Tag: Mackenzie McClain

The Helper

OLD TESTAMENT: Haggai 1-2

POETRY: Psalm 143

NEW TESTAMENT: John 16:5-16

Jesus follows up his warnings of persecution in John 16 by promising his disciples a helper. Or, more specifically, the Helper. 

Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send it to you. And when it comes, it will convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment. (John 16:7-8 REV)

To human beings who rely on our five senses to understand the world around us, it can be hard to make sense of this invisible power mysteriously referred to as the Helper. Jesus is vague in his description of the Helper—so vague that the disciples may have been picturing a cape-wearing, hammer-throwing, bad-guy-slaying superhero. 

Throughout the New Testament, in Jesus’ teachings and the following epistles, we get a clearer picture of what the Helper is. We most commonly refer to the Helper as the Holy Spirit. It is the power and presence of God active in the lives of believers.

Using scripture as our reference, let’s demystify what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life. (If you’ve committed to following Christ, this power is already inside you! If you haven’t yet, this power is available to you!) 

The Holy Spirit, through Jesus, dwells in us to be our helper. 

This helper is the spirit of truth, which the world is not able to receive, because it does not see it or know it. You know it, for it is present with you, and will be in you. (John 14:17 REV)

The Holy Spirit is received at conversion and is the seal of our salvation. 

In union with him you also, when you heard the message of truth—the good news of your salvation—and when you believed in him, were marked with a seal—the promised holy spirit. (Ephesians 1:13 REV)

The Holy Spirit guides us in truth & convicts us of our sin.

And when it comes, it will convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment. (John 16:8 REV)

The Holy Spirit produces fruit to help us live set apart from the world. 

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 REV)

The Holy Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts to build up the church.

Now to each one the manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good. For to one is given through the spirit a message of wisdom, and to another a message of knowledge by means of the same spirit, to a different one trust by the same spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the one spirit, and to another energizings of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to a different one various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. Now all these are energized by the one and the same Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as he purposes. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11 REV)

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, which made you a vessel fitting of the Holy Spirit, God’s power lives in you. Whether you’ve realized this before or not, you wield a supernatural force—your very own super power, your helper.

-Mackenzie McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. When are you aware of the Spirit?
  2. What help have you received from the Spirit?
  3. How can you work closer with your Helper?
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When They Kill You

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezra 9-10

POETRY: Psalm 142

NEW TESTAMENT: John 15:18 – 16:4

Ominous title, right? In John 15 and 16, Jesus warned his disciples that they would be hated by the world, just as he, himself, was hated by the world. His final warning makes me shudder: 

Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. (John 16:2b ESV)

Jesus doesn’t say, people might not like you. Instead, he says, when people kill you. Jesus told his disciples they would die. And, they did. 

While many reports of their deaths are extra-biblical, there is a range of sources (from pretty well-verified to pretty random) that enumerate the tragic deaths of the apostles. This list includes executions by the sword (Acts 12:2), upside-down crucifixions, beheadings, stabbings, stonings, burnings, and drownings. 

The point is this: the disciples knew the dangers of following Jesus, but they did it anyway. The holiness of Jesus was worth emulating. The message of Jesus was worth spreading. The splendor of Jesus was worth striving for—even when it meant being spat on, looked down upon, imprisoned, and killed. They knew the terms. And they signed up anyway.

The next time you’re called a heretic, a prude, or a member of a cult, be encouraged by the apostles who came before us. These apostles faced greater persecution but remained steadfast followers of Christ. 

We know why they did it—it’s the same reason we do it. But how did they do it? I think the answer lies in having an eternal perspective, in remembering that a crown of thorns will be exchanged someday for a crown of glory. The pain is temporary, but the glory is eternal. 


So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

-Mackenzie McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you feel you have experienced any persecution yet because of your faith?
  2. How does one prepare for persecution?
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Set His Heart to Study

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezra 7-8

POETRY: Psalm 142

NEW TESTAMENT: John 15:1-17

About 60 years after the first Babylonian exiles returned to Jerusalem, Ezra, appointed by King Artaxerxes, returned to Jerusalem with a new wave of exiles. His mission was to renew Israel’s commitment to following God’s Law. 

