Tag: Messiah

The Anointed One: The Son of Man

Exodus 17-18

Psalm 2

Matthew 16

Devotion by Jeremy Martin (TN)

In our Exodus reading this morning, we see once again that after a string of miracles and rescues, the Israelites are grumbling; to the point that Moses tells God he’s worried about them stoning him (17:4).  God miraculously provides yet again for their provision, and then miraculously provides for their safety and security (17:11-13).  Then, some of the in-laws decide to stop by for a visit (18).

Moses’ father-in-law Jethro comes to visit and sees an overwhelmed Moses, struggling from sunup to sundown daily taking care of the (very demanding) people he was leading.  Keep in mind, this was not a small group, this was likely millions of people (Ex 12:37-38 “600,000 men, not counting the little ones (or women), and a foreign multitude also”) all clamoring for his attention at once.  Can you even imagine the chaos? Jethro gives Moses some VERY good advice (18: 17-23) that applies to us today as well: organize and prioritize if you want to get results, delegate if you have to.  I think we too many times take on more than we can reasonably accomplish, and don’t have a good plan to do it, and just end up getting frustrated and upset.  Many times we just give up because we feel overwhelmed.  But couldn’t we take Jethro’s advice, and plan better?  If we organize ourselves, and approach our problems systematically, they become less overwhelming.  This applies to every aspect of our lives: work, social, spiritual.  We could actually have written the entire devotional on just this bit alone, but there are some other VERY important scriptures in today’s reading.

Moving on to our second portion of scripture today (Ps 2), we see some absolutely critical theological points that need to be highlighted (in your bible) and remembered .  Do you remember what “Christ” or “Messiah” means?  It ‘s a title, and means (literally) “The Anointed”.  It represented a man who was chosen and anointed by God (usually through his agent, or “shaliah”…see Jan 27 devotional) to be his king, it’s all throughout the Old Testament, check and see.  The  Hebrew “Messiah” (or “Christos” in greek) means simply “the anointed one” and the term came to be one of prophetic expectation waiting for God to send his king to rule the earth (See 2nd Samuel 7 for the details of the prophecy, we’ll get deeper into that one in a later devotional).    The New Testament continuously states that Jesus of Nazareth was this man anointed by God to be His king on earth by reiterating it over and over when describing him as “Jesus Christ”.  That’s not his last name ya’ll, that’s a title (I’m Southern, I’m allowed to say “ya’ll”, it’s culturally appropriate).  Most of the gospels directly state that the purpose for their writing was to show that Jesus was that Messiah, and that he had come, in their thesis statements.

In Psalm 2:2 it says “The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh and against his Anointed, saying…” (LSB Translation).  We see clearly here that there are 2 individuals that the kings and rulers are taking a stand against.  This does not match up with what some mainstream orthodoxy teachings relate, but this is stated explicitly and repeatedly in scripture and we know from Jesus that “scripture cannot be broken”.  This is one of the many reasons why it is so absolutely critical to study for yourself, and not rely on people to tell you what you should believe.  Men are just human, and can fail, but scripture cannot be broken(John 10:35), so read it for yourself (and show your work).  Be a good Berean, and test everything that you hear against the scriptures.  Our God is a God of truth and not deception, so if something you are hearing from men confuses you, study scriptures!  If you can read Deut 6:4 and Mark 12:29-34 and not be fiercely monotheistic, like the ancient Jews, then you have learned mental gymnastics worthy of an olympic level athlete…but why change it?  Man was made simple, his complex problems are of his own devising (Ecc 7:29).

Ps 2: 11-12 states “Serve Yahweh with fear and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way…”(LSB), another clear delineation between our creator and our king.  It is terrible and sad that we have confused this simple message through the centuries, whenever possible I suggest we should with love, patience, and respect suggest the simpler reading to our brothers and sisters who have reached a different, more “complex”, understanding.  In instances that opportunities present themselves for you to do this, may I humbly suggest that “love” is far more important for you to convey than truth.  The truth will come in time, if presented deeply with love, according to God’s will.

