Christmas 3. 27 December 2013

image by Billy Alexander

by Jason Lowe

Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son who came from the seed of David according to the flesh, who was appointed the Son of God onto power, according to the Spirit of holiness, because of the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom we received grace and apostleship onto obedience of faith among all the nations, for His name's sake, among whom are you also called-out ones of Jesus Christ; to all those who are in Rome, beloved of God, called-out saints:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:1-7

It was another cool morning for the new king of Israel, and the pinnacle of his career. He had his enemies underfoot, riches in his right hand and the nation's loyalty in his left. After pouncing out of bed he slid into a garment and called for the prophet. "Nathan, I'm so happy. The Lord has done everything for our country and me. I want to show my gratitude, and to show the whole world how good He is. I want to build a temple for the Lord." After hearing from YHWH, the crusty prophet replied, "You cannot build the Lord a temple". David's face sulked down as the words poured out, then Nathan continued, "but he will build you a kingdom. He swears to you that he will raise one of your descendents to be a king over Israel. Forever"

This story is from 2 Samuel 7 where the infamous Davidic Covenant is promised by the Lord. Yet this promise is not an isolated event. It began long ago in Eden when the Lord gave a rather fuzzy promise that Eve's seed would crush the head of the serpent's (Gen 3); then again, with slightly more clarity, He promised Abraham, "in your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen 22). As history unraveled it was clear this Seed from God would be a King after the lineage of David, a "Son of God" (Psalm 2), and even a "Son of Man" (Daniel 7), along with other confusing details slowly teased out as God sprinkled more clues in the Psalms and prophets. The picture was still blurry, with double vision and blaring static. No one really knew what to expect. Then YHWH himself tore through the fabric of space and time through the portal of a young virgin. Suddenly the picture is much clearer.

In this text, one of Paul's exciting points is that what has been promised since the dawn of the fall has finally been revealed. "The Son of God by the seed of David has been born to us!" At the very least this would have been a trumpet blast in Israel that God has proven his faithfulness by fulfilling a long-awaited promise. The promise is the power and Kingdom of God, beginning with the new creation-kingdom material of Jesus' resurrected body (vs. 4)...the center of this month's devotionals.

This is a promise that demands, as well as cultivates, obedience, since from the King we receive "grace and apostleship," which results in "obedience of faith among all the nations" (vs. 5). The promise of the gospel cultivates obedience because it reveals the beauty of God's faithfulness. When a God who keeps his promises is revealed, all who have eyes to see are wooed to rest in his faithfulness, freeing them to a high calling of obedient love. As you think of the story of redemption, take note of how often, how brightly, the Author speaks of His faithfulness.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

How does the knowledge of God's faithfulness keep us from meeting our needs by impatient, sinful methods? What tends to be the result (obedience/love) in how we relate, and react, to situations and people when we're not resting in God's faithfulness?

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Oh Lord, your apostles so often wrote of our privilege of standing on the highest known revelation, and seeing more of your trustworthiness than even the prophets. Soak our minds with the sounds and sights of your faithfulness. Lead us to loosen our stiff, anxious grip and fall back with our eyes closed, trusting in the cushion of your goodness. Set us free from the slavery of control so that we can be free to love one another---your call of obedience. For the sake of your trustworthy name being revealed through your people, amen.

Christmas 2. 26 December 2013

image by Kuba Rola

by Pastor Eric Thompson

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."

Galatians 4:4-7, ESV

Abba! Father!

I was blessed as a kid with a good Dad. He worked hard. He loved my Mom. He loved us kids. He loved Jesus. Still does. All of the above! I'm keenly aware there are many who didn't have this blessing and it causes me to value it so much more.

It was also true, however, that I was always a little afraid of him. He was a big guy, in fact, I never did get to be as tall as him. I am the oldest of 2 boys and a girl---five years older than my brother and 12 years older than my sister. I think he mellowed a little with my younger siblings, but I bore the brunt of his disciplinary intensity in my (and his) younger years.

I'm not exactly sure when the transition took place. It happened, though. There came a time when my relationship with my Dad went from being one between an adult and a child to being one where we could talk without a barrier of distance or discipline. He's always had wisdom to share but I was no longer a child in need of rules. The things he had instilled in me had come to maturity. We could simply enjoy spending time together.

In terms of humanity's relationship with the Creator, we know precisely when the transition took place. When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son. He came to bring us from a place of being under Law---under rule, under discipline---to being adopted as sons and daughters.

This is just the beginning. Being his children, God sent his Spirit into our hearts, thus turning our hearts toward him and allowing us to grow to maturity---able to inherit, possess, and enjoy the full blessings He intends for us. His Spirit comes complete with the incredible, inseparable love that the Father, Son, and Spirit eternally enjoy. Because the Spirit is in us, we have a relationship with God they of the old covenant could never have imagined.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

A couple days ago Kaysi reminded us of the contrast between keeping lists of behavioral rules as opposed to learning and simply walking in the way of Christ. Do you live in constant fear of violating God's rules or do you enjoy a relationship with him? What is the difference between being under the Law and being in constant fellowship with the Spirit? How does this change things?

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Abba! Father! As we come to the day after the celebration of the incarnation of your Son we are reminded that there is a whole new life and eternity that comes from this gift! We want to enjoy the blessings of love and connection for which you have made us, redeemed us, and are restoring us. Thank you for what you continue to do through the presence of your Spirit to bring us to the fullness of joy and freedom that comes from knowing you!

Christmas 1. 25 December 2013

By Eric Thompson

“I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:1–5, ESV)

Don’t forget what Christmas is all about!

I grew up with the same two narratives that most kids of my generation had in relation to Christmas. One involved the modern adaptation of the legend of St Nicholas of Myra, more popularly known in our culture as Santa Claus. I doubt that the real St Nicholas owned a sleigh or reindeer in 4th Century Turkey but I knew I could look forward to his magical appearance at my house (which had no chimney) every 25th of December.

The other narrative involved the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. In Sunday School we learned about how Mary and Joseph had traveled to Bethlehem, finding no room in the inn. We heard stories about mangers and swaddling clothes. My grandfather would read the “Christmas story” from Luke 2 year after year before we were allowed to tear into our gifts.

Of course, being from a good Christian family, I was often admonished to remember what Christmas is all about. It turns out this is good advice. I’m just not sure if simply lowering or replacing the Santa Claus narrative with the manger narrative quite captures the real reason why Christmas is worth the plays, pageants, parties, and presents that accompany the season.

The coming of God into the world as a human being changes everything. The entire Old Testament is filled with man’s failure. Sin is an ugly thing. It seems that sin nearly always won and often with horrific consequences. But God had set out to bring man back to what he was meant to be. So he made a covenant. With God’s own word as a guarantee it was as good as done, but it wasn’t reality yet. Those under the law were still enslaved by sin.

Yet, it wasn’t God’s plan to have a collection of slaves. We weren’t supposed to be children forever. He sent his own Son into the world as a human so that humans could be his sons and daughters. We have been adopted into his family. We are co-heirs with Jesus. The presence of the Spirit means that we are free and we can grow to maturity as sons and daughters of God.

It will take all of eternity to understand fully what Christmas is all about. We can’t fully grasp all that is different, all that is ours, because God entered the world in order to come for us.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

What was life like for you before you met Jesus? How are you affected personally by the fact that he came?

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Our God, we call you Father because it was your plan to have an entire race of sons and daughters. We are yours and have a relationship with you because of what you have done to make it so—even overcoming our own sin and rebellion by your love and mercy. On this day we have peace because of what is ours in Christ. We are also reminded of so many who do not know this peace--who have not recognized your love or been introduced to your mercy and grace. We thank you and praise you and offer our lives to you so that others might know the incredible things you have done for them as well.

Advent 4:3. 24 December 2013

image from HD Wallpapers Arena

by Kaysi Hastings

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test." And he said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah---the king of Assyria."

Isaiah 7:10-17

Perhaps we, like King Ahaz, are guilty at times of attempting to be holier than God.

As Pastor Eric pointed out in Sunday's message, King Ahaz had, prior to this meeting with Isaiah, been guilty of seeking the help of pagan gods instead of trusting in the God of Israel as King David had done. In this passage, Yahweh Himself assures Ahaz that his current fears will not come to pass and even offers Ahaz the opportunity to ask Him for a sign. Rather than taking Yahweh up on His offer, Ahaz essentially tells Him, "No thanks," piously quoting a line from Deuteronomy that warns against testing the Lord.

Sometimes we point to specific passages of Scripture in an attempt to defend our positions. Perhaps, for instance, a particular set of verses seems to justify our dissociating from certain people. Yet the life of Jesus is marked by (and much of the criticism directed at Him came as a result of) His willingness to befriend sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, and the like...the very sorts of people those aforementioned verses seem to indicate we should avoid. Suppose, though, we are making the same mistake as King Ahaz, misusing segments of Scripture as grounds to perpetuate a stubborn desire to appear as though we have our acts together while missing the real point. Maybe we don't even realize we are doing so.

Love is spoken of extensively in the New Testament, and Christ's followers in the early church are consistently called to it, yet we sometimes make the assumption as we read Scripture that descriptions of the sorts of unrighteous behavior we are to avoid are grounds on which to abandon our call to extend love to certain others. But God Himself did not shy away from the sort of messy context we often try to steer clear of, choosing to have His own Son enter this world by way of an unmarried woman's womb. Oh, the scandal! Our Savior entered into the chaos of our sin and brokenness under circumstances that would raise eyebrows. So, too, He calls us to live in ways that we might be inclined to question - loving our enemies, praying for those who persecute us, and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39-44).

Christ's life and teachings often seemed heretical to the religious leaders who misused Scripture in order to maintain their sense of power, but He was showing them the bigger picture of what it meant to be the people of God. Sometimes, like King Ahaz or like these religious leaders, we, too, allow minute details to distract us from seeing the bigger picture. But just as Ahaz's short-sightedness didn't stop God from giving His people a sign, neither does ours hinder Him from accomplishing His purposes in this world. We may choose to cooperate or we may stubbornly refuse, but God will follow through with His intent to reconcile people to Himself. And this is the good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10).

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

Are there teachings of Jesus that bother you? (Matthew 5 might provide some food for thought as you answer this question.) Can you think of Scriptures elsewhere in the Bible that might seem to contradict some of His teachings? If Jesus came to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17), do you think it's possible that we could learn more about how God wanted His people to live by studying the life of Christ than by memorizing specific lists of behaviors in which to engage or from which to refrain?

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Jesus, thank You for not being afraid to enter into our world in ways that challenge our logic. It is almost unfathomable that You would come not as a King demanding our allegiance but as a helpless baby, born to parents whose situation was surely frowned upon, only to serve humbly and to eventually be rejected and wrongfully murdered. Your entire life was marked by love, grace, humility, and forgiveness. Help us not to depend on our own understanding of Scripture as we walk through this life but to acknowledge You, the author and perfecter of our faith, in everything, following in Your footsteps as we go about our days seeking to bring glory to the Father. We love You.

Advent 4:2. 23 December 2013

image by kslyesmith

by Jason Lowe

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah

Psalm 24:1-10

I looked up and saw the thick expanse of clouds split with a trembling crack across the ceiling of the sky, then rush apart like heaven's curtains. All the nations, rulers and peoples looked up and stared in horror at what was like an enormous sun at noonday in the form of a man. He was wearing a crown that shone with lightning, and he sat on a king's horse, sparkling white and decorated for war. His name is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. He has finally come to stomp his enemies in the winepress of the wrath of God, and to reign over his creation forever.

The latter half of Psalm 24 describes the gates of Israel looking up in expectation to the king who will finally reign in peace and shepherd with justice. He is YHWH, strong and mighty in battle. In that day all the enemies of righteousness and goodness---Satan, sin, and death---will be destroyed and cast forever outside of his kingdom. In that day the Son of Man will sit in the place of every king, prince, and potentate to reveal, for the first time ever, the awful beauty of his design for global domination. It will be the healing of the nations on to unblemished restoration in all things. Righteousness.

Whose hope is this? Or as verse three puts it, "Who will go up to the hill of the LORD?" He who has clean hands and a pure heart. "But I'm filled with sin!" our living conscience screams at us, possibly leading us to the conclusion (or at least a sneaking suspicion) that we will be among those tossed outside the bounty of God's goodness into that burning valley below. To look carefully will reveal that these words are not commands, but descriptions. It doesn't exactly say to do these things. It says those who have this hope will do these things, making them more like exhortations. It's similar to saying, "You're no longer a slave to sin, so don't live like a slave to sin." The Scriptures speak this way all the time. So those who have a seed of purity and holiness in them (via the Holy Spirit, by Messiah's sacrifice) are those who have the hope of enjoying the holy kingdom to come. All who are serving the king today will reign with him tomorrow, and they will be among the masses of the Messianic army when He comes in the clouds with power and great glory.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

What attitudes, habits and reactions will you be most pleased to be eradicated of when Christ reigns? What about you will be the same that you can be pleased with now? Consider the same questions concerning society as a whole, and all creation.

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Oh Father, we know there is so much good in the world, and so many blessings in our lives, but it is hard for us not to be weighed down by the sin and corruption that permeates it all. Help us to be thankful for every expression of your goodness to us. When we are confronted with the sins, failures, brokenness, and sufferings of ourselves and others, help us to keep in mind the magnitude of glory that will one day be a present reality in your Kingdom. Help us to be exhorted by this text to be pure in our devotion to Christ.

Advent 4:1. 22 December 2013

image by dimitri_c

by Jason Lowe

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah

Psalm 24:1-10

Every so often a passerby crosses the wrong slice of land and is arrested, charged and fined for trespassing. It seems silly to sit in a cell because you forgot to give heed to the sign: "TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED." Ownership is one of the few characteristics shared by humans, animals, and God alike. Coyotes mark their territory; men fence their property; and God rules his universe.

This Psalm contains a foundational truth: the universe is private property, owned by YHWH. Why can he alone claim to be the Landlord? Because "He founded it" (vs. 2). Everything that is, and will be, was once only in his eternal mind. Then "God created the heavens and the earth." When the world he imagined from eternity past was met with divine will and omnipotent power, existence materialized; therefore, all things belong to him. From the stars and galaxies spiraling above, to the trillions of cells that make up our frail bodies---we are all the personal property of the Invisible God.

To truly own something means the owner can do whatever they wish with what they possess. So what is the purpose of the cosmos? The Owner of heaven and earth desires to build an eternal empire for the "King of Glory" (vs. 10). In fact it has already begun, inaugurated by the King and his predecessor. Out of their mouths was heralded "the gospel of the Kingdom of God" (Mk.1:14). The hope of Israel in this Psalm, and the good news for all the world, is the fulfillment of YHWH's kingdom on earth.

What about us? Why are our lungs pumping in air? Why are our hearts blasting life throughout our bodies? It is not for our will or our plans---our Crafter has his mind set on building a kingdom. Look at verses 3-6. This kingdom, called here "the Mountain of the LORD," a "holy place," is not just a place we dream of arriving at; it is a reality we live out with our hands and our hearts - indeed, with all our life. We don't get to merely hope in the kingdom, we get to become a brick in the palace; we aren't merely watching this drama unfold, we're invited to step on the stage and play out our unique roles. The Kingdom of the Messiah is God's promise, and our duty. It's the supreme reason why we're currently occupying the land of the living.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

How might the knowledge that everything is the personal property of King Jesus affect how you use things? Consider your eyes, hands, intellect, time, people, money, and myriads of other genres of valuables you are entrusted with.

We are each made for a kingdom function, but we're all in different phases of development. Some are still a cold slab of clay, freshly awakened by formation; others are being forged in the glowing flames of tribulations and inner agonies; some are sharpened, and we marvel at the King's use of them---but all are destined to fulfill their purpose, to live out the good works their King planned for them to walk in (Eph 2). Where do you see yourself in the King's building project? What special gifts are you entrusted with, and how can you maximize their potential?

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

To the Father of our King and Savior, Jesus: make his kingdom come. Make his rightness and goodness fill up more and more in our hearts, overflowing into our families and friends, spilling onto the streets of Reno, eventually to drown the entire world. Forgive us for misusing what is yours, masquerading around like we are king and everyone else our subjects. Forgive also us for worshiping competing kings. Give us the sