Good Intentions - Pt 3

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:26-32 ESV).

The third “good intention” I would encourage you to adopt for this New Year is to love and forgive yourself and others. You cannot express unconditional love if you do not first practice it with yourself. There is a beautiful song by the Bluegrass band Mountain Heart that lists the writer’s transgressors and his success in forgiving them. Notice the last line: I forgive my daddy for missing half my life, I forgive my momma for holding on too tight, I’ve forgiven friends, strangers, neighbors, family, Everybody… everybody… but me. Holding on to guilt can impact relationships because it blocks the flow of communication, of love itself. Practice grace, with others and with yourself. You can’t truly live your life until you do. There is no question that learning to love in the manner Christ intended is more of a lifetime goal than an immediate accomplishment. The progress sneaks up on you over months, years. Forgiving people who have hurt us may well be the most difficult task we are asked to perform. But if you keep “carrying all that anger, it’ll eat you up inside,” as Don Henley sang. Strangely we find comfort in holding on to the guilt of both others and ourselves. It is almost as if that somehow we have come to believe that if we punish them or ourselves that can erase the hurt. It can’t and it won’t. The result of self-depredation and deepening guilt can only drive us further away from the grace of God. However, letting go of those failures brings us freedom and peace. I know that is difficult; however, if we remember that it is a process not a singular event, we can move forward. The first step is always beginning. Start with yourself and forgive, no matter how significant your failure. Then expand to others who have hurt you. You will like the new you!

Good Intentions - Pt 2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 ESV).

The second thing I would encourage you to practice in your life this year is to think positive thoughts. The most current research suggests that human beings think three or four negative thoughts to every positive one. Many people I counsel admit to negative self-talk. In fact, they become so easily entangled in this destructive habit that they are debilitated with anxiety to the point of distraction and fear of the future. When things are going wrong, that’s the most difficult time to be positive. But a steady stream of hopeful or reassuring thoughts can help bring us back to the truth that we are not alone. The apostle is clear in our reading today that the path to being transformed is through the renewing of our minds. This is done from within. It is how we think that makes the difference. In fact, he models that when he says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). It is a proven fact that thoughts like “It’s going to be OK!” are better thoughts to think than “I’ll never be able to do it!” Thinking on the true and good thing (cf. Philippians 4:8) is far better than allowing fear to overcome you. No matter how bad the situation is, remember you are loved beyond measure. I am not suggesting that this is merely an attitude in our head. There's an active positive attitude that we can do. We can wear positive, constructive thoughts. Then it becomes the attitude that compels us to move forward to keep living, the same way our hearts keep beating. That's the attitude that can make the difference. It's the difference between letting life pass us by and dancing in the rain, doing what we set out to accomplish, no matter what, however big or little of a thing that might be. What if, instead of staring out the window, feeling defeat while sitting idly by, blaming ourselves for not having a strong enough attitude, we took a different approach? What if we slid on our rain boots and stepped out into the rain? What if we actually moved? What if we let our bodies sway side to side and tapped our rain-booted toes in the splotchy puddles. What if we twirled around with our arms wide? What if we just kept going? What if we really danced in the rain? Make that a part of your practice this coming year.

Good Intentions - Pt 1

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4 ESV).

I have come to a firm conviction that New Year’s Resolutions simply don’t work very well for me without a daily commitment of my mind followed by intention action. This is not something new for me. In fact, my wife recognized this personality trait years ago. She got me a little wall plaque when I first began full-time ministry that read: “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good intentions.” It has been a consistent reminder for me for nearly five decades. Perhaps you’re a bit like me. Or, perhaps you do make a good start with your resolutions each year and then there’s a small slip and failure and guilt cause you to quit altogether. I would encourage you in that from a spiritual perspective, we must remember we’re not perfect. Perfection is not the goal in this earthly life; we should seek to persevere in our journey. It’s a daily resetting of your mind and soul. It’s trying again when you “fail” and knowing that you can never fail if you’re trying. It is…grace. So, knowing this truth there are a few ideas I’d like to encourage you with as 2018 dawns in replacement of 2017. First, develop a habit of “counting to ten.” The age-old axiom describing a pause before you speak or act is wise. Our first reactions to things may be influenced by how stressed we are at the moment, what just happened in that meeting or where our blood sugar levels are hovering. In our age of instant messaging to a world-wide audience, this principle has never been so important. We certainly have seen the destructive result of pounding out 140 characters for that scathing retort in a moment of haste. Taking a few seconds to think before speaking takes discipline and practice. But taking time to respond when you feel emotional is a spiritual exercise that will help you be more centered and more caring. I’ve watched twitter and Facebook destroy many relationships. We all forget sometime that perception is everything in this life we live. What you see as innocent may not translate that way to your boyfriend, girlfriend or boss. Please post and tweet smartly. Before you post or tweet something count to ten! That’s just another way of saying we should think about how others would perceive what we have written.

The Near Past

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:12-16 ESV).

I have often worked with people who were experiencing a devastating loss. Often their trust has been shaken. They may even doubt the goodness of God toward them. Typically this is due, at least in part, to the pain of the “near” past. We all know the truth that it is easier to remember what has just happened with more vividness than the distant past. It is because we remember that pain so vividly that we can also easily project it into our future. And, further, since we are often given to accept absolutes, we decide that our future will never be better than the pain of our past. It is at that time when we desperately need to understand the work of God’s grace in our lives. Grace is not only God’s disposition to do good for us when we don’t deserve it. It is an actual power from God that acts and makes good things happen in us and for us. This is what’s behind the Apostle Paul’s writing to the Corinthians in our reading today. God’s grace was God’s acting in Paul to make Paul work hard: “By the grace of God . . . I worked harder than any of them.” So when Paul says, “Work out your own salvation,” he adds, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (vv. 12-13). Grace is power from God to do good things in us and for us. John Piper says it like this: This grace is past and it is future. It is ever-cascading over the infinitesimal waterfall of the present, from the inexhaustible river of grace coming to us from the future, into the ever-increasing reservoir of grace in the past. In the next five minutes, you will receive sustaining grace flowing to you from the future, and you will accumulate another five minutes’ worth of grace in the reservoir of the past. The proper response to the grace you experienced in the past is thankfulness, and the proper response to grace promised to you in the future is faith. We are thankful for the past grace of the last year, and we are confident in the future grace for the New Year. Don’t be deceived by your circumstances. God is at work to do good things in and for you!

