A Christian counselor friend of ours once asked our small group that was gathered in his home: “If I told you to think about what you had for breakfast today, could you do it?” Of course, we all nodded. Then he asked, “What if I told you to feel happy on demand? Or sad, or angry? Could you do that?” Not surprisingly, we shook our heads and shrugged. He was making the point that we have greater control over our thought life than over our emotions. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can “set [our] minds on things above” (Col. 3:2). And when we do, our emotions— the fruit of the Spirit, joy and peace— often follow. But we can’t just muster up joy on a moment’s notice. Paul makes a similar point in today’s passage. He exhorted the Philippians to several actions: “Rejoice in the Lord always” (v. 4). Be gentle or reasonable in the face of opposition (v. 5). Approach all situations with prayer and gratitude (v. 6). He also admonished them to think rightly. In a series of “whatever” statements, Paul listed different categories of thought for Christ followers to focus on. “Whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (v. 8). All of these good things come from God. “The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps. 24:1). We love God with our mind when we think of these good things and, therefore, meditate on Him. Right actions and right thinking produce the same result: the peace of God. Tranquility. Freedom from anxiety (v. 6). This peace, which comes from God alone, surpasses our human understanding and protects our hearts and minds from fear (v. 7). It is evidence of His presence (v. 9).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Carol Dweck’s popular book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success she explains a theory that became popular in the classroom. Students with a growth mindset believe their skills and understanding can be improved with study and practice. They are engaged in the teaching and learning process. How about us? Do we have a growth mindset when it comes to our Christian walk? Remaining open to input and instruction should be our approach to all areas of life, including the spiritual. In 2 Peter 1, Peter assured his audience that God had given them everything they need to pursue spiritual growth and maturity (v. 3). He describes the goal of discipleship as godliness (“good worship”), intimacy with God, and freedom from evil desires (v. 4). Then Peter lays out a pattern to attain growth, which begins with a basic faith in Jesus Christ. While salvation is essential, it is only the starting place. Peter explains the process, “Add to your faith goodness” (v. 6), virtue, or high moral standards. True faith affects how we live. To goodness, we are to add “knowledge” or the ability to discern truth. These believers were to weigh all new knowledge against the Scripture. After knowledge, Peter calls them to “self-control” (the discipline to resist temptation) and “perseverance” (the strength to withstand trials). The very top of this progression is love (v. 7). Philadelphia (“brotherly kindness”) and agape (“love”). The process unfolds like a flower—petal by petal—until the full revelation of love at the end. In verse 8, Peter urges us to teachability. While believers already “possess these qualities” in some measure, loving God with our mind means that we keep growing and focus on the eternal reward (v. 11).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Carol Dweck’s popular book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success she explains a theory that became popular in the classroom. Students with a growth mindset believe their skills and understanding can be improved with study and practice. They are engaged in the teaching and learning process. How about us? Do we have a growth mindset when it comes to our Christian walk? Remaining open to input and instruction should be our approach to all areas of life, including the spiritual. In 2 Peter 1, Peter assured his audience that God had given them everything they need to pursue spiritual growth and maturity (v. 3). He describes the goal of discipleship as godliness (“good worship”), intimacy with God, and freedom from evil desires (v. 4). Then Peter lays out a pattern to attain growth, which begins with a basic faith in Jesus Christ. While salvation is essential, it is only the starting place. Peter explains the process, “Add to your faith goodness” (v. 6), virtue, or high moral standards. True faith affects how we live. To goodness, we are to add “knowledge” or the ability to discern truth. These believers were to weigh all new knowledge against the Scripture. After knowledge, Peter calls them to “self-control” (the discipline to resist temptation) and “perseverance” (the strength to withstand trials). The very top of this progression is love (v. 7). Philadelphia (“brotherly kindness”) and agape (“love”). The process unfolds like a flower—petal by petal—until the full revelation of love at the end. In verse 8, Peter urges us to teachability. While believers already “possess these qualities” in some measure, loving God with our mind means that we keep growing and focus on the eternal reward (v. 11).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you have a favorite childhood story—one you read again and again? Maybe you imagined you were that princess who rose from rags to riches. Or you soared with a superhero who donned a cape to save the world. Stories shape us in subtle and significant ways. From them we learn values, priorities, and goals. They can shape our view of God. What happens, though, when the Bible contradicts these stories? Which one wins the war for our mind? Loving God with all our mind means examining our worldview and aligning it not with our culture, but with the God of the Bible. In today’s passage, Paul was “greatly distressed” when he saw how the wrong stories were winning the allegiance of the Athenians. They were intellectual people, but they were misguided. Paul’s emotion and compassion compelled him to action. Instead of preaching to the people of Athens, Paul went to their synagogue and marketplace and reasoned with them. He likely asked them questions, using the popular Socratic method. Paul understood the people and met them where they were. They believed in many gods and worshiped each god for the specific role it played. Paul acknowledged their study and quoted their poets. Then, rather than attack their world- view, he invited them into a new narrative: of a God who “made the world and everything in it” (v. 24). Paul told the story of God’s development of the nations (v. 26) and His desire to be known by them (v. 27). This God is a personal Father (v. 29) who “commands all people everywhere to repent” (v. 30) and will one day judge the world’s response to Jesus whom He raised from the dead (v. 31). Paul’s story contradicted everything they had learned. How would they respond?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what ways have you been discipled? By your parents, teachers, or by a trusted mentor? Did they teach you overtly? Or did they just model the life of a Christ follower? In simple terms, “discipleship” is the process by which Christians learn more about Jesus and increasingly follow His example. It can happen in many ways. When Jesus walked on earth, He attracted many followers, some became His disciples. In Luke 5–19, as Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem, He taught the people what it meant to follow Him. In today’s passage, an expert in the law approached Him. Recognizing His authority as a teacher, the lawyer asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Rather than answer directly, Jesus responds with a question: “What is written in the law?” Knowing the law well, the man quoted the Shema (see February 1): “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (v. 27). This is the second and only other citation of the Shema in the Gospels (for the first one, see February 2). Though the Shema is cited in the Gospels only on two occasions, it’s clear that this command is central to Jesus’ message of discipleship. When Jesus affirmed the lawyer’s answer, the lawyer asked for clarification: “Who is my neighbor?” (v. 29). In response, Jesus paints a clear picture of neighborly love with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Loving one’s neighbor means sacrificially providing care for another, even to the despised by society. The story of Mary and Martha follows, providing a concrete example of what it means to love God. Following Jesus and being His disciple means sitting at His feet, attending to His teaching, and prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When my college students often ask me to name my favorite author, story, or poem, I usually have trouble answering. My mind goes blank, and I can’t think of a single book I’ve ever read—let alone identify the very best one. In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked a far more important, question. This conversation occurred not long after He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, drove the merchants out of the Temple, and healed several people who were blind and lame. “The chief priests and teachers of the law . . . were indignant” (Matt. 21:15), so they challenged Him repeatedly, looking for a reason to arrest Him. Then the Sadducees took their turn. Although they didn’t believe in the resurrection, they quizzed Jesus on the concept. They created a hypothetical puzzle in which a widow married seven brothers one by one, and then asked Jesus to crack this code: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” (v. 28). They expected Him to be theologically stumped. Of course, He wasn’t. But rather than dignify their question with a response, He turned the tables back on them, pointing out errors in their understanding. The Sadducees retreated. Then one bold Pharisee stepped up with another test. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (v. 36). In response, Jesus quoted the Shema: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’...And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (vv. 37–38). These two commands encapsulate the entire covenant made between God and His people in Deuteronomy. “Heart,” “soul,” and “mind” aren’t meant as separate categories: We are to love and obey God with our entire being.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

