I always loved the story of David and Goliath. I've loved it first because little DAVID (namesake for me) took down the giant. Oh yeah. David the giant killer. My chest always pumped up as a kid, okay is still does. When you're short in stature you have to get excited when the little guy, the underdog comes out on top.
But there is a lot here in this story that often goes over looked. As I was reading through this passage I couldn't help focus on the family dynamics going on here in 1Sam. 17. Three of David's older brothers are serving in King Saul's army defending Israel. Jesse, David's dad, sends David up to the front with some supplies, or should I say a care package from home. When David gets there he hears the Daily Goliath Show mocking Israel and God.
David maybe young but he sure is idealist. Oh wait, don't those usually go together. He is appalled by the giant's palaver. David starts asking questions of the professional soldiers as to why they put up with that offense. Now the interesting thing is that David's oldest brother starts to verbally attack his youngest brother. He accuses David of all sorts of negative things. To which David responds, "Now what have I done? Can't I even speak?" And then he split from his brothers to go to talk with someone else.
Older more experienced siblings often don't have a lot of patience with their younger brothers. They're sometimes seen as immature, obnoxious pests trying to horn in on the action. The younger siblings are often looked at as if they have no business messing in the older siblings' world. The younger are not seen as credible and more of a meddling irritant.
As a new church, I've experienced that mentality from the older, more established churches in our area. Suspicion, disdain, apathy for our work as a new sister church has been more the order of the day. Some pastors and churches actually opposed us, spread negative rumors about us, even preached against us from their pulpits. Instead of welcoming us, encouraging us, supporting us, they actually worked against us. Our community is three fourths unchurched and growing more that way every day. The irreverence for God continues to grow, yet instead of welcoming us, they negate us.
To be honest, I have kind of felt like David. What did I do? I'm just interested in seeing the lost come to Christ. But it's been like I've done something majorly egregious to offend all Christendom. My older brothers have seen me as an irritating interference.
But that sibling abuse didn't stop David and ultimately he went out and faced Goliath with nothing but five small stones and his sling. God was with David and as we all know he slew Goliath. What would have happened if David's brothers would have embraced him, encouraged him, helped him, stood with him? Both David and his brothers would have benefited. As it turned out, David was victorious and became a hero. His brothers, looked stupid and virtually disappeared from spiritual relevance.
Brothers should stand with brothers. Sisters should stand with sisters. Instead of taking pot shots at one another verbally, we should rally around each other in love and support and encouragement. Too many battles have been fought within the family over silly or trivial issues while the enemy of God mocks His people. The Goliath of paganism rages and rails against the Kingdom of God while God's people fuss among themselves. Sibling rivalry or sibling jealousy is unproductive and damaging to everyone.
God, you said we should love each other and that the world would know we are your followers by our love for one another. Help me truly love my brothers so that the world won't look at the church with disdain, disgust or even hatred, but see it as open, humble, caring, supportive and the way to true life.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Daily Reflections on John 7:37-39 (I Could Go for a Cold One)
There's nothing a like a cool drink on a hot summer's day. A chilled Powerade, Gatorade, Vitamin Water or good ole Adam's ale (H2O) really hits the spot. I love to grab an ice cold Pepsi and chug it. I love the sting in my throat as that river of refreshment is going down. Man, that tastes good. And since I just got done with my exercise routine, I could go for one right now.
Thirst creates an almost desperate longing to be quenched. There is a dryness in our throat that draws the rest of our body's attention and focus. We press on but that longing to be quenched presses us. It slows us down. It distracts us. It inhibits our productivity. Until we get something to drink, our mind and body is preoccupied. That simple thirst begins to affect us physically, mentally and emotionally.
In John 7 Jesus talks about people being thirsty for something more than just a drink of water. It's natural for people who are parched to reach for their favorite liquid beverage to quench that thirst. But Jesus offers something that is more refreshing, something that goes deeper into our being.
