Authority Even on Bad Days

Tomorrow commemorates what believers know to be "Good Friday." Good because of the fruits of the day, not so much the specifics. This morning, I was thinking about some of those specifics. One, in particular, the control Jesus demonstrated through everything that happened that day. He never freaked out. He never cursed anyone. He never disobeyed Our Father. He never reacted at all. Despite the pain and ridicule, despite the false accusations and betrayals, Jesus was always in control of His own thoughts and behaviors; the practice of authority which pointed directly to the Father and controlled the amount of attention anyone other than God would receive. Good Friday and its events are part of a whole, the "Story of Jesus," or "The Resurrection," or the "Salvation of the World." That is the intent. Because of Jesus' submission to the Father; because of His desire to bring glory to the Father by maintaining authority over His own behavior. 

As children of God, those who claim to trust Him, we are called to walk in the same authority, in the same control over ourselves. A freakout, cursing our enemies, disobedience, the unchecked reaction to circumstances and the behavior of those around us --these things only serve to demonstrate how little we fear God. If we cannot even control our own tongues or our own hands, we are puppets, slaves to our own feelings; we have no authority. If we cannot, by our actions, point to the One we claim is our life and our Lord, we are pointing to someone or something else; we make the things of this world larger than the God who created it. And if we cannot control our reaction to the terrible, untrue, uncalled-for accusations or opinions of others, we give them weight; we signal to anyone watching that for the rest of history, the authority of those who persecute us is greater and more worthy of remembrance than the authority of our God.

Remember Sarai (Sarah), the wife of Abram (Abraham), who was upset by her servant's mockery? Short version: Sarai didn't trust God. Instead, she made her own way. And when that backfired, she engaged in bitterness and childish behavior instead of being a blessing to the world (a foundational tenet of God's promise to Abraham). Sarai's failure to submit to God led her to doubt the promises she was given, promises that defied age or the opinions of others. Sarai had been chosen by God to bear Abram's seed; Hagar, her servant, had not. Sarai was the wife of the one God had chosen to be "father of many nations"; Hagar was not. Sarai possessed control over the running of the household; Hagar possessed nothing. Sarai had the promises of God. Sarai had authority. But she walked in pride and mistrust and relinquished her authority.

If Sarai had trusted God, time would not have had authority over her; she would have waited for the promised child, her child. Jesus trusted through a violent physical death, was raised as promised, and ascended to heaven where He sits exalted at the right hand of the Father today. 

If Sarai had submitted to God, she wouldn't have been so upset by Hagar's behavior (behavior Sarai invited by not trusting God in the first place) and would have had authority over her own behavior. Jesus remained silent in the face of His accusers. By choosing to place the burden of proof on them and cast the eyes of the world on the lawlessness of His murderers, He revealed His innocence and His authority. 

If Sarai had feared God, she would have understood her authority as one chosen by God, and her responsibility as a blessing to those who did not know Him. Jesus spoke and conducted Himself as One given authority from heaven. Could He have used such authority to condemn each and every one of us? Yes, indeed. He chose instead to be condemned that we might be saved, using His authority to secure for us reconciliation with the Father. Jesus was and is the Light of the World. We are reminded of this even as we remember the dark events of a "Good Friday," and the authority with which Jesus met them for the glory of the Father He so wholly obeyed.

Photo courtesy Christine Dewade

Midweek: NKJV Foundation Study Bible

This is a keeper! Thomas Nelson has again provided me with a complimentary copy of one of their fabulous Bibles. This one is the NKJV Foundation Study Bible, Wide-Margin Edition, due for release on April 7, 2026. Just to give you the basics (from the publisher's description):

• Wide margins (1.3") on every page for insights and personal notetaking
• The full text of the New King James Version
• Concise study notes provide helpful comments on passages of Scripture
• 300+ theological notes draw attention to the most important doctrinal content (and are indexed in the back by location and title)
• NKJV translator's footnotes offer clarification and information about original language texts
• In-Text subject headings
• Words of Jesus printed in red
• Book introductions give background information
• 32,000+ end-of-page cross-references
• A concordance
• Satin ribbon marker and gilt-edged pages
• Presentation page
• 8-point type
• Full-color maps of Bible lands

The book I chose is brown Leathersoft™ and is available for pre-order through Amazon, Cokesbury, and christianbook.com. 

Now that we've dispensed with the particulars, please allow me to give you my thoughts.

The format of the text is, I think, terrific. The study notes and cross-references are helpful, but the wide margins for notetaking are a dream come true! Of course, that perk necessitates smaller print and eliminates some of the supplementary articles; but if your eyes are still sharp (or your optometrist is) and you find additional articles to be superfluous, you will enjoy the freedom to journal or make your own notations a bit more liberally.

My greatest concern is with the quality of the book. The cover and its gold-stamped lettering leave me to wonder if it will stand up to normal wear and tear. The Leathersoft™ editions I have reviewed before seemed more durable; this is thin and stiff --think of the plastic, bank-issued checkbook covers of the past. I can almost picture the stitching unraveling, the cover cracking, and the print wearing off with regular use --particularly if this will be a Bible you carry to and from church. I would recommend keeping it as an "in place" Bible, for bedroom or family room, where durability would not be of great concern. If, however, Thomas Nelson would eventually offer this wide-margin edition in leather or a hardcover, I would heartily recommend it and probably give up my current "church" Bible for a copy of my own.

What Does John 1 Reveal About Jesus?

Ask almost any evangelist and they will tell you, the Gospel of John is where they suggest people begin reading the Bible. The Gospel of John has been printed and distributed on its own, exclusive of the rest of the New Testament or the entire Bible for years because of the way Jesus' identity is revealed. Full disclosure, even as a seasoned believer, I find John's gospel pretty meaty and, sometimes, a lot to take in. The first few verses, for example, reveal there is the Word of God, there is God, there is one Creator; He is Life, and He is Light. In less than sixty words! That's a lot to grasp! As John's description unfolds, we see that Jesus is the One he describes and that Jesus came to earth as a man! Why would He do that?! Again, John seeks to explain; but not before he reveals some other very pertinent facts about Jesus.