2018, Ready or Not

I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. (Isaiah 43:15-21 ESV).

You know it by the name of “Hide and Seek.” Hide-and-Seek is still a popular game for children around the world. Any number of players can play and there is no real strategy or physical ability necessary to play. You know, it is when players conceal themselves in their favorite hiding place to be found by one or more seekers. The game is played by one player chosen (designated as being "it") closing their eyes and counting to a predetermined number while the other players hide. After reaching this number, the player who is "it" calls "Ready or not, here I come!" and then attempts to locate all concealed players. The game can end in one of several ways. In the most common variation of the game, the player chosen as "it" locates all players as the players are not allowed to move; the player found last is the winner and is chosen to be "it" in the next game. Another common variation has the seeker counting at "home base"; the hiders can either remain hidden or they can come out of hiding to race to home base; once they touch it, they are "safe" and cannot be tagged. Sometimes I feel coming into a new year we feel as if we are about to be “discovered” and must race to home base before being “tagged.” Some of that feeling is based on our past. After all, some of us have been run over a bit by life. The message God has for each of us is that feeling is merely temporary and has actually passed. The prophet says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” It was the Lord’s way of reminding Israel that he had not forgotten them and he was doing this “new thing” to make their way good and productive. That is the message in Jesus’ work of grace. Today we have the advantage of knowing that God has already secured our eternal future. He has proven this what Jesus did for us on the cross. I love the message Jesus delivers to the thief who is dying with him: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” That is our assurance too. I don’t need to race to “home base.” Jesus has done that for me; and, I need only wait until I am called to the home is not preparing for me. Come on 2018! I’m ready for you!

The Day After Christmas

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV).

The day after Christmas is usually one of the most difficult days for people to face. Family have come and gone, the excitement of new things has turned to the task of exchange and refitting. We find ourselves back in an old familiar routine that is at best unsatisfactory. Perhaps it is that we spend a month or longer, decorating and cooking, buying and gifting, baking, listening to music and snuggling in front of the fire and movies, and then, in one 24-hour period, it's over. For some there is another day off that allows some transition back to the “real world.” And, while this is a luxury for some and not all, there are several ways that anyone can stretch the season of Christmas. The following may be helpful to you as you face the “undecorating” and a return to the regular. First, let me suggest that you find a time for rest. Even if you are back at work, take some time at lunch or break and let your mind linger over the time of inactivity. Take the day slowly and don't say yes to anything that isn't urgent. Take the time to recharge yourself and be present with those you love most. Second, use some of the time you have to reflect. This is the time of year to look back over all the blessings that have come your way. Good news from the doctor, promotions at work, milestones for the kids, travels and adventures, personal growth, the list could be a mile long. Start collecting those blessings, either on paper or in your head, and watch as your cup overflows. Third, find a place and purpose in rejoicing. Remember why you’ve just spent a month preparing. Yes, the holidays are fun, but Jesus is the reason for the season. Read the story with fresh eyes. Ponder how Joseph must have felt; consider what happened next for him and Mary. Immerse yourself in the idea that Christmas changed everything—not just for a day, or a season, but forever. Fourth, prepare yourself for the New Year. After you’ve spent time reflecting on the months that just passed, what does your mind land on? Is there a word that resonates in your heart? Develop a sense of perseverance to continue. More than anything, forget what has gone before and move to what is ahead. After all, the assurance of eternal life is ours in Christ. That is the “prize of the upward call of God in Christ.”

Buon Natale!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2-7 ESV).

“Buon Natale!” which is Italian for “Merry Christmas.” So, I would like to dip a bit into my heritage and say Buon Natale to each of you! While there is certainly much that is the same about the traditions in America and Italy during Christmastime, one readily observable difference between them is the general lack of commercialism that threatens to swallow up and completely secularize the holiday. For instance, instead of writing letters, or emails, to Santa Claus asking for presents Italian children are encouraged write letters to tell their parents how much they love them. The letter is normally placed under their father's plate and read after Christmas Eve dinner has been finished. Italians have also adopted some of the northern European traditions as well. In northern Italy a fair number of families decorate an evergreen tree in their home; however, many families use the ceppo. This is a wooden frame several feet high designed in a pyramid shape. This frame supports several tiers of shelves, often with a manger scene on the bottom followed by small gifts of fruit, candy, and presents on the shelves above. The "Tree of Light," as it is also known, is entirely decorated with colored paper, gold pinecones, and miniature colored pennants. Small candles are fastened to the tapering sides and a star or small doll is hung at the apex. It is their center of attention for their family celebration. Neither is better than the other unless one removes the act of worship because of Jesus’ birth. Our reading today gives us a glimpse of who Jesus was to be once he was born. These are lofty positions. And, yet, all of them are positions that cannot be filled by anyone other than the Christ. This is the real reason for celebration. It is easy to lose this message in the midst of our celebrations. I hope you have not lost that great gift of grace. Hold to it tightly. It is your hope and assurance!

Christmas Eve

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 ESV).