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10)

For Ezra had set his heart…

At the time this passage was written, there was no Hebrew word for brain and no concept of its role in the body. Instead, biblical authors used the word heart (lev or levav) to describe both our emotions and thoughts. Here, when Ezra says he “sets his heart” on studying the Law, he means dedicating his entire being to knowing and following God’s Word.  

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)

…To study the Law of the LORD…

The Law, or Torah, refers to the first five books of the Old Testament. It contains 613 laws that establish a covenant between Israel and God. God promises that following His way will lead to blessing. 

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8 ESV)

…And to do it… 

While being able to recite all 613 laws would be impressive, knowledge without application is futile. It’s significant that not only does Ezra know the Law, but he also commits himself to following it. 

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:22-25 ESV)

…And to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

This is where Ezra’s preparation meets his ministry. As a “scribe skilled in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6), his knowledge of the Torah is complete. His mission is to teach the Torah to restore Yahweh’s rule and reign in Jerusalem.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ESV)

May we be like Ezra. May we set our hearts to study God’s Word, to live it out, and to teach its message to a world in need of revival. 

-Mackenzie McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. What have you set your heart on? What is your entire being dedicated to? How is this displayed in your life?
  2. What is the value of setting your heart on studying the law of the Lord (and now the whole word of the Lord made available throughout the 66 books not just the first 5 Ezra had the privilege of knowing)?
  3. Do you find it easier to study God’s law or to do it? Can you have one without the other?
  4. What ministry has God called you to? Who do you know that you can teach what you know about God and His Word?
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Meant for Good

Old Testament: 1 Kings 9-10

Poetry: Psalm 120

*New Testament: Acts 28


Paul’s 3-month stint on Malta feels like a fever dream. Paul, the crew, and his fellow prisoners aboard the ship find refuge on a not-so deserted island, Malta. The indigenous people of Malta welcome their cold and wet selves with open arms and “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2), building a fire to warm them. As Paul tends to the fire, a venomous snake bites him. The people of Malta are quick to assume that he is a murderer getting the justice he deserves. Of course, Paul just shakes the snake off like it’s no big deal. Miraculously, Paul doesn’t drop dead and his wound doesn’t even swell. Having witnessed this miracle, the people are now convinced that Paul is a god.


After three days of enjoying the Maltese hospitality, Paul visits a man who was sick to minister to him:


It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured (Acts 28:8-9, ESV).


What was an unplanned setback turned into an opportunity for healing and sharing the gospel. God had a purpose for this season—the same season that Paul could have overlooked as an unnecessary and unpredictable setback on his journey to share his testimony in Rome.


Joseph, who was no stranger to suffering and had a life full of mishaps, once
declared:


As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today (Genesis 50:20, ESV).


In the same way, God meant Malta for good. Paul’s influence seems to have changed the entire trajectory of this little island. Now, in modern times, it seems half the island is named after Paul. The little island off the coast where Paul supposedly washed ashore, the cave where Paul supposedly stayed, cathedrals, catacombs, and parishes each boast his name. Historians have found that the timing of Paul’s visit lines up very closely to the timing of Malta’s adoption of Christianity. Skeptics find this link uncanny; I find it divine.


There is purpose in every season, even when you can’t yet see it. Just like He did with Paul, God is redeeming parts of your story. Where you see setbacks, He sees opportunity.

-Mackenzie McClain


Reflection Questions:

  1. The people of Malta were “unusually kind” to Paul and his fellow shipmates. Who in your life needs your unusual kindness?
  2. How have you seen God redeem parts of your story? How has he turned setbacks, failures, or heartbreaks into good?
  3. What parts of your story can you still surrender to God?
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Take Heart

Old Testament: 1 Kings 7-8

Poetry: Psalm 119:81-176

*New Testament: Acts 27


I spent an embarrassing amount of hours taking silly personality quizzes on the
Internet in my teenage years. I took quizzes like: Which dog breed are you? Which celebrity hunk are you must compatible with? How unlucky are you? If Paul were to take that last quiz, his result would be VERY UNLUCKY.


Acts 27 finds Paul VERY UNLUCKY—a prisoner, awaiting his trial, sailing towards Rome in a howling storm. Earlier in the voyage, Paul had foreseen the danger of traveling so late in the year (after the fall fast) and recommended against it, but his concerns were overlooked. Quickly, the storm turns from bad to really, really, really bad. In the height of the storm, in an effort to stay afloat, they dump much of their cargo, including their tackle and later even their provisions.