In John 1:36, He is the Lamb of God. In verses 37 & 38, He is a teacher: Rabbi, He is called. Verse 41, the awaited Messiah. Verse 49, the Son of God and King of Israel! And in verse 51, Jesus Himself says He is the Son of Man, fully human and fully God. So, while we are introduced to Jesus, while we are presented with His identity in explicit terms, I think it's important for every reader to notice how Jesus' identity is revealed to us in the events that John records. We find that in this very first chapter of John as well.

One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone). ~ John 1:40-42

Jesus calls Simon, Cephas, meaning "rock or stone." Jesus was either delusional, or He knew something about this man --maybe something Peter didn't even know about himself.

In verses 47 & 48, John records Jesus' meeting with Nathanael:

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”

Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

John has revealed Jesus as El Roi, the God who sees. He is the God who saw Hagar in the wilderness as she fled her mistress, Sarai. He is the God of the Old Testament as well as the New. He is the God who sees us today. He is the same yesterday, today, and for all eternity. And the Gospel of John reveals this to its readers over and over, tying in the whole of Scripture to show us the God we seek.

As we read the Bible it is essential we pray for the Holy Spirit to not only open our hearts to what is being said, but what is not being directly expressed as well; that we ask for help in "connecting the dots," and we do our part to read faithfully and expose ourselves to all of Scripture. God is not hiding from us. He desires to make Himself known and does so through His living Word.     

Photo courtesy LuAnn Martin

Racing with the Heroes!

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

~ Philippians 3:13, 14

How do you imagine Moses? Long grey beard, longer grey hair, slightly stooped, moving at the speed of a teenage boy on his way to English Lit class, a roughly hewn staff in his grip? How about Esther? Regal robes, dripping with gold and precious gems, the slightest sheen on her beautiful olive skin, perfect posture and equally perfect coiffed hair, the most tasteful tiara --dignified and opulent but not overstated. What of Jacob? David? Daniel? Mary? Paul? These are some of the heroes of the Bible. Heroes we've never met; heroes whose images we develop from the information in the Scriptures and our own imaginations. But they really existed. They really faced the same types of trials and troubles we face. They really endured. Heroes really walked the earth.

As they do today. Just as those of old, today's heroes don't persist in and of their own capabilities. They do it for the glory of God. They labor with the tools they've been given. They serve eagerly, obediently, and completely. Take, for instance, this hero; I'll call her "Ellie." I attended a women's retreat with her many years ago. Because of a serious back injury, and in order for her to simply last the weekend, she had to take frequent breaks, in bed, surrounded by pillows and heating pads. She had, just a short time before we met, undergone two surgeries for cancer and had lost her mother to cancer as well. She spoke candidly about her circumstances, but they did not consume her; she had not abandoned her faith in God, but admitted there were days in which she struggled to worship. Nevertheless, there she was, toughing it out that she might know her Lord better.

Another hero I've met along the way I'll call Jeanne. She, too, suffers from back issues, issues that cause problems with her hips. She is stooped and walks --no, runs with a noticeable limp. She is one of the hardest working people I know, the glue that holds her supervisor's schedules together. Her supervisors, by the way, are pastors and church leadership; they say she is a tremendous encouragement to them!

There's "Leena" who came to Jesus during her time in prison, was released, and suffered a debilitating stroke shortly after. "Dina" who walks with a cane, has had multiple back surgeries, carries a small pharmacy with her, and worships like she has the energy of a ten-year-old! "Maddy" suffers from severe cognitive delays, but at the drop of a hat will tell you, as eloquently as enthusiastically, how good her Savior is! "Tara's" back injuries were so severe, she cannot stand to look anyone in the eye. She is bent as though picking something from the floor and looks at the world from the very tops of her eyes. She carries a small pillow under her arm as though it is part of her anatomy. And there's "Lori" who, in a year's time, suffered a lawsuit, sorrowed over the rape of her daughter, and received cancer diagnoses for her husband and her! 

These are heroes because they are heroes of faith. Each and every one was seeking and/or serving the Lord when we met. Not a one grumbled or complained, but each was as honest about their situation as they were assured their Redeemer was with them in it. Heroes of the faith are not relegated to the past. They are not necessarily the people who have very public platforms or can fill arenas. They are the people whose lives are typical and burdensome, uncertain and mundane, who keep going because they know their Savior awaits them at the Finish Line --a finish line they cannot see, but they know it's there in all its glory at the end of this race. 

Midweek: The Prodigal Son (Part Five)

We've mined Jesus' parable to depths I've never gone before --and isn't that the beauty of Scripture: it is alive and active (Hebrews. 4:12)! We can read it today and observe nuances and teachings we didn't notice yesterday; by the power of the Holy Spirit, God reveals things to us the more we seek to know Him through the Bible. I sometimes joke about "When did they put that in there?" That's why we need to read the Scriptures every day, again and again: it's not just a good book; it is The Good Book! And it brings about change in us! 

So, about change...

We've got this change in the younger brother in Luke 15:17. He has "come to himself," acknowledged his sin before God and his earthly father, recognized he is unworthy, even to be called the son of the father, and has returned to receive forgiveness and be taken in as a servant. I'd love to really blow this up and get into the whole bondservant/adoption thing, but that will have to wait for another day. Suffice to say, we are called to serve for Jesus' sake, but we are sons and daughters of the Most High through our King Jesus. He is the only way. And this young man realizes his insufficiency, asking to receive, at most, the benefits of a servant. He instead, because of the father's mercy, receives the benefits of a son and then some. Remember, his share had already been fully given him; upon his return, he receives more!

This is where we are met with THE lesson of the parable. As I said, we can glean and glean all day long and never come up short; but if we look at the events which occurred prior to Jesus telling this story, we know where it will end. He told them two shorter parables about things lost and then found, and the celebration of such an occasion. But Jesus' third lesson, that of The Prodigal Son, adds a contrast: the older brother who refuses to celebrate his brother's homecoming. The criticism coming from the religious leadership (with regard to the people Jesus loved and taught) is what brings the older son on stage. There is this wonderful climax, the son's repentance and the father's forgiveness! But Jesus doesn't stop there. The shorter parables preceding, end with celebration, a glimpse into heaven when a sinner comes to repentance. In this last, Jesus provides a glimpse into what is happening in the hearts of the religious elite. And it's not at all pretty.