I hope you have enjoyed the “20 Days of Advent” that we completed yesterday. Today, of course, is Christmas Eve. My prayer is that you are able to celebrate with family and friends in the true spirit of this holy day. We are blessed to be with many of our family today and tomorrow, though there are always those are missing. Perhaps you are one of those who find themselves wondering how you will ever celebrate when there is such an obvious absence you must face. Perhaps returning to the birth passage as our reading will give you some comfort and assurance. When I read it and think of the many emotions that surround this day, I am reminded of the wonderful carol, “Silent Night.” This picture is the chapel where it was first performed in 1818. It was first performed on Christmas Eve at St Nicholas parish church in Oberdorf. A young priest, Father Joseph Mohr, had come there the year before. He had written the lyrics of the song "Stille Nacht" in 1816 at Mariapfarr, the hometown of his father, where he had worked as a co-adjutor. The melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, schoolmaster and organist in a nearby village. Shortly after it was taken and performed throughout Europe becoming one of the all-time favorites of Christians everywhere. It is strange to think how God’s message is spread in such unforeseen ways. This is some of what was happening when Caesar Augustus issued this decree requiring everyone to return to their birthplace to be registered. Joseph and Mary were forced to make the difficult journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth. Mary was due to give birth at any time and the trip would be very difficult; however, perhaps the most difficult thing of all was being absent from family and friends at such a momentous occasion. Even though this was Joseph’s birthplace, there is no reason to believe that any of his family still remained in this little town. They were alone and forced to take shelter in a stable which was little more than a hollow in the hillside that doubled as a dry place for the animals. This fulfilled a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah (cf. Micah 5:1-2). Though many doubt Jesus’ position and power, God will not fail to keep his promises. So, regardless of what your immediate circumstance is, take a moment to renew your hope and be assured that God will not fail you. He will make all things good. He can be trusted!

Advent - Day 20

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:16-18 ESV).

Perhaps the darkest of events surrounding the birth of Jesus is found in our reading this morning. Herod the Great was then king of Israel. He was one of the most paranoid and cruel of leaders. And, even though there are some who refuse to believe that this even occurred, given his progressive cruelty and the Biblical evidence, I have no doubt about it taking place. Josephus is our best resource for the life of Herod. He tells us of an incident near the end of his life. In 4 BC he is in his winter palace in Jericho. It’s the only place in the holy land that doesn’t snow or get cold in the winter. After all, it is 1,200 feet below sea level. Herod is dying. He tries every remedy in the world to stop the multitude of diseases that were creeping up on him. He went to the hot springs on the northeastern corner of the Dead Sea for treatment; however, it was to no avail. So he goes back to his winter palace and he invites his sister Salome in and he says, “I want you to arrest all the Jewish leaders in the land and imprison them in the hippodrome just below the palace here.” And so she does so and then she says, “Brother, why am I doing this?” And Herod says, “Well, I know that when I die the Jews are going to rejoice. So I want to give them something to cry about.” And so he wants these leaders all executed in that hippodrome so that there will be thousands of households weeping at the time of his death! He is the Hitler of his era. Did he have all these children murdered? I think there is no doubt. But what does that tell us? Perhaps the greatest truth is that there is no logic or acceptable explanation for the evil and cruelty in our world. While 14,000 children were murdered senselessly during that rampage, we cannot ignore the nearly 750,000 babies that are aborted each year in the United States. Regardless of how you feel on the political position of this issue, it is a fact that, in nearly every case, these children would have been able to have lived to be born given the chance. This is a picture of sin and evil at work in our world. The only answer to that is the gospel. After all this is the only reason Jesus was born. He came to seek and forgive those who are lost. As we go about this year celebrating the birth of Jesus, take a moment and determine how you will spend the coming year to spread that message of grace and forgiveness.

Advent - Day 19

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:39-40 ESV).

Just the other day Mary asked me, “Do you think Jesus ever had temper tantrums?” The question caught be a bit off-guard. However, my response was, “Probably.” Then I thought it through a bit and added that even though he might have done all of those things children typically do as they grow and mature through each stage of life, he could not have ever been disobedient or disrespectful. That would have meant he would have sinned in his emotion. He was fully human. He experienced every emotion as we do; however, his reaction to the feeling was always careful obedience and honor to God. Our reading helps us with that. Here Luke says simply, “And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him” (v. 40). You see, the gospels only give us a handful of events: the family's escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:14) and return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:23; Luke 2:39); His increasing wisdom (Luke 2:40-52); and His visit to the Temple in Jerusalem at age 12 and obedience to His parents (Luke 2:41-51). Oh, there are accounts of Christ's childhood in the apocryphal gospels. These are books written much later by those seeking to fill in the "gaps." However, these "gospels" present a child who is sullen and uses miracles for entertainment rather than doing the will of God. Neither of these attributes fits with the character of Christ. While the authentic details of Jesus' childhood are sparse, we can learn a great deal from the country and area of His youth: Israel and Galilee. While Jerusalem emphasized the intricate and convoluted study of the Old Testament and teachings of the rabbis, Galilee's distance from the city afforded a somewhat milder approach that had little respect for legalism. For this reason and because of dialect differences, the Galileans were often seen as unlearned. We can expect that Jesus grew up in an atmosphere permeated with the teachings and words of the Old Testament. He also likely attended a Jewish school by age six, since these were common even in remote areas. Beyond this, the content of His parables and teachings may suggest the everyday sights of His youth: shepherds with their sheep, marriage parties in celebration, foxes in their lairs, tax collectors at the door, widows at work looking for lost coins, bakers in the middle of kneading bread, carpentry with Joseph, and the poor in the street. The one aspect we can be sure of is that Jesus' youth served to fulfill an important part of His ministry. That is, though fully God, He grew up as any human does. This gives him the unique ability to identify and help us through every experience. That gives us hope and joy!

Advent - Day 18

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. (Matthew 2:19-23 ESV).