Let's face it, life can be tough. It can be a lot of fun, but everybody faces difficult issues at sometime in their life. They become personally parched. People try a lot of stuff to quench their inner thirst. Sex, power, partying, careers, boyfriends, girlfriends, marriage, kids, riches, material stuff, music, video games, sports, porn are substitutes that give brief highs or satisfaction but don't quench that deep thirst.
Jesus said that those who take a drink of Him will be satisfied. Whoever believes in Him will have streams of living water flowing from within. Quenched. A river of living water flowing to the parts of my being that quenches the thirst of my life, my purpose, my meaning, my direction, my future, my hope. Downing an ice cold Pepsi may taste great going down, but it really doesn't quench my thirst. In fact, it sometimes makes me even thirstier. Substitutes may taste great going down, but they can also create other problems too. Not only have they not met my thirst, they have created a greater thirst.
Until our deeper thirst is met, many or most will be distracted in life. Oh sure, we may press on and try to ignore the thirst, but it's still there. Until we take the drink of Jesus, that thirst will remain.
As the Psalmist said God, I long for you as a deer longs for a brook. I need you to quench my thirst; nothing else can. Your spirit that wells up with me is so refreshing. I need it most when life is the most draining. Without the river of life flowing from within, I would no doubt perish. My life withers when I'm not drinking from you. Don't just fill my cup, Lord. Fill me. Quench my deepest thirst.
Thirst creates an almost desperate longing to be quenched. There is a dryness in our throat that draws the rest of our body's attention and focus. We press on but that longing to be quenched presses us. It slows us down. It distracts us. It inhibits our productivity. Until we get something to drink, our mind and body is preoccupied. That simple thirst begins to affect us physically, mentally and emotionally.
In John 7 Jesus talks about people being thirsty for something more than just a drink of water. It's natural for people who are parched to reach for their favorite liquid beverage to quench that thirst. But Jesus offers something that is more refreshing, something that goes deeper into our being.
Let's face it, life can be tough. It can be a lot of fun, but everybody faces difficult issues at sometime in their life. They become personally parched. People try a lot of stuff to quench their inner thirst. Sex, power, partying, careers, boyfriends, girlfriends, marriage, kids, riches, material stuff, music, video games, sports, porn are substitutes that give brief highs or satisfaction but don't quench that deep thirst.
Jesus said that those who take a drink of Him will be satisfied. Whoever believes in Him will have streams of living water flowing from within. Quenched. A river of living water flowing to the parts of my being that quenches the thirst of my life, my purpose, my meaning, my direction, my future, my hope. Downing an ice cold Pepsi may taste great going down, but it really doesn't quench my thirst. In fact, it sometimes makes me even thirstier. Substitutes may taste great going down, but they can also create other problems too. Not only have they not met my thirst, they have created a greater thirst.
Until our deeper thirst is met, many or most will be distracted in life. Oh sure, we may press on and try to ignore the thirst, but it's still there. Until we take the drink of Jesus, that thirst will remain.
As the Psalmist said God, I long for you as a deer longs for a brook. I need you to quench my thirst; nothing else can. Your spirit that wells up with me is so refreshing. I need it most when life is the most draining. Without the river of life flowing from within, I would no doubt perish. My life withers when I'm not drinking from you. Don't just fill my cup, Lord. Fill me. Quench my deepest thirst.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Daily Reflections of Prov. 15:4 (The Tongue Can Be Awesome)
Long before Greek playwright, Euripides, wrote, "the tongue is mightier than the blade," in 406BC and Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote, "the pen is mightier than the sword," in 1839, King Solomon wrote these words in Proverbs 15:4 about the tongue. "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."
Simple words but wise words. When Solomon writes about the tongue he captures more than just the articulation of words. He includes our hearts, our motives, our intentions and our attitudes. Obviously, a tongue isn't deceitful by its on volition. It doesn't have ulterior motives. It doesn't scheme or craft words on its own. The tongue is only a tool of the brain to express thoughts, ideas, messages, love, comfort, disdain, etc.