St. Augustine is often quoted as saying, “Love God and do whatever you please.” Taken at face value, it sounds like a license to carefree living. However, the second half of the full quote provides an important qualification: “[F]or the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.” In Deuteronomy 6, we find the command to love God with “all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (v. 5). The Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land (v. 1). Just one chapter earlier, the Lord had given Moses the Ten Commandments, containing instructions for His people. They were to observe these commandments and teach them to their children. If they obeyed, God would give them prosperity and longevity (vv. 2–3). In the center of today’s reading, verses 4–5, is what is known in Jewish tradition as the Shema. This prayer, one of the most important to Jewish people, begins with a call to “hear” (or “obey”). The supremacy of Israel’s God is proclaimed, as is the communal life of His people (v. 4). The Shema also asked people to listen and to respond with love. This love would be marked by their obedience to God’s commands. “Love” and “obey” are interchangeable in the Shema. To love is to obey. To obey is to love. Deuteronomy 5:10 made a similar equation. Loving God means more than just a feeling. He requires our entire “heart” (intellect), entire “soul” (will), and entire “strength” (function). The people of Israel were commanded to love God not just in part, but with their whole being. And so are we. The passage finishes with further instruction to make these commands a permanent and present fixture in their lives and to pass this loving, obedient life on to the next generation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Abraham’s life comes to an end, we may feel disappointed...there is much we do not know and much left unfinished. When we meet Abraham in Genesis 12, he was already 75 years old. We learned about his life from ages 75 to 99. Then, four chapters are devoted to one year of his life: the year Isaac was born. The last three chapters cover an additional 75 years in which we are given minimal detail. What does all this tell us? From a human perspective, Abraham was somewhat ordinary. He was the head of a small household that lived nomadically around Canaan. He was surely one of many who lived in a similar way. He did not become a king or major political figure. He did not create any monuments or build any large structures. Yet, he was devoted to the Lord. In turn, God made big promises to Abraham. God’s call of Abraham and the promise bestowed upon Isaac are key elements. Abraham’s pivotal years were spent living as if those promises would come true. Even by the end of his life, he saw just the beginnings of their fulfillment. Genesis 25 describes Abraham’s death and burial. After the birth of Isaac, he had six more sons through his wife Keturah (vv. 1–2). He would send each son off with gifts, but he would not make them co-heirs with Isaac in accordance with God’s direction (vv. 5–6). At his death, Isaac and Ishmael came together to mourn their father (v. 9). Today, we know that Abraham’s story played an important role in God’s redemptive plan. The promises God made to Abraham and his descendants would come true and ultimately be fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. As for us, we are only halfway through the book of Genesis. We’ll learn more when we study Part Two later this year. Go Deeper What stories in Genesis have left the biggest impact on you? What are your key takeaways from this study?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One historian estimated that there have been over 100 million love songs published since music began to be recorded. People are drawn to a good love story, especially one with ups and downs that ends with a “happily ever after.” Genesis 24 presents a dramatic love story. In Abraham’s world, marriages were arranged between families. What was unusual is that Abraham did not want his son to marry one of their neighbors. While Abraham had committed to living in the Land of Canaan, he did not want to become a Canaanite (v. 3). Believing in God’s promise, he charged his servant with finding a bride for Isaac from his own people in Mesopotamia (vv. 6–9). This would not be easy. The woman and her whole family would have to agree to allow her to leave her homeland. The servant showed dependence upon the Lord. He prayed about the project. He also administered a kind of test. He was looking for a woman who would be hospitable and kind. When arriving at a watering hole with ten camels, he would ask a woman for a drink. If the woman provided a drink for him and offered to give water to the camels, he would know this was the woman the Lord had chosen (v. 14). Not only did Rebekah pass this test, it turned out she was also a relative of Abraham (v. 24). The servant burst out in praise at this answer to prayer. God had shown himself faithful to Abraham once again (v. 27). Rebekah played an important role in the story. Like Abraham, she was willing to leave her homeland and go to a land she did not know (v. 58). God will provide a way for His will to be accomplished, but that does not mean we are passive in the process. Go Deeper What did the servant do when given a task that was both difficult and extremely important? How can his example help us when we are faced with important decisions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year 431,322 people applied for asylum in the United States. Of those, about 25,000 people were accepted. Refugees applying for asylum agree not to return to their home country while their status is being processed. Many will never step foot in their home country ever again. In the ancient world, people were normally buried in the homeland of their ancestors (Gen. 50:25). Abraham made a significant step by seeking to bury Sarah in the land of Canaan. In this act, he was renouncing his former homeland in Mesopotamia. Yet, he was still a foreigner in Canaan. He did not own any land. By purchasing the cave and field of Machpelah, Abraham showed his faith in God’s promise that Canaan would become the permanent home of his descendants. Even though God had promised to give the land to Abraham and his descendants, he was patient and waited for God’s timing (Gen. 12:7). The conversation between Abraham and Ephron reflected typical bargaining protocol. While Ephron sounded polite and generous throughout, he sold the land to Abraham for a substantial price. Abraham paid in full and in public at the city gate (v. 18). This was the first piece of the Promised Land Abraham acquired, and it served as a down payment or the firstfruits of the rest. Abraham’s purchase of the land was a declaration that God’s promise did not end with him but continued with his descendants. He was putting down roots. This cave became the family burial plot where Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah would all be buried. God’s promises are not exhausted by our life spans. His promise of eternal life and a new heavens and new earth require a resurrection. Scripture calls us to trust in God’s faithfulness even beyond the grave. Go Deeper Do you have trouble waiting for God to fulfill His promises to you? What can you learn from Abraham’s story? Can you give an example when you stepped out in faith, trusting in God?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of a semester, teachers often give final exams, which demonstrate what the student learned through the course. In Genesis 22, Abraham experienced the most difficult test of his life (v. 1). The timing of this test is important as it comes near the end of Abraham’s story. God had promised that through Isaac, Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation (Gen. 17:19). After years of waiting, Isaac had finally been born (Gen. 21:1–2). Now, just when things seemed to come together for Abraham, God administered a test. This is the only time in Scripture where God is said to test an individual. He commanded Abraham to offer Isaac up as a burnt offering (v. 2). To us, this command is startling and disturbing. What should Abraham do when God’s command seemed to conflict with His promise? Abraham immediately obeyed (v. 3). This passage beautifully and memorably highlights two important truths. First, it taught Israel the meaning of sacrifice. When God provided a ram in place of Isaac, Israel would understand the concept of substitutionary atonement (v. 13) and the significance of the sacrificial system. It also pointed forward to Christ’s substitutionary atonement (John 3:16). “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Rom. 8:31– 32). We also learn the importance of faith. Abraham believed in God’s promise and trusted in His word. His statements, “we will worship and then we will come back” (v. 5) and “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering” (v. 7), are expressions of faith. God promised, and Abraham knew that somehow he would be able to obey the command and Isaac would survive. God provided a way. Go Deeper How does Abraham react to this impossible command from God? How does Isaac react? How does this event foreshadow God’s sacrifice of His Son, Jesus?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A friend of mine needed a heart transplant. As he waited, he shared with me that it was hard for him to pray that he would receive one. He knew that for him to get a heart, it would mean a tragedy for another family. One person’s joy can be another person’s sorrow. For Abraham and Sarah, the birth of Isaac brought both joy and sorrow. As Isaac grew, tensions between Sarah and Hagar also increased. In the ancient world, babies were breastfed until the child was about three years old. Since infant mortality was so high, it was a major event when a child was weaned. It meant the child had survived infancy and was far more likely to grow into adulthood. When Isaac reached this milestone, Abraham celebrated (v. 8). For years, Ishmael thought he would inherit Abraham’s household. What were the chances Sarah would have a child? Even if she did, what were the odds the child would survive? Yet, Isaac did! At the party, Sarah noticed Hagar’s son Ishmael mocking Isaac (v. 9). Sarah responded decisively by commanding Abraham to dismiss Hagar and her son (v. 10). Abraham was distressed since he loved and cared for the child (v. 11). Yet, God instructed Abraham to follow Sarah’s command (v. 12). Apparently, it would not be a good thing for these two boys to grow up together. Abraham sent Hagar away (v. 14). Turned out of the household and lost in the wilderness, Hagar cried out to God (vv. 14–16). God heard her cries and provided for her (v. 17), promising Hagar that the boy would become the founder of a great people (v. 18). This passage contains important elements of the Abraham story: God’s clear choice of Isaac; the complications arising from sinful decisions; and God’s grace and provision for the vulnerable. Go Deeper Why did the tensions between Sarah and Hagar increase as Isaac grew older? What does this chapter teach us about the lingering effects of sin?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the United Nations, about 350,000 babies are born each day. Even though the experience is commonplace, I vividly remember when each of our three children came into the world. If a contest was held for the most surprising birth in history, the virgin birth of Jesus would be the winner. But a close second might have been the birth of Isaac. God had promised Abraham that he would have numerous descendants. Yet, Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years without seeing that promise come true. God could have provided Abraham and Sarah with a son right away. But He had a purpose in the waiting. Abraham and Sarah had to learn to live in faith between God’s promise and its fulfillment. The fulfillment did finally come. Three times the text emphasizes that God did just what He had promised (vv. 1–2). God was faithful to His word. The years of doubt and suspense had come to an end. God not only kept His promise, but He did it in a miraculous way. Sarah was 90 years old at the birth of Isaac! In response to this miracle, Abraham was scrupulously obedient. He had the baby named “Isaac” and circumcised on the eighth day just as the Lord had commanded (vv. 3–4). Sarah responded by bursting out in poetry. “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me” (v. 6). Sarah’s laughter of unbelief has changed into the laughter of joy (Gen. 18:12). Or as the Psalmist put it, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). God has made big promises not only to Abraham and Sarah but also to us: Jesus will return and one day sin and sorrow and sickness will end. We are called to live in faith that God will be faithful to His promises. Go Deeper What was Sarah’s response to the birth of her son? Why do you think God made Abraham and Sarah wait so long to see His promise come true?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever misjudged someone? Many years ago, I started a job as a high school teacher. When I went in to organize my classroom, the school janitor saw me and sternly warned me that students should not be in the school building yet. He escorted me off the premises, refusing to believe that I was a teacher. (I looked a lot younger then!) Abimelek, the king of Gerar probably felt misjudged. In Genesis 20, Abraham acted on assumptions he made about the Canaanite king. We can understand why. Abraham was still not living in his homeland and was vulnerable to abuse and attack. He had also just discovered that there were not even ten righteous people living in Sodom (Gen. 18:32). Abraham pulled the same deception he had done before and passed off his wife Sarah as his sister (Gen. 12:10–20). Abimelek called for Sarah to become one of his wives. Yet, before the marriage was official, Abimelek was warned by God not to touch Sarah. He obeyed, and asked Abraham to explain himself. Why did Abraham continue to doubt God’s protection? He knew God had promised to bless and preserve him and Sarah (Gen. 12:3; 15:1). God had promised to provide a son for Abraham through Sarah (Gen. 17:19). Surely God would not allow them to be killed before that promise was fulfilled. The fact that Abraham was not perfect reassures us. We see that the fulfillment of God’s promises does not depend on our ability, talent, or reliability of His people. God chose Abraham not based on his merit, but because of grace. The same is true for us today. God sent the Lord Jesus to die for us, even though we did not deserve it. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Go Deeper Why did Abraham and Sarah continue to doubt God’s promise and protection? What mistakes did they make?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We tend to become like the people that we surround ourselves with. This can be either good or bad. Iron sharpens iron, but also “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. 15:33). Scripture calls us to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14–16). How can we be in the world, but not become like it? Lot chose to live in Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 13:11). He had become a part of that community. The fact that he sat in the city gate (v. 1) shows that he was a leader and a town elder. His daughters were engaged to local men (v. 14). Lot had not been much of an influence on the town, but the town had influenced him and his family. When men wanted to abuse the angels staying with Lot, he offered the mob his own daughters (v. 8). When the angels announced God’s judgment, Lot’s future sons-in-law didn’t believe him (v. 14). When it was time to leave, Lot hesitated (v. 16). The angels had to grab him by the hand. As God’s destruction rained down on the city, “Lot’s wife looked back” (v. 26). It was a look of longing and identification. She had become so identified with Sodom and Gomorrah that she shared in their judgment (v. 26). Lot’s daughters also had their perspective warped from their time in Sodom. When they desired children, they deceived their father and engaged in incest (vv. 30–37). Lot’s story is a sober warning (Luke 17:32). While Sodom had been destroyed, its effects on Lot and his family continued. God has warned us to “not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15). The world system awaits God’s judgment. Go Deeper Why did Lot and his family struggle with leaving Sodom and Gomorrah? How can we be in the world and not “of it”? What does that look like for us?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever tried to bargain with God? Maybe you were so desperate for His favorable response that you were willing to promise anything. People often point to today’s reading as an example of bargaining with God, but there was more to Abraham’s story. In Genesis 18:16–33, the Lord reveals another reason He stopped by Abraham’s tent. He said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me” (vv. 20–21). Of course, God knew all about the sins of these people. But God was revealing Himself to Abraham as a fair and righteous judge. He was also teaching Abraham about His grace. Abraham was deeply troubled by this announcement of judgment. After all, he had a special interest in these people. Not only did Lot and his family lived there, but Abraham had also saved them all from marauders (Gen. 14). Abraham asked God, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (v. 23). He was concerned that these people would be judged unfairly. Notice that he prayed not only for Lot to be spared but also for Sodom and Gomorrah as a whole. He reasoned that a few righteous people would be enough to spare them all. God demonstrated His grace in response to this request as well. People often describe Abraham here as bargaining with God, but that is not really the case. Notice that God never presented a counteroffer. Every number Abraham suggested, God agreed to it, from 50 down to ten. We too can pray that others will come to a saving knowledge of God. And we can trust that “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:9).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been faced something that felt beyond your ability? Maybe you felt so overwhelmed that you gave up without even trying. That’s the situation Sarah faced when God promised her a child in her old age. How could she believe Him? Sarah and her husband, Abraham, were staying near Hebron (v. 1). Abraham was relaxing during the heat of the day when he saw three men approaching (v. 2). He ran to meet them, bowing down and calling them “Lord.” He offered them bread and water (vv. 4–5) but then asked Sarah to bake an enormous amount of bread (v. 6). They slaughtered a choice calf and served the meat with curds and milk (v. 8). This was a feast fit for a king or, perhaps, appropriate as a sacrifice to the Lord (Lev. 24:5). We aren’t told when Abraham realized his visitors were not ordinary men. While commentators differ on the exact interpretation, most suggest that Abraham was visited by God and the two angels who would go to Sodom the next day. Abraham responded as you might expect. He ran to them, spoke with great respect, and prepared an extravagant meal. As it says of hospitality in Hebrews 13:2, “some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” God and the two angels hadn’t come solely for Abraham; they had an important message for Sarah (v. 9). The Lord affirmed to Sarah that she would bear a son within a year (v. 10). Sarah struggled with this news. She was far past child-bearing age. She had lived for years hoping for a child only to be disappointed month after month. Her laughter stemmed from a sense of hopelessness (v. 12). She needed to be reminded that nothing is too hard for the Lord (v. 14). God delights in doing the impossible. He also delights in the faith of His people. Go Deeper Do you sometimes struggle to believe God’s promises? How can Sarah’s story encourage you in your own?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine if God appeared to you today and gave you a new name. In the Old Testament, Jacob was given the name Israel which meant “struggled with God” (Gen. 32:28). In the New Testament, Jesus renamed His disciple Simon as Peter, meaning “rock” (John 1:42). Along with these new names, they were given a new identity. In Genesis 17, God gave Abram and Sarai new names, Abraham and Sarah (vv. 5, 15). Abraham would become a “father of many nations” (v. 5). He would be known as a man who belonged to God Almighty (v. 1). Here God reaffirmed the promises He had made to Abraham. In addition to the promise of many descendants, He also declared that the land of Canaan would belong to them (v. 8). Most significantly, He promised, “I will be their God” (v. 8). Then God called for a response from Abraham. He commanded that Abraham, every male in his household, and every descendant be circumcised (vv. 9–10). At first, this may seem that God’s promises are conditional. But this is not the case. God would be faithful to fulfill His promises to Abraham. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant, not the covenant itself. If Abraham and his descendants wanted to identify themselves with the covenant and benefit from it, they would need to be circumcised. Abraham obeyed God’s command. That same day, he had himself and the men of the household circumcised (v. 23), demonstrating his trust in God and God’s plan. The command to be circumcised is no longer necessary in Christ, but we are still called to respond in faith to His promises. One of God’s promises in this passage is that “kings of peoples” would come from the offspring of Abraham and Sarah (v. 16). It has been fulfilled in the Lord Jesus who will rule over all the nations (Rev. 1:5). Go Deeper Why were Abraham and Sarah’s new names so significant? What does today’s reading teach us about how we should respond to God’s promises?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people live by the motto, “The end justifies the means.” The idea is that if our goal is good, it does not really matter how we achieve it. That mindset has been the rationale for many evils, big and small. The Bible is clear that God cares deeply about how we go about achieving our goals. God had promised Abram and Sarai children. Yet, it had been ten years since they left their homeland, and they were still waiting (v. 3). So, Sarai came up with her own plan for helping God to keep His promise. She convinced Abram to have a child with her servant (vv. 1–2). This seems quite odd to us today, but it was a customary practice in Abram’s world. That is the way people in the ancient world addressed issues of infertility. Yet, that clearly went against God’s plan. In this scene, Abram and Sarai tried to achieve a worthy goal in an unworthy manner. It did not turn out well. When Hagar became pregnant, it immediately caused tension between her and Sarai (vv. 4–5). The Bible does not sugarcoat what happened. It plainly says, “Sarai mistreated Hagar” (v. 6). Hagar ran away to free herself from Sarai’s oppression. When Hagar was in the wilderness with her son, the angel of the Lord met her (v. 9). He instructed her to go back to Sarai (v. 9). But he also made a promise to her. Her son would become the founder of numerous descendants (v. 10). God would bless him. Hagar learned that day that God cared about her, an abused servant who had run from Abram and Sarai. She celebrated this knowledge by declaring, “You are the God who sees me” (v. 13). God is known for hearing the cries of the oppressed and caring for them. Go Deeper What did Abram and Sarai do wrong? What was the consequence of their sinful action? What is the key takeaway from Hagar’s story?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we know someone will keep a promise? Many rituals have been developed to ensure that people will be faithful to their word. Little children use “pinky swear.” Couples recite marriage vows in a formal ceremony. Banks have borrowers sign legal documents. Even so, many of those promises are eventually broken. In Genesis 15, God reaffirmed another significant promise to Abram. God declared He would give Abram the land of Canaan (v. 7). Instead of thanking God, Abram asked, “How can I know that I will gain possession of it?” (v. 8). God instructed Abram to get a collection of animals (v. 9). While this may not make sense to us, it did to Abram. In the ancient world one of the ceremonies developed to confirm a promise involved cutting animals in half, then arranging each half opposite the other, creating an aisle between the pieces of the animals. Each person making a promise would walk through the aisle reciting an oath. The oath would be something like this: “If I break my promise may my shoulder become like the shoulder of this cow” (compare with Jer. 34:18). It was a way of showing that you would rather die than break your word. In this scene, God had Abram arrange the animals. Then, God put Abram into a deep, divinely induced sleep (v. 12). In the form of a “smoking firepot,” God Himself walked between the pieces of the animals. Through this action, God communicated to Abram that He would keep His promise no matter what. As believers, our hope is anchored in God’s commitment to keep His promises (Heb. 6:13–20). Every time we take communion, we remember God’s faithfulness in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We also look forward to the promise of His return (1 Cor. 11:26). Go Deeper How does Abram typically respond to God’s promises? Are we anything like Abram? What gets in the way of trusting God’s Word?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hymn writer Isaac Watts once wrote, “Learning to trust is one of life’s most difficult tasks.” This can be especially true in our relationship with God. When our life experience does not seem to line up with our view of God, it can lead us to question God. Learning to trust God in any circumstance is part of what it means to grow in faith. Sometime after Abram’s rescue of Lot, God appeared to Abram and said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (v. 1). What a wonderful promise! Yet, Abram did not immediately respond in gratitude. Instead, he asked God, “What can you give me since I remain childless?” (v. 2). In other words, “How can I trust this new promise since You haven’t come through on your first promise yet?” In response, God reaffirmed His original promise (v. 4). But then He asked Abram to come outside. Imagine following Abram through the tent door to gaze at the night sky. God commanded Abram, “Look up and the sky and count the stars...so shall your offspring be” (v. 5). In response, “Abram believed the LORD” (v. 6). God reminded Abram that He was the creator of the stars. The God who is powerful enough to create the universe would be powerful enough to keep His promises. Through this experience, Abram learned to trust in God’s word more than his own experience or reasoning. Because of this, God “credited it to him as righteousness” (v. 6). God also calls us to live in faith, to trust His Word and the finished work of Jesus. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead” (Rom. 4:22–23). Go Deeper Why did gazing up at the stars help Abram’s faith? Take a moment to step outside tonight and worship the Creator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good friend will always be there for you. But many of us have that one friend who is in a state of perpetual crisis. We are no longer surprised when we get a message asking for help. That seems to be the case with Abram and Lot. In Genesis 14, Lot was in trouble. Sodom and Gomorrah had been paying tribute to a coalition of Elamite kings (vv. 1–4). After years of this tribute, they decided to rebel and paid a price (vv. 5–12). Not only were Sodom and Gomorrah defeated, but Lot and his family were taken captive (vv. 11–12). When Abram found out, he jumped into action. He gathered 318 men from his household and went to rescue Lot (v. 14). Since he had a much smaller force, he sprung a night attack (v. 15). This caught the captors by surprise, and Abram was able to rescue Lot and the residents of Sodom (v. 16). At the end of the chapter, there is an interesting contrast between the king of Sodom and Melchizedek. Melchizedek showed hospitality to Abram and blessed him (vv. 18–20). However, the King of Sodom was disdainful of Abram. His only speech with Abram was a surly, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself” (v. 21). God had promised to bless those who blessed Abram and curse those who treated Him with contempt (Gen. 12:3). Melchizedek was blessed. We will see what happens to the King of Sodom. God was keeping His promise to Abram. Melchizedek is not only an example of a non-Jew who is blessed by Abram but also becomes a type of the future Messiah (Ps. 110; Heb. 5–7). Bundled into this story is the hope of our future deliverer and Savior. Go Deeper Why did Abram react to the King of Sodom by saying, “I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal” (v. 23)?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ask most police officers, their least favorite call to address is a domestic dispute. Conflict between family members can get messy. In Genesis 13, we learn about the first conflict recorded in Abram’s family. After returning from Egypt, Abram and Lot had both grown wealthy. It took quite a bit of land and fresh water to maintain their flocks and herds. The shepherds of Abram and Lot began to quarrel with one another over the best places to pasture (v. 6). This could have turned into a significant family conflict. Abram responded in a generous way. Even though he was the older of the two, he allowed Lot his choice of land (v. 8). To him, maintaining the relationship was more important than having the best land. The way in which Lot went about choosing his land is significant. Lot saw that the land to the east was well-watered and beautiful (v. 10). It reminded him of Egypt. This is not a throwaway line. Lot foreshadows later Israelites who would also long to return to Egypt. More importantly, the people who lived in that land were “sinning greatly against the LORD” (v. 13). Lot chose what was attractive to him. In contrast, God instructed Abram to look around at the land of Canaan (v. 14). He reaffirmed His promise that the land of Canaan would belong to his descendants forever (v. 14). He also reaffirmed His promise to make Abram into a great nation (v. 16). Abram’s response was to worship (v. 18). Like Lot, sometimes we are tempted to make impulsive decisions based on what we see in the moment. Lot would later suffer the consequences of his choice (Gen. 14, 19). In contrast, Abram here is a model of faith. He waited for God’s instructions before making his choice (v. 14). He was willing to trust in God’s word more than in his own sight. Go Deeper Compare and contrast the choices of Abram and Lot. What can we learn from their decisions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the ancient world, history was recorded in glowing, positive terms. For example, Assyrian and Egyptian records do not recount any defeats in battle. They skip over the negative parts of their past. Israel was unique in this regard. Throughout the Old Testament, the authors record not only Israel’s successes but also their failures. Because there was a famine, Abram decided to travel to Egypt for relief. The regular flooding of the Nile provided Egypt with food even when other countries were suffering. Did this show a lack of faith on Abram’s part? God had promised him the land of Canaan (Gen. 12:7). The text does not say God commanded Abram to leave. As Abram traveled to Egypt, he was clearly afraid. He worried that Sarai’s beauty would tempt the Egyptians to kill him, if they knew he was her husband. So, he told his wife to say that she was his sister (v. 13). The irony here is that God had already promised to protect Abram (Gen. 12:3). Even so, Abram decided to take matters into his own hands. Thinking that Sarai was not married, Pharaoh brought her into his palace to prepare her to become one of his wives (v. 15). This was a direct threat to God’s promise to make Abram into a great nation (Gen. 12:2). God delivered Sarai from Pharaoh’s household by afflicting Pharaoh’s household with plagues (v. 17). Abram’s silence when rebuked by Pharaoh demonstrated his guilt (vv. 18–19). Yet despite this, God blessed Abram and brought him back to Canaan. God is faithful to keep His promises despite the failure of His servants—“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29). Our salvation is secure not because we are perfect, but because of God’s faithfulness. Go Deeper Have you ever been tempted to manipulate circumstances to get a desired result, even when you have already committed the situation to God in prayer? How does Abraham’s story speak into our need to trust God?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first eleven chapters of Genesis read like a tragedy. God created a perfect world, but humans chose to rebel against God and go their own way. Sin entered the picture in dramatic fashion: Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit, Cain killed Abel, and humans united in opposition to God at the Tower of Babel. How would God address this sin problem? We see the beginning of an answer in Genesis 12. The answer begins with a blessing. God called Abram to leave everything behind on the promise that, from him, God would make a great nation that would bless the whole world (v. 2). We do not know much about Abram at this point except he is 75 and he and his wife Sarai are childless (v. 4; Gen. 11:30). This was God’s plan to address human sin? Why would He choose this senior, barren couple? Throughout the Bible, we see how God delights to call and use people who we would least expect. If you were to consider all the people who were alive at the time of Abram and Sarai, you probably would not have picked these two to further His plan to redeem humanity. But our ability to be used by God does not depend on our status, skill, or talents. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:27). Abram believed in God’s word—and he obeyed! When God called Abram to leave his homeland and made big promises to him, Abram went— no questions asked (v. 4). In the next chapters, we will follow Abram’s journey of faith and discover how God’s plan unfolds. Go Deeper Describe the blessing that God gives to Abram. Why did God choose Abram to fulfill this promise? What does that tell us about how and why God calls us today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biographer William Manchester describes Winston Churchill as one of two or three greatest men of his generation. Apparently, Churchill thought so as well. Manchester noted that Churchill’s idea of a good evening was to dine well and then discuss a good topic, with himself as the chief conversationalist. He enjoyed his speeches so much that he would go to bed listening to them. Is it wrong to love ourselves? How much is too much? Two primary sins are described in the Tower of Babel narrative found in Genesis 11. The first sin is pride. The people desired to “make a name for ourselves” (v. 4). They wanted to build a tower that was impressive for their own glory and reputation. According to this and other biblical accounts, the sin of pride occurs when you put yourself in the place of God or give yourself credit without acknowledging that everything you have comes from God. This kind of pride can lead us to do things that look great and impressive to us and others, when in God’s eyes it is sinful. The second sin at Babel was fear. One reason the people wanted to build the city was not to be “scattered over the face of the whole earth” (v. 4), in direct conflict with God’s command (Gen. 9:1). Staying together would provide safety and security. God had given them a command, yet they were afraid to obey, so they united in opposition to him. They loved security more than God. God’s response to the people was both an act of judgment and grace. By confusing the languages of the people, He prevented them from continuing in their rebellion and also enabled them to obey His command to spread out and fill the earth. Ultimately, God’s judgment on Babel will be redeemed when Christ returns. At that time, people “from every tribe and language” will join together in worship of God (Rev. 5:9). Go Deeper What is the danger of pride? How do the lessons in Genesis 11 contradict our modern culture’s view of success?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Art Institute of Chicago, there is a large painting titled “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat. It depicts 19th-century people relaxing by a river. However, upon closer inspection, you see that this is no ordinary painting! Seurat used a technique called pointillism, fashioning the image from thousands of tiny dots. While we may be tempted to skip past genealogies in the Bible, these lists of individual names come together to paint a larger picture of God’s plan and faithfulness. This genealogy in Genesis 10 also communicated important truths for ancient Israel and for us today. In the ancient world, most societies traced their lineage directly to the beginning of the world and to the gods. They told stories of their founding that made them somehow better than all the other people in the world. In contrast, Genesis 10 describes the formation of most of the nations that existed in Israel’s world: Egypt, Canaan, Assyria, the Philistines. Israel is not even mentioned in the chapter. There are two important points that follow from this. First, we are told that all the peoples of the world trace their origins back to Noah and Adam. Israel was not to view itself as superior because of their lineage. Nowhere in Scripture do we find an endorsement for racism or a sense of ethnic superiority. We are all connected in one great human family. Second, it should not surprise Israel that God cares for all the nations. As one theologian put it, “Prior to the particularity of God’s call to Abram...we have the Table of Nations with its universal concern for nations and territories.” This concern for the nations is also reflected in Jesus’ command to the church to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). Go Deeper Did you find any surprises in this genealogy? For further study, look up information on Egypt, Canaan, Assyria, and the Philistines on the internet or in a Bible encyclopedia!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I love the start of a new semester. The gradebook is empty; no tests have been given. Even if a student did poorly in their previous class, a new semester provides a fresh start. In a similar way, life after the Flood in Genesis delivered a fresh start for humanity. Just as with Adam, God charged Noah and his family: “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth” (v. 1). The reason for the Flood was that human sin and violence had reached an unbearable level (Gen. 6:11). Since God had promised not to judge the earth with a flood any longer, what would keep human violence in check? In Genesis 6, the responsibility for restraining violence and upholding justice was given to human society. If someone burns the flag of the country, it is understood as a symbolic attack on the country. The flag stands for the country. In a similar way if a person commits murder, it is an attack against God because humans are created in God’s image. This is the reason given for the command, “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind” (v. 6). God also established a covenant with Noah, his family, and all the animals on the ark (vv. 8–10). God promised that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood. He also gave a sign as a reminder of His commitment, the rainbow (v. 13). Whenever we see a rainbow today, we are reminded of God’s promise. The flood account also reminds us that a final judgment on the whole earth will occur in the end times (Zech. 14:1–3; Rev. 19:15). Only after that judgment can there be lasting peace and justice on earth (Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:3). That is a day we can eagerly anticipate. Go Deeper Why did God place a rainbow in the sky? What promise did it contain?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This past Sunday, a member of our church brought in cinnamon rolls and muffins to celebrate her 60th birthday. She did not think she would make it to this milestone because of some serious health concerns. She wanted to thank God and celebrate His answer to her prayers. In Noah’s ark, another celebration would soon be happening. Noah, his family, and all the animals had endured weeks in the ark. They had seen the world turn into a watery chaos. That changed with the first four words of verse 1, “But God remembered Noah.” It was not as though God had forgotten Noah. Instead, this means that God acted on Noah’s behalf. God was faithful to the promises He had made to Noah. And God never forgets His promises! When Noah and his family came out of the ark, their first act was to give thanks. They built an altar and worshiped the Lord (v. 20). They had experienced God’s salvation and were profoundly grateful. Worship is the natural and appropriate response to God’s work in our lives. Instead of taking credit for saving himself through building an ark, Noah recognized that they owed their lives to God’s grace. Noah might have feared: “Will God do this again? What if people fall into the same pattern of sin that brought on the flood?” But God gave an important promise. He would “never again destroy all living creatures” (v. 21). Even though humans were still sinful, God would be faithful to provide the seasons and sustain life on earth (v. 22). God would redeem humanity from their sin through His calling of Abraham, His covenant with Israel, and ultimately through the coming of our Lord Jesus. He would provide a way for sin to be forgiven so that we could be in relationship with Him forever. Go Deeper For what are you giving thanks to God today? How can you celebrate and share God’s goodness with others in a tangible way?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people have a skewed perception of God. Some view Him as an angry tyrant waiting for people to step out of line so He can bring judgment. Others view God as a benevolent grandfather who would never hurt anyone. Neither of these images captures the biblical view of God. In Genesis 6, human evil had reached a critical point. The earth was “full of violence” and “all the people on earth had corrupted their ways” (vv. 11–12). God responded neither through unhinged anger nor through turning a blind eye to sin. Instead, God graciously saved people and animals from His just judgment. God determined to put an end to the cycle of violence wreaking havoc on the planet. But He also provided a way for Noah, his family, and a representative of every animal to be saved. This was an act of grace. As one theologian put it, “In the flood narrative it is God who saves Noah from God.” The description of Noah as righteous and blameless is not the reason for God to save him (7:9). Instead, we are told that Noah “found favor in the eyes of the LORD” not because he was perfect or deserving (6:8) but because he trusted in God’s word. When God commanded him to build an ark, Noah obeyed (6:22). By this point in our study, we have learned that God is angered by sin. In one sense this should be encouraging because God cares about righting injustices. God’s grace to Noah is good news because it means God cares for sinners. The flood reminds us that there is a final judgment coming at the return of Christ (2 Peter 3:5–7). All people will stand under God’s judgment. But in Christ, we can be forgiven and delivered. Go Deeper What does the story of Noah and the ark teach us about God? What is God’s view of sin? What do you need to correct about your own understanding of God’s character?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genesis 6:1–8 is one of the most difficult passages to interpret in the Old Testament. The passage describes the “sons of God” intermarrying with the “daughters of humans” (v. 2). This intermarriage brought about God’s judgment on humanity and was a part of the sin that led to the great flood (vv. 3–8). So, you might wonder, what is going on here? There are three main views regarding this intermarriage. Some argue that the “sons of God” were angels who were violating distinctions between the heavenly and earthly realms by intermarrying with human women. The phrase “sons of God” is used to describe angels elsewhere in Scripture (for example, Job 1:6). Another view is that it refers to human rulers who abused their authority by forcibly taking the daughters of less powerful people in marriage. Human rulers are occasionally referred to as sons of God in Scripture (for example, 2 Sam. 7:14). Finally, some assert that it is the godly line of Seth intermarrying with the ungodly line of Cain. It is helpful to consider other Bible passages. God does not get upset at angelic beings, but at humans (Gen. 6:3). Jesus taught that angels do not marry and cannot be given in marriage (Matt. 22:30). If that is so, it seems that “the sons of man” refers to human rulers who abused their power. They “saw” that the daughters of men were “beautiful” (literally “good”) and they “married” (literally “took”) these women. These words (saw, good, took) are the same ones used to describe Eve’s actions in the account of the Fall (Gen. 3:6). People in authority often abuse their positions of influence. Jesus came to show us a different way. He came “to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This passage reminds us of the need for the redemption and forgiveness we can receive in Christ. Go Deeper What are the three possible interpretations for Genesis 6:1–8? What was the consequence of this sinful act?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Watergate scandal of the 1970s revealed criminal activity and systematic abuse of power from the Nixon administration. It led to the arrest and conviction of 48 people and the resignation of the President. It also eroded public trust in the presidency in a way that many have still not fully recovered from. Sin often has consequences that linger for generations. This was especially true about the sin of Adam and Eve. Genesis 5 includes one of several genealogies in the book of Genesis. Notice that every genealogical notice ends with a single word in Hebrew, “then he died.” Eight times this word is repeated. Each is a reminder that the “wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). The reality of death is also a good reminder for us today. Many people live in denial of death; they act like this life is all that matters. But until Jesus returns, death is a reality we will all face. Scripture reminds us to “number our days” (Ps. 90:12). Yet, this genealogy gives hope. Children are born and flourish. Families grow and thrive. Even though fallen, humans are still created in the “likeness of God” (5:1). There is a break in the pattern of death with Enoch (vv. 21–24). We do not know much about Enoch except that he “walked faithfully with God” (v. 24). Enoch’s story reminds us that death does not have to be final nor is its rule over humanity absolute. Death is under God’s sovereign rule and it will come to fruition in the resurrection of Jesus. After proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus, Paul celebrates: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54). In Christ we find redemption from sin and death! Go Deeper What stands out to you as you read through these genealogies? How does the Christian view of death differ from the world’s view? What impact does that have on the way we live today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christians have been notorious for fighting over styles of worship. Contemporary or traditional? Seeker sensitive or confessional? High church or low church? While the labels may have changed, the debates about worship have existed for centuries. How tragic that the worship of God, which should lead to unity, often becomes a source of division. Cain’s jealousy began when God accepted Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s. The reason was likely the attitude with which it was offered. Abel brought his best “fat portions from some of the firstborn of the flock” (v. 4). Cain brought merely “some of the fruits of the soil” (v. 3). God’s rejection led Cain to be frustrated and angry (v. 5). Cain’s anger could have led him to repentance. God counseled Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door” (v. 7). Sin entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve and was now an active force in all relationships. Instead of listening to God’s counsel, Cain killed his brother (v. 8). It is easy to lash out at others instead of addressing our own sin. But Cain’s sin did not go unnoticed by God. God declared, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground” (v. 10). Sin impacted Cain’s relationship with God, his family, and the earth itself (v. 12). God’s response demonstrated both a concern for justice and grace. He put Cain under a curse and exiled him (vv. 11–12). But He also provided protection (v. 15). This chapter vividly illustrates the plight humanity faces because of sin. It also illustrates God’s commitment to bring redemption. The hope of the promised offspring who will crush the offspring of the serpent remains alive and well (v. 25). Go Deeper Why did God accept Abel’s sacrifice and not Cain’s? What does this teach us about the way we approach God in worship?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, a profound change occurred in the world; things have never been the same since. The pair felt shame for the first time and tried to hide their bodies from one another. When they heard God walking in the Garden, they hid (v. 8). Humans have been hiding from God ever since. Sin has impacted all our relationships. Adam and Eve’s sin also revealed God’s character. After the Fall, God did not immediately strike down Adam and Eve. He sought after them. They may have tried to hide from God, but God pursued them. He called to the man, “Where are you?” (v. 9). And He asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” (v. 13). Of course, God already knew. But He allowed them the opportunity to confess their sin. God’s grace was also seen in how He provided for Adam and Eve. He replaced their fumbling attempt at clothing with leather coverings (v. 21). God’s justice was also evident. He pronounced judgment on the serpent, the woman, and the man (vv. 14–19). Childbearing would be difficult. There would be tension in marriage relationships (v. 16). Work would be toilsome and full of obstacles (v. 17). Death would be inevitable (v. 19). Yet even in judgment, God’s grace shone through. God only cursed the serpent and the ground (vv. 14, 17). The man and the woman were not cursed. God promised that an offspring of the woman would crush the offspring of the serpent (v. 15). There we see a glimmer of hope for the coming of the future Redeemer. God had not given up on humanity. That is our hope. The God who pronounced judgment on the serpent, Adam, and Eve also promised to redeem what was lost. Go Deeper Try to imagine a world without sin. We would hardly recognize it. What would it be like to have friendships, work, and an environment that were unspoiled by sin?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are some of the most powerful weapons in the world today? You might picture aircraft carriers, missiles, or nuclear submarines. But I think one of the most common and powerful weapons is misinformation. This is nothing new. Deception goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3, we are introduced to the serpent. We are told two things right away: he is crafty, and he was created by God (v. 1). Later Scriptures make clear that this serpent is Satan (Rom. 16:20; Rev. 12:9). The serpent did not overpower Adam and Eve by force. Instead, he raised questions about God, “Did God really say... ” (v. 1)? The serpent began by misconstruing God’s command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (v. 1). He twisted God’s prohibition to sound more restrictive than it was. Once the serpent had provoked the woman, his speech became more explicit and hostile. “You will not certainly die” is an outright denial of God’s word (v. 4). He goes on to question God’s motives. He accused God of giving the prohibition to keep Adam and Eve from reaching their full potential (v. 5). The serpent twisted the purpose of the idyllic garden in which God had placed the human pair and reframed it as a prison. In a sense, the serpent was like a conspiracy theorist: “Yes, things may look good on the outside, but if you really knew what was going on, you’d be outraged! God is not who you think He is.” Scripture often warns us not to be deceived (1 John 3:7; 2 Cor. 11:3). God calls us to exercise discernment and not to get caught up in the lies of the evil one. Adam and Eve’s sin had profound consequences, but, thankfully, that is not the end of the story. Go Deeper What do we learn about the serpent’s methods in Genesis chapter 3? How does this help us guard against Satan’s lies today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a building is constructed, the builders start with the foundation. It is essential to get the foundation laid correctly, so it can support everything else. In the same way, the opening chapters of Genesis lay the foundation for the rest of the Bible. Here we discover the relationship between God, the world, and humanity, before sin entered the world. Genesis 2 goes into more detail in describing the creation of humanity. In an intimate picture, God “formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (v. 7). This tender picture reminds us that humans exist because of the careful work and craftsmanship of God. God also created a place for the man to live, the Garden of Eden. This garden did not take care of itself. Man was given the job of cultivating and maintaining it (v. 15). God also gave a command. Humans could freely eat from any tree in the garden, except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (v. 17). This command may seem mysterious to us, but it serves an important role. The command implies a choice. Humans can obey God, but they can also reject His command. This dynamic makes a real relationship between humans and God possible. This chapter also teaches that humans were not meant to be alone. God looked around at His creation and saw that something was “not good” (v. 18). Adam needed a companion. After the formation of the woman, Adam speaks for the first time in the Bible. It is a poem joyfully celebrating the creation of the woman (v. 23). Adam and Eve serve as a model for the marriage relationship (v. 24). God intentionally created us to be in relationship with Him, to have meaningful work to do, and to be in relationships with one another. Praise God today for these precious gifts. Go Deeper Why is it important that God gave Adam and Eve a choice? What else do we learn about the way God viewed us as His creation?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1859, Charles Darwin published his work On the Origin of Species. One of the most controversial arguments Darwin made was that all life had a common descent. He argued that every living thing, including all animals and humans, evolved from an original single-cell organism. He challenged the biblical view that human beings were unique. Today’s reading reflects on the relationship between humans, animals, and the rest of Creation. According to Genesis 1, humans and animals have a lot in common. Both were created by God. Both are dependent upon the environment that God created for their survival (v. 24). Both have the “breath of life” in them (v. 30). Both are dependent upon the land for food (v. 30). However, Genesis 1 also makes it clear that there is a difference between humans and animals. People are created “in the image of God” (v. 27). This truth has profound implications for the Christian faith. In Scripture, there is no room for racism or discrimination. All humans bear God’s image, including all ethnicities, young and old, rich and poor, able-bodied and handicapped. As His image-bearers, God has called humans to steward the rest of Creation (vv. 26, 28). In these verses, humans are presented as royalty who rule over what God has made. As images of God, they should exercise their rule in the same kind of way that God does—for the good of what is in their care and in a way that is responsible to God. Part of faithfully living out our identity as images of God means thoughtfully and attentively caring for the land and animals that God has entrusted to us and acknowledging the worth, value, and dignity of all people. The “image of God” is not something we achieve. Rather, it is an essential part of our created identity. It is part of what it means to be human. Go Deeper What does Genesis 1:24–2:3 teach about our identity?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks the beginning of a new year. It is an appropriate time to reflect on the things that are the most important to us. It is especially fitting to begin this year with a reminder of some of the most important biblical truths. Today’s reading in Genesis 1 presents us with two of the most fundamental truths about our relationship with God. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). This truth is like the keystone of an arch. If it is removed, the whole edifice will crumble. The basic relationship between God and everything else in existence is this: God is the Creator and everything else is created. This view is quite different from creation stories told in the ancient world. In those texts, the gods produced the world out of conflict and strife with one another. There is no conflict in Genesis 1. God spoke and things came into existence. God’s existence did not depend upon anything. He alone is the self-existent One. The universe we live in is not the result of random impersonal processes and forces, but the carefully crafted product of a personal God. This means there is a purpose and meaning in our existence. Second, we learn that our very existence is the gracious gift of God. We cannot bargain or strike a deal with God because everything we have comes from Him. We are valuable not because of what we produce or not because of what we can give to God. The most we can do is simply rearrange and reorganize what God already created. Our basic posture toward God should be one of gratitude and wonder: “How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Ps. 104:24). Go Deeper How do the two truths mentioned in today’s devotional shape our understanding of God? Of ourselves? As we begin the year, let Today in the Word help you make Bible reading a lifelong habit! Download the FREE app for daily reminders and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year the Tour de France is broadcast on television. Most non-cyclists, like me, look for the person wearing the yellow jersey, understanding that this is the overall leader. However, the most important person might be the team’s domestique (from the French word for “servant”). This individual will sacrificially pave the way to enable their team leader’s success. In John 21, Jesus, in His risen state, was having breakfast on the shore with His disciples. Jesus engaged Peter in a dialogue regarding his service once He returned to be with His Father. He commissioned Peter, saying, “Feed my lambs” (v. 15), “take care of my sheep” (v. 16), and “feed my sheep” (v. 17). He also told Peter that his death would bring glory to God (v. 19). At the close of their discussion, Peter asked about Jesus’ plans for the Apostle John. “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me’” (v. 22). John lived a long life and because of it, we have the book of Revelation. As predicted by Jesus in John 21 (vv. 18–19), Peter died by crucifixion after a fruitful life of ministry. The Lord had a different plan for each apostle. God has a unique plan for each one of us too, and He desires that we would follow Him. Peter eventually understood this and wrote, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus isn’t asking us to go to any place without His leading. That may be a place of suffering or beside quiet waters (Ps. 23:2). But in either place, Jesus is there. >> Jesus is the ultimate “Domestique,” sacrificing Himself to allow us to know God and follow Him. As we move into the new year, let’s make sure that we seek Jesus. What is He prompting you to do this new year? Trust Him and follow His lead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, earlier this year researchers were surprised to discover new underwater species in the Ha Long Bay of Vietnam. Peering into a “semi-dark” tunnel, they identified a new species of sea sponge: Cladocroce pansinii. In John 20, Jesus had risen from the dead. While this was wonderful news to His followers, some of them struggled to accept the reality of His resurrection, even after seeing it with their own eyes. After leaving the tomb, Jesus encountered Mary Magdalene (vv. 11–18), His closest disciples (minus one) (vv. 19–23), and then all the disciples, including Thomas (v. 26). Thomas struggled with the idea that Jesus rose from the grave. Although he witnessed firsthand the raising of Lazarus from the grave (John 11:43), he quickly forgot that death was no match for Jesus. His mind would not accept the fact that Jesus had actually risen. Thomas was so adamant that he stated, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (v. 25). It is human to struggle with belief. In the Old Testament, God said Sarah would have a child, but she didn’t believe (Gen. 18:12–15). In the Gospel of Luke, Zechariah is told that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son, but he didn’t believe (Luke 1:20). God’s people often struggle to accept the seemingly impossible things God says He will do. When Jesus encountered Thomas, He had a word for him (and us): “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (v. 29). >> Learning about a different species of sponge is interesting but not life- changing. Knowing Jesus and believing the truth about Him is imperative. He gives new life! As we approach a new year, let’s resolve to take Jesus at His word and believe what the Bible says about Him (and us).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June 2023, ultra-marathon runner, Courtney Dauwalter set a woman’s record finishing the Western States 100-mile race in 15 hours, 29 minutes, and 34 seconds. The previous record had stood for 11 years. When making the final turn toward the finish line, Dauwalter stated, “That was the moment I let myself actually believe that we had finished.” In John 19, Jesus cried out, “It is finished” (v. 30). A casual observer of Jesus’ death could make the mistake of thinking that He was only referring to His earthly life. In other words, He was saying that His life was ending. However, that would be a shallow understanding of the significance of that phrase. According to theologian J. Dwight Pentecost, the term was used in Greek commercial life to signify “the discharge of a debt by a completed payment.” Jesus, by His life and death, accomplished what we as fallen humans could not. He lived a sinless life that pleased God in every respect. He died a painful death as payment for the sins of fallen humanity. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). The punishment that we (being guilty and unrighteous) should have received, Jesus (being innocent and righteous) endured. He made the way to God available to all. Jesus completed His mission so that all who put their faith in Him may have eternal life (John 3:16). Since you’ve put your faith in Jesus, have you discovered your mission? And are you pursuing it? >> Just as Jesus finished His mission, let’s strive to finish ours. As the writer to the Hebrews said, “[L]et us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Heb. 12:1–2).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anybody who has played organized team sports has probably heard a proverb along the lines of “the chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” Coaches use this phrase to motivate players never to let down the team and always give their all. Ideally, links in a chain provide continuity and strength. After eating the Passover meal with His disciples, Jesus gave some final words of encouragement and then prayed. What did He pray about at this important moment? First, He prayed for Himself (vv. 1–5). Notice that Jesus spoke not only of the work set before Him, but He also referenced His existence with God “before the world began” (v. 5). He prayed for His disciples (vv. 6–19) and for His future followers (vv. 20–26). He prayed for those who would eventually believe because of the word spoken through those early disciples (v. 20). This is remarkable that the word spoken by Jesus was spoken through His disciples to others who continued sharing it until it reached you and me. In essence, Jesus prayed for us! When we read the book of Acts, we see the challenges that the early church had to endure to ensure the spreading of the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the remotest parts of the earth. We have heard and believed the word because of those faithful early disciples. However, Jesus also prayed that we might be unified for the purpose of bringing glory to God (v. 21). A unified church is a powerful witness to the world (v. 23). >> We live in a very divided time. Cultural, moral, and political strife seem to be at an all-time high. As Christians, we can be pulled into unintentional conflict with a brother or sister in Christ. Jesus prayed that we might be unified. Reach out to a fellow believer today who might see things differently on a particular topic and pray together for the resolution of your differences. Strive to give your all for unity in the church.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Years ago, I received a summons for jury duty. After arriving at the courthouse, I was chosen to be one of twelve jurors for a trial. However, I was dismissed after I said I was a pastor. Did the defense think I would be too strict? Did the prosecution think I would be too forgiving? In John 16, Jesus explains that He knew the disciples would be grieving. He wanted them to realize that His going was a good thing. He would be reunited with His Father, and the Holy Spirit, referred to in verse 7 as “the Advocate,” would come. The disciples were not yet familiar with the Holy Spirit Who would become an integral part of their life. The Holy Spirit fulfills several roles, but one of those roles is one of the prosecutor of the world for its disbelief in Jesus, its rejection of His righteousness, and its alliance with the evil one who stands condemned (vv. 8–11). As a prosecutor, the Holy Spirit doesn’t need a jury, unlike our court procedures, because He is the Spirit of Truth. As our Advocate, the Holy Spirit brings comfort and guidance. To the believer He reveals the truth which comes from Jesus Himself (vv. 13–14). Jesus could only share a limited amount of truth with His followers. Some things they were unable or not ready to understand. Like a parent concerned with what their child is ready to process, Jesus says, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear” (v. 12). When the Holy Spirit came, He would guide them into truth. >> Is there a question in Scripture where you need clarification? Is there a decision that you need to make before the end of this year? Maybe you need help evaluating your options regarding a job or potential spouse. As you seek the Lord on these items, remember that the Spirit of Truth is ready and able to provide the wisdom and direction you need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each growing season, I used to make a compost out of vegetable and fruit peels along with leaves and grass clippings. In the spring I would use this compost to fertilize my new vegetable garden. One year an unrecognizable vine spouted through the soil. I allowed it to grow. To my surprise, this vine, which I did not purposely plant, produced three large pumpkins in the fall. In John 15, Jesus uses the analogy of the “true vine” (v. 1). His Father is the gardener who oversees the vegetation, but Jesus is the vine from which the branches grow (v. 5). If the branches (His disciples) want to produce fruit, they must remain connected to the vine. God, as the gardener, prunes and shapes His followers as we grow in Him (v. 2). Separation from the vine would make the branches worthless and good for nothing, only as kindling for the fire. The branches (Jesus’ disciples) that remain connected to and nourished by the vine receive the benefit of producing much fruit and being loved by Jesus (vv. 8–9). As fellow “branches,” we are connected not only to Jesus but also to one another. Christian community is important! Jesus challenges His disciples to remain in His love by keeping His commands (v. 10). As a result of keeping His commands, Jesus’ joy will be in them to the fullest (v. 11). So, what is the command that Jesus is emphasizing to His disciples? In verse 12 He states, “Love each other as I have loved you.” In verse 17 He repeats once again, “This is my command: Love each other.” >> Love for one another demonstrates that you are properly connected to the Vine, which in turn produces joy in your life. On this day after Christmas, is there someone you can contact who might have had a difficult holiday? Is there a way you can bless someone? This is a great time to communicate the love of Christ and encounter His joy in your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The seminary I attended was approximately 18 hours from my home. Going home for a weekend was unthinkable. Instead, I would drive five hours to my grandparents’ home. Whenever I arrived, my grandmother would have a room waiting for me and a nice comfortable bed in which I could sleep. She prepared a place just for me. In John 14, Jesus shared with His disciples that He was going away to prepare a dwelling place for them (v. 3). He explained that while He was away, He would make arrangements for their arrival. Then He would return and take them back with Him (v. 3). A Jewish marriage custom was for a son to attach an addition to his father’s house as a home for his family. Jesus was stating that He would return to take His disciples to His Father’s home where He would dwell with them forever. Jesus gave some insight regarding the location. He told them, “You know the way to the place where I am going” (v. 4). Thomas, speaking on behalf of the disciples, said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (v. 5). Obviously, the place His disciples had in mind is a physical location on earth. While Thomas was asking about the latitude and longitude of this place, Jesus was speaking of heaven. When we accept Jesus’ offer of salvation, we are included in this invitation to His Father’s home. Jesus answered Thomas, saying: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (v. 6). >> This Christmas we rejoice that the baby who was born in a manger, because there was no place for Him in the inn, has provided a room for us in His Father’s estate. This heavenly home is open and waiting for all who have put their trust in Him. What a wonderful Christmas gift it would be to trust in Jesus as your Savior!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My wife and I were invited by a friend to a three-day retreat for pastors. The free activities, lodging, and eating took place in a large private residence that easily accommodated several couples. At the end, I asked, “Whose property is it? Who offered it to us for the retreat?” I was told that it was the unassuming guy who served us dinner—the last person I expected to be the owner. In John 3, Jesus and His disciples were preparing to partake of the Passover meal. But before the meal, Jesus got up, put a towel around His waist, and began to wash and dry His disciples’ feet (vv. 4–5). Usually the washing of the feet was done by a servant or someone of lower social status when a guest entered the home of his host. Jesus took on the role of a servant by washing His disciples’ feet. Imagine their surprise at having Jesus, their esteemed Teacher, kneel before them to wash their feet! Peter was uncomfortably aware of the reversal of roles and wanted nothing to do with it (v. 8). However, Jesus made it clear that He needed to wash his feet or Peter would have no part with Him. Peter repented and wanted his head and hands washed as well (v. 9). Jesus demonstrated to His disciples what humble and loving service looked like. By taking on this role of a servant and extending loving care to each one of them, He was encouraging them to set aside their differences and serve one another. Jesus taught by example, serving them to the very end. >> Christmas is known as a time of giving. We give gifts to our family and friends. In addition to material gifts, consider giving the gift of service: serving food at a homeless shelter or helping at a nursing home. Remember, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although I grew up in a city, my mom always had a vegetable garden. Each spring she would purchase plants at the farmer’s market to transfer to our backyard. When my wife and I moved into our home, I continued the tradition. However, I loved planting seeds because the process of seeing seeds transform into living plants that produce vegetables has always fascinated me. In John 12, some Greeks approached Philip with the request to see (or speak with) Jesus (vv. 20–21). Both Andrew and Philip shared this request with Jesus (v. 22). In turn, Jesus made a startling announcement: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (v. 23). This seems to have been prompted by the desire of these Greeks to see Jesus. Previously in his Gospel, John had made it clear that Jesus’ time had not come (John 7:6, 8; 16:25). Jesus’ initial outreach was to the Jewish people, but something evidently had changed. Could it be that these non-Jews were seeking Jesus? That’s why Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (v. 24). By using this illustration of the seed, Jesus was explaining the impact His death would have on all people, including these Greeks. A seed, once planted, will grow, transform, and produce fruit. Jesus would lay down His life on the cross, but through that sacrifice He would draw people from around the globe to Himself (vv. 32–33). >> Jesus’ death on the cross paved the way for all to have a relationship with God. This is good news! Take time this Christmas season to praise Him and thank Him for His indescribable gift. If you haven’t yet put your faith in Christ, this is a good time to come to Him as God and Savior.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coronation of a new monarch in the United Kingdom has always been an impressive event. Crowds gather to catch a glimpse of the joyous occasion, which begins with a 1.3-mile procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. About 400 million people around the globe viewed the broadcast of the most recent coronation. Jesus was also greeted as King by the crowds when He entered the city of Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. People pushed forward to catch a glimpse of Jesus’ arrival. They were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” (v. 12). As Jesus entered the city, He found a young donkey to ride on, a symbol that a new king was being installed in Israel (vv. 14–15). It is helpful to observe the crowd’s reaction to this processional. The common people of the day recognized and accepted the fact that Jesus was worthy to be established as their King. They didn’t understand exactly what that would mean, but they were willing to submit to it. The religious leaders, on the other hand, rejected Jesus. They wanted to put a quick end to the praising of Jesus (v. 19). The disciples were observant, but they didn’t fully understand what was happening (v. 16). It wasn’t until after Jesus was glorified that His disciples realized what they had experienced. Fortunately, we have the advantage of hindsight. As we look back on this event on the other side of the Cross and Resurrection, we know that Jesus is our risen King. >> During Christmas, we picture Jesus as a baby. While that is a part of His story, it is not the complete picture. Let’s take some time today to worship and give thanks to King Jesus. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people, when asked their opinion on which of our five senses is least important, name our sense of smell. But smells are important! They can delight (freshly baked bread), repel (rotting garbage), comfort (lavender), or warn us (smoke). We often find that even a subtle scent can unlock a buried memory from years ago. In today’s Bible reading, a scent was powerful enough to create a lasting memory for Jesus and His disciples. John 12 describes a dinner being given in Jesus’ honor. His friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus appear to be the hosts (vv. 1–3). Unexpectedly, Mary poured a pint of expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair (v. 3). So intense was the scent that the entire house was filled with the fragrance (v. 3). Mary was keenly aware of what Jesus had done for her family (see John 11:43). Nothing would be too expensive for the One who had raised her brother from the dead. In humility, she was demonstrating her honor and devotion to her Lord. Judas objected, saying that the perfume was valued at a year’s wages and could be better used to help the poor. To which Jesus replied, “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial” (v. 7). This scene has another layer of significance. Mary was anointing the King for His entry into Jerusalem on the following day and preparing Him for burial (vv. 7, 12–13). Jesus alludes to His burial in verse 7, reminding everyone that His time on earth was brief and should be valued. It would not be long before Mary would go to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body (Mark 16:1). >> Mary probably had no idea of the deep significance of her actions, but her actions demonstrated her whole-hearted devotion to Jesus. Jesus isn’t asking you to understand everything that He is doing through you. He desires your devotion to Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, I received an invitation to attend a high-school class reunion. Most of my old classmates are still alive. However, a few have died, and I’ve often wondered if I will see them again. In John 7:17, we find Jesus arriving in the town of Bethany. His good friend Lazarus had “been in the tomb for four days,” and many friends had arrived to comfort Lazarus’s sisters, Martha and Mary. Hearing that Jesus was in town, Martha left their home to meet Him. Amid her sorrow she stated, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 21). Martha believed that Jesus had the power to keep death from overtaking her brother. In fact, she implied by her next statement, that Jesus could change the present reality by making a request of God. She said, “But I know even now God will give you whatever you ask” (v. 22). Jesus consoled Martha by telling her, “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23). Martha didn’t fully understand what Jesus was telling her, as she said, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day (v. 24). But Jesus replied, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (v. 25). Martha’s “theology” wasn’t wrong, just incomplete. The ultimate resurrection will take place at some time in the future. However, Jesus wanted to clarify that He is the source of both the resurrection and eternal life. That day, Lazarus would live! >> Although the loss of loved ones on earth is painful, we can be thankful that death does not have the final word. Those who have put their faith in Jesus have eternal life now and forever. Jesus Himself is the resurrection. All who believe in Him will experience the future resurrection and can experience His present resurrection power in their lives today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death is like an unwelcome visitor who enters without being invited, interrupts without pardon, takes without asking, and leaves without remorse. In less than ten years, all four of my grandparents died. I remember thinking two thoughts when the fourth passed. My first was, “I was fortunate to have known all four of my grandparents.” My second: “All of my grandparents are dead!” Jesus experienced the grief and reality of death firsthand. He plainly told His disciples in John 11: “Lazarus is dead” (v. 14). Jesus had been staying across the Jordan River where John the Baptist had previously been ministering (see John 10:40), when news came to Jesus about His friend Lazarus’s illness (v. 3). The apostle John stresses the love that Jesus had for Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary (vv. 3, 5). We would expect Jesus to hurry to Bethany to care for Lazarus. Instead, He stayed two more days (v. 6). At that point Jesus invites His disciples to travel back to Judea with Him (v. 7). He informs His disciples that He is going to wake Lazarus for he has fallen asleep (v. 11). This is understood by the disciples as literal sleep, but Jesus knew that Lazarus had died (vv. 12–13). Jesus also said to the disciples, “I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe” (v. 15). Although Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters, He remained across the Jordan until Lazarus died, so that His disciples would witness His resurrection power and grow in their faith. >> Death may be an unwelcome visitor, but Jesus is a permanent resident in the life of the believer. Through His resurrection Jesus defeated death once and for all! Until we get to eternity, God can use death and the losses we encounter to increase our faith. No matter what we face, He walks with us through the valley of death and loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Phillip Keller wrote, “Sheep are notorious creatures of habit. If left to themselves, they will follow the same trails until they become ruts; graze the same hills until they turn to desert wastes; pollute their own ground until it is corrupt with disease and parasites. Many of the world’s finest sheep ranges have been ruined beyond repair by over-grazing, poor management...and ignorant sheep owners.” It is clear that sheep need a competent shepherd! Jesus states in John 10 that He is more than competent; He is the “good shepherd” (v. 11). He is known to both the sheep and the gatekeeper (v. 3). He leads His sheep in and out to pasture and calls each one by name (vv. 3–4). His sheep recognize His voice (v. 4). As the good shepherd, He acts as the gate through which they must pass (v. 9). He protects His sheep from predators even at the cost of His life (vv. 11, 13–15). Speaking of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day, Jesus declares that they have not looked out for God’s people. Here Jesus compares them to hired hands who abandoned the sheep and ran away in the time of the sheep’s greatest need (vv. 12–13). They left the sheep vulnerable to attack. By contrast, Jesus was willing to die for His sheep (v. 11). There is an intimate and trusting relationship between the Good Shepherd and His sheep (v. 14). We are assured that Jesus knows His sheep as well as He knows God the Father (v. 15). This is a remarkable truth that is worth pondering. >> If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then He is your Good Shepherd and you are one of His sheep. He knows you intimately just as He knows the Father. A competent shepherd understands that sheep don’t always know what’s best for them. That is the shepherd’s job! Trust the Good Shepherd to guide your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I was a child, I used to be afraid of my aunt. It wasn’t because she was mean. She was very nice. It was because she was born blind and could not look directly at me. However, she seemed to know my location in the room. How was she able to do that?—I wondered. In John 9, the disciples of Jesus asked a question about a man born blind. Their question was more theologically complex than the childlike question I had asked about my aunt. They wanted to know, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (v. 2). The disciples believed that a specific sin had to be directly associated with the man’s condition. Therefore, they wanted to know who sinned and when? Jesus rejected that premise by stating, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned” (v. 3). This man’s condition was not the result of something his parents did before he was born. Nor was it because of something this man did while he was in his mother’s womb. This man was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him (v. 3). Then Jesus performed a miracle. He “spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.” The man obeyed, washed his eyes in the Pool of Siloam, he was able to see (vv. 6–7). Jesus used this occasion to show everyone that He is the Light of the world (v. 5). The Pharisees resisted both the fact of the healing and the message of Jesus. To this the now-seeing man replied, “Now this is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes” (v. 30). >> It is only by the work of Jesus Christ that we are given spiritual sight to see Jesus for Who He is, the Light of the world. Once we were blind, but now we see (v. 25). Let’s thank God for opening our spiritual eyes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of a two-week mission trip to Uganda, our team spent a day and a night on an island. As we traveled across the lake, it was evident that we were in a rural location that had no electricity. When night arrived, it was so dark that I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. When I turned on my high-powered flashlight, the light beam only extended a few feet beyond the lens. It was dark! Oh, how I longed for daylight. In John 8:12, Jesus called Himself “the light of the world.” What did that mean at the time? What does that mean to us today? The religious leaders in Jerusalem had been trying to arrest Jesus during the Feast of the Tabernacles. But they were unable to make a move because of Jesus’ profound teaching that was having a significant impact on everyone who heard Him (John 7:32, 45–46). The next time Jesus spoke publicly was in John 8. One of the most significant activities during the Feast of the Tabernacles was the lighting of the large lamps, which symbolized God’s presence with Israel in the wilderness by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. It was within this context that Jesus made His extraordinary claim: “I am the light of the world” (v. 12). He also stated, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (v. 12). Those who follow the light that emanates from Jesus Christ always see clearly because they have the very Light of life. How could the religious leaders have missed this important truth? >> The world we live in is blanketed by spiritual darkness. This may feel discouraging. But there is a source of light, powerful enough to illumine a clear path for you and me to travel. That light is Jesus, the Light of the world. Those who follow Him, will never walk in the dark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a recent vacation, my wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The house where we stayed was on the beach. From the balcony, we looked out at what seemed to be an endless supply of beautiful blue ocean water. But as beautiful as it was, I knew that a drink of this vast supply of salty water would not refresh me; it will only make me thirstier. I wanted water that was fresh, cool, and clean. In John chapter 7, Jesus’ disciples went to Judea for the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles (vv. 2–3). Jesus went in secret, partway through the festival, because the Jewish leaders were pursuing Him, seeking to kill Him (vv. 1, 8). In John 7:37, Jesus spoke to the crowd on the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The practice of the week required the priests to walk from the pool of Siloam and pour out water at the base of the altar at the Temple. On the seventh day there was a special ceremony. It is possible that Jesus used this event to reinforce the meaning of His words to the crowd: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (v. 37). Think about it. Parched and thirsty pilgrims could be refreshed only by the water that Jesus offered. Not only would the person who drank the water that Jesus offered be refreshed, but more than that, as Jesus added, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (v. 38). >> When we believe in Jesus we can be refreshed. But it also means that we can be a refreshment to others. It can happen because the Giver of refreshment and the source of refreshment is God. When you place your faith in Jesus Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit Who provides us with all that we need to flourish and refresh others in our spiritually parched world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“My wife is a great cook!” I imagine that most husbands say this about their wife’s cooking, but I really mean it. Every now and then, she will try a new recipe and the meal is delicious. The only problem is that it doesn’t last. The next day the hunger pangs return, and my boiled hot dogs don’t satisfy. In John 6, Jesus fed the masses. Not only did His meal perfectly satisfy, but there also were abundant leftovers! John tells us that five thousand men were fed and that number didn’t include women and children (v. 10). That evening Jesus had crossed the Lake to Capernaum (v. 24). In the morning, some in the crowd crossed the Lake, found Jesus, and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” (v. 25). The people were seeking Jesus because He had completely satisfied them with food the previous day. Jesus said, “You are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill” (v. 26). Jesus used this opportunity to challenge them to work not for food that spoils but for “food that endures to eternal life” (v. 27). The people wanted a sign to believe in Him (v. 30). They referenced their ancestors who ate manna from heaven (v. 31). Jesus clarified that the bread was not given by Moses, but by His Father that gives the true bread from heaven (v. 32). This bread gives life to the world (v. 33). When they requested “this bread” (v. 34), Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (v. 35). >> Physical food can sustain your physical body only for some time. It is necessary and needed, but it doesn’t last. Jesus satisfies your spiritual needs now and for all eternity. You have unlimited access to spiritual nourishment through a relationship with Jesus Christ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I was working as an engineer, my company developed a product that relied upon a technology named Bluetooth that connected different devices. Curious about this strange name, I learned that Harald Bluetooth was a Danish king who converted his people to Christianity and united (or connected) the tribes of Denmark. Unfortunately, his son rejected Christianity and overthrew him. Jesus is the perfect Son. He always does the will of His Father. In John 5, we see that the Jewish leaders were committed to persecuting Jesus because He was doing His Father’s work (v. 17), claiming God to be His Father (v. 18). Notice that the Gospel of Mark opens with the statement, “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). For Mark, there was no confusion regarding the Sonship of Jesus. In Luke’s gospel, he unfolds how Mary came to know that she was going to have a child. After the angel Gabriel gave her the message, Mary was confused as to the way this would happen, seeing that she was a virgin. Gabriel stated, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). Gabriel wasn’t confused. John says, “For this reason they tried all the more to kill him...he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God” (v. 18). We should have no doubts that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and equal with God. The Bible is clear. >> Christmas is just twelve days away. You may be busy with gift giving, cookie baking, and office parties. In all the hoopla, don’t forget the fact that Jesus is the Son of God Who came to take away the sin of the world. Let’s remember that the baby in the manger was God’s Son.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once when I was stopped at a traffic light, a man came up to the car window and asked for money. I reached into my pocket and handed him a few bills. To my surprise, he said I should have given him more. While I didn’t voice my question out loud, I wondered, “Did he want to work?” In John chapter 5, Jesus encountered a man who was an invalid. He had been lying near a pool in Jerusalem where there were many disabled people. The pool, known for its healing properties, was surrounded by “the blind, the lame, the paralyzed” (v. 3). Everyone was hoping for a miracle; they longed to be healed. When Jesus saw a man who had been lying there for some time, He asked a surprising question, “Do you want to get well?” (v. 6). This question may seem odd. Obviously, this man wanted to get well. Why wouldn’t a lame person want to walk again? But Jesus was getting at something deeper than his physical healing. Getting well would mean a new life. It meant this man could no longer depend on others to help him. It meant that he would have to become a responsible citizen of the community. It meant that people would begin to expect things from him. Getting well also meant that God would expect things from him. When Jesus healed him, He gave him two new responsibilities. The first was physical: “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (v. 8). The second was spiritual: “Stop sinning” (v. 14). This would be a new start, from inside out. >> We have to answer the same question, “Do I want to get well?” When Jesus makes us well, He has new expectations for our life. He challenges us to leave our old sinful ways behind and walk in a new way. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I coached a youth baseball team for the purpose of spending time with my son. During a practice session one of the kids threw a ball when my son wasn’t looking, and it cracked his eye socket. In anguish, I didn’t wait for the emergency medical service to arrive. I drove my son to the hospital as fast as I could. I was desperate to help him. In John 4:46, we are introduced to a royal official whose son was not doing well. In fact, verse 47 tells us that his son was near death. As a dad myself, I am not surprised that this royal official traveled 20 to 25 miles to speak with Jesus (v. 46). When he found Jesus, he begged Him to come and heal his son (v. 47). His desire was for Jesus to make the trip back to Capernaum. Evidently, the official felt that there were no other options for his son’s healing. This father was beside himself with worry. Jesus responded in an unexpected way, stating, “Unless you people see signs and wonders you will never believe” (v. 48). By saying “you people,” Jesus was probably speaking to all the observers of this interaction between Him and the official. But He was also speaking to the official. Jesus told the official: “Go [without seeing]...Your son will live” (v. 50). Acting with trust and obedience, “[t]he man took Jesus at his word and departed” (v. 50). We can only imagine his thoughts on that long ride home. But we learn that his son lived and had been healed at the exact moment that Jesus spoke. As a result, his entire household believed (v. 53). >> Every one of us will encounter desperate times in our lives. The question is: To what or to whom will you turn to during those times? If you are facing such a time right now, turn to Jesus. Know that the Lord Jesus Christ can be trusted with everything that is most precious to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state of Michigan is the largest producer of cherries in the United States. During the cherry season, the orchard trees are overflowing with tart and sweet cherries, ready to pick and enjoy. Jesus used this cycle of sowing, reaping, and enjoying the harvest as a spiritual object lesson. In John 4, Jesus’ disciples had returned from purchasing food, and were surprised to see Him talking with a Samaritan woman. When the woman left, they were trying to get Jesus to eat some of the food they had purchased. However, He would not. Instead, Jesus redirected their attention. He told them, “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (v. 35). Jesus was not simply commenting on food to eat. Rather, He was referring to the people from the Samaritan town who were ready to receive the gospel. It is interesting that the Samaritan woman is the one who told the town’s people about Jesus. Jesus sowed into her life, and then she sowed into other people’s lives. Now the disciples had the privilege to do the reaping. Jesus said to His disciples, “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor” (v. 38). The beautiful thing about following Jesus is that He gives us opportunities to sow into others’ lives or opportunities to lead people into a relationship with Him. Sometimes He even gives us the opportunity to do both. Each part of inviting people to know Jesus is important; each person plays a part. >> The Lord continuously brings people into your life. Some relationships are short term and all you can do is briefly touch people’s lives. Other relationships are long term, and you get to walk together through the ups and downs of life. Whether short or long term, prepare to sow or reap according to the Lord’s leading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Sunday after worship service I began a conversation with a family that was visiting our church for the first time. After a few casual comments I mentioned to the husband that he looked like a well-known personality in our area. To my surprise, he stated, “I am he!” I wasn’t expecting that! In John 4, Jesus was continuing His conversation with the woman He had met at Jacob’s well in Samaria. Jesus asked the woman to go and get her husband. She explained that she didn’t have one. This gave Jesus the opportunity to reveal that He already knew her story (vv. 17–18). When the woman realized how much Jesus knew about her, she concluded that He must be a prophet. She used this opportunity to turn the conversation into a theological discussion regarding the proper place to worship God. Jesus did not hesitate to dig deeper during the conversation. He saw through the superficial and led her to the truth that God seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth despite the location (v. 24). Confused and embarrassed, the woman exclaimed that the Messiah will “explain everything to us” once He comes (v. 25). Jesus revealed Himself to her, saying, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he” (v. 26). She wasn’t expecting that! Like most Samaritans, she was looking for a “teaching” Messiah and she got one. Jesus taught the woman about the Messiah and to her surprise, the Messiah was He! Jesus was more than a prophet. He was the One she was waiting for. >> Our world is filled with people like the Samaritan woman. They believe in a god or higher power but have no idea what that means. Often, they will debate you when you try to share the simplicity of the gospel with them. Pray that the Lord gives you words that will cause them to listen and see Jesus clearly for Who He is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirst is the way our brain alerts us that our body is getting dehydrated. When our body craves fluid, our throat and mouth get dry, we get dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. But the word thirst can be used another way, it can describe our desire or craving for something more. To thirst for something is to want it urgently. In John 4, Jesus was sitting alone by Jacob’s well in Samaria when a woman came to draw water in the middle of the day (vv. 4–7). Jesus asked if she would provide Him with a drink (v. 7). By making this request, Jesus was violating several cultural norms. First, He, a Jew, was speaking with a Samaritan. And second, He, a Jewish man, was speaking to a woman in public. This kind of behavior broke cultural norms and would be considered disgraceful. Jesus was not just being a rebel. Rather, He violated cultural customs to give this woman something she craved but could never have obtained on her own. He asked her to take a risk in giving Him something He wanted, so He could provide for her what she really needed. He wanted physical water. She thirsted for living water. When Jesus asks us to serve Him in ways that aren’t conventional or involve risk, He, in turn, blesses us unexpectedly in ways that we cannot imagine. Following Jesus in willing obedience is always the best option. And what Jesus asks of us boils down to a simple principle: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). >> Have you ever been confronted with a situation in which you did not feel prepared to engage? Maybe you sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to get involved. Whether it was providing support to somebody who didn’t look like you or doing good to someone who treated you poorly in the past. Whatever the Lord is asking you to do, He will bless you for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently someone I know asked my opinion on a Christian organization that had run into some controversy. I think I was asked because my acquaintance knew that I am a seminary professor and trusted me. Because I am a college professor and a pastor, people normally expect me to answer questions, not ask them. In John 3 we find an important teacher of Israel, Nicodemus, asking questions. He had come by night to speak with Jesus (v. 2). But even before Nicodemus could ask a question, Jesus addressed what was in his head and on his heart. Jesus told Nicodemus that “no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (v. 3). This made no sense to the teacher. How can anyone be born twice? Can they enter back into their mother’s womb? (vv. 4, 9). To answer Nicodemus, Jesus used an illustration of the wind blowing wherever it pleased. He used this example to highlight the nature of those who are born again. We cannot figure out the moment-by-moment movement of the wind. In the same way, we cannot figure out who will be born again by the Spirit of God. It is, and will always be, a great mystery. Jesus is not negating human responsibility, but He is emphasizing the Spirit’s role in a person coming to faith in Him. The Spirit of God chose the disciples of Jesus who were uneducated, unsophisticated, and were passed by many of the elite and educated people in Israel. “The wind blows where it pleases” (v. 8). >> For some of us it seemed natural to put our faith in Jesus Christ. By God’s grace we were born into a Christian home and taught about the goodness of Jesus at an early age. For others, it may be a complete mystery how God saved us out of our broken and ungodly circumstances. The Spirit’s movements may be mysterious, but they are not random. Let’s thank God for choosing us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While in middle school, my son discovered bowling and fell in love with the sport. For several years life consisted of bowling leagues, bowling lessons, bowling tournaments, and high school bowling. Eventually, it paid off and he earned a bowling scholarship to college. He had a zeal for bowling. In the Gospel of Luke chapter 2, we learned that when Jesus was twelve, He traveled with His parents to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. While His parents were returning home, they realized that Jesus was not in the caravan. They traveled back to Jerusalem and searched for days and finally found Him in the Temple courts among the teachers, listening and asking questions. When His parents said that they had been looking for Him, He stated, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). To Jesus, the Temple in Jerusalem was more than just a building with courtyards. It was His Father’s house. The Temple was the place where God’s glory resided. Jesus knew the proper spiritual climate surrounding this place of worship and learning. According to Isaiah 56:7, God wanted His house to be called a house of prayer for all the nations. But the Jews had turned the Court of the Gentiles into a marketplace. Therefore, the Gentiles could not worship or pray at the Temple. Jesus’ passion for His Father’s house emboldened Him to empty the Court of the Gentiles from all the business opportunists. By doing so, He made room for the Gentiles. As for the merchants, He was showing them that “the who” of worship was the most important thing. >> Do you have a zeal for worship? Today, consider how you can re-center your attention on worshiping “the Lord, our God.” We worship Him not just when we are in church, but with every waking breath, with all our heart, mind, and soul. God desires that people from every nation and tribe worship Him. Let’s pray to that end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of years ago, our oldest daughter got married. My wife, our son, our youngest daughter, and I were all part of the wedding. With so many moving parts that day, I was very thankful for our wedding director. All the stress of pulling off a smooth event rested on her shoulders and not on us. We could relax and enjoy that important day. In John 2, Jesus, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His disciples had been invited to a wedding in the town of Cana. It seems that Mary had been asked to help with the wedding festivities. Unfortunately, everything did not go as planned and all the wine was quickly consumed by the attendees. Since weddings lasted for an entire week, several days must have passed and the attendees had quickly gone past their allotted share. Before the lack of wine became public knowledge, Mary went to Jesus with the problem (v. 3). Like any mother, she assumed that her son would help in some way. Mary knew that if they were unable to get more wine, it would be a great embarrassment to the families. Although Jesus seemed to resist helping, Mary knew that He would. She knew His character. She knew that He could be trusted to always do the right thing. So, she told the servants to “do whatever he tells you” (v. 4). Although it wasn’t Jesus’ hour (or time for His public ministry to begin), He still turned water into wine. He did this for the sake of His mother, for the sake of the bridegroom, for the sake of the servants, for the sake of His disciples, and for His glory (v. 11). >> Mary knew Jesus would help. She had watched Him mature (Luke 2:52). She knew His character. She knew He could be trusted even when He appeared uninterested. When Jesus seems distant to you, don’t lose hope. He sees. He cares. He will provide what you need exactly when you need it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the summer of 2023 there were several days in the Midwest and on the East Coast of the United States when the air was filled with smoke from fires in Canada. One day in June it became so overcast that it looked like the clouds were touching the ground and blocking our view of the sky above. I kept wondering when will we see clearly again? In John chapter 1, Philip, a new disciple of Jesus, brought his friend Nathanael to meet Jesus. Prior to the meeting, Nathanael had asked Philip if anything good could come out of Nazareth (v. 46). When Jesus told Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree, Nathanael knew for sure that Jesus was the Son of God, the King of Israel (v. 49). Jesus’ words transformed Nathanael from a skeptic to a believer instantaneously. Then Jesus told Nathaniel that he would see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on” the Son of Man (v. 51). Centuries earlier, Jacob had a dream of a stairway that extended into the heavens. He saw the Lord at the top and angels ascending and descending (Gen. 28:12). Both men were given a vision of a staircase to heaven. While the two situations have similarities, they are also distinct. As one Bible commentator notes, “Jacob had guile (Gen. 27:35), but Nathanael had none. Jacob saw a staircase, but Jesus is the staircase. Jacob had a dream, but Jesus is the reality.” >> Heaven is open to the believer in Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus we have direct access to the throne of God. The clouds have opened, and the way made clear. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16). What do you need from God? He’s accessible to you today through Jesus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not knowing much about farm animals, I once asked someone if there was a difference between a sheep and a lamb. To my surprise, there is! A lamb is a sheep who is one year of age or less. A farmer will tell you that, unlike a sheep, a lamb is young, small, innocent, and docile. Jesus is called the Lamb of God. In the fourth Gospel, John the Baptist proclaimed: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (v. 29). Just as a shepherd, or a farmer, owns and cares for lambs, John proclaimed that this Lamb belongs to God. Also, notice the singularity of the word “Lamb.” Jesus is not one of many lambs, but the one and only Lamb of God. In Exodus, God commanded Moses and Aaron to tell the Israelites who were being held captive in Egypt to choose a lamb for each family and slaughter it on a specified day. Regarding those sacrifices, God said, “The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect” (Ex. 12:5). A portion of the blood of the lamb was to be placed upon the sides and tops of the door frames (Ex. 12:7). That night the LORD struck down all the first-born in Egypt except in the houses where the blood was on the doorposts (Ex. 12:12–13). In Egypt, the Israelites were responsible for providing their own sacrificial lamb for the Passover meal and the saving of blood. John the Baptist realized that God Himself had provided Jesus as His own sacrificial Lamb. This Lamb had the power to take away the sin of the world. >> John the Baptist later stated, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (John 1:34). Let’s follow John’s lead. This Christmas season let somebody know that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God Who will take away their sin, if they will put their faith in Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our church has had the wonderful opportunity to partner with a missionary couple who has been working for years among a nomadic tribe. This endeavor has been challenging for our friends and their children. During their frequent travels, they must set up their tent, cook, eat, sleep, then pack up their tent and travel some more. When Jesus, the Word from eternity past, became a human being, He made His dwelling among us (v. 14). The term for dwelling means to “spread or pitch a tent.” It refers to a temporary dwelling place. Jesus chose to pitch His tent, for a time, with us. In the Old Testament, Moses was directed by God to instruct the Israelites to build Him a tabernacle. God said, “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Ex. 25:8). God gave Moses specific instructions regarding the materials, measurements, design, and colors of the tabernacle and all that went into it. It was to be constructed according to God’s exact specifications. After it was completed, “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Ex. 40:34). In the New Testament, Jesus replaced the Old Testament tabernacle. He is the One Who “tabernacled” among us. As John 1:14 states, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” God, the Word, became human and displayed His glory for all to see. >> Today’s reading is a great reminder that Jesus is more than the baby in a manger. He is the living Word of God Who chose to pitch His tent among us so that we may see God’s glory. He traveled, slept, cooked, and ate with us so that we could know God in an intensely personal way (v. 18). Whom can you invite to study with you and get to know the Jesus of Christmas?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to NASA, roughly 68 percent of the universe is made of dark energy and 27 percent is made of dark matter. That means approximately 95 percent of the universe is consumed in total darkness. That fact should make us even more thankful to God for creating the sun that gives light to the earth and the moon that reflects that light. The Apostle John opens his Gospel by explaining that the Word is One Who always existed and Who created everything (vv. 1–3). John would later explain that this Word is Jesus Christ (v. 14). In Jesus existed life, physical and spiritual. This life was and is given for all mankind (v. 4). The spiritual darkness of this world is no match for the light that Jesus illuminates (v. 5). Light has the ability to attract or repel. We see light’s powerful attraction in the Nativity story. The Magi from the east came to Jerusalem drawn by the light from His star. When they arrived, they wanted to know, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2). The star would appear again and lead the Magi directly to Jesus (Matt. 2:9). Light doesn’t leave people neutral. We see this principle again when Jesus told Nicodemus, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Jesus is the Light of the world, and He will not leave us unchanged. >> December has arrived, and as we begin our journey toward Christmas, we realize that (in the northern hemisphere) December is the darkest month of the year. In December we experience the longest night of the year. Join us in giving thanks to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus. He has brought light to the world. We are also thankful that He has chosen us to reflect His light.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has God ever opened your eyes abruptly to truth? Has He ever penetrated the darkness of your mind like a bolt of light? One morning, several years ago, God seemingly ripped the scales from my eyes and revealed long-standing anger that He wanted to uproot. Suddenly, I recognized my sin as sin. I was piercingly aware of His patient pursuit and the call I had been resisting for some time. Saul’s call to ministry is perhaps the most dramatic one of all. Saul had a reputation for “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (v. 1). He had planned a mission to Damascus to hunt down and arrest any Christians, those “who belonged to the Way” (v. 2). Outside the city, Saul was struck and blinded by a light from heaven. He fell to the ground and heard a voice call him by name, asking: “Why do you persecute me?” Saul knew immediately that it was the Lord (v. 5). Saul’s call came in two phases. First, the Lord told Saul to “go into the city” and wait for further instructions (v. 5). But when Saul opened his eyes and rose to comply, he discovered that he was blind. His companions led him into the city where he spent three dark days. The Lord appeared also to Ananias, instructing him to find Saul and restore his sight. Ananias objected. Saul’s reputation had preceded him, and Ananias was afraid. So, the Lord clarified Saul’s calling— to bring the gospel to Gentiles and Jews, a calling that would also bring suffering. Ananias found Saul and placed his hands on him, explaining that the Holy Spirit would fill him. Then, the scales fell from his eyes. Saul was baptized immediately, a public testimony of God’s trans- formative work. He stayed with the disciples for a few days, undoubtedly learning from them before he began to preach (vv. 19–20). >> Saul’s calling involved both conversion and call to ministry in one intense encounter. His call is effectual and transformational for even the most unlikely believer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to answer Jesus’ call? John Stott wrote, “At its simplest Christ’s call was ‘Follow me.’ He asked men and women for their personal allegiance. He invited them to learn from him, to obey his words and to identify themselves with his cause. To follow Christ is to renounce all lesser loyalties.” In Matthew 4, Jesus’ public ministry had begun. John the Baptist had been taken into custody, and, because of the growing threat, Jesus left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum. There He preached publicly a message of repentance, an acknowledgment of sin and a turning from it (v. 17). Two fishermen, Peter and Andrew (v. 18), were familiar with Jesus, since Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35–42). They’d already considered Jesus’ mission and message. When Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me” (v. 19), they were prepared to immediately leave their boats, their occupation, and their livelihood—and follow Jesus. Next, Jesus called another pair of brothers, James and John, who were fishing with their father. When He called them, “immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him” (v. 22). The magnitude of their obedience is highlighted by the fact that they also left their family. While discipleship was a common concept in the Jewish culture, being a disciple of Jesus was distinct. The traditional model involved a rabbi, demonstrating his teaching of the Torah, and his disciples following his pattern. Certainly, Jesus’ disciples were committed to His teaching, but they were even more committed to His person. Jesus was not only offering them temporal teacher training but also inviting them into an eternal kingdom relationship. >> The call of first disciples highlights Jesus’ authority. When He calls us to follow, the only appropriate response is obedience and utter dedication. A renouncing of all “lesser loyalties.” A complete realignment of focus and life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We resist the call of God for many reasons. Maybe we feel inadequate, or we fear the ramifications. We might prefer the comfort of our current situation or have a distaste for the assignment. The book of Jonah documents one man’s resistance to God’s call. Others merely protested, but Jonah led God in a full-on chase. God called Jonah to bring a message of repentance to Nineveh, a large city on the eastern bank of the Tigris River (now Iraq). It was over 500 miles from Israel, a month’s journey by land. Nineveh was considered “great” because of its size and importance. Morally, however, it was a mess. The people were cruel, violent, and known for idolatry. If he entered that city, Jonah’s life could be in danger. Unlike the prophets before him, Jonah did not offer a verbal protest to the Lord. He didn’t argue his inadequacy or fear. He just ran. His destination was Tarshish, which may have been in North Africa or even Spain (possibly more than 2,000 miles away). Jonah was serious about his escape. In the narrative, Jonah (probably the author) recorded that he “ran away from the LORD” (v. 3). This, of course, was impossible. The omnipresent God worked through the wind, the water, and the sailors to bring Jonah to a place of confession and discipline. And when the crew had thrown Jonah into the sea to save themselves, God sent a fish to rescue him. From the belly of the fish, Jonah cried, “In my distress I called [kaleo] to the LORD and he answered me” (2:2). In Jonah’s distress, God opened his eyes to His mercy and salvation and moved Jonah from disobedience to thankfulness and obedience. >> Jonah’s story shows us how we, too, can sometimes disobey or even deny the call of God. But if you read the rest of Jonah’s story, you’ll see that God is able to bring His servants back—to correct our course in extraordinary ways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When He calls you, God isn’t concerned about your talents. Neither is He concerned about your age. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” (1 Tim. 4:12). In Jeremiah 1, God called another prophet. What is unique about this call is His explanation of the timing. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew [yada] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (v. 5). Like the Hebrew word qara for “call,” the word yada has a range of meanings. Here, it indicates a relationship—one in which God chooses and protects His child. God set Jeremiah apart for holy service before he was even born. Jeremiah’s first response was: “Alas, Sovereign LORD” (v. 6). The “alas” was a cry of alarm. Like Moses, Jeremiah objected because of his ineloquence of speech. His second objection was his age. Commentators believe he was probably younger than twenty at the time. God dismissed Jeremiah’s concerns and reiterated His call. But—as He did many times before—He also promised His presence and defense. God would give Jeremiah the words and rescue him from danger (vv. 7–8). The Lord even stretched out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth. Unlike the hot coal used to cleanse Isaiah’s lips, this touch demonstrated God’s intent to fill Jeremiah’s mouth with His message, one of both judgment and blessing, building up and tearing down. In verses 11–16, God confirmed Jeremiah’s call with two visions. It gave Jeremiah courage and motivation. In Jeremiah 20:7–18, the prophet complained to the Lord. He even cursed the day he was born (20:14). Yet he continued in obedience. >> Isn’t it mind-boggling to consider that God knew your call before you were born? His call can come regardless of our age, and it is always compelling. What God calls us to do may be painful, but if we keep silent, it burns within us (20:9).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humility might not top the list of qualifications for a pastor, but it should! As David Mathis wrote: “Few things poison the church, and sully her reputation in the world, like arrogant pastors.” And the Apostle Paul included humility in his list to Titus: “Not overbearing [arrogant]” (Titus 1:7). In Isaiah 6, we find the prophet’s specific call to ministry and his humble response. Isaiah was given a vision of the Lord, sitting on His throne. The hem of His robe filled the Temple. Surrounding seraphim covered their faces and their feet with their wings, and they cried to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty! (v. 3).” The triple “holy” emphasized the degree to which God was set apart. The Lord’s utter perfection prompted Isaiah’s reaction. He cried, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (v. 5). When confronted with the perfection and majesty of God, Isaiah’s response was humility. He could only acknowledge his own sinfulness and that of the people. Then, in the vision, one of the seraphim touched Isaiah’s lips with burning coal, an act of cleansing and forgiveness (vv. 6–7). Upon Isaiah’s cleansing, the Lord uttered His call: “Whom shall I send?” (v. 8). Isaiah knew nothing of the actual assignment—He didn’t know the message, the location, or the duration of the call. He didn’t understand the difficulties he would face. Yet, unlike Moses and Samuel, Isaiah offered no objection and expressed no fear. He simply offered himself. “Here am I. Send me!” (v. 8). The prophet had a difficult task ahead. The Israelites’ hearts would be hardened. Yet a remnant would remain. Throughout all generations, God preserved a faithful remnant of His people. >> Like Isaiah, we are not worthy. We must not become proud or self-reliant in our call. The Bible teaches us the importance of confession and cleansing. May we too adopt this beautiful posture of willing obedience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2017, Jayson D. Bradey wrote an article titled “10 Qualities Church Members Expect in a Pastor.” Here’s his list: 1) Scriptural understanding; 2) An ability to listen; 3) Competence; 4) Teaching ability; 5) Good character; 6) Vision; 7) An ability to lead a team; 8) Disciple-building focus; 9) Self- awareness; and 10) Drive. I think it’s important that “good character” made the list. Our human admiration can be so drawn to great gifting and charismatic personality that we overlook deeper matters of holiness, humility, and devotion. In 1 Samuel 16, we find two more specific callings of God, His call of the prophet Samuel and of the young shepherd David, who would be king. Samuel was still grieving over Saul’s disobedience when God instructed him to go to the house of Jesse the Bethlehemite and anoint a new king from among his sons. God was doing a new work. Samuel’s initial response was fear. “If Saul hears about it, he will kill me” (v. 2). Notice that God didn’t rebuke Samuel for wavering. Instead, He provided more detailed instructions about how to approach the family—with a sacrifice. Then, Samuel obeyed. At Jesse’s home, Eliab was the oldest and the first son to appear. Impressed by his physical appearance Samuel felt certain that he was God’s choice. But God rejected Eliab and explained, “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (v. 7). One by one, Jesse’s other sons came to Samuel, and the Lord rejected each one. Then Samuel asked: “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep” (v. 11). Clearly, even David’s dad didn’t expect him to be chosen. But when David came in, the Lord told Samuel, “Rise and anoint him, this is the one.” >> God alone is the judge of whom He wants to do His will. And His criteria often do not match our own. Ask God to help you see people as He sees them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve heard people say that you can identify your calling by looking at what others tell you that you do best. That is often true. God does gift His children in particular ways, and He uses those gifts for His glory and the work of the gospel. Certainly, others might encourage those gifts. We ought to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). But there are times when God uses those things we aren’t good at for His purpose. In Exodus we see that happen to Moses. When God called Moses to bring His people out of Egypt (3:10), Moses objected several times. His first objection was his own inadequacy: “Who am I...?” (v. 11). To which God responded, “I will be with you” (v. 12). God promised His presence and a future hope. He painted a picture for Moses of the redeemed Israelites worshiping on that same mountain. Moses was not convinced. He responded with a second, odd objection. He didn’t know how to identify God. The Lord responded, “I AM WHO I AM” (v. 14)—a rich name, affirming God’s eternal self- existence. God instructed Moses how to explain His identity and assured him that the Israelites would listen (v. 18). Moses still faltered, claiming his own lack of credibility. The Israelites wouldn’t believe him (4:1). So God, then, performed three signs through Moses, demonstrating the power with which Moses would be authorized to act (vv. 2–9). Even these miracles did not embolden Moses, and he responded with one final concern—his own lack of eloquence (v. 10). God reminded Moses that He made his mouth, and He would provide the words (vv. 11–12). At which point, Moses finally whined: “Please send someone else” (v. 13). And God got angry. >> God may call you outside of your comfort zone to do something that seems beyond your ability. That’s the point! God promises His presence and His power because ultimately it is His work, not ours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At times, God calls particular people to a particular task at a particular time—the special (secondary) call of God. Os Guiness explains: “A special calling refers to those tasks and missions laid on individuals through a direct, specific, supernatural communication from God.” Scripture includes many examples of God’s special call. We’ve already seen a few—Abram, Matthew, Mary. But it’s important to note that God calls in many ways. The diversity in the biblical accounts demonstrates this. While each is unique, these callings teach important truths. The call of Moses is one of my favorites. In Exodus 3, Moses was caring for his father-in-law’s flocks in the wilderness when he saw a burning bush that was not consumed, so he went over to have a look (v. 2). The Lord called to Moses from the flame, and Moses replied with innocent curiosity: “Here I am” (v. 4). God immediately established the solemnity of the situation with instructions to remain at a reverential distance and remove his sandals. He also clarified His identity and authority as the God of Moses’ forefathers. And “Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God” (v. 6). Then God told Moses that He had seen the affliction and heard the cry of His people, and He was sending Moses to bring them out of Egypt (vv. 7–10). Already, in these first few verses of the account, we see that when God calls, He will get our attention. Sometimes it will happen in extraordinary ways. He is in complete control of this calling; it is not ours to own. This happens on holy ground, and the appropriate response to His presence and authority is awe. God’s call is both personal and corporate. God called Moses to go to Pharaoh, but this wasn’t to make Moses great. It was for the benefit of Israel. >> Have you experienced a specific call from God? If so, how did God get your attention? Share your experience in our Facebook group: Today in the Word Devotional Discussion Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suffering comes in many packages. And while we are aware of its existence, pain still catches us by surprise. We ask “Why?” and wish it away. As Oswald Chambers wrote: “No healthy Christian chooses suffering; he chooses God’s will, as Jesus did, whether it means suffering or not.” Today’s passage is part of an extended section in which Peter offers guidelines for particular relationships. In 1 Peter 2:13–17, he addressed how Christians should consider government, and he introduced the overarching biblical principle of submission (putting oneself under the authority of another). The primary motivation for submission was the Lord. Then Peter addressed servants, those people responsible for the most lowly service in society. He instructed servants to “submit [themselves] to [their] masters” (v. 18). This charge was not only applicable when masters were kind, however. Submission was also the expectation when masters were harsh, since such unjust suffering, done with “reverent fear,” was “commendable before God” (v. 20). Within this context, Peter added to our understanding of the believer’s call. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (v. 21). Servants—and all followers of Jesus (4:12–19)—would suffer because in this way they would partake in the work of Christ. Jesus modeled suffering for us, both physically and spiritually. He sinlessly and humbly endured insults and physical pain. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross” (v. 24). He is our example, redeemer, and healer. Jesus trusted His own care to the Father, and the churches in Asia Minor—as helpless sheep—could rely on “the Shepherd and Overseer of [their] souls” (v. 25). >> We may be uncomfortable with the idea of suffering being a part of our calling. But we are reminded that Jesus showed us how to endure suffering, and He is our Good Shepherd through it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As God’s children, we are called to repentance and salvation; confession and belief; belonging, obedience, and holiness. As we follow Jesus, we are all called to walk worthy, to be conformed to His likeness, and to focus on our future hope in Him. But in 1 Peter, we read about God’s calling to the church as a whole. The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to several small churches scattered throughout Asia Minor, encouraging them in their salvation, the Christian life, and their communal identity. Peter compares the church to “living stones” and a “spiritual house.” He exhorts the faithful to draw close to the Lord (v. 4), the living Stone risen from the dead. Peter describes Jesus as “rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him,” a description to which his audience would relate. Peter then calls them “living stones” as well—a “spiritual house” and a “holy priesthood” with one identity and one purpose, built on the cornerstone of Christ. Peter draws on three Old Testament passages (Isa. 28:16, Ps. 118:22, and Isa. 8:14) that also used this metaphor. Those who believe in Jesus recognize Him as the precious Cornerstone, the foundation of the church upon whom our faith is built. But those who reject Him stumble and receive judgment. As a result of their unity as a single spiritual house, Peter identified these churches across Asia Minor as “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” They were to be a cohesive, collective temple, a place to gather and worship together, as well as a presence of light and praise in the world, “that you may declare the praises of him who called [kaleo] you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (v. 9). >> How does Peter’s description of the church compare to what we experience today? Consider how Peter’s description of the church’s calling or purpose might change our own expectations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I recently reviewed the resumes of several accomplished individuals and was impressed by their education and experience. That’s the point of a resume, isn’t it? To highlight our qualifications and pique the interest of a possible employer. In Philippians 3, Paul encourages the church to live with a joy found only in the Lord and to guard against the Judaizers. Paul doesn’t pull any punches here. His warning is harsh as he called those pious legalists “dogs” and “evil” and “mutilators of the flesh” (v. 2). Their confidence was in their own merit. Paul offered his own resume in comparison (vv. 4–6). He was the ultimate Benjamite, Hebrew, Pharisee, and so forth. But when Christ appeared to Paul (Saul) on the Damascus Road (Acts 9) and called him to apostleship, Paul’s perspective on his credentials drastically changed. What follows in verses 7–14 is a very personal testimony of Christ’s transformative work. Everything Paul used to take pride in, he now saw as fallible and fallen human offerings that should only be considered as “loss” when compared to the greatness of “knowing” Jesus. Not limited to intellectual understanding, this knowing is an acknowledgment of and submission to Jesus as Lord. This sort of knowing resulted in a new righteousness from God and a fellowship in Christ’s suffering during this lifetime, as well as a future glorification in eternity. In verses 12–14 Paul repeatedly emphasizes his own humble position and reiterates the ultimate goal, “the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (v. 14). The rich theological significance of this call is undeniable, not only in the present but also in the future. It is a heavenly call which Paul persistently pursued with all his might, and to which we are welcome. >> God’s call on our lives changes our present condition and our eternal destiny! For this reason, we press onward. Take encouragement from Paul’s words today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was 21 when I went on my first overseas mission trip to Europe. We worshiped with a wide variety of congregations—from American military families in Germany to Romanians in tiny villages. It was eye opening and life-changing to experience the Christian bond that crosses cultural, language, and economic boundaries. In Ephesians 4, Paul turns his attention from the overtly theological (chapters 1–3) to the ethical and practical (chapters 4–6), reminding his readers of his imprisonment “for the Lord” (v. 1). Paul practiced what he preached, even in dire circumstances. With an attitude of humility, he issued the following appeals. The first was to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (v. 1). The NIV translation loses the power of the Greek, which includes a double emphasis on calling retained in the ESV: “[I] urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling [klesis] to which you have been called [kaleo].” Paul highlighted why we should live according to the truths he had already articulated. Because of all that Christ did on our behalf, Paul implores us to live rightly. Beginning in verse 2, he lists qualities we are to live out. “Humility” involves a right thinking about the self, a meekness of mind. “Gentleness” speaks of the mild demeanor of a true friend. “Patience” is “the exercise of a largeness of soul that can endure annoyances and difficulties over a period of time.” “Bearing with one another in love” values the other person above ourselves. “Make every effort” (v. 3) describes a diligence to preserve in “the unity of the Spirit” and “the bond of peace.” Their connection with one another was not ultimately up to them, although Paul called his readers to do their part. It was the work of the Spirit that resulted in peace. >> Today’s reading provides a wonderful prayer. Personalize it and pray this prayer, asking God to develop these qualities in your heart. Ask Him to help you live a life worthy of your calling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is this person “the one”? Should I pursue this job or that one? Is now the time to move or invest or retire? Whenever we are confused or concerned about more specific questions of calling, God’s general call anchors us. When we don’t know what to do, we ask God for wisdom, walk in faith, and pursue what He asks of all His followers all the time. While we may not even know how to pray, the Spirit utters groanings (Rom. 8:26). In today’s passage, Paul introduced himself to the church at Corinth—one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, strategically located on a major trade route. Paul had spent many months in Corinth during his second missionary journey, establishing this church. Corinth, however, was also full of sin: immorality, idolatry, greed. Three years later, Paul learned that the Corinthian church was struggling. He begins his letter by reasserting his own credibility: “Paul, called [kletos] to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (v. 1). God had given Paul this position and bestowed on him the authority to speak on His behalf. He reminded the Corinthians of God’s call on them to be “holy” (v. 2). They were to be set apart and pure. This expectation was not unique to them! Paul explained that it was for “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 2). Ancient letters typically included a word of thanks after the greeting, and Paul follows that convention (vv. 4–9). Despite the corruptness in Corinth, Paul expressed gratitude for God’s grace to them—in the form of teaching and spiritual gifts. Paul’s hope was in God who is faithful, and who had called (kaleo) the Corinthian church into fellowship with Christ. >> When we are confused about a difficult decision, we can be anchored by our faith in Christ and God’s call for us to be “holy” (v. 2). How does Paul’s challenge for believers to be set apart for God’s purpose affect your choices?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you remember when you first heard the gospel? When I was eight years old, my Sunday School teacher shared it again and asked my class to raise our hands if we had “asked Jesus into our heart.” That night, I prayed with my mom, confessing my sin and my belief in Jesus as Savior. Today’s passage is part of an extended section (Romans 9–11) in which Paul addresses God’s relationship with Israel after Christ. Jesus’ death and resurrection ended the era of the law, making righteousness through faith available to anyone who believes. Verses 5–7 contrast two kinds of righteousness. The righteousness that came through the law was obtained through human effort. Paul quoted Leviticus 18:5 as proof of this position. The “new” righteousness came by faith in Christ. There was no need to “ascend into heaven” or “descend into the deep” (vv. 6–7). Jesus Christ had already come to earth and dwelt among us. He had died, been buried, and resurrected. The saving work had been done. Paul writes that only two things are required for a Christian. First, “declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’” (v. 9). Acknowledging the deity of Christ is imperative to faith, and this understanding comes only through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts (1 Cor. 12:3). Second, “believe in your hearts that God raised him from the dead” (v. 9). The resurrection is critical, for without it our faith is “futile” (1 Cor. 15:17). Paul finished this section with another statement about the equality and unity of the Jews and Gentiles. They had the same Lord, for “Everyone who calls on [epikaleo] the name of the Lord will be saved” (v. 13). This call was the believer’s declaration of faith—that Jesus is the Son of God who conquered death. >> If you’ve never accepted the call to salvation, we pray that today will be the day! To learn more, visit moodybible.org/knowing-christ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been completely confused about how to pray in a troubling situation? We may sometimes struggle to understand the will of God or even how to approach His throne. Thankfully, God has provided His Spirit, who intercedes on our behalf. Just as God-given hope sustains God’s children when they suffer (vv. 22–26), so His Spirit aids our prayers when we can’t find the words. Paul describes the Spirit’s communication as “groanings”—inexpressible and inaudible pleadings in perfect alignment with the Father’s will. But that’s not all. Paul assured believers with the promise of God’s providence. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called [kletos] according to his purpose” (v. 28). Paul describes the recipients of this providence in two ways—by what they did (“love God”) and by what He did (“called [them] according to his purpose”). As God calls His people, so His people love Him. Paul then outlines God’s purpose as a series of actions to move His children toward their ultimate glorification (vv. 29–30). First, God foreknows. This is more than just a knowing ahead of time. Biblical “knowing” is also relational. God’s plan for His people began with His decision to enter relationship with them. He directs His people to his desired outcome (that is, conformity to the likeness of Jesus). Next, God “called” (kaleo) His people. This calling was not a general announcement to the masses. Rather, it was God’s beckoning His children to be His own. This results in believers’ justification (declared as innocent) and glorification (future hope). Paul’s goal is to offer assurance. God is sovereign, and He is working out His plan. >> There may be days when you doubt your calling. You may wonder if God is truly in your story. Rest assured that God has a plan for your life: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (v. 28).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many factors contribute to the formation of our worldview. Our family background. The teaching we received. The community we experienced. Our education. Our culture. Our media and music. The people we admire. The experiences we survived. Each plays a role. Ultimately, the book of Romans is about worldview. It is a richly doctrinal letter to the Christians in Rome (mostly Gentiles), but also to us. Throughout the letter, Paul explains what it means to be justified by faith and the transforming power of the gospel. When studied and received, Romans can anchor our worldview in the most important truths. In today’s passage, Paul intro- duces himself by explaining his position and purpose. Paul was a servant of Christ Jesus, “called to be an apostle” (v. 1). The word called here is kletos, derived from kaleo. God placed a special calling on Paul’s life when He appeared to him in a blinding light on the Damascus Road (Acts 9). As an apostle, Paul’s purpose would be to proclaim the gospel of God, the good news of redemption found only in Jesus. In verses 2–4, Paul elaborates on the gospel message, rooted in the Old Testament prophets (v. 2). This good news is dependent on the identity of Jesus—who was both fully human (v. 3) and the divine, resurrected Son of God (v. 4). Paul’s apostolic calling was not for his own benefit (vv. 5–6). Rather, he received this grace in order to call (kletos) the Gentiles to a relationship with Christ—a life of obedience that grows out of faith (v. 5), a position of belonging (v. 6), a relationship of love, and the designation of “holy people” or “saints” (v. 7)—with all of the privileges and promises that God bestows upon His people. >> Verses 5–7 help us understand the general call that Jesus extends to all who believe. If you are a Christ-follower, He calls you to that life of obedience, position of belonging, relationship of love, and designation of “saint.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most authors who write about “calling” distinguish between the general (or primary) call of God and the specific (or secondary) one. God issues a general call to everyone who listens and responds, a call to salvation and sanctification, discipleship, and devotion. This call is for all of His followers at all times. As Os Guiness writes: “First and foremost we are called to Someone (God), not to something (such as motherhood, politics, or teaching) or to somewhere (such as the inner city or Outer Mongolia).” We see God’s general call to His people in the Old Testament—a call to righteousness (Isaiah 43) and repentance (Zechariah 13). He called Israel by name and called them His own (Isa. 43:1). This was a calling of identity and relationship. For the next several days, we will study God’s general call to His followers in the New Testament. In John 10, Jesus continued a series of teachings that began in John chapter 5. Jesus described Himself as the Living Water (John 4), Bread of Life (John 6), and Light of the World (John 8). Then He turned to another familiar image to describe His work—the Good Shepherd (10:1–5). There is an intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock—a metaphor packed with meaning. The sheep know the true shepherd because he enters the sheep pen through the gate, not over the wall like a robber. The sheep know the shepherd’s voice, and they listen to him. Shepherds were reputedly devoted to their flocks and often spoke or sang to their sheep. The shepherd in John 10 “calls [kaleo] his own sheep by name and leads them out” (v. 3). He goes ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice (v. 4). >> We all need to respond to that calling: the call to follow Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd, who tenderly calls us to Himself and has sacrificed His very life on our behalf. Have you answered His call?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every December, Christianity Today publishes its annual list of “Top Testimonies”—the most-read, most-shared conversion stories of the year. They are dramatic personal accounts of the gospel’s transforming power in the life of drug addicts, gang members, and the son of a Hindu priest. Matthew’s testimony in today’s passage would fit right in. At the time, Jesus’ ministry was well under way. He had been teaching (Matthew 5–7) and healing (Matt. 8:1–17) and casting out demons (Matt. 8:28–34). And He had already called two sets of fishermen brothers—Peter and Andrew, James and John—to be His disciples. Then He met Matthew. Matthew did not fit the mold. The most obvious reason was his occupation: tax collector. In that role, Matthew worked for the Roman government, extracting tax money from his Jewish neighbors and getting extra for himself. Such acts of extortion would have caused Matthew’s community, his own people, to hate him. Matthew was likely familiar with Jesus before this encounter in Matthew 9. He had probably heard of Jesus’ miracles and His preaching. So, when Jesus approached him and said, “Follow me,” Matthew was ready to go. He immediately left behind his booth and the lucrative income that went with it, and he followed. Then he brought Jesus to his home for a meal. He invited others— his closest companions—to come and meet Jesus, and perhaps experience the same shocking transformation as he did. The Pharisees saw this banquet and were appalled. How could this “teacher” keep such company? When Jesus heard their inquiry, He responded, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick...I have not come to call [kaleo] the righteous, but sinners” (vv. 12–13). >> Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. Have you answered that call? Today may be the day to share your testimony with someone else. Who can you invite to come and meet Jesus?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moment when a woman learns she is expecting is forever preserved in her mind. Time stands still as she contemplates the new life within her. Soon, she will share that news with her husband, family, and friends. But, for just a moment, it is hers to cherish. In Luke 1, we read about Zacharias, Elizabeth, and Mary and others who received birth announcements. The angel Gabriel delivered these important messages both visually and verbally. God chose each person for these specific assignments because they were righteous and blameless (v. 6) and favored by God (v. 28). These calls involved a miraculous conception— because of Elizabeth’s advanced age (v. 7) and Mary’s virginity (v. 34). These individuals were called to something they could not accomplish by themselves. These calls required the work of God. The calls included a promise that these babies would become men and change the world. John would “bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God” (v. 16). And Jesus would “reign over Jacob’s descendants forever” (v. 33). Jesus’ kingdom would never end. Gabriel gave specific instructions regarding their names. To Zacharias, he said, “You are to call him John” (v. 13). And to Mary, he said, “You are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (vv. 31–32). This Greek word for call is kaleo, meaning to name, to invite, to call out, to assign (as in vocation). Kaleo is found throughout the New Testament. In response to God’s call, Zacharias expressed doubt (v. 18) and was disciplined accordingly. Mary, too, voiced a question. But she also declared her willingness to obey. “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled’” (v. 38). >> God often chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom’s sake. The proper response is always obedience. What might God be calling you to do?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a leader falls into sin, many follow. When well respected teachers depart from God’s truth, their followers are misled. The far-reaching consequences of false and sinful leaders is nothing new. In the Old Testament book of Zechariah. Israel’s leaders led God’s people into sin. Two hundred years after Isaiah’s ministry, God called Zechariah to preach to the Jews who had returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. The returning exiles resumed their sacrificial worship and laid the foundation for a new Temple. But the project came to a halt when they faced opposition. For more than 15 years, no construction occurred. So, God called His prophets Zechariah and Haggai to encourage the people to continue (Ezra 5:1). In this passage we see that while God is gracious and merciful, He is also a God of justice and discipline. He is a jealous God who will not sit idly by while His people worship other gods. Zechariah 13 describes a powerful cleansing that God would enact on Jerusalem. He would banish all idols and false prophets and cleanse the people from their “sin and impurity” (v. 1). The poetry in verses 7–9 further explains what this restoration would require. The “shepherd” likely referred to Israel’s leaders who bore responsibility for the people’s idolatry. When the leaders became corrupt, so did the people. When the shepherd lost his way, the sheep would scatter, making them vulnerable to attack. God Himself “turns [His] hand against” them, disciplining the young flock to purify them. During this disciplinary process, two-thirds of the flock would be lost. Only one-third would remain and be refined. This may seem discouraging, but it shows that God’s promise to His people would continue when they called (qara) on Him in repentance. >> Today’s devotional reveals the serious consequences of straying from obedience to God and His Word. Pray for your Christian leaders that they will remain faithful. And always check every teaching against Scripture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think about God’s calling, we can be practical to a fault. We beg God to show us what we should do— when He is more concerned with who we are. In Genesis, God called Abram to go to an undisclosed land and become a great nation (Genesis 12). God wanted Abram to do something and to become something. The theme of calling is woven throughout Isaiah 40–55. In these chapters, God calls (qara) His people to righteousness (41:2) and servitude (41:9). He calls (qara) Israel by name (45:3–4), and His people “belong” to Him (44:5). God’s call is initiated even before we are born (49:1). He desires reciprocity (55:6), which is not always received (43:22; 50:2). Abram’s call is even recounted in 51:2 as an example. In today’s passage, we see that God’s call is motivated by love. Look at this beautiful description, beginning in verse 1: “But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do notfear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned [qara] you by name; you are mine.’” God’s call grew out of His creative and redemptive work, and it is expressed in the way God calls (qara) His people by name. He calls them “Mine.” Following God’s call can necessitate a difficult path, passing through the waters and walking through the fires. But it comes with unparalleled benefits. God promised His presence and His protection (v. 2). He promised that Israel would not be drowned or burned. And He made these promises on the basis of His identity: “the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (v. 3). In verse 4, God expresses His tender heart toward His people. He calls them “precious” and “honored,” and he plainly declared: “I love you.” >> God is not just calling you to go, He’s also calling you to be. Ask God not only what task lies ahead, but how He is calling you to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Old Testament, prophets carried messages from God to His people. They spoke words of warning and comfort. The prophet Isaiah emerged during the reign of King Uzziah, a time of peace and prosperity in Judah. Isaiah’s ministry spanned several kings—Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1)—as the cultural and political landscapes deteriorated. During Ahaz’s reign, Assyria occupied the northern tribes and deported most Israelites. God sent Isaiah to reassure Ahaz and call him to faith, but Ahaz didn’t listen. He took matters into his own hands and aligned himself with the Assyrian king who enforced heavy taxation and promoted idolatry. In 701 BC, Hezekiah became king. Assyria attacked, devastating Judah and almost Jerusalem. Again, Isaiah preached hope and repentance to deaf ears. In Isaiah 39, Marduk-Baladan of Babylon sent a gift to Hezekiah. Since Babylon was not a threat, Hezekiah flaunted his treasure—gold, silver, weapons. Immediately, Isaiah responded with a message from God: Babylon would conquer Judah (39:6). Hezekiah wasn’t concerned as this horror wouldn’t happen in his lifetime. Isaiah 40 focuses on that future reality. The remnant of God’s people in Babylon would reflect on their sin with remorse. Here God instructs the prophet to utter a call (qara) of comfort (v. 2) and preparation for the coming redemption (v. 3). In Isaiah’s time, this redemption was Judah’s freedom from exile, but this verse was also used to describe John the Baptist in all four Gospel accounts. In verse 6, God calls the prophet to utter a cautionary call (qara) about the fragility of human life. Isaiah 40 paints a powerful picture of God who is unparalleled in magnitude and might. We serve a God who calls (qara) the stars by name (v. 26) and who strengthens those who call on Him (vv. 29–31). >> Verses 10–26 paint a powerful portrait of the God we serve. Take some time to read this passage aloud and let the words sink into your heart. Focusing on God lifts us above our troubles and sets our eyes on Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many feared that church attendance would decline as a result of the COVID pandemic. But, according to a study by the Pew Research Center, “a remarkably steady share of Americans” (40 percent) have continually attended at least one religious service per month (online or in person). For those who identify as Christian, that number rose to 56 percent. God always continues to preserve His people. Psalm 116 is a celebration of that truth.  Collectively, Psalms 113–118 comprise the Hallel (“The Praise”). These psalms are used together as a traditional communal reading during Passover, Pentecost, and other Jewish celebrations. Running through all six psalms are themes of deliverance, protection, and provision, as God’s people praise Him for His sovereign and compassionate care. A clear and compelling progression of worship flows through the Hallel. Psalm 113 proclaims the glory and majesty of Lord, “enthroned on high.” In Psalm 114, God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt is pronounced, and the earth trembles in response to His glory. Psalm 115 declares the lovingkindness and truth of a sovereign God, who “does whatever pleases him” (v. 3). Today’s reading, Psalm 116, describes the people’s love for the Lord, who hears and acts when His people call. That word qara (call) appears four times in this psalm (vv. 2, 4, 13, and 17), as God’s people “call on the name of the LORD.” They call on Him for salvation when they are in distress and with thanksgiving in ongoing, lifelong, two-way communication. The Hallel finishes with Psalms 117 and 118, thanking God for His deliverance. It is good to join with our brothers and sisters in Christ to thank God for how He has provided in the past and to ask Him to protect us in the future. >> While yesterday’s passage (Psalm 17) was a personal cry, Psalm 116 is a corporate call. Look for opportunities to join with fellow believers in prayer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When newborn babies come into the world, they make their needs known, using the only method they have. They cry. When the adults in that baby’s life respond in a timely and compassionate manner, the baby bonds with them. On an instinctual level, the child learns that she is heard and loved, and the world, therefore, is a safe place. Psalm 17, a psalm of David, begins with a triple petition for God to hear the Psalmist’s righteous plea, listen to his cry, and give ear to his prayer (v. 1). This is one of only five psalms that is overtly designated as a “prayer,” the other prayer-psalms being 86, 90, 102, and 142. This particular prayer is a deeply personal and private request that demonstrates the intimate relationship that David had with his God. It is a call for justice and vindication (v. 2) for the wrong that had been done to him (vv. 9–14). In verses 3–5, David proclaims his own innocence and welcomes the Lord’s scrutiny of his heart. David’s confidence in his request for help resulted from his own obedience in speech, action, and motivation. Then, in verse 6, David calls (qara) on God—certain that the Lord will answer. Qara here has a different shade of meaning again. It is the audible cry of a son to his Father, a petition and a prayer. David requests God’s wondrous love (hesed), salvation, and protection. And he anticipates God’s tender care. “Keep me as the apple of your eye” (v. 8) references a most vulnerable part of the body, one that requires vigilant protection. Similarly, “Hide me in the shadows of your wings” (v. 8) paints a picture of a defenseless baby bird covered by its parent. >> Biblical “calling” is much more than a particular divine assignment. Here, it is a prayer. We can call to God in our moments of need, certain that He hears, and He will answer. Is your heart burdened today? Call to God in prayer using this psalm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes we call on God, asking Him to act, asking Him to reveal Himself or to remedy a dire situation. And sometimes He responds with dramatic intervention. Today we jump forward in biblical history to the time of Israel’s kings. First Kings 1–11 chronicles the rise and fall of Solomon whose love for foreign women ultimately caused his spiritual demise. Upon Solomon’s death, the kingdom divided. Jeroboam reigned over the ten tribes of Israel in the north, and Rehoboam ruled over Judah and Benjamin in the south. Jeroboam did evil in the sight of the Lord, as did all other eighteen kings in Israel. Ahab was the seventh (1 Kings 16:28), and he was even more evil than any other king before him (16:30). Ahab and his wife Jezebel worshiped Baal who they believed controlled the rain and all fertility. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah the prophet visited Ahab, predicting a drought—God’s punishment for their idolatry. The drought caused widespread famine. In the third year, God instructed Elijah to approach Ahab again. He would bring rain, but not without a showdown. On Elijah’s instruction, Ahab assembled 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah at Mount Carmel. Elijah addressed the starving crowd first: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (v. 21). Elijah instructed the Baal prophets to prepare a sacrifice. All day, they called (qara) on Baal to bring fire. They danced and cut themselves. Yet, “there was no response” (v. 29). Then it was Elijah’s turn. After soaking his altar three times, Elijah called (qara) on the Lord, asking Him to show Himself as God. And the fire of the Lord fell, consuming everything: offering, wood, stone, water, dust. When the people saw it, they fell on their faces, saying, “The LORD he is God!” (v. 39). >> Elijah’s story should inspire great confidence in you today. We call upon a God who hears and answers! Our God alone is sovereign. Call on Him today and be confident in His power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire burned more than 2,000 acres—including evangelist D. L. Moody’s Illinois Street Church. The fire caused Moody to reevaluate his life and ministry. It was during that critical season that God called Moody to preach the gospel to the world. Not long after, the evangelist embarked on a tour of the UK and Ireland, which fueled a great revival. Moody obeyed the Lord’s call, and God expanded his influence exponentially. So far, we’ve seen that calling in Scripture can mean naming, an invitation to conversation, or worship. But throughout the Old and New Testaments, we also see that God sometimes calls specific people to a specific task at a specific time. In Genesis 12, we find one of the first examples of God’s special call: His call on Abram. This calling came in the form of a direct command for Abram to leave his home and go to an undisclosed place. Following this call would require a significant measure of faith. But the call also came with a promise. God would bless Abram, make him a great nation, protect him, and bless all people through him. Abram’s response to God’s call was immediate and unquestioning obedience, although the journey would be filled with obstacles, danger, and risk. When Abram arrived in Canaan—approximately 500 miles from his home —the Lord appeared to him again. This time, God gave Abram a more concrete vision: “To your offspring I will give this land” (v. 7). So, Abram built an altar to the Lord, a visual declaration that he believed in God’s promise and would obey. Then he moved to Bethel and built another altar, where “he called [qara] on the name of the LORD” (v. 8). >> As God calls His people in both general and specific ways, so His people call back to Him—in prayer and worship. It is a two-way conversation. In what ways have you experienced the reciprocal nature of God’s call?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worshiping with fellow believers is a powerful experience. Constance M. Cherry wrote, “Corporate worship is what happens when the body of Christ assembles to hear with one heart and speak with one voice the words, praises, prayers, petitions, and thanks fitting to Christian worship.” The Hebrew word for call (qara) has several shades of meaning. Today, we see another significant one. Genesis 4 recounts the family line of Adam and Eve, beginning with their first two sons, Cain and Abel. As grown men, Cain worked the ground and Abel tended flocks, both necessary vocations. They sought to worship the Lord, bringing offerings. Cain offered fruit while Abel the firstborn of his flock. God was pleased with Abel and his offering, but not with Cain and his offering. The reason was likely Cain’s heart, revealed in his visible anger (v. 5) and eventual murder (v. 8). Cain’s punishment was even more severe than his parents’. He became a “restless wanderer” (v. 12), distanced from God. The line of Cain proceeded through his son Enoch. His offspring built cities, domesticated livestock, fashioned tools, and developed musical instruments. But although Cain’s lineage progressed, they were not the most significant family line. In verse 25, Seth—a son to replace Abel—was born. Seth’s line would be traced all the way to Noah and his sons (Genesis 5). But for our study, Genesis 4:26 is of primary interest. “Seth also had a son, and he named (qara) him Enosh. At that time men began to call (qara) on the name of the LORD.” The first qara in this verse means “to name” as we have seen. But this second qara is different. This is the first account of a corporate calling on the Lord, a communal recognition of Yahweh as God. It was the beginning of collective worship. >> We often focus on God calling us. But we are to call on Him as individuals and as a community. How can you come together with others to call on God this weekend?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that the childhood game known as hide-and-seek dates to the second century BC? According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Greek writer Julius Pollux called the game apodidraskinda, and his rules were identical to ours. Two or more players would conceal themselves, and another player would try to find them. It almost sounds like Genesis chapter 3, doesn’t it? Except Adam and Eve’s avoidance of God was not for fun. After they ate the forbidden fruit, “the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked” (v. 7). They immediately experienced shame and a severed relationship with God. In a futile attempt to cover their crime, they sewed and put on fig-leaf clothes. When they heard God “walking in the garden,” they hid. The Moody Bible Commentary explains the use of the word walking: It indicates most likely the human form of the Son of God, come to fellowship with His people. Clearly, Adam and Eve were expecting immediate judgment, but God did not come with rage or retribution. Instead, He called (qara) to them: “Where are you?” It’s that same Hebrew word, but it doesn’t indicate a naming. Nor is God confused about their location. This is a call to conversation. An invitation to revelation—to vulnerability, repentance, and reconciliation. “Where are you?” That is, “Will you show yourself to Me?”—a gentle and merciful call to confession and restoration. Certainly, the consequences of their sin were coming and would be significant, but they were administered in the context of compassion and care. After God cursed the serpent, He described Eve’s resultant pain in childbirth and Adam’s subsequent struggle with the earth. But then God Himself crafted garments for His children before He sent them out from their first home. >> When we hide in shame, God is calling to us: “Where are you?” We can be thankful that He still pursues us with mercy. How do you respond?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who are you? If you were to answer that question, you might start with your name, your relationships, and your job. The roles we play, whether at work or home, help define our identity. In Genesis 2:15, God gave Adam his first assignment. He put Adam to work in the Garden of Eden. In effect, this was the first call God placed on a person. Adam’s vocation was to take care of God’s creation. In this verse, the Hebrew word for work is abad. In Scripture it is used generally to denote labor, but it also describes religious service. Adam’s work was an act of worship. As a part of Adam’s job, God brought the animals to him to see what he would call them. This call is also qara. (See yesterday’s devotional for the definition.) This is the first active and specific way in which Adam images God. Just as God named the light and the earth (Genesis 1), Adam named the animals. And in doing so, he exercised God-given authority over creation. However, this naming process revealed that God’s good creation still lacked one important thing—a mate for Adam. Adam’s aloneness was the sole flaw in the world. This was “not good.” Adam needed a partner and helper, someone who could labor alongside him in the work that God had given him to do. So, God created a new being out of Adam’s side and brought her to Adam to see what he would call (qara) her. Here, Adam did not bestow the specific name of Eve. Rather, he calls her “woman.” In his declaration, he recognized her human nature as parallel to his and declared her a separate category. She is both intrinsically equal and necessarily distinct (v. 23). >> We build our biblical understanding of calling on Genesis 1–3. God’s primary call is His general call to be His people. What work has God given you to do right now? Consider how your work can be an act of worship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “calling”? Your vocation? Your mission? The particular work God has given you to do? Certainly, we can use “calling” to refer to our primary occupation or a special assignment given by God. But the biblical concept of calling is broader and richer, more complex and more nuanced than that. It involves both salvation and sanctification, worship and prayer. Biblical calling presumes relationship. It is two-way communication between the called and the caller. For us to understand what it means to be called by God, we must start at the very beginning. In Genesis chapter 1, we find the word “called” as first used in Scripture. It’s a familiar passage. In it, God spoke the world into being. He created light and firmament, earth and sea, and then He “called” them such. The English word called in verses 5, 8, and 10 is the Hebrew word qara. It’s a common word, used over 450 times in the Old Testament. But it has many shades of meaning: to call out, to summon, to appoint, to cry out, to invite, to preach, to proclaim, to publish, to pray, and to name. Sometimes God is the subject of the verb, but more often the actor is human. And in each occurrence, we understand the particular meaning of call based on the context. In Genesis 1, God created and ordered the world. Then He called, or named, each element. The naming is an important—if sometimes overlooked—part of the process because it revealed, from the very beginning, an important aspect of God’s character. In the act of calling or naming, God demonstrated His authority and superiority over His creation. Genesis 1 reminds us that the One who calls is God Himself. He is sovereign over all. >> Have you experienced God’s calling? What questions about calling are you asking right now? Pray that God will open your heart and mind and eyes to His words and His call this month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a journey we have taken this month! We traveled with Nehemiah from the Persian capital all the way to Jerusalem. We mourned over the devastation of Jerusalem and rejoiced when God’s favor fell upon His servant. We watched as he faced fierce opposition and displayed an even fiercer faith. Through it all, we learned the importance of trusting God no matter what we face. In the final chapter of Nehemiah, we saw things fall quickly apart. The repentance of God’s people seemed short lived. They turned from following the Lord and returned to their former wicked ways. This last chapter may not be the happy ending we longed for, but there are some important life lessons. First, Nehemiah’s ending encourages us to examine our own lives and relationships with God. What has your relationship with God looked like in the past? When God’s people were in times of trouble, they were always encouraged to remember what God had done for them (Ps. 77:11). Remembering God’s provision gives us courage for our future. If God helped us overcome in the past, we need not fear our next steps. Second, we are reminded to remain faithful to the Lord. It means walking each day in obedience to God’s commands. Obedience shows our allegiance to Him and keeps us on the right path. We are warned not to swerve off the path, but to remain faithful, even in the absence of a strong leader. This book ends with a striking plea: “Remember me with favor, my God” (v. 31). It reminds us of a similar phrase in the New Testament, words that believers long to hear from God at the end of our earthly journey: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:23). >> What is one lesson you can take away from this study? Share what you have learned and invite someone to study Today in the Word with you! Next month, author Kelli Worrall helps us understand what the Bible says about being called by God.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contemporary readers may be shocked by Nehemiah’s behavior in today’s passage, especially in this age that celebrates inclusivity and diversity (v. 23). Nehemiah, however, offers two explanations for taking such extreme measures. First, the returned exiles were beginning to lose a common language (v. 25), making it difficult to communicate. Those who did not speak the language of Judah might lose access to the Word of God. Second, the religious views of those joining the community were not in line with the teaching of Scripture. Their faith was in jeopardy (v. 26). Does God hate “foreigners” then? Far from it. Think of Ruth, Rahab, and the “mixed multitude” (Ex. 12:38 ESV) that left Egypt. These were non-Israelites who became Israelites through their faith in the Lord. They were fully integrated into Israel, with Ruth and Rahab becoming ancestors of Jesus Christ. Christ redeems people “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). The people of Judah showed willful disobedience, one more way they had turned away from following the Lord. When Nehemiah left, they reverted to old, sinful patterns. They went against commands and married “foreign women,” or non-Jewish women who did not follow Yahweh, the God of Israel. When God’s people chose to marry non-Israelites who did not worship the Lord, they were putting their relationship with God at risk. These women kept their previous devotion to other gods, and that devotion often turned God’s people away from Him and even caused them to commit idolatry. >> When you enter a close or contractual relationship with another person, it has a significant influence on you. Examples might include a dating relationship or a business partner. Being commonly “yoked” by our faith in God is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. How should this knowledge shape your personal relationships and commitments?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up, I believed that Christians “don’t drink, smoke, or chew, or go with girls who do.” Never once did someone tell me that stopping by the grocery store on the way home from church was a “wicked thing.” But that’s exactly what Nehemiah tells the people of Judah who were buying, selling, and going about their normal work on the Sabbath. To our modern ears this may seem strange. We might ask, “What’s the big deal?” First, God commanded Sabbath keeping. He rested from creation on the seventh day (Gen. 2:2–3), and when He led the people out of Israel, He established the seventh day as holy (Ex. 20:8), a day to rest and not to work. In an agrarian society, setting aside an entire day not to work meant that all the things that needed to be done to ensure a good harvest would either have to be done on a different day or not at all. Not to work was an act of trust in the Lord. It was saying in effect, “I know God cares for me and will provide for me. I trust you, Lord, to take care of my needs.” In Exodus 16:22–30, God’s people were instructed to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day and none on the seventh day. They had to trust that there would be enough food on day six to last two days. Remember what many of them did that first Sabbath? They left their tents in search of manna! In the same way, the people in Nehemiah’s day disobeyed the Lord by working on the Sabbath. They didn’t trust God to care for them. >> Most of us are firm believers in planning ahead and preparing well. But sometimes that might lead us to depend too much on ourselves and not enough on God. Pray about it. Consider how you can trust in God to care for your needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many churches, especially small congregations with very few full- time staff, will host a workday. On that day, members come together to complete much needed fix-it projects and generally clean up the building and property. They treat their church building with respect and care. In Nehemiah 13, we read that the people of Judah had neglected the house of God. They had stopped bringing tithes to the Temple. This disobedience had a direct and negative impact on the “Levites and musicians” and the effects cascaded down to all the people of Judah. The Levites and musicians relied on Judah’s tithes for their own well-being. Since the tithes were no longer being given, these workers had to leave the Temple and return to their land, so they could make a living and provide for their families (v. 10). The end result? The Temple could no longer function as it should, and worship had stopped. This might not seem like a big deal to us today, but it was a very, very big deal because the Jerusalem Temple was the only place where sacrifices could be offered to the Lord. Simply put, the worship God commanded had ceased. Dismayed at this behavior, Nehemiah once again sprang into action and set the people straight. Following the death and resurrection of Jesus, the procedure for and positions related to worship changed. We no longer need priests and Levites to slaughter animals for sacrifice, and our worship services look a lot different (Heb. 7:27). Even so, this episode in Nehemiah reminds us how important it is to support our local churches. When we give generously and obediently, our pastors are freed to make leading the church their main priority. >> If you are a member of a local church, your giving is an act of obedience to God! When you give generously, you help make sure your pastors are supported and worship can continue. Consider how you can participate through the act of giving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to repent? It is one thing to feel sorry that you did wrong, it is another thing to truly repent. As Martin Luther said, “To do so [to sin] no more is the truest repentance.” The next several days in our study take a markedly darker turn. After all the repentance, the joyful worship, and the hard work that Nehemiah and the rest of God’s people had done, it seems they all too quickly returned to business as usual. They turned away from the Lord and compromised their relationship with Him and with one another. Tobiah is the one of the book’s primary antagonists. He had consistently opposed Nehemiah and the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem. We watched as Nehemiah stood up against him and remained faithful to the Lord. However, when Nehemiah left, the people did not remain steadfast. Eliashib was a priest responsible for caring for the Temple and ensuring proper worship of the Lord. He was also Tobiah’s relative, and his loyalty to Tobiah outweighed his loyalty to the Lord. In fact, Eliashib took one of the rooms that should have been used to store the gifts and offerings people brought to the Temple and turned it into a nice living quarters for Tobiah! We will soon learn the likely reason the room had been empty, but today simply take note that what had been intended for the flourishing of the Temple and its attendants was now being used for one the primary enemies of the restoration. Things had quickly fallen apart! Clearly God’s people had not changed their ways with true repentance. >> Is there an area of your life that should be reserved for the Lord, but you have been using it for something else? Maybe it is your money? Or perhaps it is your time? Spend some time in confession today asking God to show you His truth and to restore you to the right path before Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor and author A. W. Tozer once observed, “As base a thing as money often is, yet it can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor. It can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.” Giving is an important topic that appears throughout the Old and New Testaments. But in Nehemiah 12 we are reminded that God’s people are to support spiritual leaders. The musicians, gatekeepers, Levites, and descendants of Aaron were responsible for the functioning of the Lord’s Temple. In modern terms, we might compare them to the pastors and staff of the church. But there is a significant difference. Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, so their livelihood was tied to their ability to cultivate land. That means you had to own land to cultivate. That’s where the difficulty lies—the tribe of Levi (the priests and Levites) owned no land, for “the LORD is their inheritance” (Deut. 10:9). With no land to produce their income, they had to rely on the gifts and offerings of the rest of Israel to provide for them and their families. God’s people were instructed to give, so that their need would be fully met. The New Testament also teaches the importance of giving. We are to provide for “the elders who direct the affairs of the church” (1 Tim. 5:17). If our shepherds are to have time and mental space to care well for their flock, we should give generously to support them. >> Do you support the ministry of your local church, pastors, or missionaries? One way we can use our money for good is to invest in God’s work. Consider how you can invest in eternity by supporting those who are committed to vocational ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think about your favorite book or movie or television show. What was the best part? What do you remember most fondly? Every good story moves up, up, up, with building tension, action, and conflict, until finally you reach the story’s high point, or climax, and then the action falls off and the story ends. We’ll get to the falling off and ending soon in the book of Nehemiah, but chapter 12 is the climax: the dedication of Jerusalem’s walls. After another long list of names in verses 1–26, verses 27–43 recount the great celebration that accompanied the dedication of the walls—and there are even more names interspersed throughout this section. There are a few things we can take away from Nehemiah’s description of the festivities. First, there is a reason for this list of names. I think the author wants us to understand that this was celebration not confined to Nehemiah and those closest to him. This was not a top-down effort enforced upon the people. No, this celebration encompassed all of the people. As with the repentance and study of Scripture described earlier in Nehemiah, God’s work was for all people, not just men, the elite, or the super-spiritual. The same remains true today! Second, this section is overflowing with descriptions of joy. There was great singing, rejoicing, playing of music, and sacrifices offered to the Lord for His goodness to His people. The people are not at all shy about being loud in their praise of God, so much that “the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away” (v. 43). We serve a great God; may we learn to rejoice in His goodness like the people of Judah in today’s passage! >> Why not make today a celebration of God’s goodness? Let your heart be filled with joy as you remember all He has done for you. Maybe take out the special dishes and put on some music. Invite everyone in your house to join in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My wife and I have lived in four different States during our marriage, and each move became increasingly complex. The most recent, from central Louisiana to northern Idaho, was the most difficult because we had three children in tow. Moving an entire family is a far cry from packing up a single car and hitting the road! The people in today’s passage experienced something similar as they uprooted their lives in the countryside to move into the city of Jerusalem. I really don’t blame you if you skip over all the names in today’s reading. We’ve already seen several such lists of names in Nehemiah, and this isn’t even the last one! What I think is important in today’s passage is that it shows the people’s commitment to follow through in reestablishing Jerusalem, even when it meant leaving their home and moving their families to a new city. They had already banded together to rebuild the city’s walls, but as anyone who has been on a short-term mission trip knows, staying a short time to help complete a task is much different from moving your entire family to live there. Short-term missionary work is inconvenient, to be sure, but at the end of your trip you get to return home to your comfortable bed. Long-term missionaries are just that—long-term. They have decided to make their lives in a new and likely much different place. It certainly isn’t easy, but missionaries feel so strongly called by God that they give up their “normal” lives to build a life in an unfamiliar place. This passage is not about missionaries, it is about making big changes and taking big risks to obey God. >> Seek the Lord and ask if He is calling you to leave your comfortable life and move to a new place to serve Him there. Before you make any plans, ask God to determine your next steps!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up Southern Baptist, I was presented with several options at the altar call each week. The speaker called those who did not know Jesus to repent and trust in Him; those who knew Jesus but had been living in sin to “rededicate their lives” to Christ; and for others to surrender to God’s call into vocational ministry. I remember very clearly responding to each of these calls at different times in my life. Today’s passage reminds me of those times. The first few verses contain a long list of names, something we’ve become familiar with in Nehemiah. This list records the names of the family heads who sealed the renewed covenant with the Lord after the prayers of confession, repentance, and worship in chapter 9. Recording names provided an important layer of accountability and community solidarity, just like walking down the aisle in my Baptist church. It meant that all the people in my community knew I had made a commitment to follow Jesus, repented for turning away from Him, or surrendered to the ministry. Also important is verse 28, which states that everyone else, including “their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand” also bound “themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the law of God.” As we saw earlier, the inclusion of women and children shows that a relationship with God is open to everyone. Knowing God is not just for the family heads or the “important” people in society—it is for all of us! Praise the Lord for His open invitation for all to come to Him! >> Have you given your life to Jesus? Are you a Christian but living in sin? Do you feel God calling you to ministry? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, call your pastor or a friend today and talk to them about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes the distressing situation we find ourselves in is a result of our own poor choices. Sin has consequences, and we live with the fall because of our disobedience. Nehemiah chapter 9 ends with a plea to God: “We are in great distress” (v. 37). God’s people had just prayed a prayer, being radically honest before God. They conclude by asking God to be faithful, just as He always has been. In their state of distress, they need Him! Verse 32 opens with a quotation from Deuteronomy 10:17. If you’re not familiar with the passage, take a few minutes to read verses 12–22. Here, the Lord reminds the people that He is the defender of widows, orphans, and foreigners and tells them to do the same. They are also to worship the Lord and Him alone. Unfortunately, the Israelites did not do what the Lord required of them, and so they found themselves as “slaves in the land you gave our ancestors” (v. 36). They remind themselves that the Lord is a God who defends the powerless, a great comfort since they have found themselves in dire circumstances. “We are in great distress,” they tell the Lord, and ask Him to be who He has already shown Himself to be—“the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love” (v. 32). Notice that they don’t elevate themselves or remind Him of their accomplishments, or even base their request on their repentance. No, they fall upon God’s mercy and base their requests on His character. This, I believe, is the most important thing we can learn from today’s passage. Our only hope is in God, not in our own goodness or righteousness or deservedness (Isa. 64:6). When we pray, let us rest on the rock-solid foundation of who God is and never the shifting sands of who we are. >> Make today’s passage personal by praying that prayer for yourself. No matter what circumstance you may find yourself in, know that God is always faithful!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been tempted to remember something a bit differently than it happened? I may be the only one, but I tend to remember my sin as not so bad and to spin what I did (or didn’t do) to make myself look better or feel better. The problem is that it’s not honest, and if we are going to be in right relationship with God, we must be honest with ourselves, with the Lord, and with the people around us. Nehemiah 9 shows us what radical honesty looks like in our prayer lives. First, the prayer in verses 5–31 is radically honest about who God is. The prayer draws heavily on Scripture to describe God’s attributes and work in the world. Only the Lord is God, and He created everything. He called Abraham out of his country and established a relationship with him. He heard the Israelites’ cries in Egypt and rescued them. He fed them spiritually with the Torah— “regulations and laws that are just and right” (v. 13)—and physically with food from heaven and water from a rock, and later He gave them land and great abundance. God is and has always been good. Second, this prayer is radically honest about who the Israelites are. They rejected God repeatedly. They wanted to return to slavery in Egypt, and they cast an idol while Moses was on Mt. Sinai. They rejected God’s word and His prophets, continually turning away from the God who saved them. The contrast between God and His people is stark. The honesty shown here is key to a restored relationship between God and His people. We must tell the truth about God and about ourselves, and we must remember rightly our sins and His great goodness. Anything less simply will not do. >> Take time today to get honest about who God is and who you are. What would it look like if we took this radically honest approach to prayer?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several years ago, my wife and I were part of a new church in Kansas City. One of my favorite parts of this fledgling community was that each Sunday included the basic format we see in Nehemiah 9. We would spend time together in prayer, confession and repentance, the public reading of Scripture, and worship. There was a sermon, of course, and we know from earlier in this study that Ezra and other leaders put a high priority on helping people understand Scripture. We read that the “Israelites gathered together” with outward signs of inward repentance (v. 1). They did not just say they were sorry— they demonstrated their repentance through wearing sackcloth, “putting dust on their heads,” and fasting (v. 1). What’s more, the people had “separated themselves from all foreigners” and were publicly confessing “their sins and the sins of their ancestors” (v. 2). Put another way, these people’s actions matched their words—they were not simply paying lip service. The next half of the day they spent partially in reading Scripture and partially in worship and even more confession of sin. I don’t think this passage in Nehemiah is a manual for modern church services. (The services at my former church certainly didn’t go on all day like the one we read of here in Nehemiah!) But I do think they show us the value of turning our hearts toward the Lord regularly and corporately. I can tell you that I left services each week with a renewed heart for the Lord, because I had just spent a few hours confessing sin, reading Scripture, worshiping, and praying with other believers. Knowing I would be doing the same thing the next Sunday had a way of keeping me tethered to the Lord throughout the week. >> Consider how you can incorporate these elements of prayer, confession and repentance, Scripture reading, and worship—all with other believers—into the regular pattern of your life. What might that look like for you?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been on a camping trip? I’ve been on several such trips, spending the evenings around the campfire and sleeping on the ground in a tent. Well, today’s passage describes something sort of like that, but also significantly different. After the celebration of their newfound understanding of Scripture, as recorded in Nehemiah 8, most of the people went home. The family leaders, though, stayed behind and continued to study Scripture. They learned about the Festival of Booths, a weeklong celebration of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. They erected temporary houses, “booths,” or what we might think of as “tents” (though much different from our modern tents). These temporary dwellings reminded the people of their journey out of Egypt and God’s miraculous works on their behalf. After learning about this festival, the heads of each family sent out word to those who had gone home to return and bring materials to build the “booths.” The people obeyed God’s Word, celebrating God’s redemption in a way they hadn’t since “the days of Joshua son of Nun” (v. 17). This reference to Joshua is significant because it connects the people returning from exile in Babylon to the people of Israel whom God brought out of Egypt. These are the people of God! Ezra read Scripture daily, and God’s people experienced enormous joy as they obeyed God’s Word. Can you imagine what it would look like today to obey Scripture in this way? The people in Jerusalem knew nothing of this festival. But when they learned of it and realized the time for it was right then, they rearranged their lives and schedules to do what God had commanded them to do. It is no wonder they experienced such joy. Satisfaction in life comes when we obey the Lord. >> Is there a time in your life when you obeyed the Lord so radically and immediately? Is God calling you to such obedience now? Do not delay!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever attended a wedding reception? It’s one of my favorite events. I love the food, the cake, and the smiles plastered on everyone’s faces. Most of all I love that it makes me think of my own marriage and all the joy, life, and hope wrapped up in that relationship. These few verses in Nehemiah recall a similar occasion, where God’s people were filled with overwhelming joy and hope for the future. Ezra and his associates had just finished helping the people of God understand Scripture. The people, understandably, “had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law” (v. 9). They had likely realized all the ways in which they had failed to obey the Lord, and the Spirit was convicting them of sin. That is a good and right response, and I only wish that we would all more fully recognize our sin that we would respond with weeping at the Spirit’s conviction. However, Nehemiah quickly tells the people that this was not the day for weeping and mourning. It was more like a wedding reception, a time of “choice food and sweet drinks” (v. 10). What’s more, the people were to “send some [food and drinks] to those who have nothing prepared.” They were not to keep the joy to themselves; instead they were to live out the command to love their neighbor by providing for those who did not have any with them. What was the reason for all the rejoicing and feasting? “They now understood the words that had been made known to them” (v.12). There is great joy in understanding Scripture! Just like the feasts after weddings, understanding Scripture is a cause to rejoice and to share that joy with the people around us. >> Does God’s Word bring you joy? When we let His truth sink into our heart, it can bring a deep sense of personal conviction and repentance. But it can also bring joy that goes beyond anything the world offers!