I know beginning with this story is not really an “advent” devotional; however, I hope to show you the principle in our reading today through experiences over the last forty-eight years with my wife, Mary. Today is our anniversary. In some ways these nearly five decades have passed very quickly, though I must be honest and say they have not been without some real challenges. I can say that every one of them makes me want to simply dance with my bride. The picture you see today is one taken at my nephew’s wedding (also in Bryan, Texas) in 2014. I was privileged to officiate that wedding. At the end of the day all of the “older” folks were called to the dance floor. One by one the DJ began to eliminate couples by length of their marriage. Even then Mary and I were the last ones dancing. My sincere hope, which I am committed to work toward, is that at the end of this life we will still be left dancing! December 21, 1969 was a typical Saturday afternoon in Bryan, Texas. It was a day full of surprises even though most of it was very scripted and rehearsed. It is strange that that would become the story of our lives together. It has been full of surprises though carefully scripted by our heavenly Father. I have mentioned before that through the years we have lived in three states, 12 different cities, and 21 different apartments or homes. As you can see we were certainly a “mobile family.” Some of the moves were necessitated by a change in positions. I have been in ministry positions in seven different churches/organizations. Whew! Doesn’t that make you tired? It didn’t for us. In our reading Joseph and Mary moved yet again in the brief years after Jesus’ birth. We hear of no complaint or weariness. There was always a simple obedience to take the next step as God directed them. I certainly don’t want to give you the impression that I am as righteous or wise as Joseph; however, neither Mary nor I complained about any of the changes in our lives. We simply went and explored the next “surprise” of our life. We trusted that God would was directing us and that He would make it right. As I reflect on all those years, I can truly say each one was full and blessed. We have met cherished friends along the way. We have seen God do miraculous things in our journey. From that history comes I have an unshakeable hope that all the remaining years we shall have together shall be the same. God sees to that. So, for all of the blessing I thank my God; and, I thank my wife. Happy Anniversary, Sugar! Let’s go dancing!

Advent - Day 17

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38 ESV).

After meeting Simeon, Mary and Joseph also encountered Anna. In our reading, Luke recalls, “Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple” (v. 36). She was an elderly Jewish woman who spent most of her days worshipping and praying in the Temple. Seeing Jesus, Anna burst into praise, confirming what Simeon had said about the baby. “She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem” (v. 38). It shouldn’t surprise us that Joseph and Mary were amazed. They had the visions and dreams, but it must have still felt rather incredible that God really did this in their lives. I find it more than of passing interest that we won’t find Simeon or Anna in any list of major Bible characters. Yet more than two millennia after this incident in the Temple, we know about them and their faith in God’s promises. God’s Word contains many promises, including God’s continual presence, his sovereignty over our lives, his Holy Spirit, his daily care, and his promise of eternal life. During times of conflict, meager resources, loneliness, and suffering, God can seem distant. That’s when we need to cling to the truth that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus Christ, which is, Himself. That the “good news.” When we fail to understand the circumstances of our lives, the difficulty we have at times taking one more step, look to the birth of Jesus. I have heard the words “I can’t” so many times when people reach the end of their personal resources. I always amazes me a bit in the face of the revelation of Jesus. You see, the whole point is that we really can’t; but God can! You may have come to a situation in your health, your family, or your personal relationship with someone special to you that seem impossible to overcome. That is simply not true. You can have victory over all of the challenges you face because Jesus has been born. He lived the perfect life of the perfect sacrifice and Savior. He conquered our greatest challenge – death itself. Is there really something else more difficult than that? Today I encourage you to turn to Jesus and receive your deliverance. The circumstance may not change in its pain and difficulty; however, you will change. You will come to the end of all your doubts and fears and rest in His assurance and courage. You will receive the peace that allows you to go on in life with celebration of every circumstance. After all, He really does have this!

Advent - Day 16

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:22-32 ESV).

As Mary and Joseph entered the Temple, an old man, a stranger, took Jesus in his arms and began to praise God. Luke, the writer of this gospel, doesn’t tell us much about Simeon except that he was “righteous and devout” and that he was “eagerly waiting for” the arrival of God’s promised Messiah, the one foretold by the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Messiah would deliver God’s people and establish God’s Kingdom. All Jews hoped for the coming of their Deliverer, but God had told Simeon that he would see the Messiah in his lifetime. As incredible as that message must have seemed to this old man he, nonetheless, held on to that promise. No wonder he had his eyes wide open, anticipating his Messiah’s arrival. Simeon many not have known what age the Messiah would be at their meeting. So he may have been surprised, amazed and thrilled upon learning that this infant was God’s Son. Just imagine how many babies Simeon had seen during this time, but he kept looking and trusting. And when Simeon saw Jesus, he knew this was the One. Remember how John the Baptist responded when he saw Jesus. He said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). This is some of my own story which we will revisit a bit on the 21st. Today I want to encourage you with the truth that you cannot somehow miss Jesus. The Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives in a way that he is unmistakably revealed. I have often been told that it is very difficult to recognize the handiwork of God in our lives. That has not been my experience. And, in response I have called people to our reading today. Simeon simply believed God and kept looking. It was this sense of awareness of God in everyday life that let him truly see. Look for God today. You will not be disappointed.

Advent - Day 15

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:15-20 ESV).

There are so many answers in this simple story. When we think about God’s choice to appear to the shepherds rather than the religious leadership of Jerusalem we cannot miss the truth that the gospel is for all people. It is not for a few studied religious leaders to contemplate and control. I also see the truth that God desires us to be people who are content to do as we have been directed. There is no indication that these men were doing anything out of the ordinary for their profession. They may have been sitting around the campfire and simply relaxing after a long day’s work tending their flock when the angels came. It is at this most unexpected moment that the angels suddenly stood before them and announced, “Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord… you will find the baby wrapped in cloths, and laying in a manger” (Luke 2:8-14). If I were one of the shepherds, I would have asked, “Are you going to give more details about how to find this baby? How about drawing us a map?” The angel could have said, “Take a right at the tax collector's office, go down three blocks to the Bethlehem Inn and ask the innkeeper how to get to the stable. It’s the first manger on the left. You can't miss it. It’s the only one with a baby inside.” In spite of the poor directions, God made sure that the shepherds found the baby. Perhaps that’s the greatest answer in this part of the story. No one will miss God. Regardless of where you are or what you are doing, God knows how to direct you to His redemption in Christ. He will not fail to bring you to Jesus. That’s really good news to some who may have done things that they believe are too bad to be forgiven. I would remind you that Jesus said every sin would be forgiven with just that one exception. That is the absolute final refusal to acknowledge Him. I’m convinced that God continues to call out to us to the very moment of our death. He did with the thief on the cross beside Jesus; He will to all His children. Perhaps He is calling out to you today. Don’t waste another moment without seeing this great sight of the Savior! Get up and go to Him! He waits with open arms to receive you!

