an arrogant attitude over people. I am no better than they, just blessed to have received your forgiveness.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 7:36-50 (Spiritual Arrogance or Genuine Desire)

Apparently all Pharisees weren't bad. Some actually gave Jesus a chance and must have even followed Him. Joseph of Arimathea gave up his tomb for Jesus. Nicodemus came to Jesus personally after work to hang out and learn. And in this passage today, Simon invites Jesus over for dinner for some conversation.

It's no wonder that the Pharisees had a hard time with Jesus, because even the guys that were open to Him had trouble making the mental shift. They were so ingrained in their religious thinking and traditions, that breaking free meant a radical paradigm shift. It was almost like calling "red" "yellow" to them. Jesus blew their minds. The Pharisees had been the foremost keepers of the Law and customary traditions of their day. In fact, they were so entrenched in the Law that they failed to see people.

Jesus shows up at Simon the Pharisees' house with His normal entourage. He always seemed to have people following Him everywhere He went. Instead of totally humiliating everyone Simon allowed some of the entourage in with Jesus. Among the group was a woman who the text says "lived a sinful life." If she wasn't a prostitute, she no doubt was a gal with a dubious reputation for getting around.

Now the weird thing about this story is the foot washing that Jesus received from her. Something about Jesus had evoked great emotion in this woman. She was crying so hard that she had enough tears to wash Jesus' feet in them. She also obviously wasn't destitute because she anointed Jesus' feet with perfume, which means she had some cash.

Simon the religious Pharisee was instinctively repulsed by her behavior. He saw this, "sinful" woman and couldn't believe that someone like Jesus would allow her to touch Him. After all, any righteous Jewish man would know that touching or being touched by someone "unclean" would make you "unclean." Simon, normally wouldn't have gone near her or probably even allowed her in his house because she was a sinful woman and he wouldn't have wanted to expose himself or his family/household to someone like her.

But not only did Jesus allow her to touch Him, He cleansed her and taught this confused Pharisee a lesson. The Pharisee saw this woman as a hopeless lowlife to be avoided at all cost. Jesus saw her as a woman in need of God's love and grace. As you read this account, it becomes clear who had a greater appreciation for the presence of Jesus. Simon treated Jesus like a peer. The woman treated Jesus like the Savior and Lord that He was.

Too often, followers of Christ invite Jesus into their life, space, home, whatever for some light dinner conversation or even to debate a theological issue. They are not moved by His presence. They think of Him more as a peer or equal or just another guest. They miss who He really is. They aren't impassioned by Him and thus their life seems ordinary and spiritually mediocre. They are often intellectually aware of who Jesus is and what His truths mean, but not really enlivened by Him.

If Jesus entered our home or place of worship, I wonder how He would be treated. Would we kiss His feet, wash His feet with our tears or simply usher Him to the best seat in the place? Would we be really moved or would be delighted just to converse with Him?

God, first I want to see you as you are. I want to have the heart of this woman. But I also don't want to have the heart of the Pharisee toward those in similar situations to the "sinful" woman. Give me your eyes and heart.

Daily Reflections on Numb. 22:1-35 (Who's the Real Ass Here?)

It's one of the most fascinating and almost humorous accounts in the Bible. Balaam is prophet of God in the Old Testament. He lived during the time of the Israelites wilderness wanderings. As the Israelites trekked their way through the desert country, they came up against various nations who refused to let them pass through their countries or territories. Conflict always ensued and God always gave the victory to the Israelites. And as Israel wiped out whole armies and communities defending themselves, the nations were getting a edgy when the Israelite pilgrimage led them close to their land.

The Israelites had reached the plain of Moab, which made the king of Moab very nervous. So he sent for Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. The first ambassadors for King Balak were unsuccessful in convincing Balaam to go to meet with the king. God had instructed Balaam not to go. So King Balak put together a high powered entourage of princes and important people and sent them to pursuade Balaam to come meet with him. And persuasive they were. They offered Balaam a very lucrative reward.

Initially, Balaam said no because God had said no. But just like any child, Balaam begged God to let him go meet with the king. God, reluctantly told Balaam he could go. So the next morning, Balaam eagerly saddled his trusty steed, a donkey, headed off with Balak's posse. God was really hacked at Balaam for giving in to these powerful and prominent people. So He sent an angel with a sword to oppose Balaam.

Here's where things really get interesting, the trusty old steed saw the angel of the Lord with sword drawn and did everything in her power to avoid getting them both killed. At first, she took off through a field. Next, she crushed Balaam's foot against a wall to avoid the angels striking blow. Finally, she just laid down and refused to go anywhere when she saw the angel standing in a narrow place in the road through which they had to pass.