Have you ever attended a wedding reception? It’s one of my favorite events. I love the food, the cake, and the smiles plastered on everyone’s faces. Most of all I love that it makes me think of my own marriage and all the joy, life, and hope wrapped up in that relationship. These few verses in Nehemiah recall a similar occasion, where God’s people were filled with overwhelming joy and hope for the future. Ezra and his associates had just finished helping the people of God understand Scripture. The people, understandably, “had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law” (v. 9). They had likely realized all the ways in which they had failed to obey the Lord, and the Spirit was convicting them of sin. That is a good and right response, and I only wish that we would all more fully recognize our sin that we would respond with weeping at the Spirit’s conviction. However, Nehemiah quickly tells the people that this was not the day for weeping and mourning. It was more like a wedding reception, a time of “choice food and sweet drinks” (v. 10). What’s more, the people were to “send some [food and drinks] to those who have nothing prepared.” They were not to keep the joy to themselves; instead they were to live out the command to love their neighbor by providing for those who did not have any with them. What was the reason for all the rejoicing and feasting? “They now understood the words that had been made known to them” (v.12). There is great joy in understanding Scripture! Just like the feasts after weddings, understanding Scripture is a cause to rejoice and to share that joy with the people around us. >> Does God’s Word bring you joy? When we let His truth sink into our heart, it can bring a deep sense of personal conviction and repentance. But it can also bring joy that goes beyond anything the world offers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a favorite passage of Scripture, one that always brings you comfort, or hope, or joy, or peace? Today’s reading is one of those passages for me. As a teacher of Scripture, my heart soars when I read the long list of names in verses 4 and 8 of those who helped the people understand God’s Word. I may never be an Ezra or a Nehemiah—it’s not what God has called me to. But there’s a whole string of “nobodies” in this passage whom God allowed to teach and serve His people. That’s encouraging! There are a few other reasons this passage is a favorite of mine. First, the group listening to Scripture included “men and women and all who were able to understand” (v. 2). Scripture is for everyone! It isn’t only for men, and it isn’t only for adults. The assembly gathered to learn Scripture included women and children as well. That seems normal to our 21st century minds, but it was remarkable in Nehemiah’s day and time that women and children would be included along with the men—and it’s a pattern Jesus continues in the New Testament. Second, those teaching made sure the people understood Scripture. The teachers were “making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read” (v. 8). God wants to communicate with His people—He wants us to understand His Scripture clearly and plainly. And He has given us people to help us understand, so we can apply His Word, knowing and loving Him and others. Third, the people who gathered to learn Scripture worshiped the Lord. Learning Scripture should always provoke us to worship its Author and our Creator. >> How does this passage speak to your heart and life? God wants you to understand His Word, to worship Him, and to realize that Scripture is for all people, not just some! The Bible is for everybody. That’s why we at Today in the Word are dedicated to sharing God’s life-changing Word!