Advent - Day 14

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 ESV).

We are just a week away from Christmas Eve. How did the time slip away so quickly! Today we begin to look at the announcement of the birth to the shepherds. It must not be overlooked that these men were generally seen as having little value in the general socio-economic strata of the day. They were typically ostracized by the general community. These shepherds were probably raising broad tailed sheep. They often had lambs in the autumn and winter, rather than in the spring with most sheep in western countries. There was nothing special about this band of shepherds; they simply were chosen by God to receive the birth announcement as they were quietly doing their jobs. Isn’t it strange that God often does just that with us? We simply go about our day and suddenly he breaks into our routine with an incredible moment of His presence. There are only two times in the Scripture that a “host” of angels appear. We don't know the names of the angels or how many there were of them; however, it must have been an incredible experience. It is no wonder they were “afraid.” Their fears were quickly turned to joy. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow. Today I want to mention a theory that Jesus might have been born a couple of miles outside of Bethlehem and may have actually been born in the company of the shepherds. While I don’t subscribe to this theory, it does have some interesting points. Just outside Bethlehem there was a special watch tower called the Migdal Eder, or “The Tower of the Flock.” It's thought that sheep born here were used as sacrificial animals in Jerusalem. According to some sources, the lambs at Migdal Eder had their health checked by resting them in a manger and were even wrapped in swaddling clothes to show they were special. Regardless, these men were the recipients of “good news of a great joy.” The real sacrificial Lamb had now been born for all people in all lands. Again God reminds us that the entire birth of Jesus was to finalize the atonement for His children. He loved us so much that He was willing to give His only begotten Son to save us (cf. John 3:16). That’s good news! That’s the gospel! Celebrate your freedom today by remembering the life we gain by His death.

Advent - Day 13

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And is mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:46-55 ESV).

The angel had told Zechariah in verse 15 that John the Baptist would be filled with the Spirit even from his mother's womb. That is, the Spirit of God would exercise a unique control on this man from the time he is in his mother's womb until he completes his ministry as a grown man. Then Luke gives evidence of this. As Mary approaches, carrying the Son of God in her womb, little John gives Elizabeth a good kick in the diaphragm. Then Luke says that Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and cries out: "Mary, my child is leaping for joy. The Holy Spirit has helped him before he can even speak to bear witness to the Lord in your womb." (Luke 1:42). That's all the confirmation Mary needs. She sees clearly a most remarkable thing about God. He is about to change the course of all human history; the most important three decades in all of time are about to begin. And where is God? Occupying himself with two obscure, humble women, one old and barren, one young and virginal. And Mary is so moved by this vision of God, the lover of the lowly, that she breaks out in song, a song that has come to be known as the Magnificat. We will spend a few days in this marvelous psalm as Mary extols the greatness of God; however, there is another point that is essential for us to understand. Mary and Elizabeth are wonderful heroines in Luke's account. He loves the faith of these women. The thing that impresses him most, it appears, and the thing he wants to impress on Theophilus, his noble reader, is the lowliness and cheerful humility of Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth says: "And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?" (Luke 1:43). And Mary says: "The Lord has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden." (Luke 1:48). The truth is that the only people whose soul can truly magnify the Lord are people like Elizabeth and Mary. These are those who acknowledge their lowly estate and are overwhelmed by the condescension of the magnificent God. Until we can grasp even the smallest bit of the grace of God in this magnificent act of selflessness on our behalf, we cannot be blessed with any other thing of God. Paul remembers this well: For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6 ESV). What a gift! When we were at our worst, God was at His best! Celebrate that magnificence!

Advent - Day 12

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:10-12 ESV).

We know very little about the wise men. Millions of Christmas cards show three kings presenting gifts to a tiny child in a manger. People sing “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” But we do not know that there were three wise men who brought the gifts. We are not told that they were kings, or even when they arrived in Bethlehem. It is likely, actually, in view of their long journey and of Herod’s command that all children under two years of age be killed, that they arrived when the infant Jesus had already become a young child. The fact that so little information is given about the wise men clearly shows that Matthew’s interest was not focused upon the wise men themselves. Rather, he was interested in the fact that Gentiles came to worship the Jewish Messiah, and in the gifts they bore. The gifts are a central point in the narrative. So, let’s spend a little time looking at each of them. First, we see gold. It is easy to see why gold is an appropriate gift for Jesus. Gold is the metal of kings. When gold was presented to Jesus, it acknowledged his right to rule. The wise men knew Jesus was the King of kings. Second, we see the frankincense. Incense was also a significant gift. It was used in the temple worship. It was mixed with the oil that was used to anoint the priests of Israel. It was part of the meal offerings that were offerings of thanksgiving and praise to God. In presenting this gift the wise men pointed to Christ as our great High Priest, the one whose whole life was acceptable and well pleasing to his Father. Third, we see the myrrh. Myrrh was used for embalming. By any human measure it would be odd, if not offensive, to present to the infant Christ a spice used for embalming. But it was not offensive in this case, nor was it odd. It was a gift of faith. We do not know precisely what the wise men may have known or guessed about Christ’s ministry, but we do know that the Old Testament again and again foretold his suffering. Matthew looks back and prepares the rest of his story with this point of Jesus’ death. That is the heart of the gospel. We can be sure that though Jesus being a King of kings is important and He being a High Priest is essential, nothing is more important than His atoning death on our behalf. There we are fully and finally forgiven! The comfort and joy we can have this Christmas is in our celebration that we are forgiven!

Advent - Day 11

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:7-12 ESV).

