Day 239: Matthew 4:1-22; Mark 1:12-20; Luke 4:1-30; 5:1-11; John 1:35-2:12; Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 5:1-11

Today's section of scripture tells of the beginning of Jesus' ministry here on earth. I noticed three things that he did that might have some parallels for us in terms of how to do ministry, what it takes to minister, what to expect in ministry.

The first thing we read about in these passages is Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. He dealt with each and every temptation by remembering scripture. I don't think these were the only temptations Jesus faced...I think they are just examples of some temptations he faced. Luke 4:13 says, "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." I think he spent every moment looking for opportune times. One of the things it takes to minister to people is to have experience dealing with temptation and trials. I don;t think that means we have to face every temptation that other people face, it just means that we need the experience of facing and dealing with temptation and hard times. Of course, Jesus dealt with them perfectly...that's just not going to happen with us. But I do think we need to have some experience with successfully dealing with temptation. The truth is that we all face temptation and if we haven't had some success overcoming it what possible help could we be to others?

The next thing Jesus did to begin his ministry was that he began to preach. It seems his preaching had mixed reactions. In Luke chapter 4 we read: "All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. 'Isn’t this Joseph’s son?' they asked." (Luke 4:22). Then, a little later in the same chapter: "All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff." (Luke 4:28-29) It's hard to come to grips with the fact that not everyone loves what I say and do. I want to be accepted by all. However, I'm pretty sure that if Jesus had such wide ranging reactions to his preaching we have no reason to expect to be loved by everyone.

The third thing I noticed that Jesus did to begin his ministry is that he called some disciples.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22)

I believe this is the key to lasting effectiveness in ministry. Of course, we all need to be following Jesus...but we also need to be in a relationship with someone who can mentor us...someone who is a little farther along the road than we are. Likewise, we need to have someone (or 2 or 3) who is following us. No matter where we are on the road to Christ-like-ness there is someone behind us. We need to always be reaching back with a loving and helping and teaching hand. We will never be a perfect example but we can be a good example of what it means to do your best to follow Jesus...and when we fail (which we will) we can be a good example of how to ask for forgiveness, repent and move on.

Day 238: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3, John 1:15-34

John the Baptist was certainly a colorful character. When I read his description and try to picture him today I have a tendency to think of him as simply a crazy man. I think if I saw him in downtown Cincinnati I would walk to the other side of the street to avoid him. However, I think I have him wrong. He was a compelling personality. Unique, yes...but people flocked to him. A large percentage of those who came to hear him speak responded and were baptized. The Jews sent the religious leaders to check him out. In fact, Luke says...

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. (Luke 3:15)

John did all he could to make sure people understood that he was NOT the Messiah...but that He was coming. When Jesus came to hear John preach He asked to be baptized as well. John was hesitant but did as Jesus wished.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Did everyone hear this voice from heaven? I get the impression that they did. I wonder what they thought. How could you experience something like that and not be moved? I wonder if any of those same people who were there at Jesus' baptism were also there for His crucifixion? I wonder if, while they were shouting "Crucify!" they heard that voice somewhere in their minds saying, "This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Day 237: Matthew 2, Luke 2:39-52

No nativity scene would be complete without the "Three Wise Men" even though it doesn't seem that they were there at the actual time of Jesus' birth but came to visit some time later. We also don't really know that there were three of them...only that they brought three different types of gifts.

Anyway...the thing I'm thinking about is King Herod and his response to the Magi's visit. These men came to Herod to see if he could help them in their quest:

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:1-3)

I believe that line, "he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him" says a lot. When you read about King Herod you get the picture that his reign was much like that of many of the modern day despots who somehow rise to power over and over in that part of the world. I think of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, or Moammar Khadafi in Libya, or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran. I think if any of these guys heard something about the possibility of another king being born in their realm they would be "disturbed." And I'm guessing that if any of these guys were "disturbed" that the people in their country would also be "disturbed" in another way. They would be afraid, that's what they would  be...because who could predict what any one of these crazy men would do? The only thing you know for sure is that it's going to be ugly...and bloody.

