Read Numbers 33
Read Acts 23
Why are we so afraid? Why do we get so worried and so worked up? Yes, the future is unknown to us, the path uncertain, the way unfamiliar. No, we don't know what tomorrow may bring, or even what will occur an hour from now. And Yes, there could be trouble and hardship ahead. Let me rephrase that...there will be trouble and hardship ahead. But there will also be courage, strength, endurance, preservation, and providence.
Today, the risen Lord Jesus appears to Paul and says, "Take courage!" Jesus says he will preserve Paul so that Paul would make it safely to Rome to proclaim the Good News there.
Do you think Paul was encouraged? You bet! Do you think that we should also take courage! Absolutely! To illustrate God's protection and care for his people we read today a number of things that should encourage us:
God delivers Israel from Egypt. God parts the sea and allows Israel safe passage. God carries them safely, though they travel and camp for 40 years. God assures them they will cross the Jordan and posses the land (and we will certainly see this come to pass).
We also see today that God rescues Paul from a riot of Sadducees and Pharisees (in a somewhat comical way). We see God rescue him from a plot to kill him (I wonder how long those godless murderers kept their vow to God Almighty and went without food or water...). And we see God begin to move Paul toward Rome, as he promised he would.
Can we look back in our life and see the hand of God? Do we have assurances that he will be with us in the future to help and protect and provide? Then why do we worry or fear?!?
Take courage. The Risen Christ is with you too.
Ask Yourself:
What fears or cares or worries weigh on my heart today?
What promises of God speak to me today?
What can I do to remind myself to worry less and trust more?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning all that is weighing on you. Ask God to give you the courage. Then say "Amen!" with confidence knowing that God hears and answers your prayers. God is pleased to give you all that is good!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Defense
Read Numbers 32
Read Acts 22
Here we see Paul defend two things: himself and the message of Jesus Christ. In both cases Paul does this shrewdly, carefully, courageously.
It is not a selfish thing for Paul to defend himself. No, Paul is not interested in saving his own skin so that he can live a life of ease and self-indulgence. Paul wants to live so that he can continue to "die to himself," to die according to the sinful nature, and live for Christ. He wants to keep living on earth because it meant fruitful labor for the Lord and for those who would hear the Word he proclaimed.
If we should face accusation and persecution, it is no sin to speak a defense of yourself. Yes, Jesus says turn the other cheek, but the point there is not to retaliate. It is acceptable to speak a defense concerning yourself and preserve your livelihood best you can. However, if you are prepared to defend yourself, are you also prepared to wholly devote your life to the Lord? - to live and to die for him?
Paul also speaks a defense of the faith. As Christians we are constantly engaged in Apologetics, that is, a defense of the faith. We explain, we clarify, we give examples, we point to historical, geological, scientific evidence, we proclaim the Word, we do all we can to persuade, convince, and ultimately to glorify our crucified and risen Savior.
In this anti-Christ and anti-Christian society, we often find ourselves defending the faith and defending ourselves. As we do, perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' instructions that we should be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). So we live in God's ways, keep a clean conscience, use our wisdom and resources best we can, be careful and thoughtful, grow in knowledge and understanding, and be strong in the power of the Lord and the strength of his might.
And at the Last, Jesus will stand on the earth, and we can lay our (spiritual) weapons down. How we long for that day!
Pray:
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
(LSB 733:2, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 22
Here we see Paul defend two things: himself and the message of Jesus Christ. In both cases Paul does this shrewdly, carefully, courageously.
It is not a selfish thing for Paul to defend himself. No, Paul is not interested in saving his own skin so that he can live a life of ease and self-indulgence. Paul wants to live so that he can continue to "die to himself," to die according to the sinful nature, and live for Christ. He wants to keep living on earth because it meant fruitful labor for the Lord and for those who would hear the Word he proclaimed.
If we should face accusation and persecution, it is no sin to speak a defense of yourself. Yes, Jesus says turn the other cheek, but the point there is not to retaliate. It is acceptable to speak a defense concerning yourself and preserve your livelihood best you can. However, if you are prepared to defend yourself, are you also prepared to wholly devote your life to the Lord? - to live and to die for him?
