Tag: God

Unmet Expectations

Luke 24 & John 20-21

Devotion by Rachel Cain (Ohio)

Unmet expectations are a leading cause of relational conflicts. 

Sometimes the expectations were simply not communicated, so the offending person had no idea what was expected. Other times the expectation was communicated but not met, such as a broken promise. Sometimes it is no fault of anyone, but life and happenstance got in the way of the anticipated outcome. 

In the case of Jesus’ resurrection, multiple prophecies and even Jesus himself foretold what would happen, but still the disciples had their expectations shattered: “We had hoped that he would be the one to liberate Israel!” (Luke 24:21). 

They were disappointed in Jesus because their expectations did not match his reality. The disciples, among others, had believed he was the Messiah, but then they were confused when he didn’t fix their political problem by conquering the Romans and establishing an earthly kingdom – even though he had never promised to do those things. He had a much larger spiritual plan to save all of humanity by conquering the sin within their hearts. Perhaps they didn’t understand God’s big-picture promise of an eternal Kingdom. 

Today we look back with disbelief on their disbelief. DUH! Of course he’s the Messiah! Why couldn’t they just listen to him and recognize him and his plan? But how many of us today fail to recognize Jesus and his mission because it looks different than we expect? 

I think sometimes we expect a clean-cut Jesus, tidy Christians, an easy life. But none of that is promised; in fact, following Jesus guarantees quite the opposite (see John 16:33). How often do we fail to recognize the gifts of God because they don’t come packaged the way we expect? Can we see the blessing of prayers that were not answered the way we asked? Do we see every person – annoying, incarcerated, stinky, unborn, elderly, troubled, or just plain “different” – as God’s precious children, and view every interaction with them as a mission for the Kingdom? 

It’s so easy to be hostile toward fellow Christians over all kinds of unmet expectations – differing doctrines or political views, whether or not Christians should be involved in this activity or celebrate that holiday, etc. We definitely should encourage each other to keep seeking Jesus in these and all areas of our lives, but if we just put half that energy we use fighting one another into uniting to spread the love of Jesus to a hurting world, united we could have a tremendous Kingdom impact. God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so we should always expect the unexpected. 

Reflections:

Listen to this song. How have some trials turned out to be unexpected blessings? 

What are some things that you are waiting for with expectant hope, and how can you share that hope with others around you? 

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Just Like He Said!

Matthew 28 & Mark 16

Devotion by Rachel Cain (Ohio)

He is RISEN! 

Here’s where you respond aloud: “He is risen INDEED!”

PS It’s fine to say that phrase throughout the year, not only on a specific Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. This is the best news in all of history! Sure, every religion’s leader has died or will one day die. But Jesus? He died and was raised back to life eternal! Now THAT is the real deal and something to celebrate! 

I could end right here on such good news! … But I have a few more verses I want to point out. 

* Matthew 28:6 – “He is not here, because he has been raised – just like he said!” 

I used to read this verse in an excited tone, but now I imagine it in a slightly-annoyed, “per my previous email” tone. Have you ever had to mitigate the frustrations of people who are upset with you for something that was clearly stated, but you still have to remain professional? Like when you very clearly texted that you needed to cancel a meeting because you would be out of town – and the person acknowledged that they received the information – but they still checked in at the assumed meeting time annoyed that you were not present for the meeting, and everything in you wanted to just use the pointer finger emoji so they would refer to the previous text about your planned absence, but instead you assumed the blame and simply apologized that you’re still traveling and promised you’ll see them next week? Ok, maybe that was a too-specific run-on example, but that is how my human nature envisions the attitude of the angel in this situation. So it’s a good thing I’m not the translator for this text, because I would probably write this verse as, “GUYS! He is not here, because God raised him back to life, just like he said a gazillion times! Weren’t you paying attention?”

Everything happened just as Jesus said it would and as numerous prophecies had stated – his death, burial, and resurrection – and yet people still were surprised when he showed up alive. Maybe it was because they were too close to the situation and still felt the trauma of seeing their best friend and leader brutally murdered. Maybe it didn’t play out the way they had envisioned or hoped. Maybe they questioned whether or not they’d heard correctly. For some reason or another, maybe they really weren’t expecting the tomb to be empty. 

* Matthew 28:20 – “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations… and surely I will be with you always…”

This eternal hope is for ALL nations, everyone! 