Do you have a favorite passage of Scripture, one that always brings you comfort, or hope, or joy, or peace? Today’s reading is one of those passages for me. As a teacher of Scripture, my heart soars when I read the long list of names in verses 4 and 8 of those who helped the people understand God’s Word. I may never be an Ezra or a Nehemiah—it’s not what God has called me to. But there’s a whole string of “nobodies” in this passage whom God allowed to teach and serve His people. That’s encouraging! There are a few other reasons this passage is a favorite of mine. First, the group listening to Scripture included “men and women and all who were able to understand” (v. 2). Scripture is for everyone! It isn’t only for men, and it isn’t only for adults. The assembly gathered to learn Scripture included women and children as well. That seems normal to our 21st century minds, but it was remarkable in Nehemiah’s day and time that women and children would be included along with the men—and it’s a pattern Jesus continues in the New Testament. Second, those teaching made sure the people understood Scripture. The teachers were “making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read” (v. 8). God wants to communicate with His people—He wants us to understand His Scripture clearly and plainly. And He has given us people to help us understand, so we can apply His Word, knowing and loving Him and others. Third, the people who gathered to learn Scripture worshiped the Lord. Learning Scripture should always provoke us to worship its Author and our Creator. >> How does this passage speak to your heart and life? God wants you to understand His Word, to worship Him, and to realize that Scripture is for all people, not just some! The Bible is for everybody. That’s why we at Today in the Word are dedicated to sharing God’s life-changing Word!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve been teaching Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute for ten years now, so I have it on good authority that the long genealogies are everyone’s favorite part of Scripture. How can you not love the long lists of names that no one can pronounce? I’m kidding, of course. Most folks may be tempted to skip over the genealogies—and that usually includes me! But “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). So why are these long lists of names included in the Bible? First, genealogies cover a lot of ground in a short time. For example, Jesus’ genealogy in Luke 3 brings readers all the way from creation to the birth of the Messiah. Second, genealogies prove a person’s heritage. That was especially important for the priests and Levites, who had to be from a certain family in order to minister at the Temple, for the returning exiles, and of course for Jesus, because the promised Messiah would be a son of David (Jer. 23:5; 2 Sam. 7:12–16; Isa. 11:1). We know He is a descendant of David because of His genealogy! Finally, genealogies record God’s faithfulness through the generations. My oldest son’s middle name is Zechariah, which means “the Lord remembers.” My wife and I named him Zechariah because the Lord remembered us (his parents) repeatedly throughout our lives. We wanted to remind our son that God would be faithful to him. So, as we read through the lists of names in Scripture, let us ponder God’s faithfulness to these saints who have gone before us, and let us trust Him to care for us as well. >> How has God been faithful to your family? Take some time to share stories with your family of God’s faithfulness and make it a priority to tell of His goodness to your children.

I’ve been teaching Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute for ten years now, so I have it on good authority that the long genealogies are everyone’s favorite part of Scripture. How can you not love the long lists of names that no one can pronounce? I’m kidding, of course. Most folks may be tempted to skip over the genealogies—and that usually includes me! But “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). So why are these long lists of names included in the Bible? First, genealogies cover a lot of ground in a short time. For example, Jesus’ genealogy in Luke 3 brings readers all the way from creation to the birth of the Messiah. Second, genealogies prove a person’s heritage. That was especially important for the priests and Levites, who had to be from a certain family in order to minister at the Temple, for the returning exiles, and of course for Jesus, because the promised Messiah would be a son of David (Jer. 23:5; 2 Sam. 7:12–16; Isa. 11:1). We know He is a descendant of David because of His genealogy! Finally, genealogies record God’s faithfulness through the generations. My oldest son’s middle name is Zechariah, which means “the Lord remembers.” My wife and I named him Zechariah because the Lord remembered us (his parents) repeatedly throughout our lives. We wanted to remind our son that God would be faithful to him. So, as we read through the lists of names in Scripture, let us ponder God’s faithfulness to these saints who have gone before us, and let us trust Him to care for us as well. >> How has God been faithful to your family? Take some time to share stories with your family of God’s faithfulness and make it a priority to tell of His goodness to your children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all heard that “Bad company corrupts good morals” or “One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel”. Jesus gave a similar warning, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6). And the apostle Paul observed: “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” (Gal. 5:9). These sayings all make the same important point: It only takes a little bit of compromise, a little bit of sin, a little bit of going along with evil people to corrupt our whole lives. After all their work resisting their enemies in the first six chapters of Nehemiah, and after the walls are finally completed, we read that some of the “nobles of Judah” were in cahoots with Tobiah, who had staunchly opposed the rebuilding efforts. You may be shocked that such betrayal came so quickly on the heels of their victory. That didn’t take long! These nobles were “under oath” to Tobiah because he had enmeshed himself and his family with “important” people in Judah through marriage—marriages that would not have happened if the people of Judah had kept their word not to marry non- Israelites (see Ezra 10:10–11). These nobles wanted to bring peace between Nehemiah and Tobiah and used an all-too-familiar tactic: “He’s not such a bad guy, Nehemiah. You just need to give him a chance. Look at all the good things he’s done!” Nehemiah, though, would not be deceived by the nobles’ positive spin on Tobiah. After all, Tobiah had again revealed his true character when he “sent letters to intimidate” Nehemiah (v. 19). Whether the nobles genuinely believed Tobiah was a good person, we do not know. But we can be certain that his rottenness spread through their ranks. >> We always need to be on guard against even the slightest compromise in our life that will lead us away from following God. One small choice, one wrong decision can corrupt everything. Why take that risk?!

We’ve all heard that “Bad company corrupts good morals” or “One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel”. Jesus gave a similar warning, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6). And the apostle Paul observed: “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” (Gal. 5:9). These sayings all make the same important point: It only takes a little bit of compromise, a little bit of sin, a little bit of going along with evil people to corrupt our whole lives. After all their work resisting their enemies in the first six chapters of Nehemiah, and after the walls are finally completed, we read that some of the “nobles of Judah” were in cahoots with Tobiah, who had staunchly opposed the rebuilding efforts. You may be shocked that such betrayal came so quickly on the heels of their victory. That didn’t take long! These nobles were “under oath” to Tobiah because he had enmeshed himself and his family with “important” people in Judah through marriage—marriages that would not have happened if the people of Judah had kept their word not to marry non- Israelites (see Ezra 10:10–11). These nobles wanted to bring peace between Nehemiah and Tobiah and used an all-too-familiar tactic: “He’s not such a bad guy, Nehemiah. You just need to give him a chance. Look at all the good things he’s done!” Nehemiah, though, would not be deceived by the nobles’ positive spin on Tobiah. After all, Tobiah had again revealed his true character when he “sent letters to intimidate” Nehemiah (v. 19). Whether the nobles genuinely believed Tobiah was a good person, we do not know. But we can be certain that his rottenness spread through their ranks. >> We always need to be on guard against even the slightest compromise in our life that will lead us away from following God. One small choice, one wrong decision can corrupt everything. Why take that risk?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you remember the last time you successfully finished something you thought could never be accomplished? I remember the moment my wife delivered our oldest son after 48 hours of labor. I held his tiny hand while the doctors attended to him, then stumbled outside to cry with sheer relief that the Lord had brought my son into the world and kept my wife here. (For the record: my wife remembers it all much more happily, but she’s an eternal optimist.) The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls had gone astonishingly fast—it took a mere 52 days to complete the project, which was finished in early October of 445 BC (v. 15). Archaeological excavations have proven what God’s Word indicates; the construction of the wall was very rough and uneven, as one would expect from a quickly completed project. And though the new wall did not traverse the entirety of Jerusalem before the Babylonian invasion and destruction in 586 BC, it still enclosed about six acres. For six chapters we have read of Nehemiah’s faith in the Lord in the face of enormous obstacles. He and the people faced ridicule, death threats, and opposition at every turn, yet they stayed “prayed up” and put their trust in the Lord. They used wisdom and worked hard, and the Lord made their efforts succeed. What’s more, their work testified of the Lord to the unbelievers around them: “When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self- confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (v. 16). The rebuilding mattered for God’s people, of course, but it also was a key way for the Lord to show His grace, goodness, and power to the unbelievers who lived near Jerusalem. >> What walls have been rebuilt in your life? Share this victory story with someone today, pointing them to God as the One who makes possible what to us seems impossible!

Do you remember the last time you successfully finished something you thought could never be accomplished? I remember the moment my wife delivered our oldest son after 48 hours of labor. I held his tiny hand while the doctors attended to him, then stumbled outside to cry with sheer relief that the Lord had brought my son into the world and kept my wife here. (For the record: my wife remembers it all much more happily, but she’s an eternal optimist.) The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls had gone astonishingly fast—it took a mere 52 days to complete the project, which was finished in early October of 445 BC (v. 15). Archaeological excavations have proven what God’s Word indicates; the construction of the wall was very rough and uneven, as one would expect from a quickly completed project. And though the new wall did not traverse the entirety of Jerusalem before the Babylonian invasion and destruction in 586 BC, it still enclosed about six acres. For six chapters we have read of Nehemiah’s faith in the Lord in the face of enormous obstacles. He and the people faced ridicule, death threats, and opposition at every turn, yet they stayed “prayed up” and put their trust in the Lord. They used wisdom and worked hard, and the Lord made their efforts succeed. What’s more, their work testified of the Lord to the unbelievers around them: “When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self- confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (v. 16). The rebuilding mattered for God’s people, of course, but it also was a key way for the Lord to show His grace, goodness, and power to the unbelievers who lived near Jerusalem. >> What walls have been rebuilt in your life? Share this victory story with someone today, pointing them to God as the One who makes possible what to us seems impossible!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1895, a young woman named Amy Carmichael came to India where she made it her life’s mission to rescue orphaned temple children. Amy founded the Dohnavur Fellowship which included nurseries, cottage homes, hospitals, and schools. But the young missionary encountered fierce opposition. Amy refused to give up, saying, “When I consider the cross of Christ, how can anything that I do be called sacrifice?” Nehemiah also encountered intense challenges. When Nehemiah’s enemies learned the building project was successful, they were angry. Their mockery and collusion had come to nothing; the wall had been rebuilt. Still unwilling to submit to the Lord, they hatched a plot to physically harm Nehemiah. When he saw through their plans and refused to meet them outside Jerusalem’s walls, Sanballat (Samaria’s governor) sent a letter accusing Nehemiah of subversion. The accusation could have spelled Nehemiah’s doom at the hands of the Persian king. Nehemiah responded to Sanballat’s lie with the best possible remedy: the truth: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head” (v. 8). Nehemiah then did his usual best thing—he prayed. Have you experienced the sort of relentless opposition that Nehemiah faced? I certainly haven’t, and I don’t imagine that I would be as consistently faithful as Nehemiah has been. His trust in the Lord, refusal to stray from the task at hand, and unwillingness to play the same games as his enemies show us a clear path for navigating opposition, should we ever face it (and Jesus promises we will!). May we, like Nehemiah, remain faithful to the Lord, humbly dependent on Him, and focused on what the Lord calls us to do, come what may! >> What are you praying about that requires steadfast prayer, even in the face of direct opposition? Jot down a few concrete steps you can take to cultivate a life of prayer and trust like we have seen in Nehemiah.

In 1895, a young woman named Amy Carmichael came to India where she made it her life’s mission to rescue orphaned temple children. Amy founded the Dohnavur Fellowship which included nurseries, cottage homes, hospitals, and schools. But the young missionary encountered fierce opposition. Amy refused to give up, saying, “When I consider the cross of Christ, how can anything that I do be called sacrifice?” Nehemiah also encountered intense challenges. When Nehemiah’s enemies learned the building project was successful, they were angry. Their mockery and collusion had come to nothing; the wall had been rebuilt. Still unwilling to submit to the Lord, they hatched a plot to physically harm Nehemiah. When he saw through their plans and refused to meet them outside Jerusalem’s walls, Sanballat (Samaria’s governor) sent a letter accusing Nehemiah of subversion. The accusation could have spelled Nehemiah’s doom at the hands of the Persian king. Nehemiah responded to Sanballat’s lie with the best possible remedy: the truth: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head” (v. 8). Nehemiah then did his usual best thing—he prayed. Have you experienced the sort of relentless opposition that Nehemiah faced? I certainly haven’t, and I don’t imagine that I would be as consistently faithful as Nehemiah has been. His trust in the Lord, refusal to stray from the task at hand, and unwillingness to play the same games as his enemies show us a clear path for navigating opposition, should we ever face it (and Jesus promises we will!). May we, like Nehemiah, remain faithful to the Lord, humbly dependent on Him, and focused on what the Lord calls us to do, come what may! >> What are you praying about that requires steadfast prayer, even in the face of direct opposition? Jot down a few concrete steps you can take to cultivate a life of prayer and trust like we have seen in Nehemiah.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve watched shows such as Downton Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs, you know that in England, the nobility lived in an entirely different world than the serving class. The same wealth gap existed in Nehemiah’s time. The nobles and officials in Jerusalem were exploiting the poor by charging them exorbitant interest on loans. This was money they needed to cover their basic living expenses. Nehemiah challenged these leaders to live generously. By doing so, they would be showing God’s love. In addition to not charging interest on his own loans to the poor people in Jerusalem, Nehemiah refused to take what was his by virtue of his position. As the king’s “appointed...governor in the land of Judah” (v. 14), Nehemiah could have demanded that the people provide food for him and his entire court. But unlike the political leaders before him, Nehemiah refused to do this. In addition to refusing to tax the people, he participated in the manual labor required to rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah refused to prey upon those he led, and he was “angry” at those who did so (v. 6). He led by example, giving up the luxury he could have demanded for the good of the people. Even more, in verses 17 and 18 we learn that Nehemiah paid out of his own pocket for “a hundred and fifty Jews and officials...as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations” to eat at his table. For his generosity, Nehemiah asks God to “remember me with favor” (v. 19). Nehemiah understood that riches in this world will soon pass. Rather than fill his own coffers, he gave generously to the people he led. Rather than demand his rights, Nehemiah served his people. >> We tend to look at our bank balance and worldly possessions as “mine.” After all, we earned them! How does this passage challenge that belief? How can you give up your “rights” in order to show God’s love to others?