Paul also speaks a defense of the faith. As Christians we are constantly engaged in Apologetics, that is, a defense of the faith. We explain, we clarify, we give examples, we point to historical, geological, scientific evidence, we proclaim the Word, we do all we can to persuade, convince, and ultimately to glorify our crucified and risen Savior.
In this anti-Christ and anti-Christian society, we often find ourselves defending the faith and defending ourselves. As we do, perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' instructions that we should be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). So we live in God's ways, keep a clean conscience, use our wisdom and resources best we can, be careful and thoughtful, grow in knowledge and understanding, and be strong in the power of the Lord and the strength of his might.
And at the Last, Jesus will stand on the earth, and we can lay our (spiritual) weapons down. How we long for that day!
Pray:
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
(LSB 733:2, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
All Things to All People
Read Numbers 31
Read Acts 21
Why would Paul, who boldly and powerfully proclaims that we are free from the law, allow himself to be put under a Jewish vow and follow the Jewish customs? I find that remarkable. Some might be quick to accuse Paul of being two-faced, or inconsistent, or hypocritical. Some might, but not James (the leader of the church in Jerusalem) and the other pastors. They are the ones who asked him to do it.
And why did Paul agree? Because he had to be subordinate? No. Paul explains why himself in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 " 19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 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. 21To 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. 22 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. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
He acted in a very Jewish way and voluntarily put himself under Jewish law so that he might win the Jews. Think about that. Paul willingly allowed himself to be inconvenienced for the sake of those he was trying to save. Paul went out of his way to try not to cause offense. He went out of his way to ensure that they would listen to him. In fact, in chapter 22 we'll see Paul preach a sermon to these enraged Jews, and he purposely tries not to inflame them that he might keep their attention as long as possible and communicate as much as he possibly can.
Now in the end, it was God's plan that the unruly crowd there would set events in motion to carry Paul to Rome, but it is remarkable how Paul tries everything he can to win the Jews in Jerusalem.
Do we try so hard? Are we willing to be inconvenienced? Are we willing to go out of our way? Do we try to communicate as much as possible? Do we try to become like the people around us as much as possible (not falling into their sinful lifestyles, however) so that we might win some for Christ?
Of course, not always. But the same Jesus who forgave murderous Saul and changed him to the Apostle Paul forgives and changes us. And Jesus will help us to bear witness concerning himself. So, grateful for the forgiveness and strength we have in Jesus, we can see in Paul an example we are eager to follow.
With that in mind...
Ask Yourself:
Who in my life do I need to reach with the saving message of Christ?
What can I do to reach them - even if it inconveniences me?
Pray:
O Lord, help me like the Apostle Paul to become all things to all people that I might reach some. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 21
Why would Paul, who boldly and powerfully proclaims that we are free from the law, allow himself to be put under a Jewish vow and follow the Jewish customs? I find that remarkable. Some might be quick to accuse Paul of being two-faced, or inconsistent, or hypocritical. Some might, but not James (the leader of the church in Jerusalem) and the other pastors. They are the ones who asked him to do it.
And why did Paul agree? Because he had to be subordinate? No. Paul explains why himself in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 " 19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 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. 21To 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. 22 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. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
He acted in a very Jewish way and voluntarily put himself under Jewish law so that he might win the Jews. Think about that. Paul willingly allowed himself to be inconvenienced for the sake of those he was trying to save. Paul went out of his way to try not to cause offense. He went out of his way to ensure that they would listen to him. In fact, in chapter 22 we'll see Paul preach a sermon to these enraged Jews, and he purposely tries not to inflame them that he might keep their attention as long as possible and communicate as much as he possibly can.
Now in the end, it was God's plan that the unruly crowd there would set events in motion to carry Paul to Rome, but it is remarkable how Paul tries everything he can to win the Jews in Jerusalem.
Do we try so hard? Are we willing to be inconvenienced? Are we willing to go out of our way? Do we try to communicate as much as possible? Do we try to become like the people around us as much as possible (not falling into their sinful lifestyles, however) so that we might win some for Christ?