Sure enough, that was Herod's reaction:

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. (Matthew 2:16)

I think we sometimes gloss over this bit of information. I can't imagine the pain and grief that this event caused throughout the land. Jesus' birth and death were accompanied by unspeakable violence.

Then, another remarkable thought:

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. (Luke 2:51)

The Almighty God of the Universe lives life in a humble Nazareth home as the obedient son of a common laborer and his young wife. The Creator steps into the creation. He experiences daily life from birth to adulthood...just like me.

Amazing.

Day 236: Matthew 1, Luke 1:1-2:38

Matthew chapter one gives us the lineage of Jesus. It traces his family tree back to Abraham. I suppose it would be easy to just skim over this chapter as unimportant...and that's sort of what I had planned to do but verse 6 caused me to pause for a few moments...

...David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife... (Matthew 1:6)

The thing that stopped me was that I stopped to consider the circumstances surrounding the marriage of David and Bathsheba, Uriah's wife. If you ever doubted that God could truly bring something good out of something bad this phrase in the genealogy of Jesus should help resolve that issue. Consider that our Lord Jesus birth is directly descended from a marriage that began in sin. David's lust for another man's wife caused him to commit adultery with her and to kill her husband so that she could be his. Our Messiah was born as a direct result of this union! Does this mean that if David hadn't sinned that Jesus wouldn't have been born? Well, no. God had planned to send His Son to earth from the time of the very first sin in the Garden of Eden (actually from WAY before that since God knows the future completely and is eternal Himself) and those plans would be carried out one way or another. It's just that He was able to turn this situation completely around. This sordid event in the life of David could have been the end for him. God could've started over with someone else...but He didn't.

I think maybe this is a picture for us...a foreshadowing, maybe...of how God can work in our lives.

The cross is certainly the ultimate example of how God can turn something horribly evil into something amazingly good...but it wasn't the first time He did it...and it won't be the last.

This doesn't by any means excuse our sin (or David's) but it should serve to give us hope to repent and move on...and allow God to work His grace into our lives. Who knows (besides God) what could happen?

Day 235: Psalm 106, John 1:4-14

Psalm 106 is a poetic recap of the history of the Jews up until this point. It's a history filled with examples of God's goodness and the people's stubborn and willful disobedience and rebellion. God would demonstrate His power and compassion in a mighty way and the people would pledge their gratitude and faithfulness. But before long they would begin complaining about their circumstances or even turn their backs on the One True God to begin worshiping false gods and idols.

But they soon forgot what he had done
   and did not wait for his plan to unfold. (Psalm 106:13)

I'm a lot like that. I tend to forget pretty quickly how God has led and blessed in the past...and grow impatient and concerned about the future. I don't have the patience to "wait for His plan to unfold". My field of vision is very small. God's plans involve all people in every place and every time and for all eternity. I tend to forget that my few years on this planet isn't all there is.

God, help me wait for Your plan to unfold...
        ...even if it takes longer than my lifetime...
                ...which it will.

Day 234: Nehemiah 11-13, Psalm 126

The wall around Jerusalem was finished and the dedication was a joyous event. There was a huge antiphonal choir...

  I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate...At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the site of David’s palace to the Water Gate on the east.
 The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction. I followed them on top of the wall, together with half the people...as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard they stopped.
 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, as well as the priests...And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. (Nehemiah 12:31-43)

I really wish that the technology existed to preserve a recording of the sound. The logistics would've made it a massively difficult recording project...but still. I would love to hear what their music sounded like. One thing is for sure...the celebration was big. They paused and marked this moment in history with a massive, organized, and joyous celebration. And with good reason...

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
   we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
   our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
   “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
   and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:1-3)

How do we determine which events in our lives, and in our churches, and in our communities deserve this kind of celebration? In some ways we try to make everything seem like a historic event and when we do we unintentionally minimize those things which are truly historic. How do you know if an event or occasion or accomplishment is really going to be monumental when you're in the middle of living through it?