Ellicott's Commentary puts it this way: He who professed obedience to his father is out of harmony with his father’s mind. And, I would add, is out of touch with who his father is! The older son's concern was not that the younger was taking advantage or would turn around and leave once more; he was not looking out for his father, looking to protect him or his assets. By his obedience, the older son had judged himself entitled and his brother unworthy. The irony here is the younger brother agreed with his brother's assessment! The younger brother knew he was unworthy. But for his father's grace. His brother, however, had no clue. He was so oblivious to his father's heart and his father's character, he did not know the value of each and every one who would live under his roof; he did not know the father's heart for all who would come; he did not know the joy.

We are not told whether the older son joined the celebration --not with regard to this parable. Scripture indicates that some of the religious elite, the Pharisees, came to know Jesus as the Messiah. I think, however, Jesus left the decision of the older son ambiguous that those listening might make their own inferences and examine themselves. He is asking us to do the same. 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
~ 2 Corinthians 13:5

Capably Incapable

We are capable people, aren't we? If your family came from the continent of Africa, you might be tempted to thank them for coffee and iron metallurgy. If your ancestors sailed from Scandinavian ports, they may have known such famous artists as Dahl and Krohg or, if you really go back, they might have fashioned something in an Oseberg style. Look at the developments that came from Asian lands: the domestication of wheat and rice, chess, gunpowder, and PlayStation. We, the human race, appear to be very capable people! But from where does this incredible ability come?

To answer that question --at least, partially --I present to you, King Uzziah, once king of Judah. He began his reign at age sixteen, taking the place of his father. Scripture says he did what was right in the sight of God, he consulted God so long as a prophet by the name of Zechariah was alive. But in the midst of all of his glorious achievements, we get a glimpse of not only something not quite right, but of what can happen when the God of all is relegated to a seat beside the throne of self. 2 Chronicles 26:5 says, "as long as he consulted ADONAI, God gave him success." Do I detect, perhaps, a time in which Uzziah did not consult God? Well, if we head on down to 2 Chronicles 26:15, 16, we read:

And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.

But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.

He was "marvelously helped." By Whom? We discover the answer when we read on that his strength was his undoing. His strength led him away from dependence on God, from the help he had received from God! King Uzziah stopped seeking help from the Lord because he began to believe he himself was enough. All along his strength had been from God; all along it was ADONAI who brought him victory and success and growth and fame. When he stopped reaching out to God for help, he had nothing left but his own resources, which, we see, amounted to very little. He could not even control his own health, and wound up separated from God's presence, from most human relationships, and from his throne.

Not convinced? Maybe it was the stress of rapid success that caused his health to fail. Maybe it was coincidence. Maybe a spiteful and self-promoting god punished him. Well, there's always King Jotham. 

When King Uzziah died, King Jotham came to the throne of Judah. Scripture says he did what was right in the sight of God. And he was successful! Victory, success, growth, and fame. Sound familiar? Except for this distinction: 

So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God (27:6).

That's it. No "as long as" a prophet was watching. No arrogance. No offense against God. His submission to God brought him might. And when good things came to him, he did not cease to submit to God. 

God is the Giver of good gifts, whether it be the ability to create beauty, or design structures, or teach, or farm, or govern, or brew coffee --whatever the talent, it comes from God. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21) Aptitudes are not to be worshiped or guarded as though they are our possession. Doing so can prove to be our undoing, as it was with King Uzziah. Perhaps, as a race, we are more capably incapable: unable to even draw our next breath without the express permission and implementation of our King, but provided with certain resources with which we may work and play in the world He has given us. Those resources, skills and affinities to which we may be inclined, are not of ourselves, but by our Lord's intent and grace, that we should serve Him until He calls us to cease. 

What a Pleasant Surprise!

Fourteen years ago, I participated in the 53rd Walk to Emmaus. I recently came across one of my old journals in which I recorded my thoughts on the weekend. For the sake of the program, I won't go into any details about the walk (the effectiveness of the program depends on sleep deprivation and secrets kept. IYKYK). I will, however, say that the secrecy, the element of surprise woven throughout the weekend is something of a picture of our journey with Christ. We move through moments and obligations relying fully on Jesus to direct us and provide for us; He does --always --but I described this journey as "leading a life of pleasant surprises." Pleasant surprises? Who was I kidding? A weekend in a safe place, in a beautiful setting, with people who are encouraging you, feeding you --body, soul, and spirit --and lavishing love on you... Of course it's full of pleasant surprises! But life? 

Life is hardship and miracles, frustration and pleasant surprises, upheaval and transformation. The hardship, the frustration, the upheaval, they're easy to spot most days. To see the miracles, the pleasant surprises, the transformation, the mercy, the grace, the benevolence, to see the things of a good God in a broken and corrupt world, we have to be very intentional. Not because they are not here or they remain hidden, but because our new nature is always developing, and we enter this world with a fully developed old nature. Our old nature fits right in, is inclined to notice and follow the siren songs of a broken and corrupt world. Our old nature is predilected to pessimism and doubt, cynicism and hopelessness, self-centeredness and discontent. 

But our new nature, given to us when we choose to follow after Christ, is engaged in an uphill battle with a world that despises it, a self that rejects it, and an Enemy that will do everything in his power to snuff it out. Our new nature is the imitation of Christ, the fruit of His Holy Spirit, the means by which we glorify our Heavenly Father. Our new nature unfolds its wings like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, sticky, wet, and awkward; not able to bear the weight of our own bodies. But in time and with testing, the wings of our new nature unfold and carry us to places we never would have dreamed. We speak differently to ourselves and others. We see God at work in even the most difficult circumstances. We forget the things of the past and fix our eyes on our future in eternity with our Savior. We become "seasoned saints," tried and tested, equipped, bringing glory and honor to the Father by our testimony. When life throws us curveballs, when we are staring into uncertainty, when the world is railing against us, we rely on Jesus to direct us and provide all we need. His presence is constant and consistent. And with hearts surrendered to Him, eyes trained on Him, our new nature matures, strengthens, and usurps the worldly narrative. Our old nature falls away, we no longer see life through the lens given us at birth, but with a perspective imparted to us at the new birth, we begin to lead a life of pleasant surprises! 