I hear people talk about having a potty mouth or a nasty tongue as if it's something affixed to their body of which they have no control. "It just goes off on its own sometimes. I never know what it's going to do or say." My response, "Really?" The tongue only expresses what's happening inside us. It reveals a lot about us. Just like the eyes are the windows to our souls, our tongues are trumpets of our character.
Deceitful tongues reveal a deceitful person who is primarily only concerned about themselves. Their purpose is to take advantage or to intentionally hurt someone. A tongue that brings healing reveals a person of compassion. Their purpose is selfless and adds hope and comfort to others.
I've met a lot of tongues in my day. It doesn't take long just listen to find out about a person. I've met critical tongues, analytical tongues, angry tongues, hurt tongues, arrogant tongues, bashful tongues, loud tongues, funny tongues, defensive tongues, harsh tongues, pleasant tongues, stinging tongues, lying tongues, honest tongues, insightful tongues, lecturing tongues, vile tongues, soothing tongues, and yes, deceitful tongues and healing tongues.
The sad thing is that those tongues at some point in my life could have been mine. In fact, they could have been mine throughout the course of a single day. So what does that say about me? What does your tongue say about you? A close examination of our tongue, reveals a great deal about what's going in our own heart and mind. If our tongue is expressing a lot of negativity, anger, hurt, piety, or self-righteousness, then we need to take a close look at ourselves. I want people to see my tongue as the tree of life that brings refreshment and healing and hope and encouragement.
God, I realize my tongue brings forth blessings and curses. I don't want to be seen a negative, hurtful or harmful tongue. I don't want to use my tongue to give lashings. I want to be seen as a fountain of refreshment that allows others to drink of your river of life. Fill me. Indwell me. Capture me so that from my lips will flow the fruit of your encouragement and good news.
Simple words but wise words. When Solomon writes about the tongue he captures more than just the articulation of words. He includes our hearts, our motives, our intentions and our attitudes. Obviously, a tongue isn't deceitful by its on volition. It doesn't have ulterior motives. It doesn't scheme or craft words on its own. The tongue is only a tool of the brain to express thoughts, ideas, messages, love, comfort, disdain, etc.
I hear people talk about having a potty mouth or a nasty tongue as if it's something affixed to their body of which they have no control. "It just goes off on its own sometimes. I never know what it's going to do or say." My response, "Really?" The tongue only expresses what's happening inside us. It reveals a lot about us. Just like the eyes are the windows to our souls, our tongues are trumpets of our character.
Deceitful tongues reveal a deceitful person who is primarily only concerned about themselves. Their purpose is to take advantage or to intentionally hurt someone. A tongue that brings healing reveals a person of compassion. Their purpose is selfless and adds hope and comfort to others.
I've met a lot of tongues in my day. It doesn't take long just listen to find out about a person. I've met critical tongues, analytical tongues, angry tongues, hurt tongues, arrogant tongues, bashful tongues, loud tongues, funny tongues, defensive tongues, harsh tongues, pleasant tongues, stinging tongues, lying tongues, honest tongues, insightful tongues, lecturing tongues, vile tongues, soothing tongues, and yes, deceitful tongues and healing tongues.
The sad thing is that those tongues at some point in my life could have been mine. In fact, they could have been mine throughout the course of a single day. So what does that say about me? What does your tongue say about you? A close examination of our tongue, reveals a great deal about what's going in our own heart and mind. If our tongue is expressing a lot of negativity, anger, hurt, piety, or self-righteousness, then we need to take a close look at ourselves. I want people to see my tongue as the tree of life that brings refreshment and healing and hope and encouragement.
