Halloween, or Not?

 

For though I am free from all, iI have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ESV).

 

People come to different conclusions about celebrating Halloween, particularly if they have young children or grandchildren to consider. For some people, this holiday is a time for dress-up and candy; it is an opportunity for fun; and, others express concern for their children’s safety or for the emphasis that is often made on violence or horror at this time of year. Those who are interested in the right or wrong of the celebration may look at the holiday’s origin in the occult and believe it should not be celebrated at all; they are aware that some groups celebrate Halloween as a tribute to Satan. On the other hand, others recognize that Halloween, the eve of “All Saints’ Day” (November 1), is also associated with Martin Luther and the Reformation. They celebrate the religious freedoms won at that time in history. Since each of these perspectives contain truth, it is difficult to know how to respond.

 

Let me be clear, I believe each family should develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them. The responsibility to make this decision rests on the adults in the family, not the children. The peer pressure on children is far too great for them to be objective. Certainly, providing a safe, fun environment must be a priority. Some parents adapt the traditional Halloween practices, while others develop totally different alternatives. These alternatives may include fall festival parties where children are encouraged to dress in a particular theme such as positive cartoon or book characters, famous historical characters, or Bible heroes.

 

Whatever you decide, the Apostle Paul has some clear Scriptural guidance for us in our reading today. He indicates that whatever we do it ought to be prompted by our desire to share the Gospel with others in the hope that they may be touched by the Holy Spirit and receive redemption. Use this night as such an event in your family.

 

Flipping the Script

 

And he [Jesus] opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:2-12 ESV).

 

When I lived in Spring Hill, Tennessee, I often went to a local coffee shop to do some of my studying and writing. It was owned and operated by a local church and was tolerant of my taking up a table for lengthy periods of time during the day. I would always have coffee and most of the time order pastries or sandwiches made to order. One of the most interesting things to happen while I was there was the day a homeless looking man walked in and asked for some water. Everyone looked uncomfortable. He got his water, meandered around for a bit, and left. Then everything went back to “normal.”

 

In his teaching to the crowds, Jesus often “flipped the script,” saying and doing things that were not expected. “Blessed are the poor in spirit”? “Blessed are those who mourn”? “Blessed are those who are persecuted”? This makes no sense to our “normal” way of thinking, and most of it makes us uncomfortable.

 

But faith isn’t formed in comfort. It is formed when challenged and when we aren’t allowed to sit smugly in our preconceived notions about people and the world around us. Faith is formed when Jesus looks at a crowd of people and points out that the ones who are blessed are those who realize they are not self-sufficient but depend totally on God. When we wake up to that realization, we are blessed as well.

 

Though we don’t deserve it, God’s blessing is available to all of us. Blessed are you when you know you depend on God, because his love will see you through.

 

Mountain Moving Faith

 

On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:17-20 ESV).

 

Spending time in the Smoky Mountains this week has been both relaxing and inspirational. Even though I have been to other places with grand vistas of mountains that appear to dwarf the Smokies in height and sheer span, this place captured my heart over fifty years ago and I have never been more at home anywhere else. The colors of fall have been spectacular and the weather just cool enough to make me need a light jacket. The sights and smells remind me of so many wonderful memories through the years.

 

As I began to think my way through today’s devotional and the mountains I was reminded that Jesus said our faith could move mountains (cf. Mark 11:22-25). I’ve always marveled at that phrase. Now I do not pretend to understand what Jesus meant when He said that. After all, these ancient geological barriers can weather any storm. They are solid and enduring, strong and unyielding. I can’t imagine anyone having strong enough faith to actually move mountains. That is, until you understand the “mountain” He is referencing. Our reading today shows us the real power of faith.

 

The faith of the friends in this passage is strong enough to tear apart a roof to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, because they know he can heal their friend. Jesus is so moved by their faith that he does what they want him to do — and he doesn’t even criticize them for damaging the roof! The amazing thing is that Jesus does even more than they have hoped. He forgives the man’s sins as well as healing him from paralysis. In this way the friends’ faith becomes an example to everyone there who has come to see Jesus.