Midweek: The Prodigal Son (Part Four)

This is it! (I think) The last installment on The Prodigal Son. I'd like to call this The Long Road Home. Now, that may seem a bit strange; Jesus' story goes from starvation to realization very quickly. In fact, we left the younger son, The Prodigal as he is typically known, famished and eyeing up the dry empty husks he was feeding swine. In the very next verse of Jesus' story (v.17) the young man realizes the bitter irony of his situation: How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! But verses don't always give a clear indication of time, and this being just a story to teach, that's hardly a point over which we should argue. However, I do know my own sin, and I do know what a stronghold pride can be. In this young man's life, it was definitely a stronghold --so much so he demanded from his father what was meant to be a benevolent gift; so much so he compromised his adherence to Jewish law and fed pigs; so much so he attached himself to a stranger who was unwilling, even, to feed him. But one day, he came to himself. Now, other Bible translations use phrases like "came to his senses," but coming to the end of oneself seems to have a little less to do with waking up from a knock on the head and more to do with finding oneself at a precipice, driven there by self-aggrandizing thoughts; one is left with no choice but to jump into the unknown or be consumed. Coming to the end of oneself seems to be a crossroads of radical truth and self-destruction. We begin to understand that in the grand scheme of things, I am nothing, despite the delusions upon which I have built my life. It's not overwrought self-deprecation, mind you, but an honest look at how one compares to the God of the universe. I am nothing. Unworthy in and of myself. Incapable in and of myself. Of little consequence, in and of myself. With time --how much time we can only imagine --this young rebel came to the end of himself. Praise God!  

And the father rejoiced. Verse 20 tells us, when he --the son --was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Bear in mind this son had gone to a far-off country, had spent his time living prodigally until his resources were expended, had witnessed the onset of a famine, endured it to whatever extent, and had spent some time thinking critically about himself. Nevertheless, his father saw him coming from a long way off. Reason being, and I think this is a crucial part of Jesus' message to us, the father never stopped watching expectantly for him. This my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found (v. 24). Oh, what rejoicing! What celebration! Can you imagine God, the Father, rejoicing at your return?

One of my favorite verses, Zephaniah 3:17 says:

The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.

Imagine the depths of God's love! That he would sing over His people; forgiving offenses, welcoming rebels, saving the condemned, and singing over those who were once enemies, those who have been restored to relationship by the blood of His Son! The father in Jesus' parable --a mere glimpse, a human representation of our Heavenly Father --orders to be brought the best robe, a ring, new shoes, and the calf his servants had been fattening for this very occasion, the return of his child. He is filled with joy. He wastes not one second in calling for a celebration. And they began to make merry. 

That is, all but one.

Well, it looks like this parable has a few more lessons for us. See you right back here next Wednesday for the next installment. In the meantime, enjoy more posts every Monday and Thursday.

Signs of God's Mercy

So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.

Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots who were with him, saying, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.”
~ 2 Chronicles 18:28-30

If I had been given the task of editing a translation of the Bible, I might have subtitled this section With Friends Like Ahab... or, maybe, Here's Your Sign (although there might be some copyright issues with that one). But first, the backstory. King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah had made an alliance through marriage. Ahab was having some issues with the king of Syria and requested Jehoshaphat's help in going to war. Nations do that all the time. So far, so good, right? Well, Jehoshaphat climbed on board --I mean, immediately. 

KA: Will you?
KJ: Mi casa es su casa. (Or something to that effect.)

But then, an afterthought! Jehoshaphat suggested the kings consult God on the matter. Most of Ahab's prophets gave him the go-ahead. That is, all but one. (There's always one.) This prophet, Macaiah, had a habit of speaking truth; so, he did. He prophesied that Israel would be scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd (v. 16). "No shepherd" was prophet-speak for "no king": Ahab would die. But this was a clear demonstration of God's mercy toward Jehoshaphat. The king of Judah had failed to concern himself with God's plan until after he'd given his word. Macaiah's words provided a golden opportunity for Jehoshaphat to plead with Israel's king to abandon this foolishness. Apparently, he did not.

Defiant ears and hardened hearts sentenced Macaiah to the pokey. King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat went to war with Syria. This is where the above reading picks up: Jehoshaphat treating God as an afterthought, pledging his men and his aid to Ahab, and then being told to play decoy against a rival king. How merciful was God to show Jehoshaphat King Ahab had no concern for him whatsoever?! This was a ginormous sign he was somewhere he was never meant to be! Nevertheless, King Jehoshaphat complied with the scheme:

So it was, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they surrounded him to attack; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him, and God diverted them from him. For so it was, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. (verses 31, 32)

Jehoshaphat was spared. Ahab was not, and Israel was, as Macaiah had foretold, like sheep without a shepherd; a random draw of the bow delivered the arrow that mortally wounded the king of Israel. Jehoshaphat, in his kingly robes, walked away, being given yet another chance to seek God first in all his dealings. Mercy. 

I'd just like to leave you with some questions first, questions that came to mind as I read this, ones I've asked of myself again and again:

How obvious was it that Jehoshaphat didn't belong on that battlefield? Did Jehoshaphat not see the signs, or simply choose to ignore them? Has anything like this ever happened to you? What blinded you to truth? What truth did you choose to ignore? 

And, secondly, I want to leave you with the assurance that God is merciful --merciful and just, so He's not to be toyed with; but He is merciful. If you have failed as Jehoshaphat did, I would encourage you to embrace the lesson, renounce the shame, and repent --choose to never make God an afterthought again.   

Be a Blip

Please allow me to introduce to you a man named Amasiah. Perhaps you've heard of him; he's the son of Zichri. Still not ringing any bells? I have to be honest, had I not been reading 2 Chronicles 17, I wouldn't have a clue who this guy was either. But we all probably should. 