Most likely, the Jewish people would have assumed the Messiah to be only for them, or at least not for the whole world. But Jesus came to bring life to all people who would choose to follow him, not just the descendants of Israel. In this passage, called The Great Commission, Jesus gives the charge to carry on his mission for all time to the ends of the earth. I believe that the “go and make disciples” command still applies to us too. We can make disciples right where we are: in our own jobs, school, communities, homes, and cities.

I’ve always found great comfort in his promise to be with us always. Sometimes, this world seems so hopeless, but we have assurance that we are never truly alone! Praise God that Gentiles are welcome in the Kingdom, too! 

Reflections: 


How do you think you would have reacted if you had found the tomb empty? 

In what ways might God be calling you to actively make disciples? Pray that He would send people into your life to disciple – and you would faithfully disciple them.

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“The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” 

Luke 23 & John 18-19

Devotion by Rachel Cain (Ohio)

What a true idiom. I never cease to be amazed at how large a small minority can seem when given a message and a platform. The media spins the truth to sway unsuspecting observers one way or another, leading us to disregard critical thinking and become emotionally attached to the perceived (and sometimes invented) injustices. We begin to see this small, vocal group as representative of the entire population. This happens on both sides of the political spectrum. Even niche groups can seem large if they’re loud and persistent enough. 

In Luke 23 it seems like “everyone” wants Jesus punished! The chapter begins with an emotional interaction between the Sanhedrin (the religious court) and Pilate, the governor of the Roman province of Judaea. The very first verse indicates that “the whole Sanhedrin” brought Jesus before Pilate, hoping for a death sentence.  A text note in my Complete Jewish Study Bible for Jews and Christians (p 1513) clarifies that “this literally means, ‘the multitude of them’- namely, the whole of those present… this reflects not the whole of the Jewish people but instead some members of the religious court…” 

This small-but-loud crowd succeeded. Even though Jesus had been healing multitudes, teaching with authority, and relating the people to God in no way they had ever experienced before, all it took was a small, mad mob to fuel the emotional fire that would cause the crowd to exclaim, “crucify him!” and end Jesus’ life.

We all know these actions fulfilled God’s plan; this is how it had to happen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn a lesson from the chaos. We need to be aware of fallacies in arguments that aim to sway us away from God’s Truth. We must be watchful to notice the sly work of the deceiver who “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). We should constantly compare the cries of the culture to the ways of God so we will not be conformed to the world, but “test and approve what God’s will is” (Romans 12:2). It would behoove us to remember the words of Jesus, that his life-giving way is straight and narrow, not the broad path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). 

So, as Christians, let’s be the WD-40 on the “squeaky wheels” that are leading people astray from God. We must help encourage other Christians to stand for what is right, even when it seems like we’re standing alone. Also, we should be a different kind of “squeaky wheel”: unashamedly sharing God’s love to the world around us and shining His light everywhere we go. The world is watching. 

Reflections: 

How have you been influenced by the world around you – or resisted that influence and stayed true to your faith? 

In what ways can you be WD-40? Or be the squeaky wheel for Jesus? 

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This is Eternal Life

John 16-17

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

What is eternal life? According to Jesus in John 17:3, it is “knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ”. 

John 17 is often referred to as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer”. Here we see Jesus praying for the deliverance of his disciples (that they remain in God’s name) and for them to have unity, the same kind of unity that Jesus has with God, his Father. 

John 10:29 quotes Jesus saying, “I and the Father are one”, and I see John 17 as giving that some context. God and Jesus are not one person, they are not one entity, they are not members of a godhead. They are one in purpose. They are united through the will of God and Jesus’ obedience to that will. There is clear subservience to God in Jesus’ words here, but God has also elevated and glorified him. They have a special relationship as we see through Jesus’ prayer life and language. 

Jesus wants his disciples to have that same kind of unity in purpose and in relationship. Jesus also points out that this is not just for the inner circle of his disciples; this unity and deliverance that Jesus is praying for extends to us. All those who came to faith because of the testimony of the Apostles.

There is also an exclusivity claim here. Eternal life is dependent on knowing the true God and his Messiah, Jesus. There are not many paths that lead to God, only one. 

Jesus emphasizes the importance of truth in 17:17-19. As Jesus’ father is the only true God, Jesus recognizes him as the source of truth. He says, “Your word is truth.” Jesus has been the truth bearer throughout the course of his earthly ministry, but soon, his disciples will be bearing that mantle of truth bearers. Jesus is sending them out into the world, just as God sent him into the world. This ties into the Helper that we looked at yesterday.