To wrap this up in a nice tidy bow, we can then turn over to Matt 16, where one of the clearest statements of Jesus identity is made by his guy, Peter.  First let me pose you this question, what is a son of man?  I would respectfully answer this with the very common sensical answer of “a man”. What if you capitalized that, and said a Son of Man?  Well, I’d have to say, still a man: although this does have prophetic overtones (See Daniel 7, and note again the clear delineation between God and his anointed).  Did you know that in addition to God using his name (YHVH) almost 7000 times in the Old Testament, Jesus is referred to as the “son of man” (add capitilization however you like, the NT translators did…)  81 times, and 80 of those times were by Jesus himself in the gospels.  A “son of man” was how Jesus self-identified.  It’s pretty important to remember that.

In a conversation about identity, Jesus asks Peter who people were saying that he was (Matt 16: 13-14). To further clarify who he was, Jesus asked Peter “but who do you say that I am?”.  Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the son of the Living God.”  Remember that Christ and Messiah mean the same thing, anointed one.  I would like to point out the obvious at this point and say that God has no need to anoint himself.  By his statement Peter is clearly stating “You are the one that was anointed by God, and the son of the Living God”.  This is in a direct fulfillment of the prophecy in 2 Sam: 7 wherein the Messiah MUST BE: 1-the son of David (a human descendant of King David), 2-the son of God, 3-the king who will rule forever.  Note Jesus response to this answer in v17: “Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (LSB).  If Peter was mistaken about Jesus’ identity as the Christ, this would have been an excellent opportunity for Jesus to correct him don’t you think?  Just some things to think about, may God bless you as you study his word.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  1. What can you change in your approach, like Jethro suggested to Moses, to more effectively govern your own life? Your own work? Your own spirituality?
  2. When Jesus says that scripture cannot be broken, he is referring to the scripture they had at the time, the Old Testament.  How often do you take time to “stand by the ancient ways” and read the Old Testament deeply? Why?
  3. Do you check everything the pastor tells you from the pulpit against scripture?  Why, or why not?  Now think of the same question, but instead of your pastor insert “anyone”, and instead of the pulpit insert “youtube”, “social media”, or “friends”.  Is your answer different?  Why, or why not?
  4. Who do you say that Jesus is?  Is it different than Peter, and if so, why?

PRAYER:

Lord God Most High, please open my eyes so that I can see clearly.  Please open my ears so that I can hear clearly.  Circumcise my heart, so that I can walk humbly before you.  Thank you for sending your son with your words to teach and redeem us all, please help us to listen and to obey.   Forgive us our pride, and grant us humility and understanding.  Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Perfect Son of Man

Hebrews 1-3

Devotion by John Tullis (OH)

One of the great truths of the Bible is the humanity of Jesus Christ.  Jesus, our Lord and Our Savior, was born of the virgin Mary through the power of God’s Holy Spirit.  Our God created Jesus to be His messiah – God’s chosen One to save his people and rule as King in His future kingdom.  Jesus always existed in the mind of God.  In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1).  The Word, or Logos in Greek, is the eternal program of salvation and restoration through Jesus Christ.  It is the wonderful plan of God to make a way for believers to enjoy fellowship with Him in the eternal coming Kingdom.  As such, at a time of God’s choosing, He created his messiah.  He brought his great plan of salvation, the Logos, into reality.  Our Lord Jesus was born into the world, a little baby, born of the virgin Mary and celebrated as our Lord and Savior.  He was born into the world through God’s power to be fully human, and fully God’s son.  He is the begotten one (first among everything). 

The book of Hebrews tries to explain why Jesus had to be made perfect and why he had to be a human – like you and me.  But why did Jesus have to be just like us?  Jesus was created by God to be His only Son.  In order to serve both God and mankind, Jesus had to be a special man – the sinless and perfect Son of man.  Both divine (Son of God) and human (Son of Mary) – He is the perfect one to exist as the “mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 2:5).  Hebrews 2:14-18 teaches us that He had to be made with flesh and blood – he had to be a man.  This is so His death on the cross might break the power of the fear of death.  His resurrection is proof that a man can be raised up to eternal life.  He was created specifically to save Abraham’s descendants of faith (that’s you and me).  In being a man, he could be God’s High Priest, serving God and making atonement for the sins of the world (Hebrews 2:17,18).   

With Christmas coming very soon, we remember the birth of Christ.  That little child, born and placed in a manger, the son of Mary, would become the savior of the world.  In God’s great wisdom, He made a way for us to enjoy fellowship with Him forever in His coming Kingdom.  Thank Him for the gift of his Son, His human Son, the Christ Child who takes away the sin of the world. 

