Reward Delayed

The story of Mordecai's heroic act in Esther 2 is a great example of the way good deeds are often repaid. Mordecai gives us an example that we don't do right because of the promise of reward or recognition. Good deeds are not done for earthly reward, they are done because they are right. When Mordecai delivered King Xerxes from his conspirators, he received nothing in return at the time. He foiled the plot to assassinate the king, not because of promised payment, but because it was the right thing to do. Mordecai received nothing, in terms of compensation or even recognition, for quite a long time. When the time was right though, God chose to have his good deed rewarded. It cannot be coincidence that King Xerxes happened to read from the book of chronicles to cure his insomnia and, in doing so, recalled Mordecai's exploits at the exact time that Mordecai most needed Xerxes' favor. The same is true today. God sees our actions. Even when we feel no one is watching, or that no one cares, God is watching and taking note of our faithfulness to Him. He is also faithful and just to reward us, but always according to His timing, never according to ours.

Nehemiah 6

Nehemiah 6 recounts the great personal attacks which Nehemiah underwent. The lengths to which our adversary will go to destroy or, at least, hinder the work of God is quite remarkable. The enemy of the Lord's worker is not just lies, rumors, and personal attacks. Satan is too cunning to rely solely on this methodology. He will also astutely use the tyranny of the urgent. As ministers of the Gospel, it will be very easy to fill our plates with plenty of good things, while at the same time neglecting the best thing......sharing the Good News. Nehemiah gave us a great example in that he never took his eyes off his ultimate calling. He did not allow the myriad of other important things he could have been doing with his time to prevent him from doing the work to which he was called. We must be just a vigilant with our time.

The reforms of man

The first part of 2 Chronicles 34 details Josiah's attempts to purify the land and the temple. We see Judah and Jerusalem purged of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images. We also see Josiah destroy the altars of Baal. He did the things that he believed to be right. He was genuinely seeking to do good in the eyes of the Lord. Upon their finding of the Book of the Law of the Lord, though, Josiah found out that his "sweeping reforms" didn't go nearly far enough. Hearing the words read aloud even made Josiah tear his robes. I believe that he mourned because of his misconception of what good and right really were. He had done the best he could, but he saw that his best was lacking.

We make the same mistake even today. Even when our motivations are pure and our intentions are good, when the word of God is not our guide we will surely fall short in our attempts to do what is right.

The amazing faith of a widow

The poor, faithful widow that we read of in I Kings 17 is a remarkable testament of faith. I love the way God expects our action before giving the blessing. God could have chosen to allow Elijah to multiply the widow's oil and flour without her using it to make the small cake of bread for Elijah had He chosen to do. Instead, God wanted her to show she had the faith to give all she had before bringing the blessing. God does the same today. He often asks us to step out in faith, without seeing, having only His promise to catch us. He often demands our obedience, our giving all we have to Him, before bringing deliverance. It is when we are really willing to put our lives, and thus our well-beings, into His hands that He throws open the door of blessings to us.

Not a Sound was Heard

The account of the building of the temple contains a bit of information that I had never really stopped and thought about. 1 Kings 6:7 tells us that no hammer, chisel, or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built. This is a remarkable revelation. I think it speaks volumes about the people's attitude toward worship. This shows an amazing sense of reverence, one foreign in today's world. I don't think this is a testimony on worship style or on building churches, but rather a how to lesson on attitude. We are to enter into God's house demonstrating respect and honor for our Father. What a great testament!

David: A Sinner Saved by Grace

I take encouragement away from the story of David and his sin, and his subsequent relationship with God. Time and again, God uses imperfect, fallible people. Being an imperfect, fallible person, I take great hope from the story of David. I know that David's sin, while deplorable, was no worse or better than any of mine. To know that no matter how far we fall, we can be restored, is of great comfort. Such knowledge doesn't give us license, but it does remind us of how amazing God's grace really is.

Faithful to a friend

The story of David and Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, is a remarkable testimony to the power of friendship and the value of a promise. In a day and age where a new king would be expected to stamp out the entire family of the previous regime, David would prove to be quite different. By seeking out and killing Mephibosheth, David could have continued to consolidate his power as he had since the death of Saul. Instead of doing this, though, David chose to honor the memory of his best friend. David had promised Jonathan back in 1 Samuel 20 to never cut off his kindness from Jonathan's family, and by looking after Mephibosheth, he was fulfilling his promise. David's fulfillment of this promise, one no one could force him to fulfill or blame him for recanting, speaks volumes about David's character.

The ladies' chararacter

Ruth's decision to choose Naomi and, ultimately, Naomi's God speaks volumes about the depths of Ruth's character. In my mind, it also speaks volumes about Naomi. It is obvious that Naomi has had a profound influence on Ruth. It is also obvious to me that Naomi has been a tremendous witness to Ruth. Ruth's statement, "your God will be my God," makes it obvious to me that Naomi was a great example to follow. Ruth might not have realized what she was getting in to by following Naomi to Bethlehem, but she trusted that the God her mother-in-law followed would not lead her astray. She looked at Naomi and saw something that she wanted to be; something she wanted to have. To me, Naomi is a great example to the contemporary reader of what relational evangelism is all about.