Just a little background: Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was on the throne and following after the Lord. He'd fortified the cities of Judah and torn down unsanctified places of worship. Verse 6 says, his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD. And mighty men of valor came to serve him. One of those men was Amasiah. Now, of Amasiah, Scripture says this:

...next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. (2 Chronicles 17:16)

This was a man, a leader of men of whom it is said he willingly offered himself to the Lord. And then... silence. Amasiah is not mentioned in Scripture prior to his service to Jehoshaphat, and we read nothing of Amasiah in Scripture after this mention. But we know one very wonderful, very significant thing about him, and that was that he offered himself willingly to the Lord. 

Can you imagine having your name recorded in the best-selling book of all time, and that's it --just once, barely a mention, a blip --but the simple description that follows your name is the name of your father and your surrender to the Lord? Personally, I would love --I hope to be known for my favorably disposed in mind, desirous, ready, prompt service to the Lord. That's how Webster's 1936 Collegiate Dictionary defines "willingly." One's mind is made up and in full accord with --in this case --God's. The actor's desires are The Master's desires. And the servant is ready, prepared, to act without hesitation or reluctance. This was Amasiah. 

How does one come to this willingness? Scripture is full of willing servants, Jesus being Chief of all. Paul's words in Philippians 2:5-8 provide a concise description of Jesus' willingness:

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

And, if I can distill this even further: humility. The level of humility that leads to a resolute, unified obedience. But let's not ignore the elements of readiness or preparation either. It is so important to read the Bible. I can't say it enough! 

2 Timothy 3:16, 17:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

This is our training manual, our playbook. Without humility, we will be unwilling. Without readiness, preparedness, we will be unwilling as well. Imagine enlisting in the military. You're handed a weapon you've never fired, driven to a place of which you've never even heard, placed shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger, and told to fight the enemy when he appears. Would you be willing? I hope not! Training is vital. Training prepares us for what is to come and gives us the confidence willingness requires. God's Word warns us of the dangers and trouble we will encounter. God's Word shows us the correct path. God's Word corrects us, transforms us, and gives us insight. God's Word encourages us that we might remain willing to do the work even when things get tough. God's Word is the sword with which the enemy is slain and the sustenance with which we are able to survive the most adverse conditions. 

Scripture doesn't say for sure, but I'm thinking Amasiah was well-trained, a soldier humble unto obedience and an asset to Jehoshaphat's armies. His name --somewhat predictably --means "Yahweh is mighty." A willing soldier with a name like that. The kind of blip we should all desire to be.

 

Midweek: The Prodigal Son (Part Three)

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to share my testimony. I did so within the framework of Jesus' parable of The Prodigal Son. Not only because my story has similarities --Who can't identify with the urge to rebel against authority, or having to eat a little crow because of our past foolishness? --but I used this parable because of the lessons I am learning still today, lessons I learn every time I read it.

It appears Jesus was prompted to tell this story because of the Pharisees and scribes, lawful men of Israel who took it upon themselves to define and enforce Torah. They were quite put out by the fact Jesus was not discriminating in His audiences but was instead talking to "sinners" about His Father. (Oh, the irony! Were the religious elite so free from sin they were not sinners themselves?) Suffice to say, they missed the point. God's Law was given to keep us safe. God's Law was given that we might know clearly our inability to keep it and our need for a Savior. But God's Law was also given that we might know how to please Him, how to worship Him with our lives. The hypocrisy of those condemning Jesus didn't look at all like worship. And that's where the older brother in the parable comes in. I don't want to jump ahead, because there are a few things I'd like to point out with regard to the younger son and his father, but the older brother --bitter, judgmental, entitled, unforgiving, and arrogant --is the character who most likely resembles the guys who started this fight. 

Let's pick up where we left our foolish young man; a stranger, penniless and starving in a far-off country gripped by a famine. Luke 15:15 says, he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country. The word translated "joined" in this passage is the Greek word, kollao; it means "glue." It's the same word translated "cling" in Romans 12:9, Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. The idea is to join oneself firmly; attach or glue oneself to what is good. Or, in the case of this son, to another human being. Does that ring any bells? How about the joining together of husband and wife, the two becoming one? In Matthew 19:3-6, Jesus reiterates God's framework for marriage using the words "be joined" (proskollao in the Greek). This Jewish son was willing to compromise his principles, his identity to be joined with a stranger, a pagan who --Who what? If we read on (verse 16), we find the young man still had nothing to eat! He was craving the husks he fed to the pigs each day. The pigs were eating while he was not! And he longed for the empty pods. Not even real food! The outside shell of food! But no one gave him anything. He had attached himself to this person in return for nothing more than a place to lay his head.

Compromised. Alone. Starving and broke. Without dignity or principle. And as I read this, I ask myself how many times I joined myself to things and people who would be my undoing just to fulfill some immediate craving. How often have I put myself in predicaments --harmful spaces --because I didn't understand the gnawing emptiness was meant to draw me to the only One who can redeem me and who is fullness of joy? How many times was I willing to trust people who were fighting their own battles, who could only appreciate me based on the last party I threw? How many times had I been so desperate for the approval of others I not only ignored my principles but remained in situations that didn't even meet my most basic of needs? And how often had I done these things to avoid contrition and repentance? How often had I found myself still empty, slopping hogs, but full of pride?

We'll continue with The Prodigal next week, but I'd just like to leave you with this last thought. The younger son has become the star of this parable over the years; but lest we too miss the point, let us remember the pride of the older son and those finger pointing, legalistic elitists. It can be difficult to admit we were impulsive, selfish, too big for our britches; but the pride that sits in judgment of others while we ourselves are rejecting truth is a special kind of stupid --next level deception and a hardness of heart we should abhor.

    

Freedom from Anxiety

In 1966, the Rolling Stones hit western shores for their fifth American tour, bringing with them a little ditty, Mother's Little Helper. 

"Kids are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Mother needs something today to calm her down
And though she's not really ill
There's a little yellow pill
She goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day

The lyrics escalate Mother's use of pharmaceuticals to abuse and, eventually, death. Somehow the mothers of the '60s were finding it impossible to deal with "modern" life. More than half a century later, is it any better? Life "improved" through conveniences like the internet and AI and same-day delivery and groceries selected and loaded for you into the back of your high-end SUV has somehow driven more Americans to anxiety and chemicals to manage it. So, what gives? Well, check this out:  

I acknowledge my guilt; I am anxious because of my sin. ~ Psalm 38:19 CJB

Anxious because of sin. Hmm... The New American Standard renders the same verse:  

For I admit my guilt; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.