If you’ve watched shows such as Downton Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs, you know that in England, the nobility lived in an entirely different world than the serving class. The same wealth gap existed in Nehemiah’s time. The nobles and officials in Jerusalem were exploiting the poor by charging them exorbitant interest on loans. This was money they needed to cover their basic living expenses. Nehemiah challenged these leaders to live generously. By doing so, they would be showing God’s love. In addition to not charging interest on his own loans to the poor people in Jerusalem, Nehemiah refused to take what was his by virtue of his position. As the king’s “appointed...governor in the land of Judah” (v. 14), Nehemiah could have demanded that the people provide food for him and his entire court. But unlike the political leaders before him, Nehemiah refused to do this. In addition to refusing to tax the people, he participated in the manual labor required to rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah refused to prey upon those he led, and he was “angry” at those who did so (v. 6). He led by example, giving up the luxury he could have demanded for the good of the people. Even more, in verses 17 and 18 we learn that Nehemiah paid out of his own pocket for “a hundred and fifty Jews and officials...as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations” to eat at his table. For his generosity, Nehemiah asks God to “remember me with favor” (v. 19). Nehemiah understood that riches in this world will soon pass. Rather than fill his own coffers, he gave generously to the people he led. Rather than demand his rights, Nehemiah served his people. >> We tend to look at our bank balance and worldly possessions as “mine.” After all, we earned them! How does this passage challenge that belief? How can you give up your “rights” in order to show God’s love to others?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When asked about the most important law in the Old Testament, Jesus famously responded that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matt. 22:37). No one listening to Him would have disagreed, most certainly not the Pharisees who were questioning Him. But then Jesus went on, saying that “the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (v. 39). In the midst of the people’s courageous rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls—an act of loving God, to be sure—the people of Israel had failed to keep the command that “is like it.” Rather than loving their neighbors, the powerful people in Jerusalem were exploiting the poor. When we see this sort of injustice, it is easy for us to turn the other way and say, “It’s not my business.” We may assume: “They have made bad decisions to become so poor. You reap what you sow!” But that was not Nehemiah’s response. Rather than cast blame on the impoverished, Nehemiah became “very angry” (v. 6) and confronted the “nobles and officials” for their sin and called them to stop charging interest on their loans (v. 7). Not content with the leaders’ word that they would make restitution, Nehemiah made them vow to keep their word. And he even uttered a curse against them should they renege on their promise. Perhaps most important, he recognized that this was a theological issue. Nehemiah stated that poor leadership is a failure to fear God which will incite “the reproach of our Gentile enemies” (v. 9). Jesus would point out centuries later—we cannot separate loving God from loving our neighbor. If we fail in the latter, it shows we are failing in the former. >> What does it look like to truly love God and love your neighbor? Pray and ask God to show you if you have failed to show this type of love to “your neighbor.” Then ask God to help you make it right with that person or a group of people.

When asked about the most important law in the Old Testament, Jesus famously responded that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matt. 22:37). No one listening to Him would have disagreed, most certainly not the Pharisees who were questioning Him. But then Jesus went on, saying that “the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (v. 39). In the midst of the people’s courageous rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls—an act of loving God, to be sure—the people of Israel had failed to keep the command that “is like it.” Rather than loving their neighbors, the powerful people in Jerusalem were exploiting the poor. When we see this sort of injustice, it is easy for us to turn the other way and say, “It’s not my business.” We may assume: “They have made bad decisions to become so poor. You reap what you sow!” But that was not Nehemiah’s response. Rather than cast blame on the impoverished, Nehemiah became “very angry” (v. 6) and confronted the “nobles and officials” for their sin and called them to stop charging interest on their loans (v. 7). Not content with the leaders’ word that they would make restitution, Nehemiah made them vow to keep their word. And he even uttered a curse against them should they renege on their promise. Perhaps most important, he recognized that this was a theological issue. Nehemiah stated that poor leadership is a failure to fear God which will incite “the reproach of our Gentile enemies” (v. 9). Jesus would point out centuries later—we cannot separate loving God from loving our neighbor. If we fail in the latter, it shows we are failing in the former. >> What does it look like to truly love God and love your neighbor? Pray and ask God to show you if you have failed to show this type of love to “your neighbor.” Then ask God to help you make it right with that person or a group of people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I love basketball and underdog movies. That’s why Glory Road is one of my favorite films. It tells the story of Texas Western College, the first team in NCAA history with an all-black starting lineup. I won’t spoil the ending if you haven’t seen it; what’s important is the enormous opposition these students overcame in order to play. Like the workers in the book of Nehemiah, they refused to give up, no matter what came their way. Today’s reading in Nehemiah helps us understand the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. It shows what it means to trust God while also being fully prepared. Nehemiah presents these two concepts as both/and, not either/or. The passage starts with Nehemiah recounting that the Jewish people’s enemies knew “that God had frustrated” their plot to stop the rebuilding project, and “we all returned to the wall, each to our own work” (v. 15). However, the Jewish people didn’t just return to the work as if everything was fine. No, Nehemiah shows both the importance of trusting in God and doing what was in their power to do. He put a plan in place to protect the people from their enemies as they worked. Half of Nehemiah’s men continued to work on the wall, while the other half armed themselves with “spears, shields, bows and armor” (v. 16). The folks carrying supplies “did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other” (v. 17). Every construction worker “wore his sword at his side while he worked,” and the trumpeter, who would sound the alarm if attacked, stayed with Nehemiah (v. 18). Thankfully, no fighting ensued, but Nehemiah assured them, “Our God will fight for us!” (v. 20). Nehemiah showed what it means to trust God fully while also preparing for adversity. >> What does it mean for you to balance trust and preparation? Nehemiah teaches us how to prepare well and move forward in faith, even in the face of opposition!

I love basketball and underdog movies. That’s why Glory Road is one of my favorite films. It tells the story of Texas Western College, the first team in NCAA history with an all-black starting lineup. I won’t spoil the ending if you haven’t seen it; what’s important is the enormous opposition these students overcame in order to play. Like the workers in the book of Nehemiah, they refused to give up, no matter what came their way. Today’s reading in Nehemiah helps us understand the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. It shows what it means to trust God while also being fully prepared. Nehemiah presents these two concepts as both/and, not either/or. The passage starts with Nehemiah recounting that the Jewish people’s enemies knew “that God had frustrated” their plot to stop the rebuilding project, and “we all returned to the wall, each to our own work” (v. 15). However, the Jewish people didn’t just return to the work as if everything was fine. No, Nehemiah shows both the importance of trusting in God and doing what was in their power to do. He put a plan in place to protect the people from their enemies as they worked. Half of Nehemiah’s men continued to work on the wall, while the other half armed themselves with “spears, shields, bows and armor” (v. 16). The folks carrying supplies “did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other” (v. 17). Every construction worker “wore his sword at his side while he worked,” and the trumpeter, who would sound the alarm if attacked, stayed with Nehemiah (v. 18). Thankfully, no fighting ensued, but Nehemiah assured them, “Our God will fight for us!” (v. 20). Nehemiah showed what it means to trust God fully while also preparing for adversity. >> What does it mean for you to balance trust and preparation? Nehemiah teaches us how to prepare well and move forward in faith, even in the face of opposition!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when it felt like everyone and everything was against you? Everywhere you turned, you faced the enemy’s fiery darts. Such times call us to trust in the Lord and stand firm in our faith. In today’s reading, Nehemiah and the rest of those rebuilding Jerusalem continued to face opposition. Nehemiah 4:1–3 recounts the taunts that Sanballat and Tobiah lobbed at the Jewish people—and not just privately. Sanballat ridiculed them “in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria” (v. 2). They derided the people, calling them “feeble,” along with their work—“even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” (v. 3). Nehemiah sprang into action, showing believers even today how to address opposition to God’s work. First, Nehemiah prayed (vv. 4–6). This isn’t the sort of prayer we are accustomed to. Nehemiah asked God to turn the enemies’ taunts back on them, even imploring God to “not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight” (v. 5). Prayers like this (see also Psalms 58, 109) show that it is good and right to bring all of our concerns to the Lord. When we leave vengeance to the Lord, we are free to forgive our enemies. Second, the people got back to work (v. 6), even though the opposition continued (vv. 7–14). The continued opposition led the people to pray more and even take a third step—they readied themselves for battle. They trusted God’s sovereignty, but they also prepared appropriately. Finally, Nehemiah encouraged the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (v. 14). >> We each react in different ways to opposition. But Nehemiah’s example helps us remember to keep on task and to trust God, even when the going gets tough. Remember these four points when you face trouble.

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when it felt like everyone and everything was against you? Everywhere you turned, you faced the enemy’s fiery darts. Such times call us to trust in the Lord and stand firm in our faith. In today’s reading, Nehemiah and the rest of those rebuilding Jerusalem continued to face opposition. Nehemiah 4:1–3 recounts the taunts that Sanballat and Tobiah lobbed at the Jewish people—and not just privately. Sanballat ridiculed them “in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria” (v. 2). They derided the people, calling them “feeble,” along with their work—“even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” (v. 3). Nehemiah sprang into action, showing believers even today how to address opposition to God’s work. First, Nehemiah prayed (vv. 4–6). This isn’t the sort of prayer we are accustomed to. Nehemiah asked God to turn the enemies’ taunts back on them, even imploring God to “not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight” (v. 5). Prayers like this (see also Psalms 58, 109) show that it is good and right to bring all of our concerns to the Lord. When we leave vengeance to the Lord, we are free to forgive our enemies. Second, the people got back to work (v. 6), even though the opposition continued (vv. 7–14). The continued opposition led the people to pray more and even take a third step—they readied themselves for battle. They trusted God’s sovereignty, but they also prepared appropriately. Finally, Nehemiah encouraged the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (v. 14). >> We each react in different ways to opposition. But Nehemiah’s example helps us remember to keep on task and to trust God, even when the going gets tough. Remember these four points when you face trouble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever seen Undercover Boss, the reality TV show? In it, a company’s CEO, owner, or other high-ranking employees go undercover to work at an entry-level position in their company. People loved it because, rather than staying in a high tower, the bosses got their hands dirty and saw what it was like to be “normal” employees. Well, the opposite is going on in our passage today. Nehemiah shared God’s work, encouraged the people, and rejected the scorn of naysayers. But it was God’s people who got to work rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. The chapter may seem a bit boring—it simply lists off people and the sections of the wall they rebuilt. It’s kind of like the list of acknowledgments at the back of a book, except that it comes right at the front. But if you take the time to read through the people and the work they did, it’s absolutely fascinating. Everyone went to work including goldsmiths, priests, Levites— people who relied on a wide variety of work to support their families pitched in to rebuild the broken-down wall, towers, and gates surrounding Jerusalem. What could have been a huge almost unsurmountable task, became possible when so many contributed. This was an equalizing team effort if there ever was one! However, verse 5 singles out a group who refused to help: The “nobles [from Tekoa] would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.” They apparently didn’t want to work for a boss other than themselves. They apparently viewed themselves as too important, too powerful, too big to humble themselves and join the rest of God’s people in rebuilding Jerusalem. >> As Christians, we must resist the temptation to think of ourselves as “better than.” Instead, we should remember that we are all part of one body, and no part is more important than another (see 1 Cor. 12:12–27). What can you do today to develop humility and a heart to serve the Lord in any capacity?

Have you ever seen Undercover Boss, the reality TV show? In it, a company’s CEO, owner, or other high-ranking employees go undercover to work at an entry-level position in their company. People loved it because, rather than staying in a high tower, the bosses got their hands dirty and saw what it was like to be “normal” employees. Well, the opposite is going on in our passage today. Nehemiah shared God’s work, encouraged the people, and rejected the scorn of naysayers. But it was God’s people who got to work rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. The chapter may seem a bit boring—it simply lists off people and the sections of the wall they rebuilt. It’s kind of like the list of acknowledgments at the back of a book, except that it comes right at the front. But if you take the time to read through the people and the work they did, it’s absolutely fascinating. Everyone went to work including goldsmiths, priests, Levites— people who relied on a wide variety of work to support their families pitched in to rebuild the broken-down wall, towers, and gates surrounding Jerusalem. What could have been a huge almost unsurmountable task, became possible when so many contributed. This was an equalizing team effort if there ever was one! However, verse 5 singles out a group who refused to help: The “nobles [from Tekoa] would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.” They apparently didn’t want to work for a boss other than themselves. They apparently viewed themselves as too important, too powerful, too big to humble themselves and join the rest of God’s people in rebuilding Jerusalem. >> As Christians, we must resist the temptation to think of ourselves as “better than.” Instead, we should remember that we are all part of one body, and no part is more important than another (see 1 Cor. 12:12–27). What can you do today to develop humility and a heart to serve the Lord in any capacity?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was mocked a lot as a kid. I was dorky, into video games, bad at sports, short, and weighed more than most kids my age. Mocking and ridicule hurt. Although the people in today’s passage weren’t ridiculed because of their physical appearance or their inability to throw a football, I’m certain they still felt the sting of the words hurled against them. Nehemiah had shared with God’s people all the Lord had done to bring them to Jerusalem, and God had given them the courage to join Nehemiah in the seemingly impossible task of restoring Jerusalem’s wall. Perhaps you can imagine the joy and excitement they felt when they listened to Nehemiah and knew, just knew, that God was going to do a mighty work. That is when their enemies—and the Enemy—attacked: “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. ‘What is this you are doing?’ they asked. ‘Are you rebelling against the king?’” (v. 19). The people now had a decision to make: Would they walk away from the task because of the scorn and mockery of others? Would they second-guess their God and what He called them to do? Or would they trust the Lord, pick up their tools, and get to work? The very next verse tells us their response, and it gives us an important strategy in similar situations. Rather than believe the enemies’ lies, Nehemiah focused on what he knew was true: “I answered them by saying, ‘The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it’” (v. 20). >> When God gives us a task, we should not listen to those who question and ridicule. Consider all the people who undertook what seemed impossible for God: Noah, Joshua, Mary, Peter. Keep your focus on Him. God will give you success!

I was mocked a lot as a kid. I was dorky, into video games, bad at sports, short, and weighed more than most kids my age. Mocking and ridicule hurt. Although the people in today’s passage weren’t ridiculed because of their physical appearance or their inability to throw a football, I’m certain they still felt the sting of the words hurled against them. Nehemiah had shared with God’s people all the Lord had done to bring them to Jerusalem, and God had given them the courage to join Nehemiah in the seemingly impossible task of restoring Jerusalem’s wall. Perhaps you can imagine the joy and excitement they felt when they listened to Nehemiah and knew, just knew, that God was going to do a mighty work. That is when their enemies—and the Enemy—attacked: “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. ‘What is this you are doing?’ they asked. ‘Are you rebelling against the king?’” (v. 19). The people now had a decision to make: Would they walk away from the task because of the scorn and mockery of others? Would they second-guess their God and what He called them to do? Or would they trust the Lord, pick up their tools, and get to work? The very next verse tells us their response, and it gives us an important strategy in similar situations. Rather than believe the enemies’ lies, Nehemiah focused on what he knew was true: “I answered them by saying, ‘The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it’” (v. 20). >> When God gives us a task, we should not listen to those who question and ridicule. Consider all the people who undertook what seemed impossible for God: Noah, Joshua, Mary, Peter. Keep your focus on Him. God will give you success!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been faced with a huge task, afraid to take the first step even when you knew God had called you to it? Perhaps you had everything planned out, knew God was with you, and all that was left was to begin— returning to school, starting foster care classes, or sharing the gospel with that one person in your life. Beginning takes courage! And courage is exactly what we see in Nehemiah and the rest of the people of Jerusalem who would rally with him to rebuild the city’s walls. Once Nehemiah finished his reconnaissance mission to learn the lay of the land, he saw just in what a bad shape the city had been (vv. 13–16). Nehemiah gathered the rest of the people of Jerusalem and shared his vision with them. Most importantly, Nehemiah told them all God had already done for him, ensuring that this was not some hair-brained idea from a Persian official: “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me” (v. 18). Nehemiah’s testimony of God’s favor gave the people of Jerusalem the courage they needed to begin the enormous task: “They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work” (v. 18). Sometimes in our lives we will be like Nehemiah, called by God to lead for Him in a certain area, perhaps in our family or at our job. Other times we will be like the rest of the people in Jerusalem, called by God to follow someone as they lead out in a way God has called them to. At all times God calls us to trust in Him and go courageously wherever He leads. >> Is there something in your life that God has called you to do, but you’ve been too afraid to begin? Like Nehemiah, share your plans with those who can help you, trust the Lord, and get to work.

Have you ever been faced with a huge task, afraid to take the first step even when you knew God had called you to it? Perhaps you had everything planned out, knew God was with you, and all that was left was to begin— returning to school, starting foster care classes, or sharing the gospel with that one person in your life. Beginning takes courage! And courage is exactly what we see in Nehemiah and the rest of the people of Jerusalem who would rally with him to rebuild the city’s walls. Once Nehemiah finished his reconnaissance mission to learn the lay of the land, he saw just in what a bad shape the city had been (vv. 13–16). Nehemiah gathered the rest of the people of Jerusalem and shared his vision with them. Most importantly, Nehemiah told them all God had already done for him, ensuring that this was not some hair-brained idea from a Persian official: “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me” (v. 18). Nehemiah’s testimony of God’s favor gave the people of Jerusalem the courage they needed to begin the enormous task: “They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work” (v. 18). Sometimes in our lives we will be like Nehemiah, called by God to lead for Him in a certain area, perhaps in our family or at our job. Other times we will be like the rest of the people in Jerusalem, called by God to follow someone as they lead out in a way God has called them to. At all times God calls us to trust in Him and go courageously wherever He leads. >> Is there something in your life that God has called you to do, but you’ve been too afraid to begin? Like Nehemiah, share your plans with those who can help you, trust the Lord, and get to work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like many people, I typically interpret opposition as a sign that I am doing something wrong, while a smooth road ahead makes me think I’m on the right path. We learned yesterday that God made the way smooth for Nehemiah, but today we read the first hint that not everyone would support Nehemiah’s mission. Should he take the displeasure of two important men as a sign he should not rebuild Jerusalem’s walls? Of course not! This was just another opportunity for Nehemiah to put his trust in the Lord. He should stand strong in what God had called him to do—to love God and his neighbor by restoring Jerusalem. One of the opposers was Sanballat whose name means “Sin [the moon god] Gives Life.” Those familiar with the Old Testament will remember that the Ammonites were sworn enemies of Israel. Sanballat and Tobiah would continue to oppose Nehemiah’s efforts, but at every step of the way Nehemiah demonstrated trust in the Lord, refusing to turn away from what God has called him to do. It is quite unlikely that God will call any of us to as huge a task as Nehemiah undertook, yet He has called all of us to love Him, love our neighbors, and share the gospel without fear. We should not be surprised when people oppose those efforts. Remember that Jesus taught His disciples to expect rejection. “If the world hates you,” Jesus said, “keep in mind that it hated me first...Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:18, 20). We are no exception to the rule. When we spread the gospel of Christ, we will experience resistance. Do not lose heart! >> Nehemiah’s story should encourage us to continue serving the Lord no matter what comes your way. Have you experienced hostility from others when you knew you were doing what God had asked you to do? How do you respond?

Like many people, I typically interpret opposition as a sign that I am doing something wrong, while a smooth road ahead makes me think I’m on the right path. We learned yesterday that God made the way smooth for Nehemiah, but today we read the first hint that not everyone would support Nehemiah’s mission. Should he take the displeasure of two important men as a sign he should not rebuild Jerusalem’s walls? Of course not! This was just another opportunity for Nehemiah to put his trust in the Lord. He should stand strong in what God had called him to do—to love God and his neighbor by restoring Jerusalem. One of the opposers was Sanballat whose name means “Sin [the moon god] Gives Life.” Those familiar with the Old Testament will remember that the Ammonites were sworn enemies of Israel. Sanballat and Tobiah would continue to oppose Nehemiah’s efforts, but at every step of the way Nehemiah demonstrated trust in the Lord, refusing to turn away from what God has called him to do. It is quite unlikely that God will call any of us to as huge a task as Nehemiah undertook, yet He has called all of us to love Him, love our neighbors, and share the gospel without fear. We should not be surprised when people oppose those efforts. Remember that Jesus taught His disciples to expect rejection. “If the world hates you,” Jesus said, “keep in mind that it hated me first...Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:18, 20). We are no exception to the rule. When we spread the gospel of Christ, we will experience resistance. Do not lose heart! >> Nehemiah’s story should encourage us to continue serving the Lord no matter what comes your way. Have you experienced hostility from others when you knew you were doing what God had asked you to do? How do you respond?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been afraid to ask your boss for something, such as a raise or maybe some time off? I know I have! I’ve been anxious that the answer would be no, or—even worse—that I’d be fired for presuming my worth. Now, imagine if your boss could literally murder you any time with no repercussions whatsoever. And what if you’re asking for something the boss already promised would never happen. That was the situation for Nehemiah in today’s passage. It had been four months since Nehemiah (“The Lord Comforts”) learned from his brother Hanani (“The Lord is Gracious”) about the devastation in Jerusalem. “When wine was brought for” King Artaxerxes, it was likely at a feast and, thus, he would be in good spirits, but he sensed something wrong with his trusted cupbearer: “Why does your face look so sad?” (v. 2). Nehemiah, though fearful (v. 2), answers honestly. Even though he knows that Artaxerxes had already halted construction of Jerusalem’s walls (see Ezra 4), Nehemiah prays to God and asks the king to allow him to return to do the very thing the king said should not be done. Miraculously, Artaxerxes reverses the course set in Ezra 4 and allows Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem, even providing letters to guarantee his safe passage, soldiers to guard his caravan, and materials for the rebuilding project. All of this, Nehemiah says, is “because the gracious hand of my God was on me” (v. 8). Nehemiah does not claim credit for the king’s stunning response. He does not post on social media “Just got that promotion!! All my hard work finally paid off!!” Instead, he recognizes that God has been gracious to him and turned the king’s heart (Prov. 21:1). >> Have you experienced God’s gracious hand on you? Don’t take the credit for this wonderful event! Instead, tell someone about the miraculous (and ordinary) ways that God has shown you favor. This is a God-story worth sharing!

Have you ever been afraid to ask your boss for something, such as a raise or maybe some time off? I know I have! I’ve been anxious that the answer would be no, or—even worse—that I’d be fired for presuming my worth. Now, imagine if your boss could literally murder you any time with no repercussions whatsoever. And what if you’re asking for something the boss already promised would never happen. That was the situation for Nehemiah in today’s passage. It had been four months since Nehemiah (“The Lord Comforts”) learned from his brother Hanani (“The Lord is Gracious”) about the devastation in Jerusalem. “When wine was brought for” King Artaxerxes, it was likely at a feast and, thus, he would be in good spirits, but he sensed something wrong with his trusted cupbearer: “Why does your face look so sad?” (v. 2). Nehemiah, though fearful (v. 2), answers honestly. Even though he knows that Artaxerxes had already halted construction of Jerusalem’s walls (see Ezra 4), Nehemiah prays to God and asks the king to allow him to return to do the very thing the king said should not be done. Miraculously, Artaxerxes reverses the course set in Ezra 4 and allows Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem, even providing letters to guarantee his safe passage, soldiers to guard his caravan, and materials for the rebuilding project. All of this, Nehemiah says, is “because the gracious hand of my God was on me” (v. 8). Nehemiah does not claim credit for the king’s stunning response. He does not post on social media “Just got that promotion!! All my hard work finally paid off!!” Instead, he recognizes that God has been gracious to him and turned the king’s heart (Prov. 21:1). >> Have you experienced God’s gracious hand on you? Don’t take the credit for this wonderful event! Instead, tell someone about the miraculous (and ordinary) ways that God has shown you favor. This is a God-story worth sharing!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve never read Judy Blume’s book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, but time and again I’ve thought of that title as I poured out prayers that felt like they got no further than the ceiling. Did God hear me? These eight verses in Nehemiah offer us a lesson on prayer. First, Nehemiah teaches that we should pray—even when we are sad or mourning (v. 4). God doesn’t want to hear from us only when things are going well! Second, just like Jesus taught the disciples, prayer begins with worship and submission to the Lord. In Nehemiah’s words, God is “the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments” (v. 5). Third, Nehemiah asks God to hear him, making his requests known to God (v. 6; Phil. 4:6). Fourth, prayer should include clear and honest confession and repentance (vv. 6–7). Nehemiah confesses “the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.” There is no “spin” here, no attempt to make himself look better. Finally, prayers should be saturated with Scripture—Nehemiah draws on an earlier passage of the Bible to ground his prayers in who God is and what He has promised. Doing this is no guarantee that God will grant your request, but this prayer is a model for our benefit and edification. In the very last verse, we are given Nehemiah’s profession. He “was cupbearer to the king” (v. 11). This was traditionally an office of high rank whose job was to pour and serve drinks at the king’s table. The king placed a high level of trust in him. >> It is often helpful to use Scripture to guide our prayers. You can even pray aloud a portion of Scripture making it personal and specific to your situation. Nehemiah’s prayer in verses 5–11 is an excellent one to try.

I’ve never read Judy Blume’s book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, but time and again I’ve thought of that title as I poured out prayers that felt like they got no further than the ceiling. Did God hear me? These eight verses in Nehemiah offer us a lesson on prayer. First, Nehemiah teaches that we should pray—even when we are sad or mourning (v. 4). God doesn’t want to hear from us only when things are going well! Second, just like Jesus taught the disciples, prayer begins with worship and submission to the Lord. In Nehemiah’s words, God is “the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments” (v. 5). Third, Nehemiah asks God to hear him, making his requests known to God (v. 6; Phil. 4:6). Fourth, prayer should include clear and honest confession and repentance (vv. 6–7). Nehemiah confesses “the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.” There is no “spin” here, no attempt to make himself look better. Finally, prayers should be saturated with Scripture—Nehemiah draws on an earlier passage of the Bible to ground his prayers in who God is and what He has promised. Doing this is no guarantee that God will grant your request, but this prayer is a model for our benefit and edification. In the very last verse, we are given Nehemiah’s profession. He “was cupbearer to the king” (v. 11). This was traditionally an office of high rank whose job was to pour and serve drinks at the king’s table. The king placed a high level of trust in him. >> It is often helpful to use Scripture to guide our prayers. You can even pray aloud a portion of Scripture making it personal and specific to your situation. Nehemiah’s prayer in verses 5–11 is an excellent one to try.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going against the wave of technology, I exchanged my smartphone for a “dumb” phone several years ago. But before then, I remember texting with friends and seeing those little three dots come up that indicate your recipient is typing a response. I would sometimes get anxious, waiting for what they would say. Now, take that emotion and multiply it by a camel ride across 900 miles. Travel back to December of 445 BC, and meet Nehemiah, a trusted advisor to the king in the Persian capital Susa, which is the modern-day city of Shush in southwestern Iran. You probably know the city from the book of Esther, where events occurred about 20 years before this. Nehemiah had waited a long time for his message, and the news was even worse than he expected. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani (whose name means “The Lord Is Gracious”) told him that “those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace” (v. 3). Even the wall of Jerusalem had been destroyed. The people to whom he referred had been left in Jerusalem and the surrounding area when the rest of God’s people were deported to Babylon (see 2 Kings 24–25). We’ll learn later in our study that not all the people remaining in Jerusalem were truly God’s people, but God’s people in Jerusalem clearly needed the comfort and protection that Yahweh brings, for even the wall around the city had been destroyed. Our cities today don’t typically have walls around them, but walls were a necessity in the ancient world. They protected the city’s inhabitants from invaders and other threats. Without the wall and the gates that controlled traffic, God’s people were in constant danger from enemy attack. >> Think about a time in your life when you felt disgraced, under attack, or in trouble (or perhaps that is your situation today). How did God meet your need? Try to think of someone who might feel like you once felt, and, like Nehemiah, reach out to comfort that person today.

Going against the wave of technology, I exchanged my smartphone for a “dumb” phone several years ago. But before then, I remember texting with friends and seeing those little three dots come up that indicate your recipient is typing a response. I would sometimes get anxious, waiting for what they would say. Now, take that emotion and multiply it by a camel ride across 900 miles. Travel back to December of 445 BC, and meet Nehemiah, a trusted advisor to the king in the Persian capital Susa, which is the modern-day city of Shush in southwestern Iran. You probably know the city from the book of Esther, where events occurred about 20 years before this. Nehemiah had waited a long time for his message, and the news was even worse than he expected. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani (whose name means “The Lord Is Gracious”) told him that “those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace” (v. 3). Even the wall of Jerusalem had been destroyed. The people to whom he referred had been left in Jerusalem and the surrounding area when the rest of God’s people were deported to Babylon (see 2 Kings 24–25). We’ll learn later in our study that not all the people remaining in Jerusalem were truly God’s people, but God’s people in Jerusalem clearly needed the comfort and protection that Yahweh brings, for even the wall around the city had been destroyed. Our cities today don’t typically have walls around them, but walls were a necessity in the ancient world. They protected the city’s inhabitants from invaders and other threats. Without the wall and the gates that controlled traffic, God’s people were in constant danger from enemy attack. >> Think about a time in your life when you felt disgraced, under attack, or in trouble (or perhaps that is your situation today). How did God meet your need? Try to think of someone who might feel like you once felt, and, like Nehemiah, reach out to comfort that person today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what your name means? There are websites and books dedicated to explaining the meaning behind names. Maybe you were given a family name—I’m named after my paternal grandfather—or maybe your name evokes a favorite song, or your parents just liked the way it sounds. In the Old Testament, names held special significance and could reveal something about the person, their story, or their God. For example, Abraham was called “the father of many nations” (Gen.17:5), Abel’s name meant “breath” or “vapor,” and the mighty prophet Elijah’s name meant “Yahweh is my God”—certainly a reminder he needed during the darkest days of his ministry. This month we are reading about Nehemiah whose name means “The Lord Comforts.” Now, most of us are familiar with the idea that God comforts His people, but put yourself in Nehemiah’s shoes and the shoes of his original readers. God’s people had been living in exile for decades—first under the rule of the Babylonians and then the Persians. Their country had been invaded, their best and brightest leaders forced into service, and untold numbers slaughtered before the rest were carted off into exile. What’s more, God did all of this as punishment for His people’s sin. It is hard to imagine the pain, difficulty, and disillusionment the Hebrew people must have experienced in exile, but I’m certain we can all relate to feeling loss or abandonment. Like Nehemiah’s audience, we have walked through times where we desperately needed the Lord’s comfort. As this story unfolds, we’ll see that comfort is exactly what the Lord provided as He led His people back to the Promised Land and restored their relationship with Him. >> Do you need comfort from the Lord today? Ask God to use this study to remind you of His love for you. He has a plan and a purpose for Your life. And if our relationship with God is broken, He is ready to restore it.

Do you know what your name means? There are websites and books dedicated to explaining the meaning behind names. Maybe you were given a family name—I’m named after my paternal grandfather—or maybe your name evokes a favorite song, or your parents just liked the way it sounds. In the Old Testament, names held special significance and could reveal something about the person, their story, or their God. For example, Abraham was called “the father of many nations” (Gen.17:5), Abel’s name meant “breath” or “vapor,” and the mighty prophet Elijah’s name meant “Yahweh is my God”—certainly a reminder he needed during the darkest days of his ministry. This month we are reading about Nehemiah whose name means “The Lord Comforts.” Now, most of us are familiar with the idea that God comforts His people, but put yourself in Nehemiah’s shoes and the shoes of his original readers. God’s people had been living in exile for decades—first under the rule of the Babylonians and then the Persians. Their country had been invaded, their best and brightest leaders forced into service, and untold numbers slaughtered before the rest were carted off into exile. What’s more, God did all of this as punishment for His people’s sin. It is hard to imagine the pain, difficulty, and disillusionment the Hebrew people must have experienced in exile, but I’m certain we can all relate to feeling loss or abandonment. Like Nehemiah’s audience, we have walked through times where we desperately needed the Lord’s comfort. As this story unfolds, we’ll see that comfort is exactly what the Lord provided as He led His people back to the Promised Land and restored their relationship with Him. >> Do you need comfort from the Lord today? Ask God to use this study to remind you of His love for you. He has a plan and a purpose for Your life. And if our relationship with God is broken, He is ready to restore it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This is a profoundly true statement. What we believe about God changes the way we think about ourselves, others, and the world we live in. Just like our relationship with other people, our knowledge of God is not a static thing. It grows as we get to know Him better. We conclude our study of images of God in the New Testament, with Ephesians 1. Here Paul prays for the church. His deepest desire is that we “may know him better” (v. 17). Paul understands that our first calling is to remain in fellowship with God (1 Cor. 1:8). God is unlike anyone else. He created the universe and stands outside of it. The only way we can know God is because He has made Himself known to us. He is revealed through His Word and ultimately through the Lord Jesus. Paul prays that we would learn about God through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 17–18). God provides many pictures in Scripture to help us understand His character and attributes better. We looked at how God is like different aspects of the created world—light, water, fire, and shield. We considered passages where God is compared to animals—a lion, eagle, or bear. We examined different human occupations that illustrate aspects of God’s character—shepherd, king, warrior, judge, and farmer, to name just a few. Finally, we looked at the most intimate pictures of God as a parent and husband. >> It is our prayer that through this study, you have grown in your knowledge of God through His Word. What are the pictures of God that resonated with you the most? If you kept an artistic journal, maybe you can share what you have learned about God by posting some of your pictures!

Pastor A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This is a profoundly true statement. What we believe about God changes the way we think about ourselves, others, and the world we live in. Just like our relationship with other people, our knowledge of God is not a static thing. It grows as we get to know Him better. We conclude our study of images of God in the New Testament, with Ephesians 1. Here Paul prays for the church. His deepest desire is that we “may know him better” (v. 17). Paul understands that our first calling is to remain in fellowship with God (1 Cor. 1:8). God is unlike anyone else. He created the universe and stands outside of it. The only way we can know God is because He has made Himself known to us. He is revealed through His Word and ultimately through the Lord Jesus. Paul prays that we would learn about God through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 17–18). God provides many pictures in Scripture to help us understand His character and attributes better. We looked at how God is like different aspects of the created world—light, water, fire, and shield. We considered passages where God is compared to animals—a lion, eagle, or bear. We examined different human occupations that illustrate aspects of God’s character—shepherd, king, warrior, judge, and farmer, to name just a few. Finally, we looked at the most intimate pictures of God as a parent and husband. >> It is our prayer that through this study, you have grown in your knowledge of God through His Word. What are the pictures of God that resonated with you the most? If you kept an artistic journal, maybe you can share what you have learned about God by posting some of your pictures!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If someone tells a married couple they are acting like newlyweds, it is a compliment. Why? Because newlyweds are so infatuated with one another that they see only good things in the relationship. Usually, it is not until later that they encounter struggles. Then we might say, “The honeymoon is over.” God’s relationship with His people is often described as that of a husband and wife. God is the faithful, loving husband to Israel (in the Old Testament) and the Church (in the New Testament). In today’s reading, God laments over His wayward bride. He reminds Israel of how He redeemed her from slavery in Egypt: “I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness” (v. 2). Yet, Israel was not faithful. They worshiped idols (v. 5). They often simply ignored the Lord: “The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’” (v. 8). God asks, “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number” (v. 32). In some ways it might have been easier to understand if Israel was angry with God, that would at least showed that they cared about the relationship. It is as if they forgot they were married. Often, we picture God as a judge handing down a sentence with dispassionate justice. The picture here is quite different. God expresses a deep sense of betrayal, like a husband who discovered his wife is unfaithful. God laments, “Have I been a desert to Israel or a land of great darkness? Why do my people say, ‘We are free to roam; we will come to you no more?’” (v. 31). This anguish demonstrates God’s love and care for His people. >> Are we ever unfaithful in our relationship to God? Have we forgotten our first love? The good news is that He does not give up on us. Through Christ, He made forgiveness and reconciliation possible (Rev. 19:7–9).

If someone tells a married couple they are acting like newlyweds, it is a compliment. Why? Because newlyweds are so infatuated with one another that they see only good things in the relationship. Usually, it is not until later that they encounter struggles. Then we might say, “The honeymoon is over.” God’s relationship with His people is often described as that of a husband and wife. God is the faithful, loving husband to Israel (in the Old Testament) and the Church (in the New Testament). In today’s reading, God laments over His wayward bride. He reminds Israel of how He redeemed her from slavery in Egypt: “I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness” (v. 2). Yet, Israel was not faithful. They worshiped idols (v. 5). They often simply ignored the Lord: “The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’” (v. 8). God asks, “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number” (v. 32). In some ways it might have been easier to understand if Israel was angry with God, that would at least showed that they cared about the relationship. It is as if they forgot they were married. Often, we picture God as a judge handing down a sentence with dispassionate justice. The picture here is quite different. God expresses a deep sense of betrayal, like a husband who discovered his wife is unfaithful. God laments, “Have I been a desert to Israel or a land of great darkness? Why do my people say, ‘We are free to roam; we will come to you no more?’” (v. 31). This anguish demonstrates God’s love and care for His people. >> Are we ever unfaithful in our relationship to God? Have we forgotten our first love? The good news is that He does not give up on us. Through Christ, He made forgiveness and reconciliation possible (Rev. 19:7–9).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most common parental image of God in the Bible is as a father. In Scripture, God is never called mother. The authors of Scripture are intentional about how they use language and so we should respect that omission. However, there are several places where maternal imagery is used to help us understand God as a parent. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isa. 66:13). Isaiah asks, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast?” God speaks through Isaiah, saying that even if an earthly mother could disregard her child, God will never forget His children (Isa. 49:15). In Psalm 131, David uses a similar word picture to describe his relationship with God. He says, “I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content” (v. 2). Here David compares himself to the infant who finds comfort and security in the arms of the mother. David is not saying that God is his mother. Rather, the psalmist is emphasizing our intrinsic need for God. Because we depend on God, we should approach Him with humility. David confesses, “My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty” (v. 1). Just like a baby depends on a mother for nourishment and protection, so are we utterly dependent upon God. We can do nothing without God’s help. This knowledge should give us a spirit of humility before God. In the book of Isaiah, God affirms this attitude: “These are the ones who I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word” (Isa. 66:2). >> When you place your faith in Jesus, you become God’s child! As His children, we have hope, not because of our ability or efforts to please Him, but because of His grace and compassion (v. 3). Humbly come to God, recognizing our complete dependence on Him.

The most common parental image of God in the Bible is as a father. In Scripture, God is never called mother. The authors of Scripture are intentional about how they use language and so we should respect that omission. However, there are several places where maternal imagery is used to help us understand God as a parent. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isa. 66:13). Isaiah asks, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast?” God speaks through Isaiah, saying that even if an earthly mother could disregard her child, God will never forget His children (Isa. 49:15). In Psalm 131, David uses a similar word picture to describe his relationship with God. He says, “I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content” (v. 2). Here David compares himself to the infant who finds comfort and security in the arms of the mother. David is not saying that God is his mother. Rather, the psalmist is emphasizing our intrinsic need for God. Because we depend on God, we should approach Him with humility. David confesses, “My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty” (v. 1). Just like a baby depends on a mother for nourishment and protection, so are we utterly dependent upon God. We can do nothing without God’s help. This knowledge should give us a spirit of humility before God. In the book of Isaiah, God affirms this attitude: “These are the ones who I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word” (Isa. 66:2). >> When you place your faith in Jesus, you become God’s child! As His children, we have hope, not because of our ability or efforts to please Him, but because of His grace and compassion (v. 3). Humbly come to God, recognizing our complete dependence on Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people struggle with the biblical image of God as a father. Their experience of a human father has made the idea of God as a father unappealing. It is true that human fathers are often far from perfect. Even fathers in the Bible—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David—were men of faith but not ideal fathers. We can trust, however, that God is our perfect heavenly Father. He is utterly reliable, caring, and attentive to His children. In Psalm 103, David rouses himself to praise God (vv. 1–2). He reminds himself of many of God’s wonderful attributes. God heals, redeems, forgives, and satisfies (vv. 3–5). Even when we fail in our relationship with God, He “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (v. 10). Instead, God forgives. He removes our sin as far as the east is from the west (v. 12). We find the reason for God’s forgiveness in verse 13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” God is loving and compassionate. While at times God will correct and discipline His children (Heb. 12:7), He has also provided a way for us to be forgiven and restored in relationship with Him: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). These truths led David to worship God and obey His commands (v. 18). He called out to others to join him in praise. “Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones...all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion” (v. 22)! >> If you have come to faith in Jesus, you are God’s child. He is your perfect heavenly Father. Rest in the knowledge that God knows you intimately (v. 14). He loves you and cares for you.

Some people struggle with the biblical image of God as a father. Their experience of a human father has made the idea of God as a father unappealing. It is true that human fathers are often far from perfect. Even fathers in the Bible—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David—were men of faith but not ideal fathers. We can trust, however, that God is our perfect heavenly Father. He is utterly reliable, caring, and attentive to His children. In Psalm 103, David rouses himself to praise God (vv. 1–2). He reminds himself of many of God’s wonderful attributes. God heals, redeems, forgives, and satisfies (vv. 3–5). Even when we fail in our relationship with God, He “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (v. 10). Instead, God forgives. He removes our sin as far as the east is from the west (v. 12). We find the reason for God’s forgiveness in verse 13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” God is loving and compassionate. While at times God will correct and discipline His children (Heb. 12:7), He has also provided a way for us to be forgiven and restored in relationship with Him: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). These truths led David to worship God and obey His commands (v. 18). He called out to others to join him in praise. “Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones...all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion” (v. 22)! >> If you have come to faith in Jesus, you are God’s child. He is your perfect heavenly Father. Rest in the knowledge that God knows you intimately (v. 14). He loves you and cares for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelangelo was perhaps the greatest sculptor in history. When asked to describe his craft, he said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Artists take materials in the world and reshape them to create something new. Today, we are viewing God as an artist. But, unlike Michelangelo or any ordinary artist, God is not dependent on using preexisting material. He can create from nothing! In Psalm 19, David proclaims: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (v. 1). David looks up at the night sky and is awestruck by God’s handiwork. When we take the time to really look at the universe God made, from the smallest blade of grass to the largest super nova, we cannot fail to see God’s grandeur and His artistic prowess. Even though nature cannot speak audibly, it communicates to us who God is (vv. 3–4). God’s artistry is also seen in Scripture. God’s Word is “perfect” and “refreshing to the soul” (v. 7). His commands are “radiant” and “pure” (vv. 8–9). They are designed to help us grow in wisdom and bring “joy to the heart” (vv. 7–8). God’s Word is not only true but also beautiful. God inspired the writers of the Bible to pen gripping narratives and majestic poetry. As David reflects on God’s Word, he realizes it is “more precious than gold” and “sweeter than honey” (v. 10). The artistry in Scripture reflects God’s nature as endlessly creative. David desires that his own words and thoughts would be true and beautiful like God’s. He prays, “May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight” (v. 14). >> Take some time today to look around at the world that God created. Where do you see evidence of God’s artistry? As you read Scripture, notice the beauty and the truth contained within it.