Questions for Discussion: 

  1. Why did Jesus have to be made perfect?  (2:10) 
  1. Why did Jesus have to be just like us? (2:17) 
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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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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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Made to be a Light

Isaiah 49-50; Psalm 135

Isaiah 49:6b (NIV84) – “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Some readers love poetry; they love the figurative language, the allusions, the complex ideas that are simmered down into short phrases. Poetry forces the reader to slow down and use critical thinking to comprehend what’s being communicated. Sometimes it also requires the reader to know a little bit about the author and his or her life at the time the piece was composed. 

I am not one of those readers. I prefer the author to be straightforward with me. Just tell me what you want me to know without all of the fancy language and references that I may or may not have prior knowledge of. 

Reading the book of Isaiah is similar to reading poetry for me. I have to really study it. I have to use additional resources and commentaries to get a clue what is being said. And while I don’t prefer to have to spend an hour just to understand one chapter, the mental exercise is good for me. So here is what I’ve learned about Isaiah 49, specifically verses one through six.

It is the second out of four Servant Songs in the book of Isaiah. A Servant Song is a passage of verses that refer to the Messiah, Jesus. Not only does this chapter reference Jesus well before he was born, but it also mentions Gentiles (those not of the Israelite community). It’s not the first and only time that Gentiles are mentioned, but because Jesus is also alluded to it’s interesting to have two New Testament concepts written about together in the Old Testament.

As we know, in his ministry, Jesus often suffered opposition and what looked like failure in his mission to restore all people to God in order to have an eternal relationship with Him in the coming Kingdom. Isaiah 49:4 talks about this. But as we also know, Jesus’s death was not the end of the story.  

While this knowledge is important to understand, what’s the application to our modern day lives? My answer to this question took me a while to formulate, but here’s what I’ve come up with. I’m sure that there are other applications, but we’ll not delve into those right now. 

While Jesus is the Servant, we are servants of Jesus. John 12:26 says, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” This means that we have the same ministry and mission that Jesus did: “to bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Is. 49:6b).

Second Corinthians 5:18-20 says it this way: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

We are the hands and feet of Jesus, continuing to share the Gospel message with those who do not know it yet. 

A missionary friend of mine works in a local community. Her mission field is the youth of this neighboring community. She recently shared in an update that during a midweek youth gathering she shared the Gospel message, something she does quite regularly, but this time the response from the teens was more than usual. Praise God! But after that, one teen girl approached her and told my friend that this was the first time that she had ever heard about Jesus. My immediate thought was, “How is this possible? In our modern society where access to anything a person could ever want to know about is first a few finger clicks away, that a young person has never heard the name of Jesus?” But it’s true, there are people in our neighborhoods that don’t know about Jesus and the gift of salvation that comes through him. 

My friends, the work is not yet done. As servants and followers of the Servant, Jesus, we have the task to continue to reconcile our friends and neighbors to God by sharing the Gospel message. We will have opposition and think that we are failing at our mission, but take heart, you have been chosen to bring the message of salvation to the end of the earth (or to your neighbor).

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to you that God knows you, calls you, and has a purpose for you even before you were born? How does that shape your identity?

When have you felt like your efforts for God were in vain? How can you learn to rest in God’s timing, even when results aren’t visible?

What might “the ends of the earth” look like in your own life right now? Who is God calling you to reach or encourage with His message of hope?

-Bethany Ligon

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God Shows Us His Love and Mercy

12/15/24

OLD TESTAMENT: Zechariah 1-2

POETRY: Psalm 143

NEW TESTAMENT: John 16:17-33

Zechariah 1:16-17(NLT) “‘Therefore, this is what the LORD says: I have returned to show mercy to Jerusalem. My Temple will be rebuilt, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, and measurements will be taken for the reconstruction of Jerusalem.’ 17 “Say this also: ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as his own.’”

Psalms 143:7-11(NLT) Come quickly, LORD, and answer me,
for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will die.
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD;
I run to you to hide me.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

John 16:17-24 (NLT) Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.” 19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

How many times do we think to ourselves “I wish I could ask Jesus about what he said in a passage?”. Here in John 16 Jesus sees that question in the hearts of his disciples without them even asking.  He then answers that question of their hearts. 

I was able to witness the birth of all four of our children who are now in their 30’s and 40’s.  I was a participant in the event, Lamaze called me a coach, but really the events were all focused on the effort it took my wife Sandy to birth the children.  Labor for her started many hours before the actual birth event.  The start of the contractions was usually strong but the effort and pain at the end when the child is birthed became almost overwhelming for her.  Thanks be to God that she is so tough and resilient that all were born without complications and were beautiful children when born.  The intensity of the birth process is still embedded in my mind forever.

Jesus tells the disciples about the events that are going to occur in the near future for all of them.  God has showed Christ by the Old Testament scriptures and by revelation what he will have to endure.  Jesus compares these events to the birth of a child, where the pain and effort are replaced in the end by the joy of the new child and her or his coming into the world.  My wife and I had great joy at the birth of the children when we were able to hold them in our arms and enjoy the blessing of the new child.

Jesus tells the disciples that in the future they will rejoice about the events of the cross.  Jesus sees and knows what’s coming for him, but they do not yet at this time understand.  But he is getting them ready for the future message of hope that will come from the resurrection and the ascension.  This leads to the day of Pentecost and the founding of the church of the body of Christ. 

Zechariah 1:16-17 (NLT)

Therefore, this is what the LORD says: I have returned to show mercy to Jerusalem. My Temple will be rebuilt, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, and measurements will be taken for the reconstruction of Jerusalem.’ 17 “Say this also: ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as his own.’”

As we read through Zechariah it will become clear to us that the visions he sees about the building and construction that God shows him are immediately fulfilled in the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. The books of Nehemiah and Ezra give us the history of this rebuilding.  But the really big picture is of the future building of the millennial kingdom and the city of Jerusalem by the Messiah.  As we read through Zechariah try to look at the immediate fulfilling of his prophecies, but more importantly look at how they fit together at the end of the Tribulation and the establishment of the Millennial kingdom.  The judgement of wrath which judges Israel and Judah are turned to the great blessings of all the promises to Israel fulfilled in the righteous kingdom.  Jesus Christ is the head of both government and religion in this future rulership.  Almost all prophecy has a near fulfillment and then a future truth of God’s promises.  As you read Zechariah and the words from Psalms and John this week look for the immediate fulfillment but more importantly see the message that God shows of the future.

-Tom Siderius

Reflection Questions:

What are the great anticipations of your heart for your life?

How does our hope in Christ grow as we live today but look forward to the fulfillment of prophecy?

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Miracles and the Miraculously Malcontent

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezra 4-6

POETRY: Psalm 139

NEW TESTAMENT: John 12:37-50

The Gospel of John, chapters 7-12, have been happening in conjunction with our Old Testament readings these past two weeks. In the gospel of John, Jesus does not perform miracles per se. At least, John doesn’t call them miracles. Instead, John calls them signs. There are seven signs. These signs work with John’s overall mission. In John 20:31, we read “These are written so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in his name.” “These things” that are written are the teachings of Jesus, but also the signs that show that he is the Messiah. 

If you see the signs, you should recognize that Jesus is the Messiah. 

That’s the point. 

I really need to drive that home because I want to focus on a part of John 12 that has always bothered me deeply. It was not today’s reading but yesterday’s. Let’s look at verse 9-10 again: “The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.” 

The seventh miraculous sign Jesus performed was the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It shows the power Jesus has been granted from the Father over the grave, and that Jesus himself is the resurrection and the life. 

And the chief priests plan to kill Lazarus. They plan to take the one benefitted by the sign and put him down. They are so focused on preserving the comfortable way of life they have that they don’t realize they are destroying the good, the truth, the life of what is coming. A better way Jesus came to make. Maybe some of them knew Jesus really was the Messiah. It is even worse for them because they are knowingly attacking the resurrection and the life. The one who is the only way to the Father. They are doing so by denying his sign.

As you go through this advent, as you share the message of Jesus, the hope, peace, joy, and love he brings, don’t be surprised that there are those who cannot or do not want to hear the truth of that message; there were those in the time of Jesus who wanted to kill a man who Jesus raised from the dead. There will always be malcontents who cannot bear to experience joy and life. 

What you are called to do is to love them, but never become like them. 

May you be full of joy and life, this day and every day. 

May you hear the voice of Jesus and jump for joy. 

May you be raised by Jesus when he comes in his kingdom. Amen. 

-Jake Ballard

Reflection Questions

  1. In the account of the raising of Lazarus, where do you see yourself? Place yourself in the scene and imagine – what would be your thoughts, feelings, words, actions?
  2. In what ways have you heard the voice of Jesus? What is your response to Jesus?
  3. What is your response to those who reject the message and signs of Jesus that say he is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God?

Jake Ballard is pastor at Timberland Bible Church. If you’d like to hear more from him, you can find Timberland on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TimberlandBibleChurch/ ) and on Instagram (https://instagram.com/timberlandbiblechurch?igshid=t52xoq9esc7e ). The church streams the Worship Gathering every Sunday at 10:30. Besides studying and teaching God’s word, he is raising three beautiful children with the love of his life, plays board games and RPGs, and is currently learning how to speak Klingon. If you’d like to reach out to talk Bible, talk faith, or talk about whether Kirk or Picard were the better captains (though, of course, each were necessary in their own time), look Jacob Ballard up on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jacob.ballard.336) or email him at jakea.ballard@yahoo.com. 

God bless you all! 

Qapla’!

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On the Banks of Kebar Creek

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 40-42

POETRY: Psalm 133

NEW TESTAMENT: John 5:31-47

In today’s Ezekiel reading, we enter into Chapter 40 after a thirteen year gap of time since Ezekiel’s last vision described in the preceding chapters. A lot can happen in thirteen years.  For Ezekiel….well…he was still in exile and oppressed under Babylonian rule. Though he had grown up in a priestly family, before he could even serve as priest, he was hauled out of Jerusalem in the first siege, and mentions being on the shores of the Kebar River when he receives his prophetic visions. In addition to Judah remaining in captivity in the hands of the Babylonians, by now the old temple in Jerusalem (you know, the super fancy and detailed one from Solomon’s era?) has been crumbled as well.

I can imagine how I might feel hearing my church building or house had been destroyed and taken over. But, it is hard for me to even imagine how it would feel to deal with all that Ezekiel and Judah were dealing with at this time….being in captivity in a foreign land, laden with guilt knowing that exile was related to their people’s own sinful choices, surrounded by those not worshiping the same God, and then hearing that their beautiful temple……that really big important place the LORD had told them in precise detail how to build and what to do in it……it was….gone.  Destroyed.

Ezekiel tells us he sat among exiled people along the Kebar River, and Psalm 137 (coming up soon, written by the exiles living in this area) describes how these people felt

“By the rivers in Babylon, we sat and wept, when we remembered Zion.”  (Psalm 137:1)

In those circumstances, I am confident I would long for something to look forward to and believe in, and that is what we are introduced to in these chapters.

Ezekiel’s vision in chapters 40-42 reference (again in amazing detail!) a new, future, restored temple. And while it is easy for a reader in the comforts of the modern western world, not in captivity, whose houses and churches are not physically crumbled, to find some of this reading a bit tedious perhaps. But, in the context of looking forward to something restored….something yet to come…..I find it a beautiful message of hope. Judah wasn’t in captivity forever. The Messiah finally did come. And he will come again. They were promised. We are promised.

The temple described in these chapters has not yet appeared, and there are all sorts of thoughts on this prophetic vision and how it is fulfilled. To me, it sounds like there will be quite a majestic temple when Jesus returns!

Until that day when we will live in true restoration, we will have seasons like those on the banks of the Kebar. Sometimes as a result of our own accord like Judah and Israel experienced. And sometimes just because we live in…. Babylon. But, we have a God who has not left us and will not leave us in exile.

“. . .be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (Hebrews 13:5)

-Jennifer Hall

Questions:

  1. What connections can you make between today’s readings?
  2.  What encouragement does God’s word provide for the days you find yourself feeling like the exiles along the shores of the Kebar?
  3. Imagine your church building or house being completely destroyed. Now imagine it being completely restored, and way better then it was before. Think about what is coming!
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John Introduces Jesus

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 21 & 22

POETRY: Psalm 123

NEW TESTAMENT: John 1:19-34

Last week in the United States we had our election for President.   For months people campaigned on behalf of the candidates.  There were debates, speeches, and interviews.