Day 233: Nehemiah 8-10

After the Jews had settled in Judah Ezra called everyone together for a reading of the law...

So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. (8:2-3)

He read aloud from daybreak till noon! And from what I can tell from the rest of these chapters it wasn't a one day event (8:18).

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. (8:5-6)

And they weren't simply reading it...there was explanation and teaching as well...

The Levites...instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. (8:7-8)

I'm really struck by the reaction of the people. It seems they hung on every word! It stirred their hearts to worship. Today, it seems the Bible is everywhere. I don't think I've had more than a few times in my life when I couldn't get my hands on one within a few seconds. Today I'm reading it on my computer where it's available in 44 languages, with a variety of versions in several - there's 2 versions in Bulgarian...not to mention the 29 English versions - to anyone around the world with an internet connection. Right now I'm sitting in a comfortable chair and reading the Bible...a communication from the One True God of the Universe...while I sip my morning coffee. I should have more respect for what I'm reading.

But Nehemiah says we should celebrate...

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. (8:9-12)

Days 231 & 232: Nehemiah 1-7

King Artaxerxes (I love that name) graciously (with God's help) allowed Nehemiah to leave and go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. He gave Nehemiah letters to guarantee safe travel and supplies to help with the project. There was opposition to this endeavor from the very beginning...

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”
Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” (4:1-3)

Sanballat was right about one thing...the Jews were feeble. They were undertaking a project that was too big for them...

Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” (4:10)

The people looked at the work that needed to be done, and the opposition that was building against them, and, even though they believed in the vision, they were feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

Nehemiah must have been a pretty inspirational leader and motivator.

After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (4:14)

Reminds me of Braveheart. He reminds them of the greatness and power of God...and who they were working for...and they stepped up:

From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. (4:16-18)

This had to be gruelling work. They were already exhausted but now they redouble their efforts at building while simultaneously defending themselves from attack.

So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water. (4:21-23)

Finally the wall is complete. The gates aren't all finished but there is not a gap in the wall. Still, Sanballet tries to undermine the project...and Nehemiah's leadership. When direct conflict doesn't work he resorts to spreading rumors designed to undermine Nehemiah's reputation:

Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter in which was written:
   “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”
I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” (6:5-8)

People love conspiracy theories. If you don't like the changes that are taking place and find that you and your cronies are in the minority...undermine the credibility of the leader. Sanballet did it to stop Nehemiah's work, Satan did it to in the Garden of Eden to stop God's relationship with His creation...and naysayers of every generation have done it to stop the ongoing work of the church.

Nehemiah's words need to echo in our hearts: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Days 229 & 230: Malachi 1-4, Psalm 50, Ezra 7-10

Malachi seems to be a book written primarily on the subject of worship. Specifically, it addresses the people and the priests about their sacrifices and offerings. They don't seem to be taking God seriously when they give their gifts...

"When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 1:8)

I have often wondered about this question. I mean, what if we gave to our government the same level of service and commitment we give to the church? Ok, bad example. What about our employers? If we gave our company, or boss, (or whatever) the same quality of work and level of commitment that we give to God, how long would we have a job? When I was in youth ministry I was often frustrated by parents who seemed to put every activity a kid was involved in (sports, band, etc.) ahead of church activities. I realize that in some ways this can be a false comparison because the "activities" of the church don't always equate to service to God...but still. What does it teach our kids when the church is always considered less important? What does it say to God?

What if we really gave to God all that He deserves? What would that even look like? Perhaps the best known verse in Malachi is this one:

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." (Malachi 3:10)

I believe that, because we are no longer under the OT law but now live in the Christian era of grace, the law of the tithe no longer applies. However, that certainly doesn't mean that we aren't required to give. In fact, if I read the Sermon on the Mount correctly, when it comes to matters of law Christ-followers go way beyond what the law requires. It's no longer a matter of external obedience but of internal transformation. That means we don't give a tithe...we give all we have and all we are to God out of gratitude, recognizing that it's all His anyway.