Beaten, starving, hopeless, and stranded in the middle of the ocean, Paul encourages his fellow men with these words… but only after a quick “I told you so” (It’s such a juicy line, who could resist? Not even Paul).


“Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told” (Acts 27:22-25, ESV).


Paul’s peace under pressure is the fruit of his faith that God will do what he says. God himself told Paul that he would stand before Caesar in Rome. Therefore, Paul will stand before Caesar in Rome. No storm can stop the fulfillment of God’s word.


Paul’s peace under pressure reminds me of Jesus, who just days before his biggest storm leaves his followers with this message:


“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV).


Like Paul, and Jesus before him, we can have peace in the midst of storms. You will face trials and tribulations; some days you will be downright VERY UNLUCKY. Yet, no matter the magnitude of the storms we encounter God promises victory. Take heart!

-Mackenzie McClain


Reflection Questions:

  1. Paul uses God’s word to encourage those who are defeated. Who in your life
    needs encouragement—needs to hear God’s promises?
  2. How can you remind yourself of God’s promises when you are in the midst of a
    storm?
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Joyful Obedience

Old Testament: 1 Kings 5-6

*Poetry: Psalm 119:1-80

New Testament: Acts 26


You and I are naturally rebellious. One of the first words learned in our arsenal is, “Why?” As early as toddlerhood, we’re ready to question, counter, and attack. Even as an adult, I recently made the remark to my mom that the more she tells me to do something, the less I actually want to do it. Ouch, sorry, Mom. Psychologists call this phenomenon psychological reactance, which suggests that when we feel like our freedom to behave in a certain way is restricted, we, well, react.


Obedience, which is averse to our fallen human state, is learned. The longest chapter of the Bible, Psalm 119, is an acrostic poem about the joy the psalmist receives from following scripture. It’s his love song to God’s Word. So how does rebellious human go to happy obeyer?


The first step is recognizing that God’s commands are not arbitrary. Looking to God’s character, we can see that His rules are a manifestation of His love for us. God is love—He wants what’s best for us. God is all-knowing—He knows what’s best for us.


He’s given us rules and principles to live by because He wants us to live within His will, within His design. God’s rules do not exist to restrict us; instead, God breathed them to give us freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from ugly, unwanted consequences. Freedom from death!


I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts (Psalm 119:45, NIV).


Now, I’m still learning obedience, and you are, too. Somedays, my obedience feels like an eye roll and “Ugh, fine,” instead of a “Yes, Lord!” I look to our happy Psalmist as an example to follow:


For I delight in your commands because I love them (Psalm 119:47, NIV).


I want to be able to say this about myself each day. This is a verse worth memorizing (just 10 words!) because we can use it to lead our hearts into joyful obedience.


I will leave you with the promise that your efforts will be blessed:


Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart (Psalm 119:1-2).

-Mackenzie McClain


Reflection Questions:

  1. In what areas of your life do you struggle to obey?
  2. This week, examine your heart. Are you obeying begrudgingly or joyfully? Do you fully trust that God’s commands are designed out of His great love for you?
  3. What blessings have you experienced from following God’s commands?
  4. What do you learn about God by reading Psalm 119?
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Wisdom, Please

Old Testament: 1 Kings 3-4

Poetry: Proverbs 31

New Testament: Acts 25


Throughout the month of May, we have been gleaning Solomon’s wisdom, as we read a proverb each day. In our broken world, wisdom is the ability to distinguish between what’s good and what’s fallen. It allows us to see from God’s perspective and make choices that honor Him. Solomon received wisdom in the same manner we do: asking for it.


At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.”


And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my
father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:5, 7-9, ESV).


Solomon was humble. He knew that he could not navigate his responsibilities on his own. He refers to himself as a little child in charge of too many people to even count. The first step in asking for wisdom is recognizing you need it.


Solomon was prepared to receive. He goes to Gibeon to make a sacrifice on the
same altar he once sacrificed one thousand burnt offerings to God. Gibeon was
considered the most holy place at the time because it was home to the Tabernacle that Moses built (2 Chronicles 1:2-3). Solomon’s dedication is astonishing! I think we are sometimes quick to overlook how incredible facts like this are when reading our Bibles. I mean—imagine slaughtering, draining, cutting, and burning one thousand animals. It’s this dedication and intimacy with God that puts him in the posture to hear God’s voice and receive His gifts.