Michelangelo was perhaps the greatest sculptor in history. When asked to describe his craft, he said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Artists take materials in the world and reshape them to create something new. Today, we are viewing God as an artist. But, unlike Michelangelo or any ordinary artist, God is not dependent on using preexisting material. He can create from nothing! In Psalm 19, David proclaims: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (v. 1). David looks up at the night sky and is awestruck by God’s handiwork. When we take the time to really look at the universe God made, from the smallest blade of grass to the largest super nova, we cannot fail to see God’s grandeur and His artistic prowess. Even though nature cannot speak audibly, it communicates to us who God is (vv. 3–4). God’s artistry is also seen in Scripture. God’s Word is “perfect” and “refreshing to the soul” (v. 7). His commands are “radiant” and “pure” (vv. 8–9). They are designed to help us grow in wisdom and bring “joy to the heart” (vv. 7–8). God’s Word is not only true but also beautiful. God inspired the writers of the Bible to pen gripping narratives and majestic poetry. As David reflects on God’s Word, he realizes it is “more precious than gold” and “sweeter than honey” (v. 10). The artistry in Scripture reflects God’s nature as endlessly creative. David desires that his own words and thoughts would be true and beautiful like God’s. He prays, “May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight” (v. 14). >> Take some time today to look around at the world that God created. Where do you see evidence of God’s artistry? As you read Scripture, notice the beauty and the truth contained within it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gardeners will tell you that getting your hands dirty and caring for plants can be therapeutic. During the darkest days of the American Revolution, George Washington took his mind off the war by drawing up elaborate plans for his gardens back home. Even today, his gardens at Mount Vernon are a delight to walk through. In Psalm 104, God is pictured as a gardener. The Psalmist proclaims, “The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted” (v. 16). God carefully plants and cares for groves of trees. While this is the only verse in the psalm where the gardener metaphor is explicitly stated, the idea of God tending to the created world permeates the whole poem. The Psalmist praises God as the Creator. Gardeners do not only plant seeds, they also nurture their gardens as they grow. In the same way, God did not only create the world but also continues to uphold and sustain it. God provides water for the animals (v. 11). He creates a home for the birds (v. 12). He provides food for all (v. 27). The created world is not just what God has done, but how He continues to provide day after day. The Psalmist closes with a reality check: God’s good creation has been infected by sin. Just as a snake entered the Garden of Eden, sin remains with us today. But it will not always be so: “But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more” (v. 35). God has redeemed us from sin, culminating in the finished work of Jesus. >> We look forward to the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 22:2–3: “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.”

Gardeners will tell you that getting your hands dirty and caring for plants can be therapeutic. During the darkest days of the American Revolution, George Washington took his mind off the war by drawing up elaborate plans for his gardens back home. Even today, his gardens at Mount Vernon are a delight to walk through. In Psalm 104, God is pictured as a gardener. The Psalmist proclaims, “The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted” (v. 16). God carefully plants and cares for groves of trees. While this is the only verse in the psalm where the gardener metaphor is explicitly stated, the idea of God tending to the created world permeates the whole poem. The Psalmist praises God as the Creator. Gardeners do not only plant seeds, they also nurture their gardens as they grow. In the same way, God did not only create the world but also continues to uphold and sustain it. God provides water for the animals (v. 11). He creates a home for the birds (v. 12). He provides food for all (v. 27). The created world is not just what God has done, but how He continues to provide day after day. The Psalmist closes with a reality check: God’s good creation has been infected by sin. Just as a snake entered the Garden of Eden, sin remains with us today. But it will not always be so: “But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more” (v. 35). God has redeemed us from sin, culminating in the finished work of Jesus. >> We look forward to the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 22:2–3: “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first step toward healing is recognizing that you are sick. Aspiring medical students are often counseled to minor in psychology. The reason for this is that treating someone medically involves more than simply diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments. The patient also must accept that they are sick and that the treatment offered will help them. The prophet Hosea ministered to Israel during a time when the nation was prosperous and thriving economically. But while their pocket- books might have been healthy, their hearts were not. They worshiped idols and oppressed the poor. God raised up Hosea to warn them of the danger they faced if they continued this path. In Hosea 14, we read the prophet’s final plea to the nation: “Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!” (v. 1). Israel’s sin was like a sickness eating away at the nation from the inside. First, they needed to be honest about their condition. Instead of trusting in God and worshiping Him alone, they had often trusted in alliances with Assyria and worshiped idols (v. 3). They had ignored God’s command to care for the orphan and the widow (v. 3). There could be no forgiveness and no healing without accepting their guilt and turning to their God. God assured Israel that if they would repent, He “will heal their waywardness and love them freely” (v. 4). God is the great physician. He is able to heal physical sickness. And He alone could heal the spiritual sickness that Israel had brought upon itself. God could not only restore Israel, but He could also cause the nation to thrive (vv. 5–8). >>Perhaps you have struggled with a recurring sin in your past or continue to do so in the present. Turn to the Great Physician! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can experience true healing.

The first step toward healing is recognizing that you are sick. Aspiring medical students are often counseled to minor in psychology. The reason for this is that treating someone medically involves more than simply diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments. The patient also must accept that they are sick and that the treatment offered will help them. The prophet Hosea ministered to Israel during a time when the nation was prosperous and thriving economically. But while their pocket- books might have been healthy, their hearts were not. They worshiped idols and oppressed the poor. God raised up Hosea to warn them of the danger they faced if they continued this path. In Hosea 14, we read the prophet’s final plea to the nation: “Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!” (v. 1). Israel’s sin was like a sickness eating away at the nation from the inside. First, they needed to be honest about their condition. Instead of trusting in God and worshiping Him alone, they had often trusted in alliances with Assyria and worshiped idols (v. 3). They had ignored God’s command to care for the orphan and the widow (v. 3). There could be no forgiveness and no healing without accepting their guilt and turning to their God. God assured Israel that if they would repent, He “will heal their waywardness and love them freely” (v. 4). God is the great physician. He is able to heal physical sickness. And He alone could heal the spiritual sickness that Israel had brought upon itself. God could not only restore Israel, but He could also cause the nation to thrive (vv. 5–8). >>Perhaps you have struggled with a recurring sin in your past or continue to do so in the present. Turn to the Great Physician! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can experience true healing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine a classroom. What comes to mind? As a college professor, I picture desks in rows, a whiteboard, and a podium in the front. Education in ancient Israel was a bit different. There were no classrooms. The student/teacher relationship was also bit different. Scripture was taught mainly in the home (Deut. 6:7). Learning a new trade was accomplished through apprenticeships. In today’s reading, David portrays God as his teacher. He asks God: “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths” (v. 4). He wants to be guided by the Lord, because he knows that God is “good and upright” (v. 8). David’s request is based on two important truths. First, God cares for us and desires for us to change. David affirms, “All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful” (v. 10). God cares for him even though he has not been perfect. God also “instructs sinners in his ways” (v. 8). As Jesus taught, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Matt. 9:12). Secondly, David’s request assumes a posture of humility. Being taught can be a painful and difficult process. It means changing how we think and behave. Learning to walk in God’s ways requires that we begin with the fear or respect of the Lord (v. 12). The proud cannot learn. They are too busy looking down on others to look up to God. David reminds us that God “guides the humble in what is right” (v. 9). Our attitude should mirror that of David: “My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare” (v. 15). Or as Paul instructed the church in Philippi, “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...[who] humbled himself by being obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:5, 8). >> God is your teacher. No one else can guide and instruct you like He can. Let our eyes be on the Lord today and look to His Word for instruction.

Imagine a classroom. What comes to mind? As a college professor, I picture desks in rows, a whiteboard, and a podium in the front. Education in ancient Israel was a bit different. There were no classrooms. The student/teacher relationship was also bit different. Scripture was taught mainly in the home (Deut. 6:7). Learning a new trade was accomplished through apprenticeships. In today’s reading, David portrays God as his teacher. He asks God: “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths” (v. 4). He wants to be guided by the Lord, because he knows that God is “good and upright” (v. 8). David’s request is based on two important truths. First, God cares for us and desires for us to change. David affirms, “All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful” (v. 10). God cares for him even though he has not been perfect. God also “instructs sinners in his ways” (v. 8). As Jesus taught, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Matt. 9:12). Secondly, David’s request assumes a posture of humility. Being taught can be a painful and difficult process. It means changing how we think and behave. Learning to walk in God’s ways requires that we begin with the fear or respect of the Lord (v. 12). The proud cannot learn. They are too busy looking down on others to look up to God. David reminds us that God “guides the humble in what is right” (v. 9). Our attitude should mirror that of David: “My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare” (v. 15). Or as Paul instructed the church in Philippi, “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...[who] humbled himself by being obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:5, 8). >> God is your teacher. No one else can guide and instruct you like He can. Let our eyes be on the Lord today and look to His Word for instruction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh grapes. They are sweet, juicy, and refreshing. I don’t have first-hand experience of growing grapes, but I’ve been told it can be a fickle crop that needs constant attention. Grapes were—and still are—one of the most common agricultural products in Israel. In today’s reading, Isaiah envisions God as the owner of a vineyard. Planting a new vineyard was an especially arduous task. Vineyards were typically planted on a hillside (v. 1). They needed to be cleared of stones (v. 2). In an age before tractors or other mechanical help, this was backbreaking work. The stones would then be used to build a fence around the vineyard and a watchtower for protection (v. 2). Planting a vineyard was also a long-term investment. It takes a few years before a vine will grow eatable grapes. In Isaiah’s song, God has done this work skillfully and carefully. He has tended His vineyard with the utmost care and patiently waited for grapes to grow. Instead of good grapes, His vineyard only produced rotten ones (v. 2). In this metaphor, Israel is the vineyard. God had planted them in the land of Canaan and provided for them. Yet, they consistently rebelled against Him (v. 7). The leaders did not uphold justice but oppressed the weak and vulnerable (v. 7). This parable makes clear that their failure was not because of neglect on God’s part. Because of their rebellion, they would be judged (vv. 5–6). Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. God promised: “I will again plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them” (Amos 9:15). God does not give up on His people. >> Jesus taught that the way to live in right relationship with God was to stay connected to Him as the true vine (John 15:1–8). How are you cultivating and nourishing your connection to the Lord and His church?

There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh grapes. They are sweet, juicy, and refreshing. I don’t have first-hand experience of growing grapes, but I’ve been told it can be a fickle crop that needs constant attention. Grapes were—and still are—one of the most common agricultural products in Israel. In today’s reading, Isaiah envisions God as the owner of a vineyard. Planting a new vineyard was an especially arduous task. Vineyards were typically planted on a hillside (v. 1). They needed to be cleared of stones (v. 2). In an age before tractors or other mechanical help, this was backbreaking work. The stones would then be used to build a fence around the vineyard and a watchtower for protection (v. 2). Planting a vineyard was also a long-term investment. It takes a few years before a vine will grow eatable grapes. In Isaiah’s song, God has done this work skillfully and carefully. He has tended His vineyard with the utmost care and patiently waited for grapes to grow. Instead of good grapes, His vineyard only produced rotten ones (v. 2). In this metaphor, Israel is the vineyard. God had planted them in the land of Canaan and provided for them. Yet, they consistently rebelled against Him (v. 7). The leaders did not uphold justice but oppressed the weak and vulnerable (v. 7). This parable makes clear that their failure was not because of neglect on God’s part. Because of their rebellion, they would be judged (vv. 5–6). Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. God promised: “I will again plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them” (Amos 9:15). God does not give up on His people. >> Jesus taught that the way to live in right relationship with God was to stay connected to Him as the true vine (John 15:1–8). How are you cultivating and nourishing your connection to the Lord and His church?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1935, the United States had 6.8 million farms. Today, while approximately the same amount of land is used for farming, the number of farms has decreased to about 2 million. The shift from a family-based farming model to agribusiness is the reason. As a result, most Americans lack firsthand knowledge of farming. Farming was one of the most common occupations in the ancient world. It is not a surprise that one of the first images of God in the Bible is that of a farmer. In Genesis 1, God is the sovereign Creator. He speaks and the world comes into existence. Then the tone shifts in Genesis 2 and God gets His hands dirty in the soil. He “formed a man from the dust of the ground” (v. 7). After creating Adam, God “planted a garden in the east, in Eden” (v. 8). God was the very first farmer. He “made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food” (v. 9). After completing His work, God turned over the responsibility to Adam. He charged the man “to work it and take care of it” (v. 15). The garden would produce food that would sustain them. It would be a place where they could fellowship with God and have meaningful and productive work to accomplish. But because of sin, man’s relationship with the land changed. God proclaimed, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it” (Gen. 3:17). From that point on, farming became more difficult. Still, God continued to provide for His people. >> Most of us purchase our food from a grocery store. But if you have a garden or farm, you realize the work that goes into farming. Thank God for who He is as farmer and provider. It is by His hand that we are nourished. If you are keeping an image journal, draw or sketch something God has created for us.

In 1935, the United States had 6.8 million farms. Today, while approximately the same amount of land is used for farming, the number of farms has decreased to about 2 million. The shift from a family-based farming model to agribusiness is the reason. As a result, most Americans lack firsthand knowledge of farming. Farming was one of the most common occupations in the ancient world. It is not a surprise that one of the first images of God in the Bible is that of a farmer. In Genesis 1, God is the sovereign Creator. He speaks and the world comes into existence. Then the tone shifts in Genesis 2 and God gets His hands dirty in the soil. He “formed a man from the dust of the ground” (v. 7). After creating Adam, God “planted a garden in the east, in Eden” (v. 8). God was the very first farmer. He “made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food” (v. 9). After completing His work, God turned over the responsibility to Adam. He charged the man “to work it and take care of it” (v. 15). The garden would produce food that would sustain them. It would be a place where they could fellowship with God and have meaningful and productive work to accomplish. But because of sin, man’s relationship with the land changed. God proclaimed, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it” (Gen. 3:17). From that point on, farming became more difficult. Still, God continued to provide for His people. >> Most of us purchase our food from a grocery store. But if you have a garden or farm, you realize the work that goes into farming. Thank God for who He is as farmer and provider. It is by His hand that we are nourished. If you are keeping an image journal, draw or sketch something God has created for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several years ago, I had a student in class who was old enough to be my father. Over the course of the semester, I got to know him and hear his story. He was originally from Cambodia. As a teenager, he was forced to flee from his home when the Khmer Rouge rose to power. During the short reign of this regime, an estimated 1.7 million people were killed, including many members of this student’s family. This is just one example of the horrific power of state. In today’s reading, Daniel has a vision of a succession of kingdoms portrayed as terrifying beasts. Daniel himself lived under some of these regimes. In his lifetime, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem. He also saw the Persians conquer the Babylonians. He knew from experience the beast-like nature of empires. From a human perspective, these powerful empires seem all-powerful. Daniel describes the fourth beast as “terrifying and frightening and very powerful...it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left” (v. 7). Yet, it is important to remember that human governments are not a law unto themselves. There is a higher power to Whom they must answer. In contrast to the beasts, Daniel’s vision also includes a picture of God sitting on his throne as the judge (vv. 9–10). A judge is one who not only knows what justice is but who also can hold people accountable. In Daniel’s vision, the terrifying and oppressive beast is easily condemned and judged by God (v. 11). >> We often need to be reminded that God is the ultimate authority in the universe. While human tyrants may seem to get away with evil in the present, God will hold them accountable. One day, the Lord Jesus will return and rule over all: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (v. 14). We need not live in fear, but in the confident expectation of our future hope.

Several years ago, I had a student in class who was old enough to be my father. Over the course of the semester, I got to know him and hear his story. He was originally from Cambodia. As a teenager, he was forced to flee from his home when the Khmer Rouge rose to power. During the short reign of this regime, an estimated 1.7 million people were killed, including many members of this student’s family. This is just one example of the horrific power of state. In today’s reading, Daniel has a vision of a succession of kingdoms portrayed as terrifying beasts. Daniel himself lived under some of these regimes. In his lifetime, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem. He also saw the Persians conquer the Babylonians. He knew from experience the beast-like nature of empires. From a human perspective, these powerful empires seem all-powerful. Daniel describes the fourth beast as “terrifying and frightening and very powerful...it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left” (v. 7). Yet, it is important to remember that human governments are not a law unto themselves. There is a higher power to Whom they must answer. In contrast to the beasts, Daniel’s vision also includes a picture of God sitting on his throne as the judge (vv. 9–10). A judge is one who not only knows what justice is but who also can hold people accountable. In Daniel’s vision, the terrifying and oppressive beast is easily condemned and judged by God (v. 11). >> We often need to be reminded that God is the ultimate authority in the universe. While human tyrants may seem to get away with evil in the present, God will hold them accountable. One day, the Lord Jesus will return and rule over all: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (v. 14). We need not live in fear, but in the confident expectation of our future hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout its history, Israel was in an almost constant state of warfare. During the events described in the Old Testament, they were attacked by the Egyptians, Philistines, Moabites, Assyrians, and Babylonians—to name just a few enemies. In such a dangerous world, warriors were both common and necessary. In many places in Scripture, God is described as a warrior. In Exodus 15, Israel had achieved the unthinkable. They had escaped from Egypt, the most powerful nation on earth at the time. They did not escape because of their military prowess or their political savvy as negotiators. Instead, they were freed from slavery because God fought on their behalf. After the Egyptian army drowned in the Red Sea, Moses led Israel in a hymn of praise that proclaimed: “The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is his name” (v. 3). He silenced the prideful boasting of the Egyptian army (v. 9). God showed that He is unique. There is no one like Him. Egypt’s gods can’t compete (v. 11). As warrior, God often used forces of nature on His behalf. He parted the Red Sea, so Israel could walk through, and had it collapse back on the Egyptians. In other events of the Old Testament, God used hailstones and made the sun stand still (Josh. 10:1– 15). Other times, God empowered Israel to defeat their enemies (2 Sam. 5:22–25). God did not simply side with Israel though. When Israel was unfaithful to God, He fought against them (Deut. 28:25–26). In the New Testament, Paul uses warrior language to describe the victory Jesus accomplished on the cross (Col. 2:13–15). Our ultimate hope is that Jesus will return as a warrior and ultimately defeat Satan and the forces of evil (Rev. 19:11–16). >> You are not alone in your battles. When we pray to God for help, He is powerful enough to handle any situation. Jesus has already achieved victory over sin and death on the cross. He will be with us in our trials every step of the way.

Throughout its history, Israel was in an almost constant state of warfare. During the events described in the Old Testament, they were attacked by the Egyptians, Philistines, Moabites, Assyrians, and Babylonians—to name just a few enemies. In such a dangerous world, warriors were both common and necessary. In many places in Scripture, God is described as a warrior. In Exodus 15, Israel had achieved the unthinkable. They had escaped from Egypt, the most powerful nation on earth at the time. They did not escape because of their military prowess or their political savvy as negotiators. Instead, they were freed from slavery because God fought on their behalf. After the Egyptian army drowned in the Red Sea, Moses led Israel in a hymn of praise that proclaimed: “The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is his name” (v. 3). He silenced the prideful boasting of the Egyptian army (v. 9). God showed that He is unique. There is no one like Him. Egypt’s gods can’t compete (v. 11). As warrior, God often used forces of nature on His behalf. He parted the Red Sea, so Israel could walk through, and had it collapse back on the Egyptians. In other events of the Old Testament, God used hailstones and made the sun stand still (Josh. 10:1– 15). Other times, God empowered Israel to defeat their enemies (2 Sam. 5:22–25). God did not simply side with Israel though. When Israel was unfaithful to God, He fought against them (Deut. 28:25–26). In the New Testament, Paul uses warrior language to describe the victory Jesus accomplished on the cross (Col. 2:13–15). Our ultimate hope is that Jesus will return as a warrior and ultimately defeat Satan and the forces of evil (Rev. 19:11–16). >> You are not alone in your battles. When we pray to God for help, He is powerful enough to handle any situation. Jesus has already achieved victory over sin and death on the cross. He will be with us in our trials every step of the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building opened to great fanfare. At the time, it was the largest building in the world. The construction involved over 3,500 workers and took three years to complete. Architects, iron workers, stone masons, carpenters, and plumbers were all needed, along with many other specialties to craft the iconic building. In Job 38, God is the master builder. He created not a skyscraper but the entire universe! He alone is the Creator of everything. You may remember that the Old Testament book of Job shares the story of a man who had lost everything. His house, wealth, reputation, and his children had all been taken from him. Job could not fathom why. What had he done to deserve such calamity? Job’s intense suffering impacted his relationship with God, and he began to question God’s justice (Job 31:35). God met with Job “out of the storm” (v. 1), giving him a series of rhetorical questions that centered around God’s work in Creation. God presents himself as the main architect, carpenter, and builder of the world. He alone knows the secrets of the universe because He is its Creator. God is the master builder. How does God’s answer relate to Job’s question? God reminded Job of his place in the universe. The questions forced Job to reflect: “Where were you? Who are you? Have you ever? Are you able?” God was the Creator; Job was merely a creature. He was not to judge God. He did not have the information, the standing, or the capacity to do so. He had been speaking “words without knowledge” (v. 2). >> This is not an easy message to hear, but sometimes we need to be reminded of our limits before God. There are some things we will not know. But one truth we do know is that we worship a fully competent and caring Creator. We can trust in His sovereign rule.

On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building opened to great fanfare. At the time, it was the largest building in the world. The construction involved over 3,500 workers and took three years to complete. Architects, iron workers, stone masons, carpenters, and plumbers were all needed, along with many other specialties to craft the iconic building. In Job 38, God is the master builder. He created not a skyscraper but the entire universe! He alone is the Creator of everything. You may remember that the Old Testament book of Job shares the story of a man who had lost everything. His house, wealth, reputation, and his children had all been taken from him. Job could not fathom why. What had he done to deserve such calamity? Job’s intense suffering impacted his relationship with God, and he began to question God’s justice (Job 31:35). God met with Job “out of the storm” (v. 1), giving him a series of rhetorical questions that centered around God’s work in Creation. God presents himself as the main architect, carpenter, and builder of the world. He alone knows the secrets of the universe because He is its Creator. God is the master builder. How does God’s answer relate to Job’s question? God reminded Job of his place in the universe. The questions forced Job to reflect: “Where were you? Who are you? Have you ever? Are you able?” God was the Creator; Job was merely a creature. He was not to judge God. He did not have the information, the standing, or the capacity to do so. He had been speaking “words without knowledge” (v. 2). >> This is not an easy message to hear, but sometimes we need to be reminded of our limits before God. There are some things we will not know. But one truth we do know is that we worship a fully competent and caring Creator. We can trust in His sovereign rule.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people dream of being an archaeologist like Indiana Jones, discovering lost treasures from the ancient world. However, actual archaeological digs are usually not so spectacular. Pottery is one of the most common discoveries, in part because it is highly resistant to decay, but also because pottery was so widely used in ancient cultures. In today’s reading, God instructs Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s house (v. 2). Jeremiah notices that, in one case, a potter started to make one object, but the clay was not cooperating. Rather than giving up on the clay, the potter smashed it and shaped it into something else (v. 4). God used this scene to teach Israel about their relationship with Him. God is the potter, and Israel is the clay. There is a relationship between them. The clay can be unyielding to the potter’s hand, but the potter remains in control of what happens to the clay. God has the same kind of freedom as the potter (v. 6). This is both a warning and a source of hope for Israel. If God announces judgment against them and they repent, God can relent from His judgment and bless them (v. 8). But if they are rebellious against God, He can reconsider the good He had planned for them (v. 10). Just like a potter, God can change course in the midst of forming the clay to create something else. Tragically, Israel was being clay that was difficult to work with. They had forgotten God and turned to idols (v. 15). Most significantly, they remained unrepentant. They proclaimed, “It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; we will all follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts” (v. 12). >> Are you ever stubborn clay? We are at our best when we recognize our position before God. We need to realize that He is the potter. God has called us to submit so that He can shape us in the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).

Many people dream of being an archaeologist like Indiana Jones, discovering lost treasures from the ancient world. However, actual archaeological digs are usually not so spectacular. Pottery is one of the most common discoveries, in part because it is highly resistant to decay, but also because pottery was so widely used in ancient cultures. In today’s reading, God instructs Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s house (v. 2). Jeremiah notices that, in one case, a potter started to make one object, but the clay was not cooperating. Rather than giving up on the clay, the potter smashed it and shaped it into something else (v. 4). God used this scene to teach Israel about their relationship with Him. God is the potter, and Israel is the clay. There is a relationship between them. The clay can be unyielding to the potter’s hand, but the potter remains in control of what happens to the clay. God has the same kind of freedom as the potter (v. 6). This is both a warning and a source of hope for Israel. If God announces judgment against them and they repent, God can relent from His judgment and bless them (v. 8). But if they are rebellious against God, He can reconsider the good He had planned for them (v. 10). Just like a potter, God can change course in the midst of forming the clay to create something else. Tragically, Israel was being clay that was difficult to work with. They had forgotten God and turned to idols (v. 15). Most significantly, they remained unrepentant. They proclaimed, “It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; we will all follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts” (v. 12). >> Are you ever stubborn clay? We are at our best when we recognize our position before God. We need to realize that He is the potter. God has called us to submit so that He can shape us in the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“It is legal because I want it,” King Louis XVI said. This quote embodies the attitude of monarchs throughout history. And while the Bible recognizes the authority of human kings and rulers, God is the King of kings! Any human king is under God’s authority. Daniel 4 is an unusual chapter. It is the only place in Scripture where a Gentile king is allowed to speak for himself. In the form of a letter or proclamation, Nebuchadnezzar testifies about God’s work in his life. He recounts a dream he had about a mighty tree that was cut down. Naturally, he turned to Daniel for its interpretation. Daniel declares that God has pronounced judgment on Nebuchadnezzar for his pride. He would be “driven away from people” and “live with the wild animals” until he acknowledges the truth that “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth” (v. 25). And that is exactly what happened. One day, while Nebuchadnezzar was relaxing on the palace roof, he surveyed the city and boasted, “Is this not the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (v. 30). While the words were still on his lips, God pronounced judgment on him. The once mighty king was reduced to living with animals and eating grass like an ox until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty (v. 33). Imagine if you lived at that time. King Nebuchadnezzar looked all- powerful. What a striking object lesson to see a person who seemed so majestic now humbled in such a dramatic and public way. When the king finally acknowledged God, his sanity was restored. He declared, “[God’s] dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation” (v. 34). >> It is easy for us to get discouraged by the failures of human leaders. But be encouraged today! No matter how things may look at times, God is on the throne. Even those who walk in pride, “he is able to humble” (v. 37).

“It is legal because I want it,” King Louis XVI said. This quote embodies the attitude of monarchs throughout history. And while the Bible recognizes the authority of human kings and rulers, God is the King of kings! Any human king is under God’s authority. Daniel 4 is an unusual chapter. It is the only place in Scripture where a Gentile king is allowed to speak for himself. In the form of a letter or proclamation, Nebuchadnezzar testifies about God’s work in his life. He recounts a dream he had about a mighty tree that was cut down. Naturally, he turned to Daniel for its interpretation. Daniel declares that God has pronounced judgment on Nebuchadnezzar for his pride. He would be “driven away from people” and “live with the wild animals” until he acknowledges the truth that “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth” (v. 25). And that is exactly what happened. One day, while Nebuchadnezzar was relaxing on the palace roof, he surveyed the city and boasted, “Is this not the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (v. 30). While the words were still on his lips, God pronounced judgment on him. The once mighty king was reduced to living with animals and eating grass like an ox until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty (v. 33). Imagine if you lived at that time. King Nebuchadnezzar looked all- powerful. What a striking object lesson to see a person who seemed so majestic now humbled in such a dramatic and public way. When the king finally acknowledged God, his sanity was restored. He declared, “[God’s] dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation” (v. 34). >> It is easy for us to get discouraged by the failures of human leaders. But be encouraged today! No matter how things may look at times, God is on the throne. Even those who walk in pride, “he is able to humble” (v. 37).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is almost nothing worse than working for a bad leader, in a workplace filled with confusion, mistrust, and frustration. On the other hand, when we work for a good leader, even the most difficult job can seem bearable. Again and again, the Bible refers to God as King. In democratic nations, we may be a bit suspicious of that title. But unlike many earthly kings, God is not an elevated tyrant concerned only with his own power and privilege. In today’s reading, the Psalmist celebrates God’s rule with great enthusiasm: “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises” (v. 6). Psalm 47 celebrates God’s rule over all the earth, including all the nations (vv. 1–2). As believers, we owe Him our allegiance. We can trust God as King. Our King wants to hear from us. He delights to receive our worship (v. 6). He cares for us personally and is intimately involved in our lives. David declares, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Ps. 145:18). The fact that God rules over all things gives us hope. This psalm looks forward to a time when God’s rule will be recognized by all people (vv. 8 9). When Jesus returns to rule from Jerusalem, “He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation” (Micah 4:3). >> What does it mean to live under God’s rule in the present? One way is to remember that our lives are not our own, but everything we have belongs to Him (1 Cor. 6:19–20). We submit to God as King in every area of our lives, trust in His wisdom and guidance, and seek to glorify Him in all that we do.

There is almost nothing worse than working for a bad leader, in a workplace filled with confusion, mistrust, and frustration. On the other hand, when we work for a good leader, even the most difficult job can seem bearable. Again and again, the Bible refers to God as King. In democratic nations, we may be a bit suspicious of that title. But unlike many earthly kings, God is not an elevated tyrant concerned only with his own power and privilege. In today’s reading, the Psalmist celebrates God’s rule with great enthusiasm: “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises” (v. 6). Psalm 47 celebrates God’s rule over all the earth, including all the nations (vv. 1–2). As believers, we owe Him our allegiance. We can trust God as King. Our King wants to hear from us. He delights to receive our worship (v. 6). He cares for us personally and is intimately involved in our lives. David declares, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Ps. 145:18). The fact that God rules over all things gives us hope. This psalm looks forward to a time when God’s rule will be recognized by all people (vv. 8 9). When Jesus returns to rule from Jerusalem, “He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation” (Micah 4:3). >> What does it mean to live under God’s rule in the present? One way is to remember that our lives are not our own, but everything we have belongs to Him (1 Cor. 6:19–20). We submit to God as King in every area of our lives, trust in His wisdom and guidance, and seek to glorify Him in all that we do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that there are over a billion sheep on the earth today? In New Zealand, sheep outnumber people five to one! Humans have a long history of tending sheep. Since sheep are naturally defenseless against predators, they tend to be nervous and easily frightened. If you think about it, we have a lot in common with sheep. The world often seems like a dangerous place. Anxiety and fear are rampant today, even among the most wealthy and successful. In today’s reading, the Psalmist expresses deep distress. Instead of peacefully sleeping through the night, he groans and stretches out his hands to heaven in desperation (vv. 2–3). He laments to God: “You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak” (v. 4). Most disturbing was the fact that his situation made him question God’s faithfulness. He wondered if God would keep His covenant promises and be true to His nature as compassionate and gracious (vv. 7–9). These troubling doubts increased his anxiety. Imagine, if a sheep started questioning the shepherd’s care and trustworthiness! The Psalmist then paused and encouraged himself to remember who God is and what He had done (vv. 11–12). He reflected on God’s stunning deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. He reminded himself that God is powerful and cares about His people. Verses 16–18 remind us of the disciple’s observations about Jesus: “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matt. 8:27). This powerful, mighty God is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Note the comparison of God’s people to a “flock” in verse 20. >> Sheep need a shepherd to protect, lead, and calm them. We need that too! When doubts creep in, remember what God has done for you. Best of all, God showed His love by sending Jesus to save us from sin. He made a way for us to be in fellowship with Him. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Ps. 23:1).

Did you know that there are over a billion sheep on the earth today? In New Zealand, sheep outnumber people five to one! Humans have a long history of tending sheep. Since sheep are naturally defenseless against predators, they tend to be nervous and easily frightened. If you think about it, we have a lot in common with sheep. The world often seems like a dangerous place. Anxiety and fear are rampant today, even among the most wealthy and successful. In today’s reading, the Psalmist expresses deep distress. Instead of peacefully sleeping through the night, he groans and stretches out his hands to heaven in desperation (vv. 2–3). He laments to God: “You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak” (v. 4). Most disturbing was the fact that his situation made him question God’s faithfulness. He wondered if God would keep His covenant promises and be true to His nature as compassionate and gracious (vv. 7–9). These troubling doubts increased his anxiety. Imagine, if a sheep started questioning the shepherd’s care and trustworthiness! The Psalmist then paused and encouraged himself to remember who God is and what He had done (vv. 11–12). He reflected on God’s stunning deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. He reminded himself that God is powerful and cares about His people. Verses 16–18 remind us of the disciple’s observations about Jesus: “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matt. 8:27). This powerful, mighty God is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Note the comparison of God’s people to a “flock” in verse 20. >> Sheep need a shepherd to protect, lead, and calm them. We need that too! When doubts creep in, remember what God has done for you. Best of all, God showed His love by sending Jesus to save us from sin. He made a way for us to be in fellowship with Him. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Ps. 23:1).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What animal is mentioned most often in the Bible? If you guessed “sheep,” you are right! Sheep were an important part of the economy of ancient Israel. It is no surprise that many biblical characters spent at least some of their life as shepherds, including Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Moses, David, and Amos. Shepherding in Israel was different than it is today. There were no fenced-in fields. Instead, shepherds had to be with their sheep to protect them from predators, lead them to good pasture, shelter them from the weather, and tend to their injuries. Shepherds became symbols of good leadership. Like shepherds, good leaders are compassionate, caring, and protective of those under their care. In today’s reading, God denounces the so-called shepherds of Israel. The priests and leaders of Israel had failed. They had extorted their people and did not care for them (vv. 2–4). They have not tended the sick and weak or sought the lost. They did not lead with compassion but with harsh brutality (v. 4). God declares that He will personally shepherd His people (v. 11). He will seek the lost, heal the sick, provide, and protect His people (vv. 11–14). This type of leadership is personal, sacrificial, and loving. He protects the weak from the oppression of the strong (vv. 20–21). In verses 23–24, God says He will shepherd His people through “my servant David.” Ezekiel is writing during the exile, long after David. The promise is that there will be a coming Davidic ruler who will be the ultimate Good Shepherd. This promise is fulfilled by the Lord Jesus. Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). >> As followers of Jesus, we have a Shepherd who cares for us, guides us, protects us, and loves us. What a gift this is! Perhaps it is time to return to your image journal and paint an image of a Shepherd caring for the sheep.

What animal is mentioned most often in the Bible? If you guessed “sheep,” you are right! Sheep were an important part of the economy of ancient Israel. It is no surprise that many biblical characters spent at least some of their life as shepherds, including Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Moses, David, and Amos. Shepherding in Israel was different than it is today. There were no fenced-in fields. Instead, shepherds had to be with their sheep to protect them from predators, lead them to good pasture, shelter them from the weather, and tend to their injuries. Shepherds became symbols of good leadership. Like shepherds, good leaders are compassionate, caring, and protective of those under their care. In today’s reading, God denounces the so-called shepherds of Israel. The priests and leaders of Israel had failed. They had extorted their people and did not care for them (vv. 2–4). They have not tended the sick and weak or sought the lost. They did not lead with compassion but with harsh brutality (v. 4). God declares that He will personally shepherd His people (v. 11). He will seek the lost, heal the sick, provide, and protect His people (vv. 11–14). This type of leadership is personal, sacrificial, and loving. He protects the weak from the oppression of the strong (vv. 20–21). In verses 23–24, God says He will shepherd His people through “my servant David.” Ezekiel is writing during the exile, long after David. The promise is that there will be a coming Davidic ruler who will be the ultimate Good Shepherd. This promise is fulfilled by the Lord Jesus. Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). >> As followers of Jesus, we have a Shepherd who cares for us, guides us, protects us, and loves us. What a gift this is! Perhaps it is time to return to your image journal and paint an image of a Shepherd caring for the sheep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The largest bear species in the world is the polar bear. Male polar bears can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and stand up to 9 feet 10 inches tall! While ancient Israel did not have any polar bears, they did have a respect and fear of a bear’s power. There is a proverb in the book of Amos where the prophet says, “It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear” (5:19). That is similar to our proverb “Out of the frying pan and into the fire.” In Hosea 13, God pronounces a judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel had engaged in idol worship and even offered human sacrifices, something God detested. They had done this although God had delivered them from slavery to Egypt and warned them to “acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me” (v. 4). They forgot their dependence on God and became proud. Because of their rebellion, God declares that He will come as a judge. He uses three animal metaphors to describe His anger toward Israel. He will be like a lion, a leopard, and climactically like a “bear robbed of her cubs” (v. 8). No one wants to get between a bear and its cubs! The image is clear, fierce judgment is coming. Part of God’s judgment is to give Israel what they wanted, the kind of leadership they asked for (v. 10). God knows this will only lead to ruin. God is heartbroken over the sin of His people. This passage reminds us of the seriousness of sin. God is not to be trifled with. He desires our allegiance. >> In modern culture, we tend to focus on God as love. We see Him as our friend. But it’s good to remember that we serve a powerful, almighty God who will judge and punish sin. Understanding this attribute of God makes us even more thankful for our salvation.

The largest bear species in the world is the polar bear. Male polar bears can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and stand up to 9 feet 10 inches tall! While ancient Israel did not have any polar bears, they did have a respect and fear of a bear’s power. There is a proverb in the book of Amos where the prophet says, “It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear” (5:19). That is similar to our proverb “Out of the frying pan and into the fire.” In Hosea 13, God pronounces a judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel had engaged in idol worship and even offered human sacrifices, something God detested. They had done this although God had delivered them from slavery to Egypt and warned them to “acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me” (v. 4). They forgot their dependence on God and became proud. Because of their rebellion, God declares that He will come as a judge. He uses three animal metaphors to describe His anger toward Israel. He will be like a lion, a leopard, and climactically like a “bear robbed of her cubs” (v. 8). No one wants to get between a bear and its cubs! The image is clear, fierce judgment is coming. Part of God’s judgment is to give Israel what they wanted, the kind of leadership they asked for (v. 10). God knows this will only lead to ruin. God is heartbroken over the sin of His people. This passage reminds us of the seriousness of sin. God is not to be trifled with. He desires our allegiance. >> In modern culture, we tend to focus on God as love. We see Him as our friend. But it’s good to remember that we serve a powerful, almighty God who will judge and punish sin. Understanding this attribute of God makes us even more thankful for our salvation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A baby bird is entirely dependent on its parents for survival. The tiny creature lacks the ability to procure food or defend itself, even against the least agile predators. For safety a baby bird relies on its parents. In the face of danger, many bird species will shield their young by covering them with their wings, safeguarding them from predators or inclement weather. Today’s reading abounds with protective metaphors for God. God is a “shelter,” “refuge,” and “fortress” (vv. 1–2). One of the most poignant metaphors compares God to a bird sheltering its offspring under its wings. For a baby bird, there is no safer place on earth than under the wing of the parent. The Bible frequently states that we live in a world filled with threats. This psalm lists pestilence, plagues, and the threat of foreign armies as just a few examples (vv. 6–8). These threats can easily become the focus of our lives. We worry about losing our job, our health, or our relationships. The truth is that sometimes we do lose those things. The world is not a safe place. Yet, this psalm reminds us of another reality. These threats are not beyond God’s protective care or supervision. How are we to understand the lavish promises in this psalm? The psalmist declares that “no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent” (v. 10). Yet we may wonder why our daily experience proves otherwise. Many of the most godly people in the Bible faced persecution and suffering. These promises are best understood when referring to God’s ultimate defeat of evil at the return of Christ. While sitting in a prison cell, Paul wrote, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:18). >> Are you facing difficulties? No matter how threatening life can be on earth, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. His is a wing under which you can always find shelter.

A baby bird is entirely dependent on its parents for survival. The tiny creature lacks the ability to procure food or defend itself, even against the least agile predators. For safety a baby bird relies on its parents. In the face of danger, many bird species will shield their young by covering them with their wings, safeguarding them from predators or inclement weather. Today’s reading abounds with protective metaphors for God. God is a “shelter,” “refuge,” and “fortress” (vv. 1–2). One of the most poignant metaphors compares God to a bird sheltering its offspring under its wings. For a baby bird, there is no safer place on earth than under the wing of the parent. The Bible frequently states that we live in a world filled with threats. This psalm lists pestilence, plagues, and the threat of foreign armies as just a few examples (vv. 6–8). These threats can easily become the focus of our lives. We worry about losing our job, our health, or our relationships. The truth is that sometimes we do lose those things. The world is not a safe place. Yet, this psalm reminds us of another reality. These threats are not beyond God’s protective care or supervision. How are we to understand the lavish promises in this psalm? The psalmist declares that “no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent” (v. 10). Yet we may wonder why our daily experience proves otherwise. Many of the most godly people in the Bible faced persecution and suffering. These promises are best understood when referring to God’s ultimate defeat of evil at the return of Christ. While sitting in a prison cell, Paul wrote, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:18). >> Are you facing difficulties? No matter how threatening life can be on earth, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. His is a wing under which you can always find shelter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin once proposed that a turkey should represent the United States on our national seal? Most Americans are probably grateful that instead, in 1782, the bald eagle was selected to adorn the Great Seal. The eagle has been a symbol of power and strength from ancient times. In Exodus 19, we read about another nation, Israel, that arrived at Mount Sinai. In this important passage, God summarizes the covenant relationship into which He was inviting Israel to enter with Him. He reminds Israel what He had done: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings” (v. 4). Here God compares His actions in the Exodus story to an eagle, symbolizing the speed and power of His deliverance. God makes an important point about why He delivered Israel. He did it not only to save Israel from slavery but also to bring them to Himself (v. 4). He desired to be in a close relationship with them. When we think about our salvation, it is important to remember the same truth. God delivered us not only to save us from sin and judgment but also to bring us into a relationship with Him (1 Cor. 1:9). In the remainder of the passage, God outlines His purpose for calling Israel. He called Israel to be His special people so they would be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (v. 6). They were not to ignore the rest of the world but represent God to them. They could do this through example, witness, and by keeping and proclaiming God’s Word. >> We are grateful that our God has brought salvation for His people. As those who hope in Him, we can claim this promise: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31).