God, I realize my tongue brings forth blessings and curses. I don't want to be seen a negative, hurtful or harmful tongue. I don't want to use my tongue to give lashings. I want to be seen as a fountain of refreshment that allows others to drink of your river of life. Fill me. Indwell me. Capture me so that from my lips will flow the fruit of your encouragement and good news.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Daily Reflections on 1 Sam. 5:1-12 (A Pain in the Rear)
It was called, "The Great Pestilence," "Black Death" or the "Black Plague." Thousands of people lost their lives to this deadly disease in middle ages, especially the mid fourteenth century throughout Europe. Today we call it the Bubonic Plague. Many proposed reasons for the disease, it was discovered to be carried by flea-bearing rats.
Although this disease was thought to have entered human history about 1340 AD, one read of today's passage and you get the idea that God introduced it to the Philistines long before that. The Philistines had stolen the Ark of the Covenant from Israel and set it in their temple of Dagon. The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God. On its Mercy Seat God dwelt. So by capturing the Ark, the Philistines thought they'd bring the power of God back with them.
But things didn't work out quite like the Philistines thought. It's almost a humorous story. First of all, their idol, Dagon fell over and was destroyed when they set the Ark of the Covenant next to it. Then, the Philistines started experiencing some physical ailments. Not just any ailments. God struck them with tumors. Now the Septuagint, the greek version of the Old Testament, says they developed "tumors of the groin." The Darby Translation uses the word hemorrhoids. Oh man, and no Preparation H!
But if you read the description of sores and disease and mention of rats both in chapters five and six, you'll realize that something more was going on. The Philistines realized that this was all coming by the hand of God. Furthermore, as an appeasement to God the priests of Dagon had them make golden idols of these tumors (or hemorrhoids) and rats, one for each Philistine king/city, and send them back on an unmanned cart to Israel. The account sounds very similar to what Europe experienced in the fourteenth century.
Why would God punish the Philistines this way? If you study God's pattern of punishment or disciplinary action in the Old Testament, you'll discover that God always shows His power is greater than the power of the gods of the people He is punishing. The plagues of Egypt, for example, all were directed at particular gods or sacred beliefs of the Egyptians. Not only did the Philistines discovered that defying God by stealing the Ark of the Covenant and oppressing His people became a pain in the rear, literally, they experienced great suffering and many perished because of their actions.
Defying God never pays off, even for those who don't claim to be followers of Christ or believe in God. God doesn't have to prove Himself to anyone. He doesn't always have to send punishment our way. All He really has to do is simply remove His hand and leave us to our own devices, or should I say vices. Self destruction, pain and suffering are sure to follow. But when God chooses to send a punishment for defying Him, it will be evident. Be assured, God will not be mocked.
God, you are so awesome. There is none like you. You are so powerful and wise. Thanks for being my protection, my hope, my salvation. Thanks for guiding me and keeping me from destroying myself. Thanks for your Word and the Holy Spirit. Thanks for Jesus and the promise of eternal life.
Although this disease was thought to have entered human history about 1340 AD, one read of today's passage and you get the idea that God introduced it to the Philistines long before that. The Philistines had stolen the Ark of the Covenant from Israel and set it in their temple of Dagon. The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God. On its Mercy Seat God dwelt. So by capturing the Ark, the Philistines thought they'd bring the power of God back with them.
But things didn't work out quite like the Philistines thought. It's almost a humorous story. First of all, their idol, Dagon fell over and was destroyed when they set the Ark of the Covenant next to it. Then, the Philistines started experiencing some physical ailments. Not just any ailments. God struck them with tumors. Now the Septuagint, the greek version of the Old Testament, says they developed "tumors of the groin." The Darby Translation uses the word hemorrhoids. Oh man, and no Preparation H!
But if you read the description of sores and disease and mention of rats both in chapters five and six, you'll realize that something more was going on. The Philistines realized that this was all coming by the hand of God. Furthermore, as an appeasement to God the priests of Dagon had them make golden idols of these tumors (or hemorrhoids) and rats, one for each Philistine king/city, and send them back on an unmanned cart to Israel. The account sounds very similar to what Europe experienced in the fourteenth century.