Solomon’s priorities were in order. He could’ve asked for wealth, to live forever, or a plethora of wives (well… he kinda does that later). Instead, he asks for wisdom to govern Israel, God’s chosen people, better. Solomon knew the great calling on his life and chose a gift accordingly. God honored the way Solomon ordered his desires and blessed him with the riches, honor, and longevity in addition.


At first, it’s easy to be jealous of God’s blank check offer to Solomon. But what if I told you that God has extended the same offer to you? Like Solomon, we can receive wisdom just by asking for it. God wants us to see from His perspective, to discern right from wrong, and make choices that honor Him. It’s really a win-win situation.


If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without
reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5, ESV)


God gives wisdom generously. Have you asked?

-Mackenzie McClain


Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you humbled yourself before God? We live in a broken, gray world that
    requires more than your own understanding. Unpopular opinion: you actually
    don’t have what it takes (on your own, that is). You need God’s help!
  2. Are you prepared to receive? Are you ready to listen to God’s voice? Do you
    spend your days with your Bible open, hands folded in prayer, and surrounded by godly influences?
  3. Are your priorities in order? Are you seeking after the right things?
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All Prove True

Old Testament: 1 Kings 1 & 2

Poetry: Proverbs 30

New Testament: Acts 24


I try to always follow through on my word, but sometimes I forget, and other times the circumstances are out of my control. I teach 6th graders who are always quick (and annoyingly eager) to call me out on these times.


“You said I could go to the bathroom after the lesson.“ Sorry, I forgot. I can’t keep track of 130 students’ bladders.


“You said we’d have time to work on this assignment.“ Sorry, somebody pulled the fire alarm and we’ve spent all class outside.


I’m fallible, so my word is fallible, too. But, God never forgets and every circumstance is within His control. He is infallible. Today’s proverb holds the promise that all God’s promises are true. It’s like God extending his pinky towards ours and locking it in an eternal pinky promise.


Every word of God proves true.
(Proverbs 30:5a, ESV).


One man, Everett R. Storms, once counted 7,487 promises made by God to humankind. They. All. Prove. True. Of those 7,487, here are just a few promises to reflect on today:


God Promises Strength
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10, ESV)


God Promises to Fight For You
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. (Exodus 14:14, ESV)


God Promises Wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without
reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5, ESV)

God Promises to Be With You
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2, ESV)


God Promises to Answer Prayer
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7, ESV)


God Promises Peace
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, ESV)


God Promises Forgiveness
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, ESV)


God Promises the Kingdom
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4, ESV)

-Mackenzie McClain


Reflection Questions:

  1. How does knowing God’s promises change the way you approach your everyday
    life?
  2. How have you experienced these promises in your own life?
  3. What other promises does God make throughout scripture? Hint: there’s 7,479
    more!

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People Won’t Like You

Old Testament: 1 & 2 Kings Intro below

Poetry: Proverbs 29

*New Testament: Acts 23


“Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it’s not like this compulsive need to be liked, like my need to be praised.”
-Michael Scott


This quote is not the usual wisdom you’re accustomed to reading on this blog, but it does highlight something about our human condition: we like to be liked.


In Acts 23, we see Paul being—well, to put it understatedly—not liked. He’s been arrested for his teachings about the resurrection and his open arms toward the Gentiles. Because of his Roman citizenship, he is granted the right to a trial. Some Jews are unhappy that Paul is given a fair shake for his supposed crimes, and they take matters into their own hands (and bellies).


“When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” (Acts 23:12-15, ESV)


When I put myself in Paul’s shoes, I quake. I can’t imagine a mob of forty people who hate me so much that they make a vow to not even eat until I’m dead. I’ve never experienced anything close to this magnitude of persecution. While the occasional hostility we receive as Christians does not compare to the threats made on Paul’s life, we can still emulate Paul’s response.


He wasn’t paralyzed by people’s perceptions. He was captivated by God’s purpose for his life. He continued in boldness and went on to testify in Rome, just as God said he would (Acts 23:11). Paul writes more about this in Galatians:


For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10, ESV).


Speaking vulnerably, this verse is difficult to move past my head and into my heart. In my head I know that my identity, value, and purpose are found in God. But in my heart it is HARD to give up validation from my peers. It feels so good to be in their good graces, and it hurts so badly to be left out, lied about, and laughed at.


It’s hard to tune out other’s voices when it’s quiet. Imagine a humming noise. In a quiet room it would dominate your thoughts, but standing at the foot of a roaring waterfall you wouldn’t even notice it. So here’s the first step for me—and for you too, if you struggle letting go what other people think. Like Paul, be so captivated by God’s purpose for your life, that the rest of the noises just fade into the background.


Live unabashedly how God has called you to live. No apologies. No compromises. No holding back.

-Mackenzie McClain


Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you been left out, lied about, or laughed at because of your faith? How did it make you feel? What does God say about facing persecution for your faith?
  2. God used Paul’s persecution to give him an opportunity to share his testimony to a larger audience. How has God used the bad in your life for good?
  3. How does knowing scripture help you counteract what others say about you?

1 & 2 Kings Introduction

The books of First and Second Kings describe the period of time between the death of King David and the exile to Babylon.  They record Israel’s decline over time as a nation – as they sink deeper and deeper into idol worship.

Solomon, David’s son, started out following God and was initially blessed by God; but he eventually turned away from God.  As a result of this, the kingdom was divided, with 10 tribes rebelling and choosing a new king (Israel in the North).  God allowed David’s descendants to continue to rule over the Southern two tribes, collectively called Judah – because of God’s love for David (which was a direct result of David’s love for God).

One godless king after another ruled the Northern kingdom of Israel until it was destroyed by Assyria in 721 BC.  While Judah declined more slowly, God finally allowed Babylon to destroy Judah in 586 BC.

2 Kings 24:3-4 records this sobering message, “Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing to forgive.”

Even though the overall trajectory of these books is depressing, there are some exciting and uplifting stories, including:

  • Solomon’s dedication of the Temple, and God’s appearance to Solomon
  • Elijah and his miracles
  • Elisha and his miracles
  • Jehoshaphat’s and Hezekiah’s faith
  • The destruction of Assyria’s army by the angel of the Lord
  • Josiah’s revival

As you read through 1 and 2 Kings, please notice the strong correlation between obedience to God and blessings from God.  Also, notice the relationship between rebellion against God and punishment.

I’ll close with some of the last words of David, as recorded in 1 Kings 2: 2-3, “…So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires:  Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commandments, his laws and requirements, … so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”

-Steve Mattison

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Sometimes Like Saul

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 23 & 24

Poetry: Proverbs 28

New Testament: Acts 22


Have you ever seen a street-corner evangelist shouting into a megaphone about hell? I recently saw such a guy carrying his cross down the sidewalk—literally—he was pulling along a giant cross on wheels. It’s easy to point fingers at these people and think that their tactics are the very opposite of what Jesus intended (and his cross definitely didn’t have wheels).


But what if it’s not just these people? What if my actions and attitudes are contrary to the very heart of Jesus?


In Acts 22, Paul shares his testimony to the crowd after his arrest. It’s a scary story:


“In one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you (Jesus). And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him” (Acts 22:19b-20, ESV).


Looking back at Saul’s life, it’s scary because of the heinous acts he committed, but even more so because he thought he was doing everything right. He thought he was carrying out God’s work; after all, he was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5) and on fire for God. This facade crumbles when he hears Jesus’ voice calling him on the road to Damascus:


And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you
persecuting me?” And I answered, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 22:7-8, ESV).


You and me are sometimes like Saul. We think we’re right, but maybe it’s more like self-righteous. Maybe our priorities are mixed-up. Maybe we’re quick to judge, hesitant to forgive, or eager to avenge. Are we accurate reflections of who Jesus is, or do we persecute him? Jesus’ harsh words to Saul are a warning to us, too.


Here are two ways to heed Jesus’ warning:

  1. Get to know Jesus. Saul didn’t know Jesus for himself. He accepted what his
    circle of religious elite said about Jesus (and it wasn’t nice). Get to know Jesus
    personally—who he is and what he stands for. We get to know him through
    reading accounts in scripture, prayer, and worship.
  2. Leave the Judgment to God. Saul got into trouble when he sought to avenge the supposed heretics. He relied on his own flawed and limited perception instead of God’s, the perfect Judge. Your job is to love and forgive; God will handle justice.

-Mackenzie McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have your actions and attitudes “persecuted” Jesus? How can you be a better reflection of him today?
  2. Saul’s transformation story is incredible! Is there anyone in your life who you’ve dismissed as being too far gone? God’s not done working!
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