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin once proposed that a turkey should represent the United States on our national seal? Most Americans are probably grateful that instead, in 1782, the bald eagle was selected to adorn the Great Seal. The eagle has been a symbol of power and strength from ancient times. In Exodus 19, we read about another nation, Israel, that arrived at Mount Sinai. In this important passage, God summarizes the covenant relationship into which He was inviting Israel to enter with Him. He reminds Israel what He had done: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings” (v. 4). Here God compares His actions in the Exodus story to an eagle, symbolizing the speed and power of His deliverance. God makes an important point about why He delivered Israel. He did it not only to save Israel from slavery but also to bring them to Himself (v. 4). He desired to be in a close relationship with them. When we think about our salvation, it is important to remember the same truth. God delivered us not only to save us from sin and judgment but also to bring us into a relationship with Him (1 Cor. 1:9). In the remainder of the passage, God outlines His purpose for calling Israel. He called Israel to be His special people so they would be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (v. 6). They were not to ignore the rest of the world but represent God to them. They could do this through example, witness, and by keeping and proclaiming God’s Word. >> We are grateful that our God has brought salvation for His people. As those who hope in Him, we can claim this promise: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So far in our study, we have reflected on objects that are used as metaphors for God. God has been compared to light, a refuge, water, a rock, fire, a shield, and a strong tower. Today and for the next few days we will examine passages that compare God to an animal. In Isaiah 31, the prophet was addressing a nation in crisis. The fierce Assyrian army had threatened Judah’s existence. Judah looked to Egypt for an ally, thinking that if they could associate with another powerful nation, they could save themselves. God warns Judah not to be like those who “trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD” (v. 1). Our God is a greater ally than any human army (v. 3). To drive this point home, God paints a vivid image. Imagine a lion crouched over and defending its prey. Even if a group of shepherds tried to scare the lion away, it is not going anywhere (v. 4). That is how fiercely God will protect Judah. The image of a lion evokes great power and irresistible strength. We have a bike path by our house with a particular spot where red-winged blackbirds nest. In the spring, when we walk by that area, we are often bombarded by protective blackbird mothers. That is similar to another animal image God uses for Himself here: “Like birds hovering overhead, the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem” (v. 5). >> Because God is fiercely powerful and protective of His children, we have no reason to fear. While we may not have an army breathing down our neck, we still worry about things such as the economy, job loss, or cultural change. Take comfort that God is the same today as He was in the past. He shelters and protects His own.

So far in our study, we have reflected on objects that are used as metaphors for God. God has been compared to light, a refuge, water, a rock, fire, a shield, and a strong tower. Today and for the next few days we will examine passages that compare God to an animal. In Isaiah 31, the prophet was addressing a nation in crisis. The fierce Assyrian army had threatened Judah’s existence. Judah looked to Egypt for an ally, thinking that if they could associate with another powerful nation, they could save themselves. God warns Judah not to be like those who “trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD” (v. 1). Our God is a greater ally than any human army (v. 3). To drive this point home, God paints a vivid image. Imagine a lion crouched over and defending its prey. Even if a group of shepherds tried to scare the lion away, it is not going anywhere (v. 4). That is how fiercely God will protect Judah. The image of a lion evokes great power and irresistible strength. We have a bike path by our house with a particular spot where red-winged blackbirds nest. In the spring, when we walk by that area, we are often bombarded by protective blackbird mothers. That is similar to another animal image God uses for Himself here: “Like birds hovering overhead, the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem” (v. 5). >> Because God is fiercely powerful and protective of His children, we have no reason to fear. While we may not have an army breathing down our neck, we still worry about things such as the economy, job loss, or cultural change. Take comfort that God is the same today as He was in the past. He shelters and protects His own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever heard of someone who lives in an “ivory tower”? That kind of image is often used to describe someone who is out of touch with reality. While they might be highly educated, they lack first-hand life experience. The word “tower” occurs 50 times in the Bible, but never in that sense. The tower in the Bible refers to a military fortress. Cities had towers built into the corners of the wall as defensive fortifications. They also had a tower in the middle of the city as a final stronghold if the enemy was able to breech the outer wall. If you lived in a city in ancient Israel, these towers would be a daily visual reminder of a place of safety and security. In today’s reading there are two proverbs that are intentionally paired with one another in verses 10–11. These two verses paint a contrasting picture between the righteous and the wealthy. Where do they turn for safety and security? For the righteous, “the name of the LORD is a fortified tower” (v. 10). They find their security and trust in God. When difficulties come, they know exactly where to go. They do not hesitate or wander between this tower and that one. Instead, they “run to it [the LORD] and are safe” (v. 10). By contrast, the strong tower of the rich is often their wealth (v. 11). They “imagine it a wall too high to scale” (v. 11). The word “imagine” is the key one. They think their wealth will save them but it is no match for the kind of strong tower that the Lord provides. Not every wealthy person trusts in their riches instead of God. But trusting in wealth is a special challenge for those who have much (Matt. 19:23–24). >> Take a few minutes and reflect on the image of God as a tower. Where do you run to for safety and security? When challenges come in life, do you run to the Lord?

Have you ever heard of someone who lives in an “ivory tower”? That kind of image is often used to describe someone who is out of touch with reality. While they might be highly educated, they lack first-hand life experience. The word “tower” occurs 50 times in the Bible, but never in that sense. The tower in the Bible refers to a military fortress. Cities had towers built into the corners of the wall as defensive fortifications. They also had a tower in the middle of the city as a final stronghold if the enemy was able to breech the outer wall. If you lived in a city in ancient Israel, these towers would be a daily visual reminder of a place of safety and security. In today’s reading there are two proverbs that are intentionally paired with one another in verses 10–11. These two verses paint a contrasting picture between the righteous and the wealthy. Where do they turn for safety and security? For the righteous, “the name of the LORD is a fortified tower” (v. 10). They find their security and trust in God. When difficulties come, they know exactly where to go. They do not hesitate or wander between this tower and that one. Instead, they “run to it [the LORD] and are safe” (v. 10). By contrast, the strong tower of the rich is often their wealth (v. 11). They “imagine it a wall too high to scale” (v. 11). The word “imagine” is the key one. They think their wealth will save them but it is no match for the kind of strong tower that the Lord provides. Not every wealthy person trusts in their riches instead of God. But trusting in wealth is a special challenge for those who have much (Matt. 19:23–24). >> Take a few minutes and reflect on the image of God as a tower. Where do you run to for safety and security? When challenges come in life, do you run to the Lord?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of a shield, what comes to mind? Superheroes? Knights of the Round Table? In Genesis 15, God describes Himself as “a shield.” Abram had just rescued his nephew Lot along with the other residents of Sodom and Gomorrah from a group of marauding kings (Gen. 14:1–24). This was a stunning military achievement for a man who was not an experienced warrior. Clearly, God had been at work. Yet, the victory put Abram in a vulnerable position. He had made enemies. Remember that he was not living among his own people and could not count on the support of those around him. God appeared to Abram in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (v. 1). A shield was designed to protect a soldier from arrows or spear thrusts. God told Abram that he had no cause for worry. He would protect him. Abram’s response is surprising. He asks God how he can trust His promise since he was still childless (vv. 2–3). Remember, God had promised that Abram’s offspring would become a great nation (Gen. 12:1–3). Years had gone by, yet Sarah and Abram still did not have any children. Abram wondered if God was able to keep this new promise if He had not followed through on the first one. God asked Abram to come outside and look at the stars. Imagine being in the wilderness with no ambient light. God proclaimed, “So shall your offspring be” (v. 5). God was reminding Abram that He has created the stars. Could not the One who spoke the universe into existence be trusted to keep His word today? Abram believed God (v. 6). >> God is your shield. He protects and defends you as well. Just like Abram, we are called to trust in God and His Word. We can be grateful that the Creator of the universe is active on our behalf today.

When you think of a shield, what comes to mind? Superheroes? Knights of the Round Table? In Genesis 15, God describes Himself as “a shield.” Abram had just rescued his nephew Lot along with the other residents of Sodom and Gomorrah from a group of marauding kings (Gen. 14:1–24). This was a stunning military achievement for a man who was not an experienced warrior. Clearly, God had been at work. Yet, the victory put Abram in a vulnerable position. He had made enemies. Remember that he was not living among his own people and could not count on the support of those around him. God appeared to Abram in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (v. 1). A shield was designed to protect a soldier from arrows or spear thrusts. God told Abram that he had no cause for worry. He would protect him. Abram’s response is surprising. He asks God how he can trust His promise since he was still childless (vv. 2–3). Remember, God had promised that Abram’s offspring would become a great nation (Gen. 12:1–3). Years had gone by, yet Sarah and Abram still did not have any children. Abram wondered if God was able to keep this new promise if He had not followed through on the first one. God asked Abram to come outside and look at the stars. Imagine being in the wilderness with no ambient light. God proclaimed, “So shall your offspring be” (v. 5). God was reminding Abram that He has created the stars. Could not the One who spoke the universe into existence be trusted to keep His word today? Abram believed God (v. 6). >> God is your shield. He protects and defends you as well. Just like Abram, we are called to trust in God and His Word. We can be grateful that the Creator of the universe is active on our behalf today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you imagine a world without fire? Fire provides us with light in the dark and warmth in the cold. Fire enables us to cook food, refine metals, and power a car. Yet, fire is also dangerous. It can destroy homes and cities. The ancient Greek culture highlighted the importance of fire by naming it as one of the four basic elements along with water, air, and earth. In the Old Testament, God’s appearances are often described as fire. God appeared to Abraham as a torch of fire (Gen. 15:17). He appeared to Moses in the burning bush and as a fire on Mount Sinai (Ex. 3:2; 19:18). Fire symbolizes God’s holiness and purity. Fire is also used to portray God’s anger. The prophet Nahum asks, “Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him” (Nah. 1:6). In today’s reading, Moses reminds Israel that God did not appear to them in the form of any image or shape. Instead, God spoke to them “out of the fire” (v. 15). Fire is flickering and immaterial (the opposite of solid). The choice of fire was meant to teach Israel that they should not make an image of God in the form of any created thing (vv. 16–19). Their worship of God should not be inspired by an object. Instead, they should remember what God had done for them. How He had redeemed them from Egypt (v. 20). Their focus should be on God’s words and deeds. >> We may be tempted to worship a god created by our own imagination. John Calvin remarked that the human heart is “a perpetual factory of idols.” Yet, God made Himself known to us in Scripture. He desires our full and undivided worship. If we turn to false gods, we risk being the object of God’s anger. As Moses reminds us, “the LORD your God is a consuming fire” (v. 24).

Can you imagine a world without fire? Fire provides us with light in the dark and warmth in the cold. Fire enables us to cook food, refine metals, and power a car. Yet, fire is also dangerous. It can destroy homes and cities. The ancient Greek culture highlighted the importance of fire by naming it as one of the four basic elements along with water, air, and earth. In the Old Testament, God’s appearances are often described as fire. God appeared to Abraham as a torch of fire (Gen. 15:17). He appeared to Moses in the burning bush and as a fire on Mount Sinai (Ex. 3:2; 19:18). Fire symbolizes God’s holiness and purity. Fire is also used to portray God’s anger. The prophet Nahum asks, “Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him” (Nah. 1:6). In today’s reading, Moses reminds Israel that God did not appear to them in the form of any image or shape. Instead, God spoke to them “out of the fire” (v. 15). Fire is flickering and immaterial (the opposite of solid). The choice of fire was meant to teach Israel that they should not make an image of God in the form of any created thing (vv. 16–19). Their worship of God should not be inspired by an object. Instead, they should remember what God had done for them. How He had redeemed them from Egypt (v. 20). Their focus should be on God’s words and deeds. >> We may be tempted to worship a god created by our own imagination. John Calvin remarked that the human heart is “a perpetual factory of idols.” Yet, God made Himself known to us in Scripture. He desires our full and undivided worship. If we turn to false gods, we risk being the object of God’s anger. As Moses reminds us, “the LORD your God is a consuming fire” (v. 24).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking back on his life, David must have been amazed at all the trials he had endured and how much he had accomplished. He began his journey as a humble shepherd, went on to face the giant Goliath, served in Saul’s court, became a fugitive living in the wilderness, worked as a hired soldier for the Philistines, and ultimately ascended to the throne of Israel. In 2 Samuel 22, David reflects on a time when God delivered him from Saul. Although he may have composed this poem shortly after the event, it is included at this point in the book to provide a fitting summary of David’s relationship with God. In the central image of this poem, David describes God as a rock. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (v. 2). “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?” (v. 32). In a world before the invention of powerful drills or explosives, a rock was the ultimate picture of stability and strength. If you were wandering in the desert, a rock would be a welcome sight. It would provide needed shade and shelter from the sun. Throughout the trials of David’s life, God had been his rock. God was his source of safety and security. No matter what he was going through, he could call upon the Lord knowing that God would hear and provide (v. 7). When it seemed like the world was crashing down around him, he could count on God (v. 8). >> God is your rock too! Solid. Strong. Certain. We can cling to Him when everything else seems uncertain, knowing that He will never let us down. God met our deepest need through the death and resurrection of Jesus for our sin. We can declare with David, “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!” (v. 47).

Looking back on his life, David must have been amazed at all the trials he had endured and how much he had accomplished. He began his journey as a humble shepherd, went on to face the giant Goliath, served in Saul’s court, became a fugitive living in the wilderness, worked as a hired soldier for the Philistines, and ultimately ascended to the throne of Israel. In 2 Samuel 22, David reflects on a time when God delivered him from Saul. Although he may have composed this poem shortly after the event, it is included at this point in the book to provide a fitting summary of David’s relationship with God. In the central image of this poem, David describes God as a rock. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (v. 2). “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?” (v. 32). In a world before the invention of powerful drills or explosives, a rock was the ultimate picture of stability and strength. If you were wandering in the desert, a rock would be a welcome sight. It would provide needed shade and shelter from the sun. Throughout the trials of David’s life, God had been his rock. God was his source of safety and security. No matter what he was going through, he could call upon the Lord knowing that God would hear and provide (v. 7). When it seemed like the world was crashing down around him, he could count on God (v. 8). >> God is your rock too! Solid. Strong. Certain. We can cling to Him when everything else seems uncertain, knowing that He will never let us down. God met our deepest need through the death and resurrection of Jesus for our sin. We can declare with David, “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!” (v. 47).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Water is one of our most basic needs. Without it, our bodies quickly break down. Yet, it is very easy to take it for granted. When I get home from work, my wife has never asked me, “Did you get enough water to drink today?” It just doesn’t seem that important. However, if I did not have easy access to water, it would quickly become an obsession. Psalm 42 opens with one of the most memorable images in the Psalter. The Psalmist’s longing for God is compared to a deer in the wilderness panting for water. The reason why the psalmist longs for God so desperately is that God seems absent. When things are going well, it is easy to take God for granted. But that is not the case here. The psalmist laments, “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (v. 3). This taunt of his enemies pierces his soul because he wonders about the same thing: Where has God gone? Why has God forgotten me? (v. 9). Yet even amid his sorrow and sense of abandonment, he knows God is with him. He tells himself, “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me” (v. 8). He preaches to himself, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God” (v. 11). He ultimately knows that God cares for him as his Savior and protector (v. 11). He also knows that he needs God as desperately as a man dying of thirst needs water. >> God is the foundational source of our life. While we may sometimes take God for granted, without His constant care we would not survive. Like the Psalmist, we thirst for God. Even in times of fear or sorrow, we can completely trust in God’s love, care, and provision.

Water is one of our most basic needs. Without it, our bodies quickly break down. Yet, it is very easy to take it for granted. When I get home from work, my wife has never asked me, “Did you get enough water to drink today?” It just doesn’t seem that important. However, if I did not have easy access to water, it would quickly become an obsession. Psalm 42 opens with one of the most memorable images in the Psalter. The Psalmist’s longing for God is compared to a deer in the wilderness panting for water. The reason why the psalmist longs for God so desperately is that God seems absent. When things are going well, it is easy to take God for granted. But that is not the case here. The psalmist laments, “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (v. 3). This taunt of his enemies pierces his soul because he wonders about the same thing: Where has God gone? Why has God forgotten me? (v. 9). Yet even amid his sorrow and sense of abandonment, he knows God is with him. He tells himself, “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me” (v. 8). He preaches to himself, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God” (v. 11). He ultimately knows that God cares for him as his Savior and protector (v. 11). He also knows that he needs God as desperately as a man dying of thirst needs water. >> God is the foundational source of our life. While we may sometimes take God for granted, without His constant care we would not survive. Like the Psalmist, we thirst for God. Even in times of fear or sorrow, we can completely trust in God’s love, care, and provision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all remember childhood games where there was a “safe” place. If you got to it, you could not be tagged or pursued. As adults we look to many things for security. When facing difficulty, we turn to our family, our friends, or even the comfort of our home. In today’s reading, David was in a challenging situation. Traps had been set for him (v. 4). He was sorrowful and downcast with grief (vv. 9–10). Not only did his enemies oppose him, but he had become the object of malicious gossip (vv. 11–12). In this crisis, David describes the Lord as his refuge. God is his ultimate safe place. David knows he cannot trust in his own ability, military might, or even the strength of his fortifications. Instead, he asks God to be “my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me” (v. 2). He trusts in God’s faithfulness and acknowledges that “my times are in your hands” (v. 15). He knows God ultimately wants what is best for him (v 19). Over and over in the Psalms, God is described as a refuge. This does not mean that dangers and trials will not come our way. But during these perils, we can turn to God as “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Jesus demonstrated this trust on Good Friday. With His dying breath, He proclaimed to the Father, using the words of this psalm, “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 5; Luke 23:46). God the Father was His refuge. While Jesus would endure the pain of the crucifixion, He would be vindicated in His resurrection. >> Do you think of God as your refuge? He is your safe place when trials come! The psalms proclaim that God is our refuge and strength both for now and for eternity. If you can draw, try to portray a refuge, a hiding place of safety and comfort.

We all remember childhood games where there was a “safe” place. If you got to it, you could not be tagged or pursued. As adults we look to many things for security. When facing difficulty, we turn to our family, our friends, or even the comfort of our home. In today’s reading, David was in a challenging situation. Traps had been set for him (v. 4). He was sorrowful and downcast with grief (vv. 9–10). Not only did his enemies oppose him, but he had become the object of malicious gossip (vv. 11–12). In this crisis, David describes the Lord as his refuge. God is his ultimate safe place. David knows he cannot trust in his own ability, military might, or even the strength of his fortifications. Instead, he asks God to be “my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me” (v. 2). He trusts in God’s faithfulness and acknowledges that “my times are in your hands” (v. 15). He knows God ultimately wants what is best for him (v 19). Over and over in the Psalms, God is described as a refuge. This does not mean that dangers and trials will not come our way. But during these perils, we can turn to God as “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Jesus demonstrated this trust on Good Friday. With His dying breath, He proclaimed to the Father, using the words of this psalm, “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 5; Luke 23:46). God the Father was His refuge. While Jesus would endure the pain of the crucifixion, He would be vindicated in His resurrection. >> Do you think of God as your refuge? He is your safe place when trials come! The psalms proclaim that God is our refuge and strength both for now and for eternity. If you can draw, try to portray a refuge, a hiding place of safety and comfort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that the Bible begins and ends with references to light? Light was the first thing God created (Gen. 1:3). In Revelation 22:5, we learn that when we are reunited with Jesus all traces of darkness will finally be gone: “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.” In the Bible, light is a representation of God’s presence and glory (2 Chron. 5:13–14; Ex. 34:29). Light stands for goodness and holiness as opposed to evil (John 3:20). Light is truth as opposed to the darkness of falsehood (Ps. 19:8; 119:105). Light is a symbol of God’s favor and blessing (Prov. 4:18; Num. 6:24–26). Today’s passage, Isaiah 60:1–22, looks forward to the redemption of Israel: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you” (v. 1). During the millennial kingdom, Israel will recognize the Messiah and the nations will stream to Zion to know the Lord (v. 3). In this time, God is described as light, “the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end” (v. 20). The hope that Isaiah 60 describes is for Israel and the nations to be in the “everlasting light” of the Lord (v. 20). This means they will be in the very presence of God and fully experience His glory. At that time, evil will be abolished and defeated (v. 21). Throughout this passage and elsewhere through Scripture, light is used as a symbol of God’s blessing and favor. We look forward to this time when God’s everlasting light will abolish darkness for good! >> Can you imagine living in God’s presence away from the effects of sin? Can you imagine a world where truth wins? No more darkness. No more sorrow! One day all people will submit to the Lord Jesus. That is our future hope.

Did you know that the Bible begins and ends with references to light? Light was the first thing God created (Gen. 1:3). In Revelation 22:5, we learn that when we are reunited with Jesus all traces of darkness will finally be gone: “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.” In the Bible, light is a representation of God’s presence and glory (2 Chron. 5:13–14; Ex. 34:29). Light stands for goodness and holiness as opposed to evil (John 3:20). Light is truth as opposed to the darkness of falsehood (Ps. 19:8; 119:105). Light is a symbol of God’s favor and blessing (Prov. 4:18; Num. 6:24–26). Today’s passage, Isaiah 60:1–22, looks forward to the redemption of Israel: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you” (v. 1). During the millennial kingdom, Israel will recognize the Messiah and the nations will stream to Zion to know the Lord (v. 3). In this time, God is described as light, “the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end” (v. 20). The hope that Isaiah 60 describes is for Israel and the nations to be in the “everlasting light” of the Lord (v. 20). This means they will be in the very presence of God and fully experience His glory. At that time, evil will be abolished and defeated (v. 21). Throughout this passage and elsewhere through Scripture, light is used as a symbol of God’s blessing and favor. We look forward to this time when God’s everlasting light will abolish darkness for good! >> Can you imagine living in God’s presence away from the effects of sin? Can you imagine a world where truth wins? No more darkness. No more sorrow! One day all people will submit to the Lord Jesus. That is our future hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The LORD is my shepherd.” Psalm 23 contains one of the most famous images of God in the Bible. In the original language, the phrase is only two words long. Yet, it would take a whole book to fully unpack its depth of meaning. This month, we will look at the way God reveals His character to us through images. In the Old Testament, God is described as a light, a shield, a rock, an eagle, a potter, a craftsman, an artist, a warrior, and a king, to name just a few. The images of God in the Bible are not meant to be exact or perfect representations. When the Bible compares God to a shepherd, it helps us more fully understand who He is. For example, shepherds in ancient Israel were often servants or hired hands. This does not mean that God is a hired hand. But Psalm 23 shows us how God is like a shepherd. He provides for us: “I lack nothing” (v. 1). What a powerful statement! He guides our way and cares for our needs: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters” (v. 2). God protects, loves, and cares for His people. In the same way, we are a lot like sheep. We trust our Shepherd and are blessed when we follow Him. A theologian explains how the Bible’s use of metaphor helps ignite our understanding: “Metaphor consists in bringing two sets of ideas close together, close enough for a spark to jump, but not too close, so that the spark, in jumping, illuminates for a moment the whole area around, changing perceptions as it does so.” We hope that this study will draw you closer to God and deepen your understanding of who He is. >> Since we are studying images, why not start a picture journal? Whether you are artistic or just love to doodle, try to capture images that teach you something about God using paint, colored pencils, or even crayons.

“The LORD is my shepherd.” Psalm 23 contains one of the most famous images of God in the Bible. In the original language, the phrase is only two words long. Yet, it would take a whole book to fully unpack its depth of meaning. This month, we will look at the way God reveals His character to us through images. In the Old Testament, God is described as a light, a shield, a rock, an eagle, a potter, a craftsman, an artist, a warrior, and a king, to name just a few. The The images of God in the Bible are not mean to be exact or perfect representations. When the Bible compares God to a shepherd, it helps us more fully understand who He is. For example, shepherds in ancient Israel were often servants or hired hands. This does not mean that God is a hired hand. But Psalm 23 shows us how God is like a shepherd. He provides for us: “I lack nothing” (v. 1). What a powerful statement! He guides our way and cares for our needs: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters” (v. 2). God protects, loves, and cares for His people. In the same way, we are a lot like sheep. We trust our Shepherd and are blessed when we follow Him. A theologian explains how the Bible’s use of metaphor helps ignite our understanding: “Metaphor consists in bringing two sets of ideas close together, close enough for a spark to jump, but not too close, so that the spark, in jumping, illuminates for a moment the whole area around, changing perceptions as it does so.” We hope that this study will draw you closer to God and deepen your understanding of who He is. >> Since we are studying images, why not start a picture journal? Whether you are artistic or just love to doodle, try to capture images that teach you something about God using paint, colored pencils, or even crayons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salvation is by grace. We cannot earn it. The gift we have received from Christ is so great that we could never pay it back. And although we cannot repay this debt, we still owe something to Jesus. As the old song says, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.” As we close our study of Paul’s letters from prison, we are reminded of all that we owe to Jesus. Many of the Christian duties Paul emphasized in his prison letters, especially in those sections that describe the nature of the Christian life, come together in the apostle’s appeal to Philemon. Philemon owes a debt of gratitude to Paul (v. 19). Onesimus, who had broken the law by running away, owes it to Philemon to return to him but in a humble spirit (v. 11; see also Eph. 6:5-6; Col. 3:22). Philemon, in turn, has an obligation to recognize that he and Onesimus are equals in Christ. Now that he belongs to Christ, Onesimus is “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave.” He should be even dearer to Philemon than he is to Paul “as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord” (v.16). Paul’s request calls for sacrifice on both parts. Onesimus sacrifices his pride by returning to his old master. Philemon will lose a servant if he sends Onesimus back to Paul. Commentators are divided on whether Paul expects Philemon to free Onesimus. Elsewhere, however, Paul warns Christians not to become enslaved and urges those who already are slaves to obtain their freedom if possible (1 Cor. 7:21–23). Paul tells Philemon to charge any wrong that Onesimus has done or debt he has incurred to Paul’s account (v. 18). If there is shared loss, there is also love. Love for one another, and ultimately for Christ. >> As we conclude these studies of Paul’s letters from prison, what are your takeaways? What have you learned about the Christian life? How has Paul encouraged you to become more faithful to Jesus?

Salvation is by grace. We cannot earn it. The gift we have received from Christ is so great that we could never pay it back. And although we cannot repay this debt, we still owe something to Jesus. As the old song says, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.” As we close our study of Paul’s letters from prison, we are reminded of all that we owe to Jesus. Many of the Christian duties Paul emphasized in his prison letters, especially in those sections that describe the nature of the Christian life, come together in the apostle’s appeal to Philemon. Philemon owes a debt of gratitude to Paul (v. 19). Onesimus, who had broken the law by running away, owes it to Philemon to return to him but in a humble spirit (v. 11; see also Eph. 6:5-6; Col. 3:22). Philemon, in turn, has an obligation to recognize that he and Onesimus are equals in Christ. Now that he belongs to Christ, Onesimus is “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave.” He should be even dearer to Philemon than he is to Paul “as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord” (v.16). Paul’s request calls for sacrifice on both parts. Onesimus sacrifices his pride by returning to his old master. Philemon will lose a servant if he sends Onesimus back to Paul. Commentators are divided on whether Paul expects Philemon to free Onesimus. Elsewhere, however, Paul warns Christians not to become enslaved and urges those who already are slaves to obtain their freedom if possible (1 Cor. 7:21–23). Paul tells Philemon to charge any wrong that Onesimus has done or debt he has incurred to Paul’s account (v. 18). If there is shared loss, there is also love. Love for one another, and ultimately for Christ. >> As we conclude these studies of Paul’s letters from prison, what are your takeaways? What have you learned about the Christian life? How has Paul encouraged you to become more faithful to Jesus?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frederick Douglass wrote, “I prayed for freedom for twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.” Onesimus tried to obtain his freedom in the same way. He ran away from Philemon’s household and somehow ran into Paul, “the prisoner of Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn’t say how he and Onesimus became acquainted. What the apostle does reveal is that he had been instrumental in his conversion. In verse 10, Paul explains that Onesimus “became my son while I was in chains.” It is possible that Paul already knew Onesimus before. In verse 6, he describes Philemon as a partner in the faith. In addition to being one of those who supported Paul financially, Philemon had also come to faith under Paul’s preaching (see v. 19). But Paul wrote this personal letter to inform Philemon that Onesimus had become a Christian and was now “a dear brother” (v. 16). Indirectly, Paul was asking Philemon to welcome Onesimus back and then return him to the apostle (vv. 8, 12–13). More than a help, Onesimus had become like a son to Paul (v. 10). When he describes Onesimus as “useful” in verse 11, he is making a pun based on his name, which means “helpful” or “profitable.” It may bother us that Paul did not tell Philemon directly that it was his moral obligation to grant Onesimus freedom. Indeed, Paul never speaks of the morality of slavery. Nor does he flex his apostolic muscles, although he gives a gentle reminder of his authority when he speaks of his request as something that Philemon “ought” to do (v. 8). Paul’s gentle tone is a testimony to his confidence in Philemon and to the transforming power of the gospel. Although a prisoner, Paul was used by God to introduce Onesimus to the freedom of Christ. >> We are all slaves and prisoners when it comes to sin. But Jesus promised, “...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Frederick Douglass wrote, “I prayed for freedom for twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.” Onesimus tried to obtain his freedom in the same way. He ran away from Philemon’s household and somehow ran into Paul, “the prisoner of Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn’t say how he and Onesimus became acquainted. What the apostle does reveal is that he had been instrumental in his conversion. In verse 10, Paul explains that Onesimus “became my son while I was in chains.” It is possible that Paul already knew Onesimus before. In verse 6, he describes Philemon as a partner in the faith. In addition to being one of those who supported Paul financially, Philemon had also come to faith under Paul’s preaching (see v. 19). But Paul wrote this personal letter to inform Philemon that Onesimus had become a Christian and was now “a dear brother” (v. 16). Indirectly, Paul was asking Philemon to welcome Onesimus back and then return him to the apostle (vv. 8, 12–13). More than a help, Onesimus had become like a son to Paul (v. 10). When he describes Onesimus as “useful” in verse 11, he is making a pun based on his name, which means “helpful” or “profitable.” It may bother us that Paul did not tell Philemon directly that it was his moral obligation to grant Onesimus freedom. Indeed, Paul never speaks of the morality of slavery. Nor does he flex his apostolic muscles, although he gives a gentle reminder of his authority when he speaks of his request as something that Philemon “ought” to do (v. 8). Paul’s gentle tone is a testimony to his confidence in Philemon and to the transforming power of the gospel. Although a prisoner, Paul was used by God to introduce Onesimus to the freedom of Christ. >> We are all slaves and prisoners when it comes to sin. But Jesus promised, “...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frederick Douglass wrote, “I prayed for freedom for twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.” Onesimus tried to obtain his freedom in the same way. He ran away from Philemon’s household and somehow ran into Paul, “the prisoner of Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn’t say how he and Onesimus became acquainted. What the apostle does reveal is that he had been instrumental in his conversion. In verse 10, Paul explains that Onesimus “became my son while I was in chains.” It is possible that Paul already knew Onesimus before. In verse 6, he describes Philemon as a partner in the faith. In addition to being one of those who supported Paul financially, Philemon had also come to faith under Paul’s preaching (see v. 19). But Paul wrote this personal letter to inform Philemon that Onesimus had become a Christian and was now “a dear brother” (v. 16). Indirectly, Paul was asking Philemon to welcome Onesimus back and then return him to the apostle (vv. 8, 12–13). More than a help, Onesimus had become like a son to Paul (v. 10). When he describes Onesimus as “useful” in verse 11, he is making a pun based on his name, which means “helpful” or “profitable.” It may bother us that Paul did not tell Philemon directly that it was his moral obligation to grant Onesimus freedom. Indeed, Paul never speaks of the morality of slavery. Nor does he flex his apostolic muscles, although he gives a gentle reminder of his authority when he speaks of his request as something that Philemon “ought” to do (v. 8). Paul’s gentle tone is a testimony to his confidence in Philemon and to the transforming power of the gospel. Although a prisoner, Paul was used by God to introduce Onesimus to the freedom of Christ. >> We are all slaves and prisoners when it comes to sin. But Jesus promised, “...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been in a workplace where everyone got along perfectly all the time? What about a family? Or a sports team? Living in community with harmony does not come automatically. It’s a learned skill. That’s true in the Christian life. It is no accident that God designed the church to function as a body (see Col. 3:15). As he closes this letter, Paul sends personal greetings to several people in the Colossian church. He also mentions members of his ministry team. Tychicus and Onesimus probably brought this letter to Colosse (vv. 7–9). Onesimus is an individual we will learn about in the next two days since he is the subject of Paul’s letter to Philemon. Paul also mentions names that we may recognize from other letters. The apostle conveys the greetings of Aristarchus alongside those of Mark and Barnabas. During Paul’s first missionary journey, he and Barnabas had a falling out because of Mark (Acts 15:36–40). By the time this letter was written, they had reconciled (2 Tim. 4:11). In verse 14 Paul writes, “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” We know Luke as the author of the third Gospel and the book of Acts. Demas, however, had a scandalous reputation. Several years after Colossians was written, love for this world motivated Demas to desert Paul (2 Tim. 4:10). Archippus, mentioned in verse 17, will also show up in Paul’s letter to Philemon. Here the tone seems to be one of reproof. “Complete the ministry,” Paul says, implying that Paul fears he might not. Paul clearly realized that not all members of the church would get along all the time. Even so, he urges believers toward the unity we have in Christ. >> Christian living is a team sport. Not everyone on the team plays well. Nor do they always play well together. No matter how much we do for Jesus, we never outgrow our need for grace, patience, and forgiveness.

Have you ever been in a workplace where everyone got along perfectly all the time? What about a family? Or a sports team? Living in community with harmony does not come automatically. It’s a learned skill. That’s true in the Christian life. It is no accident that God designed the church to function as a body (see Col. 3:15). As he closes this letter, Paul sends personal greetings to several people in the Colossian church. He also mentions members of his ministry team. Tychicus and Onesimus probably brought this letter to Colosse (vv. 7–9). Onesimus is an individual we will learn about in the next two days since he is the subject of Paul’s letter to Philemon. Paul also mentions names that we may recognize from other letters. The apostle conveys the greetings of Aristarchus alongside those of Mark and Barnabas. During Paul’s first missionary journey, he and Barnabas had a falling out because of Mark (Acts 15:36–40). By the time this letter was written, they had reconciled (2 Tim. 4:11). In verse 14 Paul writes, “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” We know Luke as the author of the third Gospel and the book of Acts. Demas, however, had a scandalous reputation. Several years after Colossians was written, love for this world motivated Demas to desert Paul (2 Tim. 4:10). Archippus, mentioned in verse 17, will also show up in Paul’s letter to Philemon. Here the tone seems to be one of reproof. “Complete the ministry,” Paul says, implying that Paul fears he might not. Paul clearly realized that not all members of the church would get along all the time. Even so, he urges believers toward the unity we have in Christ. >> Christian living is a team sport. Not everyone on the team plays well. Nor do they always play well together. No matter how much we do for Jesus, we never outgrow our need for grace, patience, and forgiveness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most sermons begin with a prayer. Sometimes we are tempted to treat it as a formality, like playing the national anthem before the game. Paul saw prayer as far more. For him, it was a source of help and power. Sometimes when we pray, we say we are having our “devotions.” But in verse 2, Paul urges the Colossians to “devote” themselves to prayer. The Greek expresses the idea of being busily engaged with something. Prayer is not a formality but an occupation. Furthermore, it is a demanding occupation. It requires the disposition of someone who is on guard and keeping watch. Prayer also requires a particular kind of expectation. Not the disposition of someone who makes demands but a grateful and trusting spirit that believes that God will answer in a way best suited to our needs. Paul asked the Colossians to pray that God would “open a door for our message” (v. 3). This is a striking request given his circumstance. We might have expected him, as a prisoner, to ask for his freedom or maybe for justice. Instead, he asks for an opportunity to make Christ known. Paul’s request reflects not only his sense of mission but also his conviction that success in preaching is dependent upon God. In addition to opportunity, Paul asked for clarity: “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (v. 4). The skill that is required to preach is also a work of God. Most opportunities to proclaim Christ happen outside the assembly of believers. That’s why Paul urges the Colossians to season their ordinary conversations with grace and salt (v. 6). Grace does not mean elegant speech but the message of grace. Salt alludes to Jesus’ command that His disciples be “the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). >> You do not need to be a pastor to proclaim the grace of Christ. As you pray today, ask God to give you the opportunity, clarity, and courage to tell someone about Jesus.

Most sermons begin with a prayer. Sometimes we are tempted to treat it as a formality, like playing the national anthem before the game. Paul saw prayer as far more. For him, it was a source of help and power. Sometimes when we pray, we say we are having our “devotions.” But in verse 2, Paul urges the Colossians to “devote” themselves to prayer. The Greek expresses the idea of being busily engaged with something. Prayer is not a formality but an occupation. Furthermore, it is a demanding occupation. It requires the disposition of someone who is on guard and keeping watch. Prayer also requires a particular kind of expectation. Not the disposition of someone who makes demands but a grateful and trusting spirit that believes that God will answer in a way best suited to our needs. Paul asked the Colossians to pray that God would “open a door for our message” (v. 3). This is a striking request given his circumstance. We might have expected him, as a prisoner, to ask for his freedom or maybe for justice. Instead, he asks for an opportunity to make Christ known. Paul’s request reflects not only his sense of mission but also his conviction that success in preaching is dependent upon God. In addition to opportunity, Paul asked for clarity: “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (v. 4). The skill that is required to preach is also a work of God. Most opportunities to proclaim Christ happen outside the assembly of believers. That’s why Paul urges the Colossians to season their ordinary conversations with grace and salt (v. 6). Grace does not mean elegant speech but the message of grace. Salt alludes to Jesus’ command that His disciples be “the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). >> You do not need to be a pastor to proclaim the grace of Christ. As you pray today, ask God to give you the opportunity, clarity, and courage to tell someone about Jesus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christians, we are a part of two families. The first is made up of those people to whom we are related by birth or have joined through marriage. We gather for holidays and birthdays. Sometimes we share physical features. For believers, our other family is the church, the family of God. Sometimes these two groups overlap. Paul speaks to both in Colossians 3:12–21. The church’s basic rule is love and the recognition that all Christians are bound together in Him (v. 12). The church is not a perfect community. Participation often requires patience and forgiveness from those who are part of it (v. 13). Paul describes the church as a worshiping community, constituted by the Word of God (v. 16). Those who make up the church are “members of one body” who speak and act “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (vv. 15, 17). This is a community whose only boundary is Christ Himself. It is not limited by ethnicity, gender, economic status, or nationality (see also v. 11). What Paul describes in verses 18–25 is more accurately a household than a family. The fact that Paul includes slaves is significant because it introduces a cultural element into the idea. God established the family as a divine institution in Creation. The New Testament household Paul describes has the family at its core. But the apostle also includes slaves, a social structure God did not establish. He urges slaves to remember that God accepts their sincere service as being offered to Him (v. 22). Christians live in a fallen world that has been shaped by God and has also been altered by sin. We are bound to live by the Word of God while in it. >> Even though our social systems are sometimes broken, it does not exempt us from the responsibility of living Christianly within them. Are you a member of a less than ideal family? Seek God’s wisdom, then trust and obey.

As Christians, we are a part of two families. The first is made up of those people to whom we are related by birth or have joined through marriage. We gather for holidays and birthdays. Sometimes we share physical features. For believers, our other family is the church, the family of God. Sometimes these two groups overlap. Paul speaks to both in Colossians 3:12–21. The church’s basic rule is love and the recognition that all Christians are bound together in Him (v. 12). The church is not a perfect community. Participation often requires patience and forgiveness from those who are part of it (v. 13). Paul describes the church as a worshiping community, constituted by the Word of God (v. 16). Those who make up the church are “members of one body” who speak and act “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (vv. 15, 17). This is a community whose only boundary is Christ Himself. It is not limited by ethnicity, gender, economic status, or nationality (see also v. 11). What Paul describes in verses 18–25 is more accurately a household than a family. The fact that Paul includes slaves is significant because it introduces a cultural element into the idea. God established the family as a divine institution in Creation. The New Testament household Paul describes has the family at its core. But the apostle also includes slaves, a social structure God did not establish. He urges slaves to remember that God accepts their sincere service as being offered to Him (v. 22). Christians live in a fallen world that has been shaped by God and has also been altered by sin. We are bound to live by the Word of God while in it. >> Even though our social systems are sometimes broken, it does not exempt us from the responsibility of living Christianly within them. Are you a member of a less than ideal family? Seek God’s wisdom, then trust and obey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The other day during a conversation with one of my grown sons, I noticed a familiar facial expression and gesture. It was a bit like looking in a mirror. How did he learn it? Was it DNA or imitation? Perhaps it was a little of both. Living the Christian life is similar in one respect. There is a place for imitating Christ, but it is ultimately grounded in something much deeper. Christian living involves three important actions that are noted in Colossians 3: seeking, being, and doing. In verse 1, Paul urges us to “set your heart on things above.” The Greek word means to “seek.” It is referring to our aspiration and pursuit, but it is not “pie in the sky.” This seeking is only possible because the Christian has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection (vv. 1, 3). Being and seeking lead to doing. The Christian seeks the things above by living in the power of the cross. We put to death “whatever belongs to your earthly nature” by saying no to those sinful impulses that were part of our former life (v. 5). Our earthly nature, as Paul describes these sinful impulses, continues to assert itself even after we have been saved. Paul describes it almost as if it were an alien force. It may stir within us, but it is not who we are in Christ. Paul calls the Colossians (and us) to cast off the vestiges of the old self and walk in the new self (vv. 7–10). The change in life that Paul envisions for the Christian is not instantaneous. We are “being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (v. 10). The Greek verb is in the present tense. Our new life in Christ is a continuous and transforming experience. >> Christians do not walk a certain way so that we can obtain new life. That life is already yours if you are in Christ! Now, what we need to do, is walk in it.

The other day during a conversation with one of my grown sons, I noticed a familiar facial expression and gesture. It was a bit like looking in a mirror. How did he learn it? Was it DNA or imitation? Perhaps it was a little of both. Living the Christian life is similar in one respect. There is a place for imitating Christ, but it is ultimately grounded in something much deeper. Christian living involves three important actions that are noted in Colossians 3: seeking, being, and doing. In verse 1, Paul urges us to “set your heart on things above.” The Greek word means to “seek.” It is referring to our aspiration and pursuit, but it is not “pie in the sky.” This seeking is only possible because the Christian has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection (vv. 1, 3). Being and seeking lead to doing. The Christian seeks the things above by living in the power of the cross. We put to death “whatever belongs to your earthly nature” by saying no to those sinful impulses that were part of our former life (v. 5). Our earthly nature, as Paul describes these sinful impulses, continues to assert itself even after we have been saved. Paul describes it almost as if it were an alien force. It may stir within us, but it is not who we are in Christ. Paul calls the Colossians (and us) to cast off the vestiges of the old self and walk in the new self (vv. 7–10). The change in life that Paul envisions for the Christian is not instantaneous. We are “being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (v. 10). The Greek verb is in the present tense. Our new life in Christ is a continuous and transforming experience. >> Christians do not walk a certain way so that we can obtain new life. That life is already yours if you are in Christ! Now, what we need to do, is walk in it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor and author Kent Hughes observes that legalism reduces the message of the gospel. He explains that it “enshrines spirituality as a series of wooden laws” and calls it godliness. “Being in Christ is a relationship,” he explains, “and like all relationships, it deserves disciplined maintenance, but never legalistic reductionism.” This kind of false teaching had crept into the Colossian church. Based on Paul’s rebuke in verses 16 and 21, they had begun to observe particular days as sacred and certain foods as religiously clean or unclean. It is unclear whether Paul had in mind legalists who wanted Christians to follow the law of Moses or the kind of rigid rule-following associated with some forms of mystery religions. Perhaps he had both in view. His statement (v. 17) that dietary rules and the observance of special days are only a shadow of the reality found in Christ sounds much like the argument made in the book of Hebrews. His warning about the false worship of angels (v. 18) may refer to Gnostic ideas about spiritual intermediaries or certain magical practices involving angels. Legalism does not work! Legalism will not help us control the flesh. Instead, it promotes spiritual pride. A Christian who falls into this way of thinking has forgotten the power of the cross. Christ’s victory over sin is the only thing that can truly keep us from “sensual indulgence” (v. 23). The rituals and observances of the Mosaic law were fulfilled with the coming of Christ. The rules and regulations of this type of religion have no lasting value and are “destined to perish with use” (v. 22). Without the power of the cross, the harshest discipline is merely a show. >> Sometimes we may be tempted to reduce the message of the gospel to a list of “dos and don’ts.” Be careful not to let someone else’s judgment about such matters control your practice. Instead, rely on the grace of God in Christ to make you righteous.