Why would God punish the Philistines this way? If you study God's pattern of punishment or disciplinary action in the Old Testament, you'll discover that God always shows His power is greater than the power of the gods of the people He is punishing. The plagues of Egypt, for example, all were directed at particular gods or sacred beliefs of the Egyptians. Not only did the Philistines discovered that defying God by stealing the Ark of the Covenant and oppressing His people became a pain in the rear, literally, they experienced great suffering and many perished because of their actions.
Defying God never pays off, even for those who don't claim to be followers of Christ or believe in God. God doesn't have to prove Himself to anyone. He doesn't always have to send punishment our way. All He really has to do is simply remove His hand and leave us to our own devices, or should I say vices. Self destruction, pain and suffering are sure to follow. But when God chooses to send a punishment for defying Him, it will be evident. Be assured, God will not be mocked.
God, you are so awesome. There is none like you. You are so powerful and wise. Thanks for being my protection, my hope, my salvation. Thanks for guiding me and keeping me from destroying myself. Thanks for your Word and the Holy Spirit. Thanks for Jesus and the promise of eternal life.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ruth 2:1-18 (Whatever Happened to Work Ethic and Character?)
Whatever happened to character and work ethic? Having talked with several HR directors and small business owners, finding people with character and a strong work ethic is a rare commodity these days. People show up for work late or not at all just because they don't feel like coming in or being there on time. Furthermore, they don't even call. Putting in a hard days work is becoming a thing of the past. Giving our best has given way to giving the minimum effort required.
Of course I'm speaking in generalities, not everyone is that way. But a trend is developing in our society. In our couch potato society, mediocrity seems to be the norm. There's a tendency to just get by. Complacency is becoming acceptable. Perhaps a natural result of a self absorbed culture.
That's what makes the story of Ruth is so amazing. Instead of being self absorbed, she is others centered. After her husband died at a young age, Ruth chooses to serve her mother-in-law instead of fending for herself. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, is also a widow and has no means of support. Both of her sons have died and now she is left with virtually nothing. Recognizing her daughter-in-laws are in a similar plight, but young enough to remarry, Naomi tries to send them back to their families.
But Ruth takes no thought of herself, only of her mother-in-law and dedicates her life to helping her survive. She goes back with Naomi to her husband's homeland. And since women in those days had no opportunity to earn a living other than through prostitution, slavery or begging, Naomi and Ruth had nothing but tough days ahead of them. But instead of doing any of those, Ruth headed for the fields to glean the leftovers from the local farmers' harvesting effort. She worked her tale off gathering grain each day so that she and Naomi would have something to eat.
Her efforts paid off. She impressed the eye of Boaz (who turned out to be her kinsmen redeemer) and his workers. They commented on her work ethic, determination and spirit. As they watched her work without complaint, they were moved to help her anyway they could. Her loyalty to Naomi became well known. Her selflessness and tireless spirit appreciated and admired. Her warmth and caring spirit made her attractive.
God rewarded Ruth, a non-Jew, for her faithfulness. Her character stood out to God, and she became the great grandmother of King David and the great, great grandmother of King Solomon. And if you trace the kingly line of David, you will realize, that it was through that line that Jesus was born.
What would have happened in history if Ruth would have called in sick or not shown up in the fields of Boaz. What would have happened if she would have decided to take the easy road and just go home to her parents? What would have happened if she would have taken the "just get by" mentality? Would David had been born? Would he have become king? Would Joseph and Mary been born? Would the redemption of the world happened?
Ruth wasn't anyone important. In fact, she wasn't even a Jew. Yet through her and her acts of faithfulness, redemption of mankind became possible. Our daily efforts do make a difference. Not giving our best day to day could effect more than we think. Character, work ethic, selflessness, a servant's heart can change the world. It's not about the size of the task or the position we hold. It's the attitude and spirit with which we do things that matter.