Of course, not always. But the same Jesus who forgave murderous Saul and changed him to the Apostle Paul forgives and changes us. And Jesus will help us to bear witness concerning himself. So, grateful for the forgiveness and strength we have in Jesus, we can see in Paul an example we are eager to follow.
With that in mind...
Ask Yourself:
Who in my life do I need to reach with the saving message of Christ?
What can I do to reach them - even if it inconveniences me?
Pray:
O Lord, help me like the Apostle Paul to become all things to all people that I might reach some. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Exception, not the Rule
Read Numbers 30
Read Acts 20
The account of Eutychus is an incredible story. It's a story that I've used in a joking manner before ("Yes, people have dozed off during a sermon of mine, but at least I never killed anyone by going on and on like Paul!") but really if we stop there it is a shame. Obviously of all the major events in Paul's travels, Luke thought this one important to include.
One thing (and probably not the only) we can draw from this story is that we can see that God is powerful and mighty, and he does conquer death. Paul was proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus, and it is this risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who has the power over death and grants Eutychus a resurrection. Who can blame God for permitting Eutychus to fall to his death? Eutychus would surely confess himself after he is raised that it was for God's glory and that all might firmly trust in his name. And who can blame God for permitting other afflictions in our life? We too will surley confess ourselves that it is for God's glory. We will glorify him in the next life. I pray we don't wait until then.
Yes, we too can firmly trust in his name, even when we see that extraordinary miracles are the exception, not the rule. Yes, sadly, we Christians have to suffer the loss of loved ones. Wouldn't it be great if gathered around the body of a deceased fellow believer we could command that person to rise! But this is not the way God ordinarily works. Not that God couldn't raise the dead - he can, and he will! But God is pleased to call his people home to heaven. God is pleased to comfort those who mourn and strengthen them to trust in him. God is pleased to help us through affliction and to use those trials to draw us closer to him.
So, we would like to command all our problems to go away, just as Paul commanded Eutychus in the name of Jesus to rise up. But that is not the ordinary way. So, trusting that God can conquer death, we wait patiently for the Last Day and the resurrection of all flesh. Trusting that God can heal, we wait patiently in the hospital bed for help. Trusting that God is love, we willingly bear our crosses for him.
And by the account of Eutychus we are graciously reminded that God is powerful. Help me, O Lord, for I trust in You!
Pray:
"Dear Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection from the dead, which guarantees our resurrection. Through Your Holy Spirit, grant us faith always to remember that physical death is not the end of true life with You. Amen." (TLSB, p. 1879)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 20
The account of Eutychus is an incredible story. It's a story that I've used in a joking manner before ("Yes, people have dozed off during a sermon of mine, but at least I never killed anyone by going on and on like Paul!") but really if we stop there it is a shame. Obviously of all the major events in Paul's travels, Luke thought this one important to include.
One thing (and probably not the only) we can draw from this story is that we can see that God is powerful and mighty, and he does conquer death. Paul was proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus, and it is this risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who has the power over death and grants Eutychus a resurrection. Who can blame God for permitting Eutychus to fall to his death? Eutychus would surely confess himself after he is raised that it was for God's glory and that all might firmly trust in his name. And who can blame God for permitting other afflictions in our life? We too will surley confess ourselves that it is for God's glory. We will glorify him in the next life. I pray we don't wait until then.
Yes, we too can firmly trust in his name, even when we see that extraordinary miracles are the exception, not the rule. Yes, sadly, we Christians have to suffer the loss of loved ones. Wouldn't it be great if gathered around the body of a deceased fellow believer we could command that person to rise! But this is not the way God ordinarily works. Not that God couldn't raise the dead - he can, and he will! But God is pleased to call his people home to heaven. God is pleased to comfort those who mourn and strengthen them to trust in him. God is pleased to help us through affliction and to use those trials to draw us closer to him.
So, we would like to command all our problems to go away, just as Paul commanded Eutychus in the name of Jesus to rise up. But that is not the ordinary way. So, trusting that God can conquer death, we wait patiently for the Last Day and the resurrection of all flesh. Trusting that God can heal, we wait patiently in the hospital bed for help. Trusting that God is love, we willingly bear our crosses for him.