The Spirit of Truth, the power of God, God’s operational presence, the finger of God. There are a few ways that the spirit is described or defined. But it comes alongside, and that is in Jesus’ mind as he prays for the well-being of his friends and followers. God keep them safe, not from man, but from falling away. 

Reflection Questions:

1.        What jumps out at you from today’s reading? Is there anything here that has been particularly impactful in your faith?

2.        How should the unity that God and Jesus have impact the unity that we have as believers? If our oneness is supposed to be like theirs, how do we navigate disagreements?

3.        You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. I think we read that recently. How does the truth of knowing who God and Jesus are and having the word of truth from God motivate you? Do you often consider the importance of truth in this age of lies?

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The Helper

John 14-15

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

Life is difficult. Even if we believe we have a good life, there is still difficulty. We face temptation, and we sometimes lose our way. We face pressure, and we lose our cool. We have high expectations for ourselves or others, and they are not met. While we may not feel persecution quite like the early church did, we are still likely to face discouragement as we try to live out our faith.

Think about the disciples after Jesus was arrested and executed. They were huddled up and discouraged. The shock and pain of the moment resonated, unlike some words that Jesus had shared with them not too long before then.

Jesus speaks about a helper in John 14 and 15. Let not your heart be troubled. Easier said than done. We all face things at some point that are troubling, but when we have help, it takes the burden off. Certainly, we can be sad and upset when certain events happen, but there is a difference between sadness and despair. Despair is when you are overcome by fear or grief and lose hope. 

What is this helper that Jesus speaks of? The best kind, one that is a direct line from God. Jesus also calls this the Spirit of Truth. When I think about the spirit in the context that Jesus is speaking of, I think of revelation. Through this spirit, God’s people will receive instruction. We see inspiration to write the gospel accounts like the one we’re gleaning from today, and we’ll see letters from Paul and others that instruct and give order to the church. 

I believe the spirit of God will also reveal things to us about ourselves. As Paul instructs us to pray in the Spirit, I believe that this is one way that we get direction from God. As we earnestly seek his will or desire for our lives (beyond the general instruction of scripture), I believe he will reveal it through his Spirit, the helper.

When we face difficulty, we should also be praying in the spirit. This is what we see Jesus modeling in the days leading up to his death. He is earnestly praying for an out but also relying on his father to give him resolve through the Spirit. When Jesus says, “let not your hearts be troubled”, it’s not a matter of resolve; rather, it is a matter of surrender. Allow the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, to guide you through the trouble.

Reflection Questions:

1.        Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as The Helper; what are some other ways that you think about the Spirit?

2.        How have you felt the presence of God’s spirit in your life? How can you test the spirits of influence to make sure they are from God?

3.        Think of some of the ways that Jesus was helped by the Spirit through his ministry. What are some ways that the Helper can impact our ministries in the local church? Do we look for that help?

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Flesh & Blood

Luke 22 & John 13

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see him bring a new level of focus and understanding to different laws or topics. When the Pharisees question Jesus about why his disciples are doing something on the Sabbath, Jesus says that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. It was a day to honor and remember God, but it was also a day of rest.

In the lead-up to Jesus’ arrest and trial, we see the hustle and bustle of everyone getting ready for the Passover. Passover was the remembrance and celebration of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt and takes its moniker from their firstborn being spared during God’s final plague that killed the firstborn of Egypt.

This was already a day of remembrance and of sharing a meal, but Jesus is giving it a new context as the birth of his church grows near. This will be a time to reflect on the New Covenant. Jesus’ physical blood marks the sealing of the New Covenant, so this cup of wine will be a reminder of his blood that would be poured out just a few days after the meal they were sharing. The bread is a reminder of Jesus’ body, which would be beaten and abused. Breaking the bread is a reminder of how his body would essentially be broken through the abuse and execution that were upcoming.

Today, we get to celebrate the Lord’s Supper under much different circumstances. We have the context that the disciples didn’t. A resurrected Jesus and the testimony of his disciples. We can also celebrate this as often as we’d like, but typically it is monthly (at least in my church). We perhaps do the remembrance part right, but later, Paul talks about the need to examine oneself. We should be examining how we’re doing. Are we doing an okay job living our lives for Jesus, or do we need to refocus? I would add that there is also an element of fellowship here. Typically, we observe the Lord’s Supper during a service, but it would perhaps be a good thing to observe it during a meal. Engaging in meaningful interactions with brothers and sisters during celebration.