God, it's hard to see from our perspective what difference our attitude, character, work ethic makes in the big picture of life. It's so easy to slack off and to give minimum effort to things that we don't really see as important. Yet, God, even the little things we do seem to make a difference. The patterns we develop impacts others more than we think. Give me a spirit like Ruth's. I want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Of course I'm speaking in generalities, not everyone is that way. But a trend is developing in our society. In our couch potato society, mediocrity seems to be the norm. There's a tendency to just get by. Complacency is becoming acceptable. Perhaps a natural result of a self absorbed culture.
That's what makes the story of Ruth is so amazing. Instead of being self absorbed, she is others centered. After her husband died at a young age, Ruth chooses to serve her mother-in-law instead of fending for herself. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, is also a widow and has no means of support. Both of her sons have died and now she is left with virtually nothing. Recognizing her daughter-in-laws are in a similar plight, but young enough to remarry, Naomi tries to send them back to their families.
But Ruth takes no thought of herself, only of her mother-in-law and dedicates her life to helping her survive. She goes back with Naomi to her husband's homeland. And since women in those days had no opportunity to earn a living other than through prostitution, slavery or begging, Naomi and Ruth had nothing but tough days ahead of them. But instead of doing any of those, Ruth headed for the fields to glean the leftovers from the local farmers' harvesting effort. She worked her tale off gathering grain each day so that she and Naomi would have something to eat.
Her efforts paid off. She impressed the eye of Boaz (who turned out to be her kinsmen redeemer) and his workers. They commented on her work ethic, determination and spirit. As they watched her work without complaint, they were moved to help her anyway they could. Her loyalty to Naomi became well known. Her selflessness and tireless spirit appreciated and admired. Her warmth and caring spirit made her attractive.
God rewarded Ruth, a non-Jew, for her faithfulness. Her character stood out to God, and she became the great grandmother of King David and the great, great grandmother of King Solomon. And if you trace the kingly line of David, you will realize, that it was through that line that Jesus was born.
What would have happened in history if Ruth would have called in sick or not shown up in the fields of Boaz. What would have happened if she would have decided to take the easy road and just go home to her parents? What would have happened if she would have taken the "just get by" mentality? Would David had been born? Would he have become king? Would Joseph and Mary been born? Would the redemption of the world happened?
Ruth wasn't anyone important. In fact, she wasn't even a Jew. Yet through her and her acts of faithfulness, redemption of mankind became possible. Our daily efforts do make a difference. Not giving our best day to day could effect more than we think. Character, work ethic, selflessness, a servant's heart can change the world. It's not about the size of the task or the position we hold. It's the attitude and spirit with which we do things that matter.
God, it's hard to see from our perspective what difference our attitude, character, work ethic makes in the big picture of life. It's so easy to slack off and to give minimum effort to things that we don't really see as important. Yet, God, even the little things we do seem to make a difference. The patterns we develop impacts others more than we think. Give me a spirit like Ruth's. I want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Daily Reflections on Judges 13:2-21 (How Do I Know When God Is Speaking to Me?)
How do you know when God is talking to you? Do you hear a voice? Do you have a dream? Does he send you a text message? Do you get some eerie feeling? Does he show up as an angel in your life? Even then would you believe Him?
Samson's mother had such an experience. She was minding her own business when an angel of the Lord appeared to her as a man. He announced that she, although sterile, would have a child. He also gave her some specific instruction on what to eat or drink and what not to eat or drink. She wasn't sure who he was but suspected he was an angel of the Lord.
Surprised by the encounter she goes home and tells her husband. But Manoah wasn't sure if it was a message from the Lord or not. He prays for confirmation. He wanted to hear the message again, this time for himself. God grants Manoah's request and sends the angel back to his wife with a confirmation message. This time, when the angel shows up she rushes to get her husband.