But really...is that how I live?

I have no need of a bull from your stall
   or of goats from your pens,
for every animal of the forest is mine,
   and the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird in the mountains,
   and the insects in the fields are mine.
If I were hungry I would not tell you,
   for the world is mine, and all that is in it. (Psalm 50:9-12)

Day 228: Esther 6-10

That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.
 “What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?” the king asked.
   “Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered.
 The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him.
 His attendants answered, “Haman is standing in the court.”
   “Bring him in,” the king ordered.
 When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?”
   Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”
 “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.” (6:1-10)

This reminded me of Jesus' words to his disciples, "But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:10-11)


On another note, I am struck once again with how brutal and violent life was in those days. Haman had initiated a plot to have every Jew in the kingdom executed. Because of the bravery of Esther and the urging of Mordecai this plot was thwarted. They persuaded the king to issue a decree protecting the Jews from harm. It reads like a constitutional amendment we might enact today protecting the rights of a group of people...

The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies. (8:11)

In fact, the Jews were treated so well that others wanted to become Jews...

In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them. (8:17)

Their fear was legitimate because the king's edict apparently didn't stop with mere "protection" of the Jews...

The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai and Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. (9:5-10)

This wasn't enough, though. The king asked Esther and Mordecai if there would be anything else...

“If it pleases the king,” Esther answered, “give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on poles.”  So the king commanded that this be done.   (9:13-14)

As I said, it was a brutal and violent time. Maybe the only way people could protect themselves.

Mordecai was another example of a Jewish man (like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon) held as an exile in a foreign land who rose to a prominent place in that land...

Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. (10:3)

Day 227: Esther 1-5

Esther is an interesting book on a number of levels. First, I think it's just a great story with a wonderful plot twist at the end. Second, I think it gives us a real glimpse into the everyday life and customs of the rich and powerful in the land of Persia.

I had forgotten that the whole plot begins because of the lack of respect for the rights of women. It seems they really had no rights...not even the queen...unless the men who were in charge allowed. The king summoned Vashti, his queen, to put her on display to his guests...but she refuses to appear. This didn't go over well...

Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’ This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord. (1:16-18)

The text doesn't tell us what became of Vashti. I can only assume it wasn't good. Well, the king had to do something to prevent a feminist uprising so this is the plan his advisers came up with:

Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. Then the king’s personal attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all these beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let beauty treatments be given to them. Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it. (2:1-4)

"This advice appealed to the king." ...I bet it did!

It's amazing to me the time and effort that went into this whole process. It was not just a beauty contest. The king basically slept with a different woman every night until he found the one that pleased him the most. It was Esther.

Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (2:17)

The other plot that is taking place involves a man named Haman. Through the whole Vashti/Esther affair we get a glimpse into the social position (or lack thereof) of women. Through Haman we get some insight into the value (or lack thereof) of human life.

     Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents of silver to the king’s administrators for the royal treasury.”
    So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. “Keep the money,” the king said to Haman, “and do with the people as you please.” (3:8-11)

Just like that it became law that a whole race of people were to be exterminated.

Well, Esther is a Jew. She hasn't told anyone this yet but it's true. Her uncle Mordecai sends her a message putting pressure on her to speak up for her people:

“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (4:13-14)

It becomes clear to Mordecai, and eventually to Esther, that God has her in this position for a specific purpose...to save His people from extinction. Isn't it interesting how God can use this whole sordid affair filled with human sinfulness, pride and lust...and use it for His purposes? I'm thankful every day for God's forgiveness of my sin...but I wonder...is it possible that He can use even my sin to accomplish something good?

The thing is, Esther may be the queen but she's still just a woman in a man's world. She isn't allowed to enter her husband's presence unless she is summoned. If she just walks in she could be killed on the spot...unless the king extends his scepter and allows her to enter. This is gonna take some real guts on Esther's part...