Yoga and meditation have taken the place of prayer and Bible reading in schools to help students with stress. "Mindfulness" and "breathwork" are ubiquitous terms for librarians, healthcare professionals, and influencers. As our world becomes more independent of God --out of touch with His nature, His balance, His simplicity --everyone and their second cousin has anxiety. And the methods used to mitigate it are not curing anything. Snippets of Eastern religions and medical marijuana are, at best, temporary elixirs; at worst, they are idol worship and the dumbing down of American society. That may seem a bit harsh, but anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God or causes one not to think soberly is not for the child of God.  

So, how can sin be the cause of anxiety? First, let's define anxiety. Psychology Today says:

Anxiety is both a mental and physical state of negative expectation. Mentally it is characterized by increased arousal and apprehension tortured into distressing worry, and physically by unpleasant activation of multiple body systems—all to facilitate response to an unknown danger, whether real or imagined.

The cognitive feelings of dread in anticipation of some bad outcome, and physical sensations such as jitteriness and a racing heart are designed for discomfort. Anxiety is meant to capture attention and stimulate you to make necessary changes to protect what you care about. Occasional bouts of anxiety are natural and can even be productive. ...But persistent, pervasive, or outsize anxiety can disrupt daily life, whether at school, work, or with friends—the mark of an anxiety disorder.

Dread of   (fill in the blank)  ; judgment, ineptitude, rejection, abandonment, isolation, small spaces, or perhaps, nothing at all. A provoked, limited reaction is not wrong: its purpose is to motivate us to change. If we feel anxious as we walk down a dark alley at night, we seek a well-lit path. If we feel anxious about a test, we study harder. But being full of anxiety --the persistent, pervasive, or disproportionate reaction --is different. 

If Scripture says anxiety's true cause is sin, we have to ask, What sin? 

How about a failure to observe Sabbath rest? Back to all of those modern conveniences. What about the unending influx of information, constant visual stimulation and recurring soundbites as close as our fingers? In Mark 2:27, Jesus declares, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Rest and time spent in God's presence is His gift to each of us. 

How about the sin of self-sufficiency? We are finite, not meant to know everything or do everything; putting that sort of pressure on ourselves is unreasonable and the cause of much anxiety. 

Neglecting the spiritual disciplines (reading God's Word, prayer, fasting, giving, serving, etc.). These are activities given to us to move us toward sanctification by the Spirit and equip us to do the work God has planned for us on earth. Without proper equipping, we will struggle to do what we are not meant to do on our own. Anxiety is the result. 

Other sins --self-sufficiency, pride, doubt, isolation, idolatry, fear, doubt, worry --separate us from the protection and provision of an infinite, almighty God. We were not made to be separated from Him. Being separated from Peace, Joy, Love, and Providence in a world as large and dark as this is like being a sheep (sans Shepherd) among wolves. The cause of extreme anxiety.

Jesus came that our joy may be full. We are not meant to be full of anxiety. I have a dear friend who goes through season after season of depression and anxious thoughts. From time to time, he clears out his friends' list on social media, makes a new commitment to himself or finds a new girlfriend. He usually feels pretty good for a couple of weeks, but his lifestyle never changes. He does not live according to God's Word, but lives only for his own pleasures. At some point, anxiety rears its ugly head once more. Wash.Rinse.Repeat. It breaks my heart. But he wants nothing to do with God, and this is the result. 

I don't mean to say that there are not physiological causes and medication is never necessary; sometimes it is. Sometimes great trauma has rewired the brain to respond to stimuli of which the person is unaware or doesn't even understand. But if one has not tried the most basic of solutions --a life lived in congruence with the precepts of one's very Creator --what can Mother's Little Helper accomplish? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life --a life lived without anxiety and without slavery to sin.  

The Apostles' Creed

As a young girl, I attended a church that recited the Apostles' Creed weekly. I learned by rote what to say long before I ever began to understand the meaning of the words. Recently, I was given a copy of The Small Catechism by Dr. Martin Luther. It parses the Apostles' Creed into three "articles" and contains some of Luther's notes on the meaning of each. This one really grabbed me:

The Second Article:

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

This is the response, Luther's explanation:

What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord,

who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death,

that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,

just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.

This is most certainly true.

There is just so much meat in this, I don't even know where to begin!

So, let's begin with Jesus Christ, eternal and one true God, begotten of the Father. What does begotten mean? This is the English translation of the Greek word monogenes, and not the same as all of those begats and begots we find in Matthew 1, for instance. Monogenes has to do with coming from the Father, being the only one of a kind or class, unique; not that the Father created Him, but Jesus, as the second Person of the Trinity, sharing the divine nature of God the Father, was sent forth in accordance with the plan of salvation for humanity.

He is and, at the time of His presence here on earth, was true God. At the same time, He was true man. True God... and also true man. Fully God and fully man. I've never heard a great explanation on this yet, so I will leave this alone; but what a wonderful thing on which to meditate! That He was willing to submit to the limitations, the jurisdiction, and the indignities of life as a human; that He could exist as a holy and perfect God in a body and among others with such carnal appetites, but without sin. Amazing!

He is my Lord. Can you say that? Are you subject to Him in every part of your life, with every part of your being? Is His every intention your desire? Is His every command your joy? If you are anything like me, though you confess it, you confess it unto truth and not as truth. Meaning, though I desire it, I'm not there consistently or completely; some days, I'm not even sure I'm playing for the same team. But by His grace, through the work of the Holy Spirit, He will --His Word assures --bring all of His children to a place of complete surrender and sanctification. He will be my Lord, in every sense of the word, because I am fully His.

Lastly, Jesus has redeemed me. Why? Not because I had anything to offer. I was, as the Creed says, a lost and condemned person. Because of HIS CHARACTER ALONE, He purchased my life with His, for the purpose of bringing Him glory. To be His, to live with Him and for Him. Now and forever. Amen! 