One other thing to take away from Jesus’ last supper, he’s doing all this with Judas at the table. He knows what’s about to happen, but he doesn’t let that derail this important gathering. When we are having interpersonal issues in the church, we should be striving to repair what is wrong. We should, however, also be able to set aside our differences as we observe the remembrance of Jesus by fellowshipping and breaking bread together. If Jesus can face Judas, you can face someone who has done far less by comparison.

Reflection Questions:

1.        Is it easy to let communion become a rote practice and not a real time of reflection? How can that be changed?

2.        Have you participated in different ways of observing the Lord’s Supper? Were some practices more impactful than others? Why or why not?

3.        A monthly observance was mentioned earlier. Is there a benefit to observing communion more or less frequently? Why do you think this? If you don’t have an opinion, why do you think someone else might have strong opinions on the frequency of observation?

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Watch Out!

Matthew 24

In Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples ask him what the sign will be for his coming and the end of the age. The disciples are anticipating the age to come and the restoration of all things that we see Peter refer to in Acts 3:21. Jesus speaks about quite a few things that will occur prior to his return, but we’ll focus on verses 4-14.

First, there will be some who come claiming to be the Messiah. The Jewish historian Josephus notes that there were multiple individuals who fit this description. There were 4 in particular whom he records as leading messianic-like movements in the first century. While Josephus’ writings are open to debate and interpretation, they do seem to indicate that these individuals were doing what Jesus said they would. These individuals seem to have had political aspirations that prompted their messianic claims. Whether claims were specific to being the Messiah or not, they could be seen as trying to functionally fill into that role.

In politics, there are often claims about how a candidate is going to make things better. An individual can be looked at as a kind of savior by his supporters. In recent American political history, Barack Obama and Donald Trump have had supporters who perhaps viewed them as a type of “messiah”, someone who will “fix” everything that is broken. While they did not make bold messianic claims, it does, in my view, highlight how that type of following can take someone’s eye off the ball in terms of focusing on Jesus. 

Jesus’ warning is that these “false Christs” will lead many astray. In the absence of the true Messiah, there will always be a danger of some individual or group making bold claims that can lead people astray by shifting focus and allegiance away from the Gospel and Jesus.

Second, Jesus speaks of wars and rumors of wars. This is not to say that the presence of war will hint at his immediate coming, but that this will be a reality of life in the time preceding his return. Governments will be looking to exert control and solidify their power. Peace will not be a constant, because the world will not recognize Jesus as king, and even the view that someone has the correct doctrines or ideas will lead to violence against those who are “wrong”. Jesus also mentions that there will be famines and earthquakes, and perhaps other natural disasters can be seen in line with these. These are not seen as culminating events, but rather Jesus describes them as the beginning of birth pangs. These are like early contractions in a pregnancy. There is still a ways to go, but they are a reminder of where things are headed.      

Third, there will be turmoil for the faithful. There will be nations that oppose the gospel and will do what they can to root it out. Whether it be Rome trying to eliminate Christianity in the first century or the Chinese Communist Party opposing Christianity in the 21st century, Jesus highlights that this will be a normal occurrence as the end of the age draws nearer. 

Fourth, there will be many who fall away from the Gospel. This may not mean that they abandon the moniker of “Christ” or “Christian”, but they will functionally not operate as such. Hate and betrayal are common occurrences among those who have fallen away. Perhaps due to power struggles and desire to be the most influential, or maybe even for self-preservation. This disunity will create opportunities for false teachers to infiltrate and influence those who want to follow Jesus, but this false teaching will lead many astray. The co-opting of Christianity as a political tool has been observed in history. State-sponsored churches exist in some countries, and believers with “heterodox” views are barred from legally teaching and proselytizing according to their understanding of scripture, such as a plain reading of scripture, free from longstanding tradition. 

Fifth, all of these things will culminate in a sort of lawlessness. The fallout of this includes what Jesus describes as “the love of many growing cold”. In Revelation, Jesus calls out the church of Ephesus for not having the love that they had at first. Jesus recognizes that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love people. If love goes cold, there ceases to be obedience to one of the greatest commandments. A lack of love for people, specifically the lost, will prevent a “believer” from staying the course on the mission to spread the gospel. 

Jesus says that the one who endures to the end will be saved. This indicates that some will fall away from the saving gospel (see the parable of the Sower). Salvation is for the faithful (though not the perfect), and the faithful will stay the course and share the gospel with the nations. Jesus indicates that there will continue to be those who will remain faithful and push on to spread the gospel, and at some point after the gospel has been preached throughout all the world, he will return. 