 

Faith can move people to do incredible things. And in response, Jesus can make huge impacts in this world. He can heal and forgive. He can change the heart of an individual or the hearts an entire group of people. This is all because of his ability to see faith in anyone who comes to him, whether they walk or are carried by their friends.

 

Authority

 

And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. (Luke 4:31-37 ESV).

 

Much of the time when Mary or I need to go to one of the medical specialists that we have in our life now I always request to have Kyle accompany us. There are two reason for that. First, I know I won’t be able to remember everything that the doctor said, even if I did understand it all. Second, and most importantly, because of Kyle’s education and career, he speaks the language of the medical community as well or better than the doctors. He gains authority with them immediately in the conversation. That has been so important so many times in the last few years.

 

Knowledge and experience create such authority. We must understand that in all things Jesus is the true authority and power. None of us, no matter how well trained or accomplished are anything special compared to Him. None of us have accomplished anything by our own power. But with God’s power and authority, we can help lead others to eternal life and strength in every circumstance. God’s power is so much greater than ours, and that’s a really good thing!

 

I think we all need this reminder in our lives. Any time we begin to think we have all the answers, we need to be reminded that ultimately it all comes from God. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, he told his disciples that all authority had been given to him. Then he sent them into the world as his representatives (Matthew 28:18-20.) By his authority we are sent to bring his good news of grace and love to the world as well.

 

Our faith isn’t built on our own abilities and strength. It is built on Jesus’ power and authority.

 

24/7

 

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:1-6 ESV).

 

During the years I was a full-time pastor it was not unusual to be called out to minister with a family at a moment of crisis at all hours of the day and night. I was never upset or resentful at receiving such calls. Availability “24/7” was simply a part of the calling. These were always the times when families might have needed someone with a comforting or encouraging word the most. There are many other vocations that require such availability. All of them are exhausting at times. Even the strongest person cannot be at their best with little or no sleep.

 

How fortunate for us that Jesus doesn’t get exhausted! During his teaching ministry on earth, he needed sleep and times of refreshment away from people, but today, at the right hand of God, he is praying for us always. Even when he was living here, he didn’t tell Nicodemus not to bother him at night. Jesus was available to people who wanted to spend time with him.

 

The same is true today. When I wake up in the middle of the night worried about things at work, or my family, or whatever else is going on in my life, Jesus is there to listen to me. Listen to the message of the psalmist:

 

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:1-3 ESV).

 

Our faith can be formed at any time and in any circumstance. Faith formation doesn’t take time off at night or on the weekends. It happens all the time. And Jesus is waiting for us and listening to us all the time. Don’t be afraid to go to him at any time… 24/7!

 

Sunrise in the Smokies

 

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the Lord is an everlasting rock.” (Psalm 26:1-4 ESV).

 

There is always something very special for me at sunrise and sunset. The picture I’ve attached was taken at sunrise from the chalet we are staying in while visiting in the Smokies. The weather has been stereotypical fall for the mountains of East Tennessee. I woke up just before dawn and walked outside on the front balcony and was greeted by this beautiful picture of God’s handiwork. I wish that I were a better photographer. This picture really doesn’t do justice to the incredible colors of both the sun rising and the fall foliage. Perhaps it jogs your memory of such beauty from the places you’ve visited though.

 

It brought me to our reading today which is taken from the psalms. I especially like the verse that speaks of “perfect peace” (v. 3): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” It is a description of the way in which the Lord gives a peace of mind and spirit to all who trust Him.

 

I’ve found there is always a time when circumstances seem to be overwhelming in my life. Whether it is a health concern or a financial setback or any of the other things that can be so challenging to our peace of mind, these things all act as a catalyst for anxiety. They want to rob us of peace. Recalling the times when I have seen the great majesty of God in creation and the many times He has already given me peace through them, I am then able to overcome the negative feelings that settle in.

 

Actually this is the basis of the amazing hope we can have. When it looks darkest hope reminds us that the sun will indeed rise in the east with the beauty of light. This is not some arduous task for the Lord. He simply speaks it into existence. If He can do that, is there really anything I will face that is too difficult for Him to overcome in me? After all, He is the One who has provided me with eternal life!

 

The GOAT

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 ESV).

 

I am often amazed at the cultural phenomenon that coined the acronym “GOAT.” I’m sure you’re aware that it stands for “Greatest of All Time.” It has been applied to athletes, musicians, actors and actresses, and many more personalities. It has even been applied to inanimate objects such as insurance, stores, and purchases. Well, Jesus has defined the real means to becoming the “greatest” in our reading today.

 

The background is very interesting. James and John wanted to know which of them was the greater. It is possible that they put their mom up to this task. I’ve had parents ask for some pretty interesting favors for their kids, but nothing compares to this. And when Jesus asks James and John if they could handle the challenges he would face, they are all for it. But they really have no idea what they’re talking about. The other disciples’ response is eye-opening too: they were “indignant with the two brothers.”

 

Jesus doesn’t let this moment go to waste. He uses it to teach about being a servant. Though the world prizes money and possessions, leadership and authority, Jesus’ way of doing things flips that upside down. The first will be last, and the last first — so we are called to serve rather than to direct as a king or master might. Serving people is key to what it means to be a disciple in Jesus’ kingdom.

 

Jesus doesn’t hesitate to use himself as the prime example. If anyone ever qualified as having authority, it is Jesus: Son of God, healer of all sorts of illnesses, with power over life and death, authority over demons, and much more. Jesus tells his disciples that he has not come to be served, but to serve.

 

If Jesus came to be a servant, then we, his followers, are called to be servants too. Be careful how you exercise your position over others. We must be servants. That is the only way to be the GOAT!

  

A Fretter

 

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:22-31 ESV).

 

I have been accused of being “a fretter.” I must admit that there are times when I catch myself in the pattern of worry and anxiety. Typically the things that worry me most involve my family. However, as I read today’s verses I am reminded of the faithfulness of God and His past performance that has proven it over and over again. It is still a challenge that requires intention to overcome.

 

I think Jesus told us not to worry because he knew we would. I love the examples he gives to help us not worry. Look at how God takes care of birds. Look at how beautiful he created flowers to be. Those things are amazing, and God’s care for them is elaborate and extensive. And yet God cares for us so much more than for birds and flowers. So the natural response ought to be: “Why worry?”

 

For me the greatest safeguard against worry is those times when God was so clearly providing for me in ways I didn’t even know to ask for. One such time was the fear I felt before my first sermon. I had studied, prepared, and rehearsed yet I was anxious. My pastor then, for whom I was filling in, was prompted to send me a very special message by telegram (I know… it was a long time ago… LOL!) It simply said, “Read Deuteronomy 31:6. I love you.” That verse became my life verse at that moment: “Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” He has proven faithful in that promise. Trust Him today!

 

Passion

 

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:13-17 ESV).

 

All of us have some passion in life. It may be a job, or a hobby, or even a relationship. Nothing is more satisfying for me than having the opportunity to build something for my family. I’ve been doing woodworking for over fifty years in one capacity or another. Since we moved back to Texas six years ago I was able to set up my shop in a permanent location. It is very easy for me to simple walk out the door of my home and be in my shop working on a project in moments. One of the largest pieces of furniture that I have built is the 9’ dining table I built several years ago for Kyle and Brandy. It took a while to plane and fit each of the lengths of pecan that make up the top; and, the base was equally time consuming. However, I cannot remember any of the time spent with each of the steps of the construction thinking that it was “work.” That’s the difference between work and labor. Work is tedious and often unfulfilling; labor is always exciting and fulfilling. Labor is driven by our passion.

 

Jesus was passionate about doing his Father’s work. He longed to cultivate the faith of the people around him. If anything stood in the way of forming faith, he was passionate about getting rid of those obstacles. That’s what is behind today’s verses. Money changers and merchants had set up their booths and tables in the temple courts, where people from the nations were supposed to be able to come and worship God. Those vendors didn’t belong there, and it was time for them to go.

 

Jesus is just as passionate about forming faith in us. In all of our lives there are things that stand in the way of our spiritual growth. Maybe we hold a grudge. Maybe there’s a deep-seated sin we need to confess. Maybe the busyness of daily life or an addiction keeps distracting us. Whatever it is, Jesus is passionate about helping us get rid of it so that our faith can grow. He wants to clear out whatever holds us back from him. Will you let Jesus clear out the things that hold you back and living in your passion?

 

Vacation and Balance

 

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:1-11 ESV).

 

Through the years Mary and I have been to the Smoky Mountains many times. We began taking the boys as soon as they were born. Now, of course, it is just she and I that make the trip. We love to drive through the mountains and have often stopped along the way to see the vistas at the overlooks. At each of them there are historical signs giving visitors information about the site. Of all of these, only the Cade’s Cove Loop was enjoyed by all of us consistently. The highlights of our trips for the boys were usually the gift shops and “haunted houses”. Mary’s favorite shops were different than theirs, so time was allocated to do both. Even today we must stop and browse the “Life Is Good” shop in the Village. You can see her in the picture I’ve attached from a previous trip. For me, these are merely distractions from the real “stuff.” Of course I know they’re not distractions for her; they’re an important part of being there.

 

I was reminded of this as I read today’s Scripture. Peter and the others had good reason to be fishing. It was their livelihood. They probably thought they would be fishing every day for the rest of their lives. And there wouldn’t have been anything wrong with that. But God had something else in mind for them. Imagine what they would have missed out on if they had declined Jesus’ invitation and remained in their boats! Don’t get distracted by the things in life and miss the thing that God might be calling you to experience. Be intentional in creating balance in your life!

 

Busy Schedules

 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:9-15 ESV).

 

Today Mary and I are leaving for a brief time of vacation in the Smoky Mountains. It looks like we will arrive at just about the peak time for fall color. We’ve chosen to stay in a cabin up in the mountains above Gatlinburg. According to the reviews, the only thing we may have to worry about staying in this rental is the persistent bears that like to sun on the front porch! We are certainly looking forward to the time away from the “busy” life so often a part of our routine. Of course our “busy” looks very different now that we are both practically retired; I only work a couple of days each week. However, it seems there is always a schedule to keep. These days it is filled with one doctor’s appointment or another. I like the days when there is nothing on the schedule best. We are anticipating a week of those in the mountains.

 

Jesus often spent time alone. At the very start of his ministry, he spent 40 days alone in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan. He no doubt spent a lot of it praying, fasting, and being energized for his mission by his Father in heaven. This was a vitally important time for Jesus’ preparation to do the work he had come to do. Likewise, we need time alone with God. When we are alone with God, spending time talking to him and listening for direction through his Word, we are being prepared for our mission here on earth. Our faith is formed as we seek God’s guidance and wisdom. But in the busyness of life often the first thing we skip is time with God. Schedules get in the way, and time passes. We’d like to spend more time with God, but we can’t seem to fit it in.

 

Here is your challenge for today: find some time to be alone with God as he prepares you for his mission in your life! Perhaps I’ll have even more to say about that after our visit to the mountains!

 

Happy Birthday, Aaron!

 

For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:9-12 ESV).

 

Just prior to the pandemic Mary and I went to Washington D.C. for a visit with Aaron. Perhaps one of my favorite pictures from that trip is included here. We were sitting on a bench in the mall across from the capital and Mary said, “I need a picture of y’all together.” It seems that we’ve got lots of pictures of our family without me in them, since I’m usually the photographer. So we sat down and she took this one. Those who have seen it have remarked that he and I look a great deal alike, though I’ve never been in as good of physical shape as he is. We spent several days in D.C. sightseeing and touring, eating at some of the best restaurants, and enjoying visiting with him.

 

Today is Aaron’s 39^th birthday. While I often say I cannot imagine how the time has gotten away from me so quickly, it seems especially true this year. Perhaps it is that I’m not nearly as healthy as I might have been even a decade ago; or perhaps it is the fact that I often look at Aaron and his brothers, Kyle and David, and cannot imagine a better way to have spent my life. All of them are an incredible blessing to Mary and me. Should I have the space in this short devotionals, I could write volumes detailing the incredible way they have challenged and expanded my “wisdom.”

 

That’s what the psalmist is talking about in our reading today as he tells us to “number our days and increase our wisdom” (v. 12). As parents we often fail to realize that the teaching comes from God to each of us through the other. As is true with all of my children and grandchildren, I couldn’t have had better conduits from God to me. Each birthday that passes reminds me that these days of instruction are declining in number. We all have that appointed day in which we shall move from this earthly life to our eternal life. That makes every day with those whom we love vital and invaluable. I encourage you to make the most of every minute you are given with your loved ones.