Photo courtesy LuAnn Martin

Midweek: The Prodigal Son (Part Two)

Last Wednesday we began looking at Jesus' parable commonly known as The Prodigal Son, in Luke 15:11-24. A story Jesus told in response to those hypocrites gathered nearby as they attempted to besmirch His character. Jesus tells of a self-centered young man who caused his father great hurt in demanding his inheritance and fleeing the family farm. Let me reiterate, this was just a story meant to teach. We don't want to get too wrapped up in details and background lest we miss the lessons, but this story is so rich with relevance and emotion; I don't think there's a person alive who can't relate to some aspect of this.

So, let's look at the father. We don't know how old his sons were or whether they had even expressed an interest in following in his footsteps, but such was the culture. The oldest took over the family business, and the others worked for him. In the Western world, parents love to encourage their children to be whatever they want to be. We love to give them wings with our affirmations and encouragement. But in Jewish culture, roots were even more important. They were different, consecrated; and as such, it was important they clung to one another for support and accountability. The father had plans for his sons --not because he was controlling or self-absorbed, but because land and service to God were important features of their lives. And because he had something wonderful in store for them. To hear his son demand "the share of the property that falls to [him]" (v.12) --how it must have cut him to the very quick. But Son, I have so much more I want to do to prepare you. I have so much more planned for you, to build you a legacy that will last for generations and will bless many. I want to give you something personal, something I have designed and cultivated just for you. But it is not yet the time. Not to mention, the dividends alone on the share you are demanding will last a lifetime. And I see you are not ready.

But the son was lonely. Or empty. Or impulsive. Or full of pride. He was uninterested in remaining as he was. He was uninterested in being subservient, on relying on his father to mete out what he saw fit and when. So, he got his share and, eventually, left home. As he lived his prodigal life (Which is how he got his name --not because he rebelled; prodigal means wasteful.) he lived it in "a far country." He and his father were now separated not just by ideology but by distance. The young son's desires had led him to an alien land. Instead of being the heir, he was now the outsider. Instead of being protected, he would be as good as the last party he threw. Instead of being with those like-minded, he would have to be the standout or conform to the others' ways. And I see you are not ready. 

The young man squandered. The young man conformed. And then came the famine (v. 14). This is not some sort of cosmic balance; this is not karma. This is what happens when we follow after our own desires, when we adhere to our own ways, and we wind up outside the boundaries God has established for His children. We are far from home and outside the realm of His protection --not because He is unable or unwilling, but because this is what we have chosen. God, in His loving discipline, sometimes gives us experiential knowledge of what we need most. The young man wanted blessing on his terms. Though the father had so much more planned, what could he do but allow the young man to find out for himself? What could the father do but keep watch and remain ready to give his returning son the bread that would truly fill him? What could the father do but celebrate his son's return?

Come back for more on The Prodigal Son next week!        

 

What Good Is Eternal Life?

I was raised in what would be perceived as "a Christian home.' We went to church every Sunday, were involved in church activities and ministries; we even attended a nearby camp meeting throughout the summer. I heard the Gospel at a very young age and knew I didn't want to go to hell. Fire insurance. So, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. But in the everyday, in the face of childhood squabbles with my brother or broken relationships with playground friends, in the pain of unreturned crushes --to me --salvation meant nothing. What good is heaven at ninety-five when I have all these years of life to spend dealing with this stuff? Little did I know that was just the beginning. Bigger problems came with greater freedom to choose. How am I actually saved --from what am I actually saved --when I can't get through a shift without sinning --when I don't want to get through a shift without sinning? I knew I was not forgiven so that I might continue to do as I desired, but I also knew sin should no longer be what I desired. Is heaven really worth giving up my fun here on earth? 

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
~ John 17:3

Jesus' words defined eternal life and defined my problem: I had no clue what eternal life really was. Eternal life is not just heaven, streets of gold, angels and songs. It is not only life with no expiration date. Eternal life is a quality of life, a way of being that --yes, goes on in perpetuity --but is made supremely, unspeakably good by a relationship with the Creator of the universe, the King of all kings, the sovereign Ruler over all, and the One who made each one of us in His image. Eternal life is not exclusively measured in eons, but by the quality of life attained for us by the blood of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is to know, to have a personal relationship with God. 

Jesus' arrival as a Man in our midst brought light, clarification, revelation to the question Who is God? --a question He has been answering since before mankind existed. Imagine that! He's not having issues making Himself clear --that's just how big, how deep, how multi-faceted and infinite this perfect Being is! This perfect Being who not only invites us to join Him in relationship, but has made a way through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son! So, Jesus made all of this clear, revelation --and calls us, invitation --and became the means by which we could be made worthy, salvation. That is eternal life! If believing in Him is a real, all-encompassing belief, an acceptance that is often underpinned by an emotional or spiritual sense of certainty (Encarta), then the believer would seek God with his whole heart and body, would know God, would develop a quality of life consistent with Christ's definition in John 17:3 because he/she has been joined with Christ.

That truth delivered to me through multiple Scriptures and, by God's grace, in countless ways throughout the years, has made all the difference in the world --this one and the next! I look forward to spending eternity in His presence, and at the same time, from this vantage point, I know eternity has partially, imperfectly begun. It is here, it is the inheritance of all who believe. And it is good beyond imagination!

Worth Following

Let's begin today with a challenge: look at your social media accounts and tally up the number of followers you have. I'll give you a few minutes...

Finished? Okay, now total the number of accounts you follow. All set?

Great! Let's begin. Today's post has absolutely nothing to do with that. Huh? At least, not in that way. I'm actually pondering what it means to "follow" and to be a "follower." Take social media; following is more like paying a bit of attention --you know, when it's convenient. You receive notifications, but you are free to ignore them, even "silence" them if you like. Following an internet personality might mean agreeing with them --until their opinions conflict with yours. Being a social media "follower" could mean you imitate that person: you cook the recipes they recommend; you use identical products to organize your workshop; maybe you even begin to laugh or speak as they do. You are free to pick and choose the tenets to which you will or can adhere. The rest you are free to discard. Followers come and followers go.