So much is to be gained in this next part of the Christmas story from Matthew’s account. I know it is not the next thing to happen chronologically, but it makes sense from Matthew’s perspective. We’ll look at these verses for the next few days in our preparation for Christmas Day. It probably took place three years after Jesus’ actual birth, though we are not sure about the timing. So, sometime after Jesus was born, “Wise Men” came to look for Him, probably from an area which is now in either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia or the Yemen. Although they are often called the “Three Kings,” the Bible does not say how many there were, or that they were kings. One theory is that they might have been Kings of the Yemen, as during this time the Kings of Yemen were Jews. “Three” is only a guess because they brought with them three gifts; however, there may have many more in their entourage. They were definitely men of learning. They were certainly men of great learning. The word Magi comes from the Greek word μάγος (where the English word “magic” comes from). Magos itself comes from the old Persian word “magupati.” This was the title given to priests in a sect of the ancient Persian religions such as Zoroastrianism. Today we'd called them astrologers. Back then astronomy and astrology were part of the same overall studies and science, going hand in hand with each other. The magi would have followed the patterns of the stars religiously. They would have also probably been very rich and held high esteem in their own society and by people who weren't from their country or religion. They had seen an unusual new star in the sky, and knew that it told of the birth of a special king. We’ll look more at this unusual event later, though we can say that no one really knows what the new star in the sky was. There are many theories including comets, supernovas, a conjunctions of planets, or something supernatural. That part they got right. It was supernatural. God was leading them to a very important place. It should not slip by us that this journey was undertaken with a courageous commitment to follow the star regardless of their not knowing the precise directions. That is a wonderful principle for us today as well. Sometimes God gives us merely “the next step” in our journey. It is not important for us to know all the steps, merely the next one! What might be your next step?

Advent - Day 10

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV).

We return to yesterday’s reading today for one little gem of inspiration. The angel said to Joseph, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)”. There are two incredible messages here. First, the angel reassures him that she has not betrayed him. He calls her “the virgin.” It is an essential message for him to hear. Of course, this helps Mary as Joseph adjust his thought and actions toward her; however, it is just as compassionate for Joseph to hear. It assuages his fears and doubts in the woman he has loved so deeply to take her in marriage. Underlying this act is the revelation of how much God cares for us as individuals. Jesus echoed this principle when he was sending the disciples out on mission: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31 ESV). God is not some uninvolved spectator in our lives. He is intimately and compassionately joined with us at the deepest levels of our lives. Our hurts are his hurts. Our betrayals are his betrayals. And, he ordains and uses very one of them for our good. Second, God gives Joseph an incredible glimpse into the future when he tells him to call the baby “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” God was not merely caring for Joseph and Mary in this incredible event, He was providing for all men a means of redemption. Joseph knew the prophecies. Now he was going to be at the focus of the greatest of them all. Others may have spoken of his shame and sin in taking Mary to be his wife; however, God declares boldly his acceptance and approval. When God looks at us, in our personal failures, he sees the perfect life of His son. That is our acceptance and approval. Believe that! Walk in that knowledge! Bask in that grace!

Advent - Day 9

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV).

When Matthew moves from the genealogy to the birth of Jesus it is almost anticlimactic. He recounts the nine months between Gabriel’s announcement and the birth with the use of one event between another heavenly messenger and Joseph. I can imagine that Joseph, like any young man would have been very busy preparing for the wedding. He must have been full of anticipation and joy at the coming culmination of the long process of courtship with this woman whom he obviously loved greatly. However, when Mary became pregnant with Jesus, it was surely a terrible shock to Joseph. Though he and Mary were betrothed, meaning they had given public and binding vows to each other, they had not yet lived together as man and wife. The only logical conclusion Joseph could reach was that Mary was pregnant by another man. For him, he could only come to the conclusion that she had deeply betrayed and rejected him. Yet his love for her prevailed. Remember that adultery was punishable with death by stoning under the Mosaic law. He was a “just man” (v. 19) indicating that he followed and respected the Law. However, he did not want to subject Mary to derision, judgment, and possible death. His decision therefore became to “divorce her quietly.” Joseph intended to dissolve their union with as little legal involvement as possible. It’s clear that he had no desire to see her publicly humiliated or put to death for what he believed to be her transgression. It is at this point that he lays down for a bit of rest, which must have been difficult to attain during this time of stress and anxiety. And, then God breaks into his world with a wonderful message that is so urgently needed in our world today. The angel, or perhaps the preincarnate Christ, comes to him and says, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. It is a message of forgiveness and mercy. He is to marry her, not to avoid difficulty; it would still be difficult. He is to forgive her and finalize the marriage because God was in control. This child “is from the Holy Spirit.” Do you see it? Every hurt, all our disappointments and challenges are merely tools in the hands of the Holy Spirit to bring our good. That’s the basis of forgiveness. I wonder if there are wrings in your life that need that mercy this Christmas. Apply it! God is in control.

Advent - Day 8

And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, “Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.” Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. (Joshua 2:1-4 ESV).

How can I leave the genealogy of Jesus without drawing our attention to Rahab and “the scarlet thread”? Remember that before the taking of Jericho Joshua sends spies into the city to find the best way to conquer it. The spies stay in a house owned by the prostitute Rahab. She hides the men during a search because she has heard of the amazing stories of the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land and decides she wants to be on their side during the battle for control of Jericho. In return, the spies promise protection for her and anyone who is in her house during the onslaught. After the walls of Jericho fall, the promise is kept and Rahab and her family were taken in by the Israelites. She marries Salmon, and interestingly, gives birth to Boaz, who will marry the next woman mentioned in the genealogy, Ruth. “The Scarlet Thread” is a reference to how Rahab helped the Hebrew spies to escape from Jericho by letting them down through her window by means of a rope made of scarlet thread. The spies said, “Tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window” (Joshua 2:18), so that she and her household would be kept safe in the coming invasion. Later, when the walls of Jericho fell down and the Israelites took the city, Joshua commanded that Rahab and her family be spared (Joshua 6:22-23). Marking her home was, of course, the “cord of scarlet thread.” It’s easy to dismiss the color of Rahab’s rope as mere coincidence, but the scarlet color is significant. The rope in her window was a sign of her faith and led to her salvation, as she was not destroyed with the rest of Jericho. The scarlet rope, the color of blood, worked for Rahab much as the blood of the Passover Lamb had worked during the exodus: every home marked with blood was spared death that night (Exodus 12:13). It is an obvious symbol of the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ runs throughout the entire Bible, symbolically. It is seen in the animals killed in Eden to provide garments for Adam and Eve, the ram that took Isaac’s place on the altar of Moriah, the Passover lamb, the institution of the sacrificial system, the scarlet rope of Rahab, and the thousands of years of sacrifices performed at the tabernacle and temple. The scarlet thread runs all the way up to John the Baptist’s declaration, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) and to the foot of the cross, where Jesus finally says, “It is finished” (John 19:30). I am so encouraged by this grand consistency of the Gospel. God’s concern has always been His children. And, through Jesus He has redeemed us all!