Each time the donkey took evasive action to protect them, Balaam beat her. Now, in one of the most unique events in the Bible, God actually allowed the donkey to speak. I don't mean in brays. I mean speak speak. God allowed the donkey to talk to Balaam. Whoa! Can you imagine Balaam when the donkey said, "Dude, what the heck are you beating me for?." Now what's really funny is the conversation Balaam has with his donkey. It's almost as if he's arguing with his wife, only worse.

Balaam is so ticked at his donkey he tells her he'd kill her right now if he had a sword. To which the donkey defends herself, I'm sure in a feminine voice. And as most ladies effectively do in arguments, she backs Balaam into a corner of guilt. It's at that moment that the angel reveals himself to Balaam and takes the donkey side. So Balaam falls facedown and begs for forgiveness.

If you think Balaam was confused, what do you think the princes and high officials were thinking at all of this. They were probably checking their own canteens to see what they'd been drinking.

I've met a lot of Balaam's in my life time. They know what God wants them to do, but they get swayed by the voices of friends, peers, society, greed, lust and the like. They choose to go with the persuasive voices against God's wishes and more often than not their better judgment. Balaam wanted to stay in good favor with Balak and the boys. He was enticed by their pressure and prominence. He was drawn by the rewards and relationships, the personal acknowledgments and affirmation. Instead of doing the hard thing, he chose to do the popular thing. Instead of standing for the right thing to do and facing the consequences and potential hardships, he gave in. Instead placing himself at odds with the influential people, he chose to place himself at odds with God. And even though God allowed Balaam to go, if it weren't for the protective action of a co-laborer in God, an ass, if you will, Balaam would have suffered severe consequences, or should a I say severed consequences, his head from his body.

God, I want to listen carefully to you. I don't want to do what you don't want me to. Sometimes I know I need an ass to protect me from myself. I need people who will intervene in my behalf to keep me from making stupid mistakes. Help me to be that ass for others as well, to give constructive advice as friends and co-laborers in Christ falter from your path.

Daily Reflecitons on Numb. 9:15-23 (When Smoke Gets In Your Eyes)

I discovered several years ago that when driving in the fog, you're better off driving with your dims on. Obviously, the water droplets that make up the fog reflect light like a mirror. Thus, driving with your bright lights on in the fog has a tendency to blind you. As weird as it seems, some sun glasses actually help you see better to drive in the fog for the same reason.

Sometimes life gets pretty foggy. It's hard to see where things are going or what path to take. We stumble. We run into things. We get very tentative. We slow to a crawl or stop completely. We think we know the general direction in which to go but since it's hard to get our bearings we hesitate. Feeling your way through the fog is an uneasy feeling. Okay, it's downright intense sometimes. Why can't life always be easy to see where you're going?

In our passage today, God makes it easy for the Israelites. Since the time they left Egypt, God has led them by a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. After they built the Tabernacle, God's presence moved over it in the the form of this cloud. He spoke to Moses at the Tent of Meeting in the cloud giving direction and instructions to the people. The people saw the presence of God on a daily, never ending basis. They knew God was with them all the time.

One of the determining actions of directions for the Israelites was the movement of the cloud. When the cloud lifted, it was time to pack and go. Interestingly, the text says sometimes the cloud settled for a day and sometimes the cloud would be there for a month without moving. Sometimes it was overnight and sometimes it might be a year in one place. But whenever the cloud moved the group was off. Nobody stayed behind or packed to leave on their own. They followed the cloud.

The reason they followed the cloud was because, it represented the presence of God in their midst. No one wanted to get left behind and be on their own. And no one wanted to walk away from God and face life in the wilderness alone. When we're standing at a campfire and the wind shifts and smoke begins to blow into our face, we try to get away from it. But for the Israelites, seeing the smoky cloud over the Tabernacle was a sign of assurance.

Instead of running away from the cloud of God, we should be eager to see it. Following Him was life, assurance, direction, protection, survival to the Children of Israel. It can be for us too. Instead of a real cloud and pillar of fire, God has placed within each of His children His Holy Spirit to guide us, direct us, protect us, etc. in ways similar to the Israelites of old. He's also given us His Word, the Bible to read and study. Following His truths and listening to the Spirit within us are the most effective ways to maneuver through the fogginess of life.

God, it's sure easy to get lost in life. I guess that's why we have the tendency to follow the crowd. But often when I follow the crowd it leads to a dead end or worse. Allow me to see the smoke from your cloud. I'd rather follow you. I want to see clearly, to go through life with confident assurance that I'm going the right direction.