 

For me… Happy Birthday, Aaron… and thank you for being so special in my life!

 

A New Heart

 

[the Lord said] I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from fall your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and play no famine upon you. I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations. (Ezekiel 36: 24-30 ESV).

 

In September of this year I was scheduled for another heart procedure. Earlier in August both of my cardiologists recommended the procedure in order to remove at least one of the more powerful blood thinners from my regimen of medications. It seems that I had been on them for long enough that the chances of a blood clot or stroke was becoming too high not to address. They recommended the placement of a Watchman device (pictured) to permanently close the Left Atrial Appendage, which is where most of the blood clots form before escaping the heart and causing stroke or embolism. It looks and sounds much scarier than it turned out to be. When I first saw the actual device I was a bit amazed at the size of it. Mine was 22mm in diameter (about the size of a quarter). I thought… “Really? They are going to put that inside my heart!” Well, they did. I am feeling fine and I will get the final clearance on November 1^st as to the effectiveness and further prognosis.

 

Our reading today talks about the “changing of our hearts” (v. 26). When the Bible talks about a person’s heart, though, it is usually not referring to the organ that pumps blood through the body. For thousands of years the heart has been a symbol of what we call our soul, the center of our being, the seat of our thoughts and emotions, what makes us “us.” Even today, if someone is merciless, we may say they are “stony-hearted” or “hard-hearted;” or, if they are merciful, we would say they are “tender-hearted.” So we know what God was saying when he promised his people, through the prophet Ezekiel, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you.”

 

This is the new birth Jesus spoke about when he said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). We receive new birth, new life, through the Spirit of God. Previously our stony hearts were dead toward God, but when his Spirit fills us with new life, we are revived and given a new heart of love for God and all people. It is indeed a great miracle! Perhaps you need such a change… turn to Jesus today!

 

The Ark of the Covenant

[The Lord said] “They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it. You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it. You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them. The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it. And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you. You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.” (Exodus 25:10-22 ESV).

 

To learn about the Ark of the Covenant, we need to look to the authority of the Bible. We won’t find the right information in movies like Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, or in other stories or legends. Our reading today gives us the first instruction in the construction and purpose of the Ark. Some translations of the Bible call the Ark a “chest” so that young readers won’t confuse it with Noah’s ark, which was huge (Genesis 6:15). Others call the cover “the mercy seat” because God is described as enthroned there between the cherubim, or angels, (cf. 1 Samuel 4:4). Other translations call it “the atonement cover.” And once a year the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place and sprinkle blood on the cover of the ark to make atonement for the people’s sin.

 

Forgiveness and mercy were central to God’s relationship with his people. And to this day Jews celebrate the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as one of their most holy days. In the ark were the Ten Commandments. These laws show us our need of a Savior. We need atonement and forgiveness. When Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, shed his blood for us, he made the ultimate atonement, fulfilling the requirements of the law “once for all” (cf. Hebrews 10:10). God is indeed forgiving and merciful. We need look no further. Have you looked to Jesus?

  

Redeemed - Pt. 10

 

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:1-13 ESV).

 

The scenes in our reading for today are quite graphic, and they may be shocking if you haven’t encountered them before. By painting the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of their houses, the enslaved people of Israel were spared from a plague of death. Seeing the blood on their doorways, the Lord passed over them. But the plague took the lives of all the Egyptians’ firstborn sons. There was wailing throughout Egypt because the hard-hearted Pharaoh would not listen to God’s plea through Moses: “Let my people go!”

 

The Jewish Feast of Passover has been celebrated every year since that day long ago. And it’s no coincidence that Jesus’ last supper with his disciples was during the Passover feast. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:15-16). At that supper, Jesus showed his disciples that the bread and wine of the meal symbolized his body and blood, given and poured out for them. And on the next day he gave up his life to be sacrificed as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). As the ultimate Passover Lamb, Jesus freed us from being slaves to sin (John 8:34). Because he took on the punishment for our sin, the judgment for sin has passed over us. Believing in him, we have new life to live with joy and trust in the Lord forever!