When Manoah heard the message for himself and the instruction he still doesn't realize that the man is actually an angel from the Lord. He offers a sacrifice to the Lord for the good news of a coming child. But to their amazement, the angel ascends to heaven in the flame. And suddenly they realize, they've been talking to the angel of the Lord.
Now I've never had that experience where an angel ascends to heaven in the flame of a burnt offering. I've cooked a lot of steaks on a grill but no angel. So how do I know when God has given me a message? If Manoah and his wife, didn't know when God sent a personal messenger until the flame experience, how do I know when God is speaking to me?
For a lot of people, determining when God is directing their life is just as puzzling. Because of the mystery, some people look for some miraculous sign or some personal sign. Others look for various evidences or voices from others to confirm their own aspirations. Some figure God would never speak to them so they don't even bother listening for the Lord or simply ignore any message.
The good news is that God today has given us His spirit to live within us. For everyone who becomes a follower of Christ, God indwells them. The spirit within us speaks to our heart and mind, makes clear God's truths in His Word, guides our steps. Although Manoah wasn't privileged to have the indwelling presence of God's spirit within him, he knew to seek the Lord's guidance and confirmation. The key to understanding God's direction is to seek Him. God's spirit within us will confirm his instruction through God's Word, through God's messengers, spiritual teachers/preachers, and through intense prayer.
God, what a joy to know that you are interested in our personal lives. What a joy to know you want to communicate with us. It's so easy to get so busy that we ignore you or that we are so eager to fulfill our own wants and dreams that we create our own message from you. Help me Lord to seek you daily and earnestly and to seize your plan, even if it doesn't make sense to me.
Samson's mother had such an experience. She was minding her own business when an angel of the Lord appeared to her as a man. He announced that she, although sterile, would have a child. He also gave her some specific instruction on what to eat or drink and what not to eat or drink. She wasn't sure who he was but suspected he was an angel of the Lord.
Surprised by the encounter she goes home and tells her husband. But Manoah wasn't sure if it was a message from the Lord or not. He prays for confirmation. He wanted to hear the message again, this time for himself. God grants Manoah's request and sends the angel back to his wife with a confirmation message. This time, when the angel shows up she rushes to get her husband.
When Manoah heard the message for himself and the instruction he still doesn't realize that the man is actually an angel from the Lord. He offers a sacrifice to the Lord for the good news of a coming child. But to their amazement, the angel ascends to heaven in the flame. And suddenly they realize, they've been talking to the angel of the Lord.
Now I've never had that experience where an angel ascends to heaven in the flame of a burnt offering. I've cooked a lot of steaks on a grill but no angel. So how do I know when God has given me a message? If Manoah and his wife, didn't know when God sent a personal messenger until the flame experience, how do I know when God is speaking to me?
For a lot of people, determining when God is directing their life is just as puzzling. Because of the mystery, some people look for some miraculous sign or some personal sign. Others look for various evidences or voices from others to confirm their own aspirations. Some figure God would never speak to them so they don't even bother listening for the Lord or simply ignore any message.
The good news is that God today has given us His spirit to live within us. For everyone who becomes a follower of Christ, God indwells them. The spirit within us speaks to our heart and mind, makes clear God's truths in His Word, guides our steps. Although Manoah wasn't privileged to have the indwelling presence of God's spirit within him, he knew to seek the Lord's guidance and confirmation. The key to understanding God's direction is to seek Him. God's spirit within us will confirm his instruction through God's Word, through God's messengers, spiritual teachers/preachers, and through intense prayer.
God, what a joy to know that you are interested in our personal lives. What a joy to know you want to communicate with us. It's so easy to get so busy that we ignore you or that we are so eager to fulfill our own wants and dreams that we create our own message from you. Help me Lord to seek you daily and earnestly and to seize your plan, even if it doesn't make sense to me.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Daily Reflections on Judges 11:20-40 (Making Rash Promises)
Making rash promises can come back to haunt you big time. In today's passage, Jephthah made one of the most rashest of promises to God. A lot of us have made those promises to God like, "God get me out of this mess and I'll never cuss again." Most of the time those desperate prayers are really meaningless and to be honest we really never intended to keep the rash promise we made to God. It's often been called "foxhole religion."