Advent - Day 7

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah. (Matthew 1:1-6 ESV).

Our reading today is not particularly jolly. In fact, this may be a portion of some of the Scripture that you “speed read” just to get past it. I know that the names are difficult to pronounce and most have no history or background of any of these individuals. There are merely names without context. However, to Matthew’s readers they would have great meaning and carry a particular message that is essential to the gospel. The most glaring truth about the family tree of Jesus is that it is not nice and neat and pretty. It is because of that the angel’s message to Joseph later in the chapter becomes so meaningful. He said, “He will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). We’ll see more about that in the coming days. Today I want you to really look at some of the descendants of Jesus. For instance, there’s Abraham, who tried to cut his son Isaac’s throat. Isaac survived to be the father of Jacob, an unscrupulous but entertaining character who won his position in Jesus’ family line by lying and cheating his blind, old father. Jacob got cheated himself when he ‘got to know’ the wrong girl by mistake and became the father of Judah. Judah made the same mistake with his own daughter-in-law, Tamar. Tamar had cheated him by disguising herself as a prostitute. There’s a man named Boaz in Jesus’ family tree. Boaz was seduced by a foreigner named Ruth. He woke up in the middle of night and found Ruth climbing in to bed with him. Not that Boaz ought to have been shocked. His mother, Matthew tells us, was Rahab, a prostitute who betrayed her people. Boaz’s son was the grandfather of David. David was a power-hungry peeping-tom, who spied on Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop one evening. David arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be murdered. David and Bathsheba went to become the parents of Solomon, the next name in the family tree of Jesus. And, the family tree ultimately winds its way to Joseph, wasn’t the father of Jesus at all. He was just the betrothed of Mary, the teenage girl with a child on the way and no ring on her finger. Some might says, “It’s scandalous.” However, this is the beauty of the Bible. It remains truthful and consistent with the grand narrative of scripture. God knew well the complete impotency of man to redeem himself; therefore, he took on the flesh of humanity and accomplished the task of atonement on our behalf. That’s the good news! That the Gospel!

Advent - Day 6

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. (Luke 2:26-27 ESV)

We return to the birth announcement again today to see an incredible revelation that points us even further to the great gift of grace God has provided for us in His Son, our Savior. Notice that Luke recalls for us that Joseph, Mary’s soon to be husband and step-father to Jesus, was “of the house and lineage of David.” Genealogy has become more important to the western culture. It was very important in the Jewish culture of Jesus’ time. It should also be important to us as it declares the freedom God has now given us. To really understand this principle we need to look at the end of Matthew’s genealogy. He writes the summary statement: So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. (Matthew 1:17 ESV). There are three divisions that Matthew recalls. Each of them comprises three segments of fourteen years, or six sevens. The birth of Jesus begins the seventh of seven years. This would have been the beginning of the forty-ninth year in the Jewish calendar. At the completion of this year, the “Year of Jubilee” would begin (cf. Leviticus 25). The Year of the Jubilee involved a year of release from indebtedness (Leviticus 25:23-28) and all types of bondage (Leviticus 25:39-55). All prisoners and captives were set free, all slaves were released, all debts were forgiven, and all property was returned to its original owners. In addition, all labor was to cease for one year, and those bound by labor contracts were released from them. One of the benefits of the Jubilee was that both the land and the people were able to rest. So, Jesus is the Redeemer who came to set free those who are slaves and prisoners to sin (cf. Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1, 3:22). The debt of sin we owe to God was paid on the cross as Jesus died on our behalf and we are forgiven the debt forever. We are no longer in bondage, no longer slaves to sin, having been freed by Christ, and we can truly enter the rest God provides as we cease laboring to make ourselves acceptable to God by our own works. This is the heart of the gospel. It is the hope that brings us peace and joy! It is exactly what we celebrate!

Advent - Day 5

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. (Luke 2:1-5 ESV).

I love to watch the plan of God unfold. This is especially true of the prophecies of the birth of Jesus. Our reading today gives us the detail of how God ordained the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem where the Messiah was prophesied to be born (cf. Micah 5:2). He so ordained things that when the time came, the Messiah’s mother and legal father were living not in Bethlehem but in Nazareth; and that in order to fulfill his word and bring these two relatively unknown young people to Bethlehem, “the city of bread.” God arranges every detail so that Caesar Augustus decrees that all the Roman world should be enrolled each in his town of birth. It was a decree for the entire world in order to move two people seventy miles! Have you ever felt small and insignificant in this great world of ours? There are some seven billion people in our world. I often feel so small in comparison that it becomes a bit discouraging. The news is about big political and economic and social movements and outstanding people with global significance and lots of power and prestige which only serves to make me feel more insignificant. It is easy to become disheartened or unhappy. However, I am shaken from that discouragement when I remember that all the mammoth political forces and all the giant industrial complexes, without their even knowing it, are being guided by God, not for their own sake, but for the sake of God’s purpose in bringing good to his people. God wields an empire to fulfill his word and bless his children. Do not think, because you experience adversity in your world of experience, that the hand of the Lord is shortened. It is not our prosperity or our fame but our holiness that he seeks with all his heart. This is how he receives the glory so due him. So, to that end, he rules the whole world. The wisdom of Solomon recalls for us: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:11). And he is always turning it for his saving and sanctifying and eternal purposes among his people. He is a big God for little people, and we have great cause to rejoice that all the kings and presidents and premiers and chancellors and chiefs of the world follow the sovereign decrees of our Father in heaven. He is working His glory on our behalf in all things.

Advent - Day 4

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:26-33 ESV).