And why does one follow? Ease of use? I don't have the time to come up with something new, so I'll just follow his suggestion. Maybe it's a lack of creativity or knowledge. This whole topic is beyond me; I need help. It might even be a means of self-check. Am I crazy? Does my opinion make sense? Or, maybe, it's a distraction. I've had a long day. This guy always alleviates the stress. Following on social media is sort of a what's-in-it-for-me activity. When the novelty wears off, so does the online affection.

What about content? Does the content of those we follow on social media determine the type of follower we are? Her stuff is fire! I never miss a post! Or I only check out his page when I'm looking for an alternate viewpoint. Maybe the content provides a daily dose of wisdom, or maybe it's just another voice in the algorithm. How seriously do we follow those whose sustenance does not last, whose content is not fresh, whose words do not cause us to be better people? 

Every personality or ideology has followers; this didn't start with the internet. But there is only one Master, one Teacher, one Leader who chose death knowing for certain it would bring His followers to life. That was and is Jesus Christ. Throughout His ministry, He gave people the option to follow Him, an invitation that secured His death and, possibly, theirs. Had Jesus Himself followed, adhered to the zeitgeist, no boats would have been rocked, no feathers would have been ruffled, and the hypocrites and haters would have had no cause to kill Him. Had people followed Him in much the same way we follow that guy --What's his name? --the comedian on Tik-Tok --You know the one --had they followed half-heartedly, non-committedly, conveniently, sporadically, selectively, the world would not have been turned upside down and the Adversary would have no reason to be at work today. But Jesus was and is different. One reading of John 6 reveals this.

Verse 2 tells us, a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. They followed because He was handing out bennies, because He was wow-ing crowds with extraordinary wonders. When He fed thousands of people with five barley loaves and two small fish, the people sought to grab Him and make Him king (v. 15). Give us the things that will heal our diseases, fill our pockets, and satisfy our stomachs! What followed was a game of Cat & Mouse as Jesus evaded His hungry followers: you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled (v. 26). The signs were so much greater than leprous skin made clear or a small boy's lunch exponentially increased. The signs were that He, Jesus, was and is Healer, Provider, the Redeemer of the whole world, God in flesh. The signs were that He possessed the power and authority to offer serious, steadfast, unconditional, devoted followers healing that begins with the heart, provision that does not spoil or mold, redemption that supersedes sin and death. He declares still today, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; His content is not one of many options, another voice in the algorithm. And He declares still today, the way of following Him is narrow and difficult. It is not easy and not for the faint of heart. His tenets cannot be cherry-picked or silenced; His words cannot be discarded. His purpose is not to entertain or distract. He doesn't work at our convenience. He is worthy of imitation, of absolute surrender and all our affection. And while the crowds may ask, What's in it for us?, true followers will ask, What's in it for Him? Are you following? Will you follow? The journey is so worth it.

Midweek: The Prodigal Son (Part One)

Who doesn't know the story? Maybe some of us know someone who has lived it. The son (or daughter) who chooses to go their own way, leaving home and giving a big fat filthy gesture to parents. But I'm getting a bit ahead of myself. Let's start with some context.

In Luke 15:11-24, Jesus tells a story, a parable, meant to teach truth. This parable is Jesus' response to the snide comments whispered by hypocrites: they'd been carefully watching, looking to accuse this new, popular, authoritative Rabbi. He receives sinners and eats with them, they murmured (Luke 15:2). Jesus then tells of the lengths to which His Heavenly Father will go to rescue even one lost soul. But this specific parable, The Prodigal Son, ends with something of a twist; a brother who does not know the lavish mercy of his father, blind to all he has been granted and begrudging his own bother of favor. A twist that exposed an additional truth about the hypocrites themselves. For now, however, let's look at some of the details of the parable itself.

The youngest son demands his share of his inheritance. I've heard some pastors point out, inheritance is shared when the benefactor is dead, and by reason of logic, this son was "wishing" his father dead or stamping his father "DECEASED." I don't know ancient Hebrew culture; that may be the case; but I do know self-centeredness and addiction. All the egoist sees is what he wants, what he believes will ease the pain or longing. It's not that he (or she) wishes evil on anyone or hurts others with malice aforethought, but when faced with the choice to self-medicate or do the right thing, they will choose self-medication at any cost; obvious and severe consequences (even to themselves) will be ignored. Instant gratification over and above what could be a lifetime of outcomes. Thus was "the prodigal" in Jesus' story. 

So, too, was Esau, son of Isaac, brother of Jacob. Esau was dealing with a growling belly and a weary spirit. A blessing on some far-off day was of little use to filling empty places in that very moment. It had to be converted into physical currency if it was to satisfy the lust of the flesh. In Esau's case, it had to be exchanged for stew; in the prodigal's case, we are told that after his father divided his living between his sons (both sons, by the way), days later, the younger son left. Why not immediately? Esau made the trade and ate the stew. Why, after he received his due, did the prodigal not immediately take flight? The Complete Jewish Bible says, As soon as he could convert his share into cash, the younger son left home (v.13). Interesting detail. His share, most likely, would have been given to him in the form of land and livestock. What could he do with that but stay right where he was? That wasn't his plan. Or was it? We assume he wanted to leave because that's what he winds up doing; but was it? Jesus never says the young man's intent was to venture off. Jesus says the young man wanted his blessing right then and there. Period. 

And that's where we'll stop today. So many of God's children find life in this world to be difficult, even unbearable. We want our bellies filled, our houses comfortable, our clothing modern, our lives exciting, and our ears tickled. We have pain. We have longings. And we want them met. Right here, right now. We cast our gaze across the horizon to the lives of others and the expectations of culture, and we cry out, Why not me, God? Why not now? The promise of blessing on some far-off day is of little use in filling our present empty spaces. So, we seek gratification in things that God has been graciously, mercifully withholding; we take the blessing rather than receive it. Or, we manufacture our own "blessing" in the things of this world. Before you know it, we are far from home. That may never have been out intent; we simply wanted an easier, less painful life. But a passable substitute has come, if only for a time, and it has carried us away from our Father and away from where we genuinely belong. God, in His wisdom, is drawing us to Himself even as He is granting us the things which will lead us away. He knows that without Him, we will never be truly satisfied, and He keeps His eyes peeled, awaiting our return. 

See you next week!