But Jephthah's promise to God was a little different. His prayer to God was that if God gave them victory over the Ammonites, he would sacrifice as a burnt offering the first thing that came out of the door of his house to greet him when he returned. First of all that is really a stupid vow. What in the world was Jephthah thinking? I know he was pumped about going out to fight against the Ammonites, but give me a break. Was he hoping his wife's cat would open the door upon his return and charge out to greet him. "But Honey, I have to sacrifice the cat, I made a vow to the Lord." Maybe he was hoping it would be one of his brothers who ran him off when he was younger because his mother was a prostitute.
The Lord gave Jephthah the victory alright. But the first thing that came out to greet him upon his return was his only child, his daughter. "What a moron!" Jephthah had to be thinking to himself, "Why did I make such a stupid vow?" Unlike a lot of us who make rash promises, Jephthah made good on his promise. His daughter willingly gave herself up for her father.
To be honest I don't understand why God didn't stop Jephthah from sacrificing his daughter. It was those very kind of practices by the people living in the land that God abhorred and why He had the Israelites totally destroy them. But He didn't and Jephthah made good on his vow.
Let's be honest, we make rash promises when we're desperate or in trouble or when we're not really thinking clearly. We make them not only to God but to others as well. At those moments we don't consider what the full aspects or consequences of our promises are. More often than not, we're forced to renege because we can't keep our promise. And when that happens either we're trying to rationalize why we couldn't keep our promise or we lose trust and respect from those around us or both. Jesus said to let our yeses be yes and our nos be no.
God, I've made some really stupid promises to you in the past that both of us knew I couldn't keep. I've never made any as rash as Jephthah, but I've made some nonetheless. Help me through your spirit maintain my integrity with you and with others. Help me trust you more, be more honest with myself and realistic about my dreams and life itself. Allow me to think clearly about my promises, especially those tied to my goals and aspirations.
But Jephthah's promise to God was a little different. His prayer to God was that if God gave them victory over the Ammonites, he would sacrifice as a burnt offering the first thing that came out of the door of his house to greet him when he returned. First of all that is really a stupid vow. What in the world was Jephthah thinking? I know he was pumped about going out to fight against the Ammonites, but give me a break. Was he hoping his wife's cat would open the door upon his return and charge out to greet him. "But Honey, I have to sacrifice the cat, I made a vow to the Lord." Maybe he was hoping it would be one of his brothers who ran him off when he was younger because his mother was a prostitute.
The Lord gave Jephthah the victory alright. But the first thing that came out to greet him upon his return was his only child, his daughter. "What a moron!" Jephthah had to be thinking to himself, "Why did I make such a stupid vow?" Unlike a lot of us who make rash promises, Jephthah made good on his promise. His daughter willingly gave herself up for her father.
To be honest I don't understand why God didn't stop Jephthah from sacrificing his daughter. It was those very kind of practices by the people living in the land that God abhorred and why He had the Israelites totally destroy them. But He didn't and Jephthah made good on his vow.
Let's be honest, we make rash promises when we're desperate or in trouble or when we're not really thinking clearly. We make them not only to God but to others as well. At those moments we don't consider what the full aspects or consequences of our promises are. More often than not, we're forced to renege because we can't keep our promise. And when that happens either we're trying to rationalize why we couldn't keep our promise or we lose trust and respect from those around us or both. Jesus said to let our yeses be yes and our nos be no.
God, I've made some really stupid promises to you in the past that both of us knew I couldn't keep. I've never made any as rash as Jephthah, but I've made some nonetheless. Help me through your spirit maintain my integrity with you and with others. Help me trust you more, be more honest with myself and realistic about my dreams and life itself. Allow me to think clearly about my promises, especially those tied to my goals and aspirations.
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