The last verse in our reading is an incredible declaration designed to bring purpose, peace, and power to Mary. The angel says, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” The kingdom of God is referenced often in the New Testament. It is synonymous with the kingdom of heaven. It is the center of the doctrine dealing with eternal life. We ought to pay close attention to this prophetic moment from Gabriel to Mary. Broadly speaking, the kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal, sovereign God over all the universe. Several passages of Scripture show that God is the undeniable Monarch of all creation: “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). And, as King Nebuchadnezzar declared, “His kingdom is an eternal kingdom” (Daniel 4:3). Since every authority that exists has been established by God (cf. Romans 13:1) the kingdom of God incorporates everything that is. There is another sense in which the kingdom of God is used in Scripture: the literal rule of Christ on the earth during the millenium. Daniel said that “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed” (cf. Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14). There were other prophets who predicted the same thing. Some theologians refer to the future, open manifestation of the kingdom of God as the “kingdom of glory” and the present, hidden manifestation of the kingdom of God as the “kingdom of grace.” But both manifestations are connected; Christ has set up His spiritual reign in the church on earth, and He will one day set up His physical reign in Jerusalem. And, what a glorious day that will be. Christmas announces the surety of that kingdom!

Advent - Day 3

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:26-33 ESV).

Yesterday we looked at God’s bestowed favor on Mary. Today I want to draw your attention to another phrase. Luke reports the angel’s message that she has not only found favor, but “the Lord is with her.” We know Mary was engaged to Joseph, a local carpenter, a humble man; however, God certainly didn’t choose her because of her standing in society. She listened intently to what the angel Gabriel said to her, and while she questioned it, she bowed to superior wisdom. She didn’t panic. She believed that with human beings lots of things don’t make sense, but with God, anything and everything is possible. When God became involved in Mary’s life, no doubt things became more complicated for her. When God became involved in Mary’s life - an unmarried girl, what is more a betrothed unmarried girl, was about to become an unmarried mother. When God came in Mary’s life she was exposed to innuendo, gossip, rumour-mongering, especially when she claimed that she was still a virgin. When God came into her life her relationship with Joseph was strained and you can bet that her friendship with other girls her age was also under pressure. And that was merely the beginning of the complications of this favor from God. She knew the complications that would follow this news and I am sure she questioned how this could possibly be from God. It should not surprise us that the angel simply says, “The Lord is with you.” That should be our baseline for every circumstance of our journey. God doesn’t flit in and out of our lives. In fact he never leaves us. Everything that happens produces good in our lives. We wonder just as she did how that could be possible. The angel answers simply, “With God all things are possible. Take heart today. As impossible as your life may appear, it is nothing in the hands of God. He makes all things and as he does so, all things are possible from him. Regardless of the challenge or pain of your journey, trust him! The Lord is with you too!

Advent - Day 2

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:26-33 ESV).

There is so much to be learned in our reading today. Perhaps we will spend more than today looking at each of the wonderful revelations surrounding the visitation of the angel, Gabriel, to Mary. In this passage of Scripture we are introduced to a young woman of Nazareth named Mary. She is to become the mother of Jesus. She is often put on a pedestal; she is someone thought to be so holy and pure as to be out of reach to we who are mere mortals. But though she is a saint, as are all believers, she is also like us, someone who could become "greatly troubled." While that phrase catches our attention, we cannot ignore that the first greeting of the angel is to one who “has found favor with God.” The word “favor” is χαριτόω, literally translated as “"grace." It is only found twice in the New Testament. It ought to be translated as “highly-favored.” Both times it is used it is speaking of the act of God extending Himself to freely bestow grace (favor). It is a specific choice of God to give to someone a great gift, solely based on his choice. It is not a result of any act from the one who receives the gift. Mary did nothing to deserve this great favor of God. Her response is to be "greatly troubled." "Fear not," is Gabriel’s attempt to comfort and assuage her in her trouble. The source of her trouble was her knowledge that her world was about to be forever changed. Unexpectedly, impossibly she is going to be pregnant and bear a child of God. Even if some might believe the source of this child was the Holy Spirit, it would not wipe away the shame and grief of being an unwed mother. It could even lead to her sentence of death by stoning of the Jewish religious leadership in Nazareth. This was not good news to her. I wonder how many times we’ve received news that troubled us deeply when in reality it was only news that foreshadowed a great work of God in our life. Our problem, as with Mary, is that we often think we can know the future. We cannot. However, we can know the One who determines the future. That is our hope. That is our source of peace!

Advent - Day 1

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:46-55 ESV).

Today we will begin a lengthy look at the season we call Advent. In the next twenty days we’ll take a different look at the Scripture that directly references the birth of Jesus. Our first reading is found in the Gospel of Luke. It is known as the “Magnificat.” It is a psalm of Mary. Here we see Mary as she acknowledges what she clearly believes to be the most remarkable thing about God: He is about to change the course of all human history; the most important three decades in all of time are about to begin. We are forced to ask where God places himself at this moment. It is almost inconceivable that he is occupying himself with two obscure, humble women, one old and barren (Elizabeth), one young and a virgin (Mary). And Mary is so moved by this vision of God, the lover of the lowly, that she breaks out in song. This is “The Magnificat.” Mary and Elizabeth are the wonderful heroines in Luke’s account. He loves the faith of these women. The thing that impresses him most, it appears, and the thing he wants to impress on Theophilus, his noble reader of his Gospel, is the lowliness and cheerful humility of Elizabeth and Mary as they submit to their magnificent God. Notice that Elizabeth says, “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43); and, Mary says, “He has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” (Luke 1:48). Today I would encourage you to think on this truth: the only people whose soul can truly magnify the Lord are people like Elizabeth and Mary. They are people who acknowledge their lowly estate and are overwhelmed by the condescension of the magnificent God. I am always amazed that it is when I am at my weakest when I know and experience the power of God. This was certainly true for Elizabeth and Mary. The counter-intuitive nature of the Gospel always surprises me. Whatever difficulty you are facing, remember today that it is in this weakness that He will work magnificently! This is the position of victory! This is the time to rejoice! Your deliverance is at hand!