2000 years ago in Israel, there were questions surrounding potential leaders.  One man who had developed a large following drew interest in from the leaders who sent religious leaders to question who he was.  He made it clear who he was not.

John 1:19-34

19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.”

22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

John Testifies About Jesus

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

John made clear that he was not the one, he was not the Messiah, the King.  John made it clear that Jesus was the true King.  God himself declared that Jesus was revealed to be the savior of the world.  Jesus was God’s chosen.  He was God’s sacrificial lamb who would take away the sins of the world.

John was a man of great humility.  He did not pursue power and glory.  His call was to witness the truth about God’s true savior.

Presidents come and go, but Jesus is the true Messiah and Savior.  Just as John in all humility pointed people to Jesus, let us all point to Jesus as our savior and king.

Pastor Jeff Fletcher 

Reflection Questions

  1. What characteristics of John do you admire? What makes a good Christian leader?
  2. What evidence did John have that Jesus was God’s Chosen One – God’s Messiah?
  3. Like John, how can you prepare people to meet Jesus? How can you introduce Jesus to your friends/co-workers/neighbors?
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At the LORD’s Right Hand

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 57 & 58

POETRY: Psalm 110

NEW TESTAMENT: James 5

Isaiah 58:6-7 (LEB):

“Is this not the fast I choose: to release the bonds of injustice,

to untie the ropes of the yoke,

and to let the oppressed go free,

and tear every yoke to pieces?

Is it not to break your bread for the hungry?

You must bring home the poor, the homeless.

When you see the naked, you must cover him,

and you must not hide yourself from your relatives.”

Psalm 110:1-2 (LEB):

“Yahweh declares to my lord,

‘Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies your footstool.’

Yahweh will send out your mighty scepter from Zion;

rule in the midst of your enemies.”

James 5:8-9 (LEB):

“You also be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is near. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing at the doors!”

Isaiah 57 highlights the wickedness of the people, contrasting their idolatrous practices with the righteousness God desires. The chapter serves as a warning against superficial worship and the danger of following our own desires. However, Isaiah 58 provides a blueprint for what true righteousness looks like. God calls His people to a life of justice, mercy, and compassion—acts of righteousness that reflect His heart.

The fast that God desires is not one of mere ritual, but one of active love and justice. Releasing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and clothing the naked are the tangible expressions of worship that please God. These acts of mercy demonstrate a heart aligned with God’s purposes, as opposed to empty religious practices that neglect the needs of others.

Psalm 110 speaks prophetically about the Messiah’s reign. It describes a vision of the Lord’s anointed seated at the right hand of God, with His enemies made a footstool beneath His feet. This psalm points to Jesus Christ as the exalted King and Priest, who rules with power and authority.

As we reflect on the reign of Christ, we are reminded that no matter what challenges or opposition we face, Jesus is given all authority, and his victory is assured. He rules in the midst of his enemies, and God’s people are called to trust in the ultimate triumph achieved through Christ. Psalm 110 provides a powerful reminder that Christ’s kingdom is both now and not yet—he reigns even as we wait for the fullness of his victory to be revealed.

James calls believers to patience as they await the coming of the Lord. He uses the example of the farmer who waits for the precious crop, trusting that the rains will come in their time. In the same way, we are to strengthen our hearts and remain steadfast in the face of trials, knowing that the Lord is near.

James also warns against grumbling and impatience with others, encouraging believers to live in unity and peace. The passage reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions and words, and that God, the righteous Judge, is always watching. We are called to endure suffering with patience, just as the prophets and Job did, trusting in God’s faithfulness through it all.

This week, let Isaiah 58 challenge you to live out true righteousness by pursuing justice and compassion. Trust in Christ’s sovereign reign as declared in Psalm 110, and ask God to strengthen your heart as you patiently endure trials, knowing that the Lord is near. Let your life reflect the love, unity, and hope that comes from living in light of his victory and imminent return.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

How can you actively live out the righteousness described in Isaiah 58 in your daily life?

In what areas of your life do you need to trust in Christ’s reign, knowing that he is seated at the right hand of God with all authority?

How can you strengthen your heart in times of trial, and what does it mean for you to patiently endure as James encourages?

Are there relationships or situations where you are tempted to grumble or grow impatient? How can you bring those before God and seek His peace and patience?

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