Pastor and author Kent Hughes observes that legalism reduces the message of the gospel. He explains that it “enshrines spirituality as a series of wooden laws” and calls it godliness. “Being in Christ is a relationship,” he explains, “and like all relationships, it deserves disciplined maintenance, but never legalistic reductionism.” This kind of false teaching had crept into the Colossian church. Based on Paul’s rebuke in verses 16 and 21, they had begun to observe particular days as sacred and certain foods as religiously clean or unclean. It is unclear whether Paul had in mind legalists who wanted Christians to follow the law of Moses or the kind of rigid rule-following associated with some forms of mystery religions. Perhaps he had both in view. His statement (v. 17) that dietary rules and the observance of special days are only a shadow of the reality found in Christ sounds much like the argument made in the book of Hebrews. His warning about the false worship of angels (v. 18) may refer to Gnostic ideas about spiritual intermediaries or certain magical practices involving angels. Legalism does not work! Legalism will not help us control the flesh. Instead, it promotes spiritual pride. A Christian who falls into this way of thinking has forgotten the power of the cross. Christ’s victory over sin is the only thing that can truly keep us from “sensual indulgence” (v. 23). The rituals and observances of the Mosaic law were fulfilled with the coming of Christ. The rules and regulations of this type of religion have no lasting value and are “destined to perish with use” (v. 22). Without the power of the cross, the harshest discipline is merely a show. >> Sometimes we may be tempted to reduce the message of the gospel to a list of “dos and don’ts.” Be careful not to let someone else’s judgment about such matters control your practice. Instead, rely on the grace of God in Christ to make you righteous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second-century church leader Irenaeus famously said, “Life in man is the glory of God; the life of man is the vision of God.” In Colossians 2, Paul is also talking about life and our vision of God. Christian living, he points out, is the life of Christ at work in us. Our knowledge of God comes through Christ (v. 3). When we accept Him as Lord, we are empowered to live under His rule (v. 6). Instead of being taken in by fine-sounding arguments, “human tradition,” or speculating about “elemental spiritual forces” (v. 8), we look to Christ to understand what God is like (v. 9). The themes Paul emphasizes in verses 9–12 counter some of the false teachings that the Colossians faced at the time. It appears that false teachers in Colosse were denying that Christ was truly human. They speculated about a vast hierarchy of spiritual powers and authorities and taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation. In contrast, the gospel teaches that Jesus is enough. We are complete in Him (v. 10). More than this, we are united with Christ in such a way that His death becomes ours. This union with Christ in His death is the spiritual reality that Old Testament circumcision symbolized (v. 11). Believers, who are united with Christ in His resurrection and by it, have been made “alive with Christ” (vv. 13–14). By dying on our behalf, Jesus paid the debt. By rising from the dead, Jesus triumphed over evil (v. 15). This is just the basic gospel. Yet it is a message of immense spiritual power. Those who know Christ are alive in Christ. The glory of God is the believer truly alive in Christ. >> Can you say that you are alive in Christ? The key is to come to Him in faith. Recognize that He died and rose for you. Trust in Him today, and His victory will be yours. For more information on what it means to be a Christian, go to moodybible.org/ knowing-christ.

The second-century church leader Irenaeus famously said, “Life in man is the glory of God; the life of man is the vision of God.” In Colossians 2, Paul is also talking about life and our vision of God. Christian living, he points out, is the life of Christ at work in us. Our knowledge of God comes through Christ (v. 3). When we accept Him as Lord, we are empowered to live under His rule (v. 6). Instead of being taken in by fine-sounding arguments, “human tradition,” or speculating about “elemental spiritual forces” (v. 8), we look to Christ to understand what God is like (v. 9). The themes Paul emphasizes in verses 9–12 counter some of the false teachings that the Colossians faced at the time. It appears that false teachers in Colosse were denying that Christ was truly human. They speculated about a vast hierarchy of spiritual powers and authorities and taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation. In contrast, the gospel teaches that Jesus is enough. We are complete in Him (v. 10). More than this, we are united with Christ in such a way that His death becomes ours. This union with Christ in His death is the spiritual reality that Old Testament circumcision symbolized (v. 11). Believers, who are united with Christ in His resurrection and by it, have been made “alive with Christ” (vv. 13–14). By dying on our behalf, Jesus paid the debt. By rising from the dead, Jesus triumphed over evil (v. 15). This is just the basic gospel. Yet it is a message of immense spiritual power. Those who know Christ are alive in Christ. The glory of God is the believer truly alive in Christ. >> Can you say that you are alive in Christ? The key is to come to Him in faith. Recognize that He died and rose for you. Trust in Him today, and His victory will be yours. For more information on what it means to be a Christian, go to moodybible.org/ knowing-christ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ask the average person to describe what it means to be a Christian, they will probably identify a moral view, lifestyle choice, or even a political position. While Christianity does have implications for all these areas, that is not what it means to be a Christian. Today’s passage reveals that Jesus Christ is the essence of the Christian faith. The heart of the Christian message has to do with the nature of Christ and the reason He shed His blood on the cross. Paul describes Jesus as both “the image of the invisible God” and “the firstborn over all creation” (v. 15). Paul’s choice of words is deliberate, probably intended to counter aspects of the false teaching that had crept into the church in Colosse. By taking a human nature, Jesus brings the image of the invisible God to light. The fact that Paul calls him the “firstborn” does not mean that Jesus was the first created being; it means that He is superior to creation. Jesus existed as God before He was born in Bethlehem. Indeed, He existed as God before anything was created (v. 17). As Creator, Jesus upholds all creation. Paul goes on to say that Jesus died “to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (v. 20). By “all things,” he primarily means people who are alienated from God because of sin (v. 21). As Creator, Jesus is the glue that holds the universe together. But He is also the Redeemer who reconciles us to God by the death of His physical body (v. 22). Paul reminds the Colossians that this was the message that was preached to them. It is the bedrock of the Christian faith. >> With so many varying ideas about Christianity swirling about, we must remember the first principles of our faith. Christianity is about Jesus, the Creator who took on human nature to die for us.

If you ask the average person to describe what it means to be a Christian, they will probably identify a moral view, lifestyle choice, or even a political position. While Christianity does have implications for all these areas, that is not what it means to be a Christian. Today’s passage reveals that Jesus Christ is the essence of the Christian faith. The heart of the Christian message has to do with the nature of Christ and the reason He shed His blood on the cross. Paul describes Jesus as both “the image of the invisible God” and “the firstborn over all creation” (v. 15). Paul’s choice of words is deliberate, probably intended to counter aspects of the false teaching that had crept into the church in Colosse. By taking a human nature, Jesus brings the image of the invisible God to light. The fact that Paul calls him the “firstborn” does not mean that Jesus was the first created being; it means that He is superior to creation. Jesus existed as God before He was born in Bethlehem. Indeed, He existed as God before anything was created (v. 17). As Creator, Jesus upholds all creation. Paul goes on to say that Jesus died “to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (v. 20). By “all things,” he primarily means people who are alienated from God because of sin (v. 21). As Creator, Jesus is the glue that holds the universe together. But He is also the Redeemer who reconciles us to God by the death of His physical body (v. 22). Paul reminds the Colossians that this was the message that was preached to them. It is the bedrock of the Christian faith. >> With so many varying ideas about Christianity swirling about, we must remember the first principles of our faith. Christianity is about Jesus, the Creator who took on human nature to die for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As I write these words, an impromptu prayer meeting that began after a chapel service at Asbury College in Kentucky had been going nonstop for more than a week. There have been many reports of blessing and a sense of the presence of the Lord. I doubt that the apostle Paul would have been surprised by this. In today’s reading, we get a snapshot of Paul’s lifestyle of prayer. Every time Colossians came to mind, he gave thanks for them (v. 3). Located in the Lycus valley near the city of Laodicea, Colosse, had fallen on hard times by Paul’s day. But of even greater concern was a form of teaching that had begun to creep into the church. Paul does not give many details in this letter. He is more interested in dwelling on the truth than in detailing all the false tenets of something he describes as a “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Paul’s prayers for the Colossians focused primarily on two things. The apostle prayed that the Holy Spirit would grant them wisdom and understanding to know how they should live. He also asked that God’s Spirit would strengthen them with power so that they would live out the truth as it was revealed to them (1:9–12). Paul did not pray for them to live this way in order to be redeemed. They were already saved. He prayed this way because redemption had already come to them through Christ. Jesus had already “qualified” them to “share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (v. 12). >> This lifestyle is as possible for us as it was for the Colossians. God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (v. 13). In Christ, we have redemption, which Paul defines further in verse 14 as “the forgiveness of sins.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As I write these words, an impromptu prayer meeting that began after a chapel service at Asbury College in Kentucky had been going nonstop for more than a week. There have been many reports of blessing and a sense of the presence of the Lord. I doubt that the apostle Paul would have been surprised by this. In today’s reading, we get a snapshot of Paul’s lifestyle of prayer. Every time Colossians came to mind, he gave thanks for them (v. 3). Located in the Lycus valley near the city of Laodicea, Colosse, had fallen on hard times by Paul’s day. But of even greater concern was a form of teaching that had begun to creep into the church. Paul does not give many details in this letter. He is more interested in dwelling on the truth than in detailing all the false tenets of something he describes as a “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Paul’s prayers for the Colossians focused primarily on two things. The apostle prayed that the Holy Spirit would grant them wisdom and understanding to know how they should live. He also asked that God’s Spirit would strengthen them with power so that they would live out the truth as it was revealed to them (1:9–12). Paul did not pray for them to live this way in order to be redeemed. They were already saved. He prayed this way because redemption had already come to them through Christ. Jesus had already “qualified” them to “share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (v. 12). >> This lifestyle is as possible for us as it was for the Colossians. God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (v. 13). In Christ, we have redemption, which Paul defines further in verse 14 as “the forgiveness of sins.”

A woman recently posted a video of her husband trying to mow their huge lawn with a small push-style lawnmower, an impossible task. But when she looked outside an hour later, she saw several neighbors, people they had not yet met, arriving with larger riding lawnmowers. She was deeply moved by their willingness to step in and help someone in need. We often turn to friends to lighten our cares. In verse 10, Paul describes his joy over the church’s “renewed” concern for him. Their support had lapsed due to a lack of “opportunity” rather than disinterest. Yet he takes pains to assure them that, as much as he appreciated their help, he was not dependent upon it (v. 11). God’s supply was the secret of Paul’s contentment. He does not mean a supply of things but a constant supply of strength (v. 13). God does not always give us what we want. He does provide all we need. This helpfulness from the church at Philippi was not something new for Paul. Despite their poverty, they had supported his work since the beginning of their church (v. 15). At one point, apart from Paul’s work as a tentmaker, their help appears to have been his primary source of financial support. The phrase “giving and receiving” (v. 15) was a standard formula for financial transactions where one person gives money to another. Unlike many false teachers, however, Paul was not for hire. He had no interest in making a profit off the church. He was more interested in the blessing the Philippian believers received through their giving than he was in the gifts themselves (v. 17). Paul used a worship model and not a business model to fund his ministry. He understood that Philippian generosity was a sacrifice offered to and accepted by God (v. 18). >> The apostle did not discourage them from giving because he was confident that God would supply their need just as He had provided for Paul’s needs (v. 19). He will do the same for you!

One day, not long after I had begun to follow Jesus, I walked out the door and met a friend coming up the street. He was on his way to my house. “I came to see you because someone told me you had lost your mind,” he said. Word had gotten around that I had become a Christian. But despite what my friend had heard, I had not lost my mind. Like the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable, I had finally come to my senses. The Christian life is a life of the soul, but it is also a life of the mind. We believe with the heart, but what is believed is truth. “The heart is always to be influenced through the understanding—the mind, then the heart, then the will,” Welsh minister Martyn Lloyd-Jones observed. Like Paul, the Philippian church was not perfect. As probably true for all churches, the members had personality conflicts and stresses that created problems for them. The solution was to think rightly. Consider the case of Euodia and Syntyche, two women Paul viewed with high regard and considered to be colleagues. He pled with them to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (v. 2). He recognized that they might need a mediator. In verse 3 he asks someone he trusts in the church to help them resolve their differences. Paul believed they could be brought together by their shared experience of Christ. While they may not agree on every point, they must learn how to unite in Christ. The other issue was the problem of anxiety. Philippi was not an easy place to be a Christian. In verses 4–7 Paul urged them to set their hope on the Lord’s return and to voice their concerns to the Lord. >> Much of the media that occupies our attention is the opposite of true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. How would following this advice affect your entertainment choices?

C. T. Studd was born to wealth and prestige on December 2, 1860. He distinguished himself as an athlete while a student at Eton. But when Studd was 24 years old, his brother became gravely ill. C. T. began to question the course of his life and decided that it came up wanting. “What is all the fame and flattery worth...when a man comes to face eternity?” he wondered. Studd determined to let it all go and devote himself to Christ. Paul made a similar choice. His achievements were not on the cricket field, as C. T. Studd’s were. Paul’s accomplishments were religious. He gives us his resume in verses 4–6, noting that if anyone had a reason to be confident in his own spiritual efforts, it was him. But an encounter with Jesus Christ changed everything. Paul suddenly realized that what he had been trusting in was not true righteousness but self-righteousness. Like Studd, he chose to let it go. Compared to the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, Paul felt his own attempts were mere “garbage” (v. 8). In verse 9, the apostle explains the difference between the two approaches. One was a “righteousness of my own that comes from the law,” and the other was “the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Paul wanted the Philippians to know his story because they were tempted by preachers who distorted the gospel. These teachers claimed it was necessary to be circumcised and obey the law of Moses to be saved. The apostle disagrees with them (v. 2), calling them dogs, evildoers, and mutilators of the flesh (an allusion to the practice of circumcision). His strong language is a reminder that there is no common ground between these two approaches. >> Do you expect God to accept you because of your own efforts and religious practices? Let it all go. Turn to Christ and receive His righteousness as a gift through faith.

Can you have both fear and love? 1 John 4:18 observes, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Yet in Philippians 2, Paul urges his readers to work out their salvation “in fear and trembling.” What is the difference between these two kinds of fear? The difference is the fear of punishment. Paul does not urge the Philippians to work out their salvation for fear of losing it if they fail to perform well. Neither was Paul urging them to work for their salvation. He assures them, in verse 13, that God was already working in them “to will and to act.” Instead, he is talking about a salvation they have already begun to experience. New Testament scholar H. C. G. Moule describes this sort of fear as “a reverent and wakeful conscience in his holy presence.” To help them with this, Paul hoped to send his protégé Timothy soon to take stock of the situation and bring back a report (vv. 19 23). For now, he was sending them Epaphroditus who had been their connection to Paul. Epaphroditus was probably sent by the church with funds to help Paul’s ministry and to assist in other ways. In verse 25, the apostle calls him a messenger or minister sent to care for Paul’s needs. Paul also calls him a brother, co- worker, and fellow soldier. Working out our salvation is the process God uses to help us fully grasp the reality of a salvation that Jesus Christ has already accomplished for us. God works from within and sends His servants to help us as they work from the outside. >> The wrong kind of fear can be as crippling to spiritual growth as complacency. Don’t freeze up in fear. Instead, draw near to God with a reverent awareness of His presence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you have both fear and love? 1 John 4:18 observes, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Yet in Philippians 2, Paul urges his readers to work out their salvation “in fear and trembling.” What is the difference between these two kinds of fear? The difference is the fear of punishment. Paul does not urge the Philippians to work out their salvation for fear of losing it if they fail to perform well. Neither was Paul urging them to work for their salvation. He assures them, in verse 13, that God was already working in them “to will and to act.” Instead, he is talking about a salvation they have already begun to experience. New Testament scholar H. C. G. Moule describes this sort of fear as “a reverent and wakeful conscience in his holy presence.” To help them with this, Paul hoped to send his protégé Timothy soon to take stock of the situation and bring back a report (vv. 19 23). For now, he was sending them Epaphroditus who had been their connection to Paul. Epaphroditus was probably sent by the church with funds to help Paul’s ministry and to assist in other ways. In verse 25, the apostle calls him a messenger or minister sent to care for Paul’s needs. Paul also calls him a brother, co- worker, and fellow soldier. Working out our salvation is the process God uses to help us fully grasp the reality of a salvation that Jesus Christ has already accomplished for us. God works from within and sends His servants to help us as they work from the outside. >> The wrong kind of fear can be as crippling to spiritual growth as complacency. Don’t freeze up in fear. Instead, draw near to God with a reverent awareness of His presence.

Followers of Jesus initially called themselves “the Way” (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22). When the gospel came to Antioch, some people began to refer to them as Christians (Acts 11:26). The label signified that they belonged to the group associated with Jesus Christ. Eventually, the believers adopted it themselves. Today, followers of Jesus still call themselves Christians. When we claim this title, we are doing more than identifying with a group or a church. We are identifying with Jesus. According to verse 5, it’s our way of thinking that produces a way of being. We are to have “the same mindset as Christ.” How do we do this? Paul identifies three characteristics. First, we should remember the love, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion we experienced from Christ (v. 1). Second, we acknowledge what Jesus has done both for and in us (vv. 6–11). We must understand the gospel and its implications. Third, we begin to have the mind of Christ when we follow Jesus into His way of life (vv. 2–4). The order is important here. We must know and experience Jesus before we can imitate Him. No doubt this is why Paul spends the bulk of these verses describing the nature of Christ’s work. At its heart, we see a series of actions where Christ “made himself nothing” (v. 7). Theologians have written volumes about this phrase. But Paul explains what he means by it in the verses that follow. Jesus made Himself nothing by taking on human nature and humbling Himself to the point of death on the cross (vv. 7–8). Because He did this, “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (v. 9). >> The path that Jesus took is also the path of the Christian’s life. We do not imitate Christ so that we can be saved but because we were saved by Jesus who “made Himself nothing.”

In the account of his conversion, Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis describes joy as “a pointer to something other and outer.” The joy Paul writes about in the first chapter of Philippians serves the same function. Given Paul’s circumstances, we may be surprised to read that he rejoices. Not only was he a prisoner, but others were using his confinement as an opportunity to get ahead. They seemed to view the gospel ministry as a competition. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill,” Paul admits in verse 15. But with a remarkable generosity of spirit, the apostle resolved to rejoice that no matter the motive, Christ was being preached (v. 18). Paul’s imprisonment was a concern for his friends at Philippi. The apostle reassured them in two ways. First, he pointed out that what might seem like a setback was bringing attention to the gospel. How? Through Paul’s ministry to the palace guard in Rome and by the preaching of others (vv. 13–14). Second, Paul assured them that their prayers would make a difference. He expected their prayers, along with God’s provision of His Spirit, to “turn out for my deliverance” (v. 19). Note how Paul defines deliverance. For the apostle, it meant the courage to trust that Christ would be glorified by whatever happened to him (v. 20). Paul did not feel the need to decide what God should do, in part because he felt genuinely ambivalent. As Paul puts it: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (v. 21). This is not fatalism but the hope of one who knows his future is secure in Christ and God will be glorified either way. >> Will you trust God to work through your difficult circumstances today? You don’t have to be happy about them or even enjoy them. You do need to trust that God knows what He is doing.

If you had asked Paul which of the New Testament churches was his favorite, he might probably have said: the church at Philippi. God directed the apostle by a vision to go to Macedonia after he tried to enter Bithynia (Acts 16:9). Philippi was a major city in the region. Still, at first, it must have seemed not promising. Paul began his evangelistic outreach in the synagogue. The Jewish community at Philippi was small; only a handful of women met by a river outside the city gate. But the Lord opened the heart of Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman from Thyatira, and her home became Paul’s base of operations (Acts 16:14–15). Luke does not say how long Paul and Silas stayed in Philippi, but their visit was long enough to be marked by conflict. They were arrested and beaten, with the jailer being the only other convert that Luke mentions in Acts 16. Despite these small beginnings, this church became an unwavering supporter of Paul’s ministry. They shared Paul’s faith and generously shared their finances despite their poverty (see also 2 Cor. 11:9). When Paul speaks of their “partnership,” in verse 5, he uses the word koinonia which means “sharing.” The apostle looked at this church as much more than a source of funding. Although he was the first to bring the gospel to them, he did not look down on them. Despite being an apostle, he saw them as peers in their experience of the grace of God through Christ (v. 7). Therefore, Paul prayed for them, giving thanks and asking God to cause their love and knowledge to grow. This letter is part of God’s answer to that prayer. >> The loving bond the Philippians shared with Paul has blessed the church in all ages. Can you partner with someone in the gospel? You don’t have to possess much to have a great impact.

When I began attending church regularly in the early 1970s, it was customary for people to dress up. Men wore suits and ties, and women wore dresses. Today, there doesn’t seem to be a dress code. Most of the people I see dress casually. It probably doesn’t matter to God what you wear to church. But He does care how you dress for spiritual battle. In today’s text, Paul finishes his letter to the Ephesians by describing the spiritual resources that enable a Christian to “stand against the devil’s schemes” (v. 11). Using the armor and weapons of a Roman soldier as his analogy, Paul shows his readers how to equip themselves for spiritual warfare. Paul explains that we battle against “powers of this dark world” and “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (v. 12). The struggle is earthly as well as heavenly. We can see the effects of these spiritual forces in our world, but their ultimate cause is not visible. How can we possibly fight against them? The spiritual armor that Paul describes in verses13–17 focuses on two kinds of weapons. Our defensive weapons include: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, readiness which comes from the gospel of peace, and shield of faith. They point to the protection that the righteousness of Christ and the hope of the gospel provide. Our offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The method of engaging in spiritual warfare that the apostle outlines is simple. Instead of prescribing specific prayers, chants, or elaborate rituals, the apostle asks the Ephesians to “always keep on praying” (v. 18). He also asks them to pray for him so that he will fearlessly proclaim the gospel. The best way to protect ourselves spiritually is to know the gospel and be familiar with God’s Word. >> Do you know a pastor or missionary for whom you can pray? Ask God to help them declare the gospel fearlessly “as they should!”

Escaped slave, abolitionist, and statesmen Frederick Douglass observed, “Between the Christianity of this land and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference—so wide that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy, is of necessity to reject the other as bad, corrupt, and wicked.” Modern readers of today’s passage are often troubled to see Paul include masters and slaves in his directions about how Christian families ought to operate. It is a fact, however, that in the New Testament era, slaves were considered a part of the household as much as children were. Obedience was expected of both (vv. 1, 6). As we read Paul’s directives, it is crucial to recognize that he is not endorsing the practice of slavery (see this month’s “Practical Theology” column). Rather, he is offering guidelines for Christians forced to live within that social structure. He does not tell them to unravel the practice but to be Christlike within its constraints. His directions to children, however, while essentially the same, are based on something else. They grow out of the commandment to “Honor your father and mother” (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16). Paul observes that this is the first of the ten commandments to include a promise. Family was a biblical institution grounded in Creation. Slavery was not. Yet followers of Jesus in Paul’s day were called to live Christianly within both. This does not mean they were obligated to accept either institution’s “bad, corrupt, and wicked” elements as part of God’s will. Elsewhere, Paul advises slaves to gain their freedom if they can (1 Cor. 7:21). He says that those who submit should take comfort in knowing that God sees their obedience as something rendered to Him. Those who expect obedience must keep in mind that they will one day answer to God. >> While our own experience may not fit this passage exactly, we all have people to whom we must submit. How can we do this in a way that will bring glory to Christ?

In a culture that prizes independence, submission is not a popular idea. Many modern readers bristle when they come to Ephesians 5:22, where Paul says wives should submit to their husbands. However, the command to submit is not just for wives. In this section of his letter, the apostle speaks of submission as a universal obligation and as an expression of reverence for Christ (v. 21). These guidelines are sometimes referred to as the Haustafel, a German word that means “household order.” The command of verse 21 serves as a heading for this section of this letter, which runs through Ephesians 6:9. Here Paul describes the roles of wives, husbands, children, fathers, enslaved people, and masters. Paul’s goal was to help his readers live Christianly within a social structure of his day. John Stott points out that Paul’s directives assume the dignity of womanhood, childhood, servanthood, and equality before God of all human beings. The apostle describes differences in the roles of husbands and wives, using Christ and the church as a pattern. The guiding principle is the rule of love. He commands husbands to love their wives “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (v. 25). Wives, in turn, respond to this love with voluntary submission. In its proper context, the call for wives to “submit to their husbands in everything” is not demeaning. Husbands are to act as servants to their wives in the same way that Jesus served the church (vv. 28–29). Rather than ascribing a difference in status between husbands and wives, Paul emphasizes mutuality. Both are dependent upon each other. Each serves the other. Husband and wife are equal in the eyes of Christ (1 Cor. 11:8–12). >> Jesus said, “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matt. 10:24). If He was not ashamed to take the role of a servant, we should not be reluctant to submit to one another in love.

According to Tertullian, the North African theologian who lived around 160–220 AD, the early church was known for its love. Paul says the same in today’s passage, where he gives several characteristics of those who follow God’s example as dearly loved children (v. 1). Above all else, Christians are known by their love, as we imitate Christ’s sacrificial life (v. 2). In verses 3–20, Paul spells out what this lifestyle should look like in greater detail. It is a life of moral purity. Those who belong to Christ should refrain from sexual immorality or any kind of impurity, not “even a hint” (v. 3). Not only are immoral acts to be shunned but also the thoughts and desires that fuel them. Followers of Christ must turn from greed. Greed is a particular mode of the more general sin of covetousness, a desire for anything that belongs to another (see Ex. 20:17; Deut. 5:21). Christian purity is reflected in our words as well as deeds. Instead of vulgar language and coarse joking, Christian speech should be marked by thanksgiving (v. 4). Followers of Christ should encourage one another to express themselves in worship (vv. 19–20). The apostle called the Ephesians to make a clear break from their former way of life because it is incompatible with the values of the kingdom of Christ (vv. 5–7). Their calling was not only to know the light but to be light (vv. 8–14). Living such a life does not come automatically. It requires both wisdom and power. The wisdom comes from understanding the Lord’s will (v. 17). The power to live a new life comes from the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (v. 18). >> Are you careful in the way you live? Pay attention, so that you do not slip into old ways of thinking, speaking, and acting that are unworthy of those who profess to belong to Jesus Christ.

Followers of Jesus were not always called Christians. The term Christian first appeared in Antioch (Acts 11:26). It is a Latinized form of the word Christ that indicates allegiance and suggests that it arose among the Gentiles. It may originally have been an insult (1 Peter 4:16). Before Jesus’ followers were called Christians, they were called “the Way” (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:22). Why were followers of Christ called “the Way”? In Ephesians 4:20, Paul explains that Christianity is more than a set of doctrines. It is also a “way of life” that we must learn. Following Jesus begins with a change of thinking (vv. 17–19). Instead of following the pointless way of thinking of our former life, we are to “put off” the old self and “put on the new self” (vv. 22–24). What Paul describes requires more than adopting a new set of morals. The Christian life demands that we become new people. As verse 23 puts it, the Christian way is a path of renewal in which we are continuously being remade in the image of Christ. Our impulse to sin does not suddenly disappear when we trust in Christ. Nor do we automatically get along with everyone because we belong to Christ. Christians can still behave sinfully and selfishly. Consequently, verses 25–32 call those who follow the way to act out of the new self as they interact with their neighbors. Some of the directives Paul gives may surprise us: stop lying to one another, stop stealing, and get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and every form of malice. Christianity is not for the perfect but for those who are being perfected. The power to change comes from God through Christ. Our part is to cooperate with the work that God has begun. >> An old song says, “God’s still workin’ on me.” Where is God working in your life? Today, think about what you need to put off or away and what you need to put on.

In his beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace,” John Newton celebrates how God “saved a wretch like me.” The apostle Paul would have agreed. He said of himself, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Cor. 15:9). Yet in the very next verse, Paul asserts, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect” (15:10). When Paul urged the Ephesians in verse 1 to live a life “worthy” of their calling, he was not contradicting himself. The worthiness he speaks of is not based on what we deserve but on what God has promised to do in us through Christ. The striking feature of the lifestyle he describes in verses 2–3 is that, instead of being a list of tasks, it is a catalog of character traits. A life worthy of the gospel is one in which God lives up to the promise of power described in the preceding chapter (see also Eph. 3:16–19). We live that power out in daily experience. Christ has made this possible for us by joining believers to one another through the Holy Spirit in the community (or “body”) that we call the church (vv. 4–6). He has also empowered individuals through His Spirit to strengthen the church through ministry. In other spiritual gift lists, Paul describes abilities or the power to perform tasks given to individuals, but in verses 11–13, the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors are themselves the gift. The last category Paul mentions in this list seems to be a combination of two abilities: shepherding and teaching. >> Take time to pray for those who preach or teach in your church. Write a note or send them a text to tell them how they have helped you. If you are able, describe a specific instance where God used their message.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Willimon once observed, “We preachers so want to be heard that we are willing to make the gospel more accessible than it really is, to remove the scandal, the offense of the cross, to deceive people into thinking that it is possible to hear without conversion.” The truth revealed in the gospel is more than a matter of common sense. In this chapter, the apostle Paul describes it as a revelation that comes from God. Instead of using clever arguments to persuade his audience, Paul adopts a more radical strategy. He prays for them. Growing in our understanding of Christ is not simply a matter of collecting facts or articulating doctrinal positions. Paul prays that his audience will experience the power of the Holy Spirit in their “inner being” so that Christ will dwell in their hearts through faith (vv. 16–17). In other words, the starting place for understanding Christ is a relationship with Christ, facilitated through the Holy Spirit. Those who come to know Jesus do not earn Christ’s love. They are rooted in love like a tree is rooted in the soil. Their Christian life is built upon the foundation of knowing that Jesus Christ already loves them. Those who have this foundation can explore the full scope of His love. It is something they “grasp” but whose limits they will never exhaust. In verses 16 and 18, Paul clearly states that the power to grasp what Christ has done comes from God. He emphasizes the agent of this power (the Holy Spirit), the place where we experience it (the inner being), and its effect (the ability to grasp Christ’s love). The doxology in verses 20–21 celebrates God’s ability to do more than we ask or imagine. >> The power that Paul describes is the power at work in you today. In what area of life do you need to experience Christ’s power through the Holy Spirit?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was nervous when I first told my mother I wanted to attend school to learn how to become a pastor. We were not a church-going family. But instead of being disappointed by the news, she was thrilled. “Oh, Johnny!” she beamed. “You would make a darling minister.” Darling is not the word Paul uses in Ephesians 3. In verse 7 he refers to himself as a “servant.” Although the Greek term Paul uses is one that is sometimes translated as “minister,” Paul seems to be using its more common sense, meaning someone who works or serves. Specifically, Paul sees himself as a servant of the gospel. In verse 2, Paul describes his ministry as an “administration of God’s grace.” The Greek word translated “administration” was often used to speak of a household manager or steward. Paul exercised a stewardship of grace by preaching the gospel. By making Christ known, he became an agent of grace to those who received his message. Paul was also a recipient of divine revelation. Specifically, this revelation was the news that “through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). This was new information (v. 9). It had been hinted at in God’s promise that all the nations would be blessed through Abraham (Gen. 18:18). The new thing described in these verses is the church, through which, Paul also says, “the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (v. 10). What is the nature of this wisdom? It is that in Christ and through faith in Christ, “we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (v. 12). >> This confidence is the reason Paul does not want his readers to be discouraged about his imprisonment. He is more than willing to suffer so they would know the freedom and assurance that comes through the gospel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Paul’s day, non-Jews who visited the Temple of Jerusalem were confined to the outermost section known as the Court of the Gentiles. A fence separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts. A warning on it read: “No man of another race is to enter within the fence and enclosure around the Temple. Whoever is caught will have only himself to thank for the death which follows.” Paul seems to be alluding to this boundary in verse 14 when he says that Jesus “has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” It was not only ethnic prejudice that kept Gentiles from entering but also the barrier of God’s law. Yet even those who had received the law needed to be reconciled to God (v. 16). The spiritual wall not only set Jews apart from Gentiles but ultimately separated everyone from God. Although the physical wall was still standing when the apostle wrote these words, the spiritual wall had been torn down by the death of Christ on the cross. By “setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations,” Jesus reconciled both groups to God. This made peace possible between Jews and Gentiles (v. 15). Because of what Christ has done, “both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (v. 18). The result is “one new humanity out of the two” where the distinctions between Jew and Gentile are no longer meaningful (v. 15). For the Ephesians, this meant that they were no longer outsiders to God’s promises. Through faith, they have been drawn into God’s great building project. This new structure is “a holy temple” with the teaching of the apostles and prophets as its foundation and Jesus Christ as its cornerstone (vv. 20–21). >> If you trust in Jesus Christ as your righteousness, you are inside the wall too! You are included in the promise of verse 22. If you do not trust in Him, the boundary still stands. Put your faith in Jesus today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ads and commercials for diet supplements and exercise equipment sometimes include “before” and “after” pictures of those who use the product. A famous ad from the 1920s for the training regimen developed by bodybuilder Charles Atlas boasted that it had enabled him to go from being a 97-pound weakling to “the world’s most perfectly developed person.” Paul paints an even more striking before-and-after picture of his readers in Ephesians 2:1–13. The “before” describes sinners as spiritually dead, but that does not mean they aren’t active. They follow “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (v. 2). This is Satan, who led humanity into sin. Satan is not a metaphor but an evil spiritual being with other evil spirits who serve him. Satan is a fallen angel (Luke 10:18). He was the first to tempt humanity, but he is not the only source of temptation we face. Because Adam sinned, we are both guilty of and inclined to sin. Everyone who is tempted is “dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (James 1:14). This sin problem affects “all of us” because we are sinners “by nature” who are “deserving of wrath” (v. 3). Yet Paul’s main point is not the sin of his readers but the radical change outlined in verses 4–6. This change was not brought about by personal willpower or a training regimen of spiritual exercises, but by God who was motivated by love and mercy. We are changed from spiritual death to life in Christ (v. 5). The fact that those who experienced this change were dead in sin makes it clear that the change did not come through their own efforts but had its origin in the grace of God. This is God’s handiwork. >> God’s gracious work produced a new community that joined Gentiles and Jewish believers in Christ. Both are united by “the blood of Christ” to form the new community we know as the church.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I was a boy, I occasionally wrote letters to my grandmother who lived in another state. They were handwritten, brief, and usually began the same way: “How are you? I am fine.” Letter writing in Paul’s day also had an opening formula that generally included a greeting to identify the letter’s recipient and a blessing. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, this blessing takes the form of a prayer for spiritual enlightenment (vv. 17–18). This was not a prayer for salvation. Paul’s readers already possessed faith in Jesus Christ and a love for God’s people (v. 15). Instead, Paul prayed that the Ephesians would grow in their understanding. Specifically, he asked God to grant his readers enlightenment, using the vivid image of a heart with eyes wide open (v. 18). This kind of understanding is the work of the Holy Spirit, whom the apostle calls “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation” (v. 17). The kind of understanding Paul requests goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge of certain truths. This kind of knowledge is experiential as well as intellectual. It is an understanding of a hope and a power that come from God (vv. 18–19). How much power are we talking about? According to verse 20 it is the same power that the Father exerted when He raised Jesus Christ from the dead! The spiritual power that is granted to us in the Christian life is enough to subdue all things to Christ (v. 22). We can’t help noticing the contrast between Paul’s circumstances and the kind of power he describes. Given his arrest and confinement, we might have expected the apostle to see himself as a victim. Instead, Paul describes total victory. >> You may not be able to grasp everything there is to know about Jesus Christ. But you can understand more. As we continue our study, ask God to open the eyes of your heart so you can know and experience the power of Christ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People sometimes use the phrase “reality check” to mean recognizing the circumstances that hinder us from achieving an ambition or reaching a goal. But the reality check Paul describes in his letter to the Ephesians is different. The apostle writes about the true position of those who have trusted in Christ. Their reality is security and hope. If you consider the situation Paul was in, the apostle’s confident tone is especially striking. Although a prisoner, Paul’s did not describe his situation as the four walls holding him captive but as someone who had been blessed “in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (v. 3). Paul was much more than a prisoner. He was someone who had been chosen in Christ “before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless” (v. 4). He had been drawn into God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. This plan, which originated with God in eternity past, when finished, will “bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth” (v. 10). The terms “chosen” and “predestined” (v. 11) have been the focus of much discussion and disagreement among Christians. While the issues that surround the Bible’s teaching about election and predestination may seem complex, Paul’s main point (vv. 11–14) is fairly simple. It was God who saved us by uniting us to Jesus Christ through the promises of the gospel. The proof that we have been included in Christ is the presence of the Holy Spirit who is “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (v. 14). >> Whatever circumstances you find yourself in today, your future is secure if you are in Christ. Security depends not on your situation but on God, who is bringing about your redemption. His plan has been unfolding since eternity past. Jesus is at its center, holiness is its aim, and praise will be the outcome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People sometimes use the phrase “reality check” to mean recognizing the circumstances that hinder us from achieving an ambition or reaching a goal. But the reality check Paul describes in his letter to the Ephesians is different. The apostle writes about the true position of those who have trusted in Christ. Their reality is security and hope. If you consider the situation Paul was in, the apostle’s confident tone is especially striking. Although a prisoner, Paul’s did not describe his situation as the four walls holding him captive but as someone who had been blessed “in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (v. 3). Paul was much more than a prisoner. He was someone who had been chosen in Christ “before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless” (v. 4). He had been drawn into God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. This plan, which originated with God in eternity past, when finished, will “bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth” (v. 10). The terms “chosen” and “predestined” (v. 11) have been the focus of much discussion and disagreement among Christians. While the issues that surround the Bible’s teaching about election and predestination may seem complex, Paul’s main point (vv. 11–14) is fairly simple. It was God who saved us by uniting us to Jesus Christ through the promises of the gospel. The proof that we have been included in Christ is the presence of the Holy Spirit who is “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (v. 14). >> Whatever circumstances you find yourself in today, your future is secure if you are in Christ. Security depends not on your situation but on God, who is bringing about your redemption. His plan has been unfolding since eternity past. Jesus is at its center, holiness is its aim, and praise will be the outcome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Martin Luther King Jr. penned his Letter From a Birmingham City Jail in April 1963, he joined a long tradition of Christians who wrote letters and books while in jail, including John Bunyan, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and most notably, the apostle Paul. This month we will be studying Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, all letters the apostle wrote as a prisoner in Rome. At that time, people were sent to prison not as punishment, but to await trial and possible execution. When Paul wrote these letters, he was most likely serving a two-year “house arrest” (Acts 28:30). This meant he was able to live in a rented residence, though in chains and guarded. This was not Paul’s first arrest. Imprisonment was so much a part of Paul’s Christian experience that he included it on his resume. In 2 Corinthians 11:5 he began his defense by claiming that he was not inferior to those whom others may view as “super-apostles” or perhaps better translated as “eminent” or “chief apostles.” To support this assertion, Paul reluctantly listed some of his accomplishments (vv. 22–29), including his frequent imprisonment. We tend to look at a church’s size and budget as evidence of God at work. The apostle Paul recognized that God works through weakness. For this reason, Paul wrote, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (v. 30). You may be surprised to find that the letters we will be studying this month are some of Paul’s most joyful. Yet Paul wrote them while under house arrest in Rome. Instead of curtailing his ministry, this imprisonment allowed Paul to articulate some of the deepest theology in the New Testament. >> What appears to us to be a setback is often an open door. We do not need a large platform to make an impact on those around us. As we make ourselves available, God will work through us even in the most confining circumstances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a child in Sunday School and Good News Club, I sang: “The B-I-B-L-E, Yes that’s the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E!” Often it was my mother leading the song. She had a passion for teaching the Bible to the next generation. The end of the Book of Revelation tells us that the Bible is complete (vv. 18–19). We’re strictly warned not to add to it or take away from it. Technically, these verses refer to the Book of Revelation, but due to its placement as the last book in the canon, tradition often reads them as referring to Scripture as a whole. The Bible is complete in the sense that there will be no more Holy Spirit- inspired books added. This doesn’t mean God is silent. He speaks to us today through His Word, as well as through prayer and the Holy Spirit. Submitting to Scripture is a key mark of the true church. As we follow Christ through the ups and downs of our lives, we wait eagerly for His Second Coming. This is the heart behind the prayer “Maranatha,” or “Come, Lord Jesus” (v. 20). He is “the Root and the Offspring of David,” a Messianic title indicating kingship (v. 16; see Isa. 11:1–10). He’s also the “bright Morning Star,” an image signifying hope, light, and salvation (see Num. 24:17; 2 Peter 1:19). He invites all who will come to eternal life with Him. All those who are thirsty can “take the free gift of the water of life” (v. 17; see John 4:13–14). This is the gospel of Christ! >> Who do you know who needs to hear and believe in Jesus for salvation? Maybe you could gift them with a Bible or invite them to attend church or to study Today in the Word with you. Ask the Lord for an opportunity to share the gospel with them!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Books and movies often try to visualize the end of the world. Nuclear weapons are launched and destroy the planet. An epidemic wipes out life on Earth. Robots and artificial intelligence take over. People become virtual reality addicts. Zombies prowl. Space aliens conquer humanity. As fascinating as these scenarios are, there’s little hope to be found there. Today’s reading demonstrates how Christians see the end of the world—and it’s a Person! Jesus Christ, the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega (v. 17; see Rev. 19:11–16). When John saw Him in a vision, he fell at His feet in worship. Christ appeared as “someone like a son of man” (v. 13), a Messianic title from Daniel 7:13–14. His robe and golden sash identify Him as a priest or possibly a judge. His white hair indicates wisdom and dignity (v. 14). His “blazing” eyes see everything accurately, denoting both omni- science and justice. His “glowing” feet imply strength and stability; they will trample on His enemies (v. 15). His voice like “rushing waters” also suggests power (see Ezek. 1:24). The seven stars in His right hand are the angels of the seven churches (vv. 16, 20). The double-edged sword coming from His mouth symbolizes His word of judgment, and His shining face — His glory. The titles Christ announces in verse 17 are highly significant. “The First and the Last” shows not only that He’s eternal but that He’s also supreme over all. The “Living One” has conquered death and thereby guaranteed our resurrection. He holds “the keys of death and Hades,” meaning that He is in sovereign control of the eternal destiny of every one of us. These descriptions and titles set the stage for the letters to the seven churches, in which pertinent titles will reoccur in messages to specific churches. >> One way to pray in a fresh and meaningful manner is to use the alphabet. From A to Z, name an attribute of God and praise Him for it (Hint: A=Almighty, or Awesome).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.