Reflection Questions:

1.        Why do you think people fell prey to false Messiahs? What might a false Messiah look like today?

2.        How can we fight against our love growing cold and allowing false teachers to infiltrate our churches? Does church discipline factor into this?

3.        How can you do your part to make sure that the gospel is being preached? Do we sometimes look too much at the big picture and not the practical, small parts of ministry that we can participate in?

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All In

Matthew 23 & Luke 20-21

When my husband’s younger brother was a preschooler, so the story goes, he had a particularly busy day, playing and being active.  Near bedtime, he declared to his family, “I’m all ‘shampooed’ out”.  Following the ensuing laughter, his parents agreed he was indeed tuckered out; he was “all in.”

The phrase, “I’m all in” can mean a person is exhausted.  But another understanding of that expression is a person’s declaration that he/she is completely devoted, totally committed, to a cause or endeavor.  “I’m all in to lose the weight.”  “I’m all in to win the championship.”  “I’m all in to elect this candidate.”

If you’re all in, you are going to give it your best effort, give it as much time and resources as possible, give it your all.  You are all in! 

A beautiful example of this idea is found in Luke 21:1-4, the familiar account of the widow’s offering.  Jesus had been teaching in the temple.  The scribes, chief priests, and Sadducees had been questioning him, trying to entrap Jesus when he answered, so they could deliver him to the authority of the governor. 

Finally, they realized their trick questions were not going to work. 

“Some of the scribes answered and said, ‘You have spoken well.’ For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything.” (Luke 20:39,40)

In response, as all the people listened, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”  (Luke 20: 46,47)

Among the prideful things that the scribes were doing, was robbing widows of their homes and resources.  The New American Standard and New International Bible versions use the word “devour” to describe the scribes’ actions. 

Devour–“eat up greedily”–“prey upon.”  Not a pleasant picture.

The Living Bible vividly describes it this way. “But even while they are praying long prayers with great outward piety, they are planning schemes to cheat widows out of their property.  Therefore, God’s heaviest sentence awaits these men.” (Luke 20: 46,47) 

 Immediately after Jesus’ condemnation of the scribes, he looks up to see rich men depositing large amounts of money into the offering receptacles.  And then Jesus spots the poor widow. Carefully, she placed two copper coins, the smallest class of currency, into the offering box.  Jesus’ reaction?

“Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their SURPLUS put into the offering; but she out of her POVERTY put in ALL that she had to live on.” 

Jesus saw the widow’s humble gift—two coins that equaled a penny.  How miniscule in man’s eyes. How sacrificial in Jesus’ eyes.  The rich still had their fortunes; the widow had nothing left in worldly goods.  Her pure heart and strong faith would sustain her.  God would provide for her needs. 

The poor widow was “all in.”  

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”  (Matt. 6:33,34a)

God desires our time, talents, service—to put Him first in everything we do.  The reward will be great. 

As Paul stated at the end of his ministry, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  (II Tim. 4:7,8)

But to those who CLAIM allegiance to God, with a half-hearted commitment, Jesus has sharp words.

 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17)

The pretentious piety of the rich was false—in Jesus’ eyes they were poor and wretched–understandably lukewarm.  The poor widow’s offering, two copper coins, was all she had in the world.  She gave it willingly, trustfully, faithfully. 

She was ALL IN!

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it take to truly see the needs of others?
  2. Reflect on the widow’s offering, and then put yourself in her place.  Would you have given the two coins? 
  3. What can you change in your life to be “all in” for the Lord? 
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GOAT

Matthew 22 & Mark 12

Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (Minnesota)

When you hear the term GOAT, what do you think of?  A furry four-legged animal with horns that has been known to butt humans or “faint?”  Or a term that has become familiar in the 21st century sports world—GOAT—Greatest of All Time. 

When I was a school librarian a few years ago, I added four “GOAT” books to the library.  They were all part of the “Sports Illustrated Kids: GOATS” series.  The students could check out “Olympic GOATS” and read about gymnast Simone Biles or swimmer Michael Phelps; “Football GOATS” and read about Tom Brady and Allan Page; “Basketball GOATS” and study the skills of Michael Jordan and LeBron James; or “Baseball GOATS” and read about famous players Sandy Koufax and Ted Williams.