Part of a greater plan

I love the story of Ruth. It is the story of a regular person becoming a biblical hero because of the strength of her character and the provision of God. I love the way that God honored her faithfulness to Naomi. Ruth had no idea that she would be blessed for choosing to follow Naomi and, because of that, Naomi's God. God had a plan for Ruth, though. First, God would provide for her and her mother-in-law in the form of their kinsman-redeemer. God chose to honor her further, and more importantly, by allowing her to be part of the lineage of David, and ultimately, Jesus. Yet again, God has used an ordinary person in an extraordinary way.

Grace in the Old Testament

Judges Chapter 6 is the perfect example of the grace of God. This story is a great picture of God's unmerited favor upon man. The favor that the Lord gave to Gideon, as with Moses and Abraham before him, had absolutely nothing to do with Gideon. God didn't choose Gideon because of his brain, his heritage, his upbringing, or his military expertise. God chose Gideon because God chose Gideon. God's grace is the same today. God chooses us, not based on anything we have done, but because of what He has done.

The book of cycles

The book of Judges is a remarkable story of short memories. The continued cycle of the people of Israel straying from God, being subjected to foreign rule, calling out to God, and God sending a leader and freeing His people is quite a story. It is remarkable that the people continue to forget who God is and what He's done for His people. Even more remarkable, though, is how long it takes the people to return to God once they are under the rule of their enemies. Chapter 4 tells us that after 20 years under the rule of Jabin, the people cried out to the Lord for help. Why did it take them 20 years to remember they could call on the One who'd delivered them before? How easy it is to forget who God is and what He's done.

"We have heard"

In the book of Joshua, when that spies encounter Rahab, she says to them, "We have heard of your God." Upon reading these words, I tried to put myself in her position. This is something that we rarely do. One rarely puts himself into the position or reads from the perspective of the Egyptian or the Canaanite, or the Pharisee or the Roman for that matter. This is a wonderful picture of what just such a reading would bear. The influence of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not solely on the sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God chooses how and when He will reveal Himself. He has begun to make a name for Himself throughout the world. The name of God is gaining renown throughout the world, not for anything man has done, but for the majesty and power of God Himself. Such a reminder is very useful. God uses man to spread His name because He has chosen to, not because He has to.

Called to take a step

I love the story of the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land in Joshua 3. God uses this story to teach us multiple lessons. First, it paints a picture of what God often requires of His people. Before God would stop the flow of the Jordan, He wanted the spiritual leaders in the river. How often does God do this today? God gives us direction and promises us blessings, but He sometimes requires His people to step out in faith before He brings the blessings.

This story is not just about God's people, it is also a great reminder for those in His service. We are not only called to be leaders in our words, but we are called to be leaders in our actions. God calls His leaders to lead His people by example. We are to be first into the river.

Moses' last sermon

The last sermon of Moses is quite remarkable. I find it quite amazing how eloquent he seems. Moses has come quite a distance (both geographically and personally) since that faithful day recalled in Exodus 4 in which he reminds God he is not a good speaker. Assuming that was not just an excuse, it is quite amazing how God has completely transformed Moses. He has gone from fearful stuttering Moses into a skilled orator and gifted leader.

I again find this quite reassuring. God not only knows our weaknesses, but can turn them into our strengths if we will be faithful and follow where He leads.

"Choose life"

More profound words have never been spoken, than in Deuteronomy 30:19. This statement reveals one of the God's most remarkable qualities. God loves His people dearly, and wants for them to love Him back. When it comes down to it, though, God allows His people to choose for themselves. They are free to choose life or to choose death, but the key is, they are free indeed. God makes it clear that the choice to love Him or not carries dire consequences, but God still allows His people to choose for themselves.

Balaam and his donkey

The episode of Balaam and his donkey is quite a remarkable tale. Who, but God, could choose to use a donkey in such a way? And not just use the donkey, but enable it to speak. This story has a way of reminding me that I can be useful in God's hands. It reminds me that God using me is not about me; it's about God. God is the one with the power. He can use who He chooses. This is a cautionary tale for all who believe that God could never use them. Let us not forget that He is God. For goodness sakes, God once chose to speak though a donkey.

What is holding us back?

Every single time that I have ever read the account of the spies sent into Canaan, I have been moved. This is no exception. Israel has reached the Promised Land. Their journey is over. I am struck by the fact that the majority of the spies, and ultimately, Israel, chose not to enter into Canaan. They are blinded by their fear. God has clearly given them this land and the land is quite obviously everything they could have possibly dreamed it might be. It's flowing with milk and honey, for goodness sakes!

The problem, of course, is not the promise or the One that makes the promise. The problem is there might have been obstacles. It might have been hard. They didn't understand how they could take the land on their own. This was their problem. Though God had made a promise, Israel decided to rest on its own understanding.

How often do we fail to trust in God because of our fear? We rest on our own understanding or attempt to deliver for ourselves. Let us truly put our trust in God to provide.

Go's awesome holiness

The thought that one could die from going into the Holy of Holies at the incorrect time or in an improper manner is, at the same time, both remarkable and sobering. It reminds me of God allowing Moses to see only His back from Exodus 33. I fear that we are often guilty of taking God for granted. We have such easy access to Him and fail to realize who He really is and what that really means. I believe that these readings make for a wonderful opportunity to be reminded of who God really is. Let us be careful about entering into the presence of God with either thoughtlessness or irreverence.

The Gravity of Sin

Upon reading in the book of Leviticus, I am struck by the tremendous lengths to which the people had to go to secure forgiveness. Such ceremony and sacrifice seems quite strange to us. Depending on a high priest to make our statement for us is also foreign. I believe that part of the reason for such ceremony is to continually remind the people of the seriousness of sin. To regularly see this shedding of blood would have to have a tremendous impact on the people. The realization that bloodshed is the required payment is a heavy one, and I believe is intended to prevent people from slipping back into their old way of life. The absence of these things could, theoretically, make it easier to forget the gravity of sin.

I say, we should always remember. Let us not forget what a privilege it is to not depend on an earthly priest to make our statement for us anymore. Also, let us not allow the fact that the shedding of blood is not a regular and active part of our worship prevent us from remembering the gravity of our sin and that the ultimate in sacrifices has already been made.

The evidence of God

The burning bush is an iconic image. It's is also a beautiful picture of God speaking to His child. To me, the most striking aspect of Moses' experience is that the bush was not burned up. There was no lasting physical evidence of God's appearance, aside from a changed Moses. I am struck by the power and simplicity of that fact. To me, this is the most important evidence that God has spoken.

Looking for evidence that God has spoken? Look for changed attitudes.

Perseverance or stubbornness?

Judged from the outside, perseverance and stubbornness can seem remarkably similar. In fact, they can be quite hard to distinguish from one another. Such is the case with Moses and Pharaoh. To those living in the story, their attitudes must have seemed nearly identical. Moses continues to say, "Let my people go," even though he is rebuffed time and again. Pharaoh continues to stick to his guns and answer, "No," even in the face of all the plagues. The difference lies in motivation.

The reader is able to see the motivations of both men and the basis for their actions. Moses' perseverance is based solely on his faith in the one who sent him. Pharaoh's stubbornness is based in his defiance of God and his desire to be self-reliant. While they seem similar in their manifestations, the perseverance of Noah and the stubbornness of Pharaoh are quite different. In fact, one might say they are opposites.

..like Abraham

How often do we look for answers on our own? We will regularly go before the Lord seeking guidance. Our problem, just as it was with Abraham, is our own impatience. Rather than waiting for God to make a way, we rest on our own understanding. We attempt to make our own way. We try to do everything ourselves. But as with Abraham, God is time and again faithful to forgive and even use our failures to bring glory to His name and to further His plan.

Imperfection

One of my favorite themes in Scripture is borne out in the latter half of the book of Genesis. I love the fact that throughout the Bible, God uses imperfect people to do great things. First, God calls Abraham to do His work. Abraham's shortcomings include impatience, short-sightedness, and deceitfulness. In addition, God also greatly uses Joseph. Joseph is revealed to be impetuous and prideful. This theme is very reassuring to me. God's power is revealed more completely through his use of the fallible and the flawed. If He wanted to, God could do His business exclusively through blinding lights and burning bushes. Instead, He has chosen to do a real miracle and use people like us to do his work.

The Faith of Noah

More thoughts from Genesis

The faith Noah's is staggering. First of all, he is building a boat of epic proportions on dry land and filling it with animals. If that isn't enough of a test, Gen 7:10 tells us that God had Noah enter the ark SEVEN days before the flood waters came. Imagine those first six days inside that ark with no rain. Imagine Noah's self doubt. Imagine the smell. Imagine the attitudes of those on the inside who had trusted Noah. Do you think they doubted or questioned Noah? Imagine the ridicule of those on the outside, standing on dry land. Do you think Noah could hear their laughter? But Noah stayed the course. He held firm. Faith? You'd better believe it.

The names have changed, but the story remains.

Thoughts from Genesis

The story of the fall of man is quite easy to identify with. It does a remarkable job of summing up in just a few words a story that would be retold for generations. Man (or woman) sees that which s/he cannot have. The fruit's forbidden nature is what makes it so enticing. Once the deed is done, the fruit is eaten, it is man's (or woman's) desire to have someone else join him in his guilty pleasure. When the deed is found out about, hiding is the first option. When hiding doesn't work anymore, it is man's (or woman's) inclination to blame other people, blame Satan, or even blame God.

This story has been retold through the ages. The names, the faces, and the forbidden fruits are different, but the story remains the same. Because of these facts, I am able to easily insert myself into it.