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa

What will happen? Stay tuned.

Days 225 & 226: Zechariah 1-14

Zechariah, like most of the other prophets, is a call to repentance.

"Return to me," declares the LORD Almighty, "and I will return to you." (1:3)

I found myself thinking about that last phrase a little bit. I wonder if it implies that, in some way, God turns from us when we turn from Him. There are many places in scripture that teach us that even though we may be unfaithful God remains faithful. If we turn away from God and live a life solely for ourselves does it make God unfaithful if He responds by turning His back on us? Is it possible that His faithfulness is demonstrated in the fact that He promises to turn back to us if we turn back to Him?

I've heard it said (and I believe) that the message of the Bible could be summed up in three sentences: 1) Jesus is coming. 2) Jesus came. 3) Jesus is coming again. With that in mind it makes sense that the end of the book of Zechariah seems to be talking about the coming of the Messiah. He says:

I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. (12:10)

And:

On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. (13:1)

But then he seems to skip even farther into the future with what seems to me to be references to the third part, Jesus is coming again:

Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. (14:5)

And:

On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness. It will be a unique day—a day known only to the LORD—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light. (14:6-7)

And finally:

The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. (14:9)

The whole Bible is really about God's love of us sinful humans and how that love reaches its pinnacle in Jesus.

Day 224: Haggai 1-2

Haggai is a great little book. This is a prophet who doesn't use all kinds of symbolism and freaky imagery. He just tells it like it is. The people have returned from captivity and have begun settling back into their homeland but construction of the temple still has not yet begun. So Haggai gives them this message from the Lord:

Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin? (1:4)

Yeah, we do that, don't we? We spend time, money and energy on making our own lives comfortable first. We give time, money and energy to God out of whatever we have left...and often we don't have much because there's always something else we feel like we should have. We (I) invest in things that don't last instead of something that has eternal significance.

Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. (1:5)

Days 222 & 223: Ezra 1-6, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23

This is the end of the exile of the Israelites. King Cyrus has issued a decree that they be allowed to return. Not only that, but they are to be helped and supported by all their neighbors. Additionally, all the articles from the temple that were taken by Nebuchadnezzar were to be returned to them. According to Ezra all these things happened "...in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah..." (Ezra 1:1).

Finally, after the exiles returned and got settled, work began on the temple. The first thing they did was to build an altar so that they could begin sacrificing and worshiping.

On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, though the foundation of the LORD’s temple had not yet been laid. (Ezra 3:6)

When construction finally began on the temple they held a celebration because the foundation was laid. Not the actual completed building, just the foundation.

When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel. With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD:
   “He is good;
   his love toward Israel endures forever.”
   And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. (3:10-11)

We're just beginning a "strategic planning" process at WOCC. I suppose you could say that in some ways we are beginning a rebuilding process. The foundation for the future is being laid. I wonder when it would be appropriate to have a celebration. I don't think we celebrate enough. Somehow I think we've gotten the idea that celebration is a bad thing. It seems so self-congratulatory. But the thing is, celebration is not about patting ourselves on the back because of what WE accomplished...it's about acknowledging the fact that God is at work. It's an act of rejoicing over what HE has accomplished...and will accomplish.

It has always struck me as interesting that there were those who looked at the new foundation being built and couldn't find it in themselves to celebrate. These were the older folks who remembered the former temple and saw this new one as inferior.

But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. (Ezra 3:12)

I think any rebuilding process will probably have both types of people. There will be those who look at the new plans and visions for the future and get really excited about what can be. There will also be those who look at the same plans and visions for the future and weep...and mourn...because it's "just not the same." They will be so enamored of the past that they just can't see the possibilities of the future. The sad thing is, if I'm really honest, as I've gotten older I sort of understand. I'm thankful that I am beginning to understand...that can help me deal with the naysayers...but I pray I never get to the point where I'm one of them.