We can speculate about the greatest sports figures, or the greatest actors in Hollywood, or the greatest leaders in world history.  But one cannot dispute the greatest commandment in the Bible.

“But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”  (Matt. 22:34-40)

We can see an expansion of Jesus’ words in our corresponding reading from Mark 12: 28-32 when Jesus says in verse 29, “Hear O Israel!  The Lord our God is one Lord,” before his declaration of the two greatest commandments.  In Mark 12:31b, Jesus says, “There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

These two commandments are the “GOATS” of the Bible. 

Jesus’ answer to the lawyer, who was trying to test him, was quoted directly from the Law.  Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” and Leviticus 19:18 says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  

In our Matthew passage, verse 40, Jesus adds this statement.  “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

What does Jesus mean by that? 

The entirety of the Law and the prophecies found throughout Scripture, were given to humanity to encourage us to love and exalt our Creator and to love His creation, particularly mankind.  This should be our ultimate purpose in life.

Jesus shared a similar directive in the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 7:12)

The Law regulated every facet of life in a Jewish family and Jewish hierarchy.  The voice of God’s prophets had instructed and corrected His people.  Yet the entirety of the Law and the Prophets meant essentially nothing if not established on these two simple commands, two greatest commands. Love God entirely.  Love others as you love yourself. 

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. We love, because He first loved us.”  (I John 4:7,11,19)

The GOATS of the world eventually change over time.  New athletes break sports records, Hollywood stars replace revered ones, and new world leaders accomplish historic milestones.

But the GOATS of the Scripture have never changed, will never change into eternity. 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection Questions

  1. Who do you think are some GOATS in sports or movies?
  2. How much of what you do and believe is based on these two commandments?
  3. What can you change or improve in your life this week to better follow these commandments?
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Seeking Whose Approval?

Mark 11 & John 12

Perhaps the saddest words in English literature are found in the poem, “Maud Muller,” by John Greenlear Whittier.  The poem recounts the story of a farm maid, Maud Muller, who is raking hay in a meadow.  A town judge on horseback passes by, and they exchange pleasant greetings.  He asks for a drink of water from the bubbling spring, and she fills her cup and offers it to him.

After the encounter, as the years go by, she considers what life might have been like as the wife of a judge, possessing wealth and servants.  He, in turn, considers what life might have been like without the stress of his position, but instead married to the maiden, enjoying a simple rural life.

Near the poem’s end, Whittier penned these lines.

“For all sad words of tongues and pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.’”

All of us, whether young or old, can look back at our lives and have regrets.  Words we might have said, places we might have gone, decisions we might have made. 

In our Bible reading today, we find a deeply sad and somber passage contained in one short phrase. 

“For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”  John 12:43

It was the week of the Feast of the Passover, and Jesus’ ultimate betrayal and crucifixion.  A great multitude had greeted Jesus with “Hosanna” and palm branches when he entered Jerusalem.  After the joyous welcome, Jesus had once again explained the coming events of his life to the large crowd gathered around him. 

“And Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.Now my soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.’” (John 12:23-27)

Then Jesus continues in verses 32-33, “‘And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.’ But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.”

The crowd questions Jesus in verse 34.  “We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”  Amazingly, they ask ‘Who is the Son of Man’ as Jesus stands before them! 

Jesus responds by saying that he—the light—will only be with them a short while longer.  The people need to believe in the light—believe in him—while he is still with them. (vs. 35-36) What more can he say?

Jesus performed signs and miracles before the multitude.  He taught them, cared for them, and was compassionate towards them.  But they did not believe, fully believe. 

Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled.  (Isaiah 6:9,10) Blinded eyes and hardened hearts don’t lead to conversion. (John 12:39, 40)

And then we come to verses 42-43, an explanation for their hardened hearts. 

“Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.”  

Remarkably, there WERE many who believed in him, even rulers.  They understood Jesus’ words, his plea: “While you have the light, believe in the light.”  But they would not acknowledge him.  Their positions in the synagogues were at risk.  Their status was threatened.  They could not take a chance, could not jeopardize their standing. It was not to be.

“For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”

Each morning when you wake up, whose approval are you seeking?  As you go throughout your day, making small and big decisions, whose blessing do you pursue?  At the end of your day, what or who carried you through? 

Let us resolve together that each of our waking hours, each of our thoughts or actions, be grounded in the approval of God.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  (Hebrews 10:23)

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you to seek the approval of God?
  2. How do you seek the approval of God in your life? 
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