And by the account of Eutychus we are graciously reminded that God is powerful. Help me, O Lord, for I trust in You!
Pray:
"Dear Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection from the dead, which guarantees our resurrection. Through Your Holy Spirit, grant us faith always to remember that physical death is not the end of true life with You. Amen." (TLSB, p. 1879)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Not a Magic Formula
Read Numbers 29
Read Acts 19
The account of the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:11-20 is almost humorous to me. God is doing great miracles through Paul, so some "itinerant Jewish exorcists" (I wonder how many of those wandered around those days) decide to try a new magic formula. They see Paul performs miracles, so they try casting out demons using the name of Jesus that Paul was proclaiming. It's as if they saw a magician say "abracadabra" and do a neat trick, so they are trying out the magic words.
They end up leaving beaten and naked. What a shameful ending to what they hoped would be a wonderful (and profitable!) trick.
Why could Paul perform miracles "in the name of Jesus" but the sons of Sceva couldn't do a miracle "in the name of Jesus" and were humiliated? Well, the sons of Sceva had no faith. They didn't really believe in who Jesus was or what he did. And the evil spirit knew that they had no real strength and overpowered them.
Though this story is almost humorous for us, there is a lesson. We should be careful to ponder God's Word and the Christian life, to believe firmly in Christ, to understand what we say and do, and live for God's glory. Too often we might pray the Lord's Prayer, or hear "Take eat, the body of Christ for you," or engage in some meaningful activity in the Christian life and forget the significance. Not that that puts us on the same level as the sons of Sceva, but we should remember not to treat God's Word like magic formulas. There is great depth in God's Word and in the faithful response of the disciple, but it is so easy just to go through the motions and expect results.
So, instead, we should examine ourselves, root our sin, confess any misplaced trust or worries or doubts, and believe in Jesus. We have victory in him. Nothing can overpower him, and so if we are in Christ, nothing can overpower us either.
In the end, the fiasco with the sons of Sceva led to the glorifying of Jesus' name. We can rejoice that in spite of the sin in this world (including our sin), the name of Jesus continues to be proclaimed and to give life.
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today, asking God to help you to ponder the faith and take it seriously. Ask him to help you live for him today.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 19
The account of the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:11-20 is almost humorous to me. God is doing great miracles through Paul, so some "itinerant Jewish exorcists" (I wonder how many of those wandered around those days) decide to try a new magic formula. They see Paul performs miracles, so they try casting out demons using the name of Jesus that Paul was proclaiming. It's as if they saw a magician say "abracadabra" and do a neat trick, so they are trying out the magic words.
They end up leaving beaten and naked. What a shameful ending to what they hoped would be a wonderful (and profitable!) trick.
Why could Paul perform miracles "in the name of Jesus" but the sons of Sceva couldn't do a miracle "in the name of Jesus" and were humiliated? Well, the sons of Sceva had no faith. They didn't really believe in who Jesus was or what he did. And the evil spirit knew that they had no real strength and overpowered them.
Though this story is almost humorous for us, there is a lesson. We should be careful to ponder God's Word and the Christian life, to believe firmly in Christ, to understand what we say and do, and live for God's glory. Too often we might pray the Lord's Prayer, or hear "Take eat, the body of Christ for you," or engage in some meaningful activity in the Christian life and forget the significance. Not that that puts us on the same level as the sons of Sceva, but we should remember not to treat God's Word like magic formulas. There is great depth in God's Word and in the faithful response of the disciple, but it is so easy just to go through the motions and expect results.
So, instead, we should examine ourselves, root our sin, confess any misplaced trust or worries or doubts, and believe in Jesus. We have victory in him. Nothing can overpower him, and so if we are in Christ, nothing can overpower us either.
In the end, the fiasco with the sons of Sceva led to the glorifying of Jesus' name. We can rejoice that in spite of the sin in this world (including our sin), the name of Jesus continues to be proclaimed and to give life.
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today, asking God to help you to ponder the faith and take it seriously. Ask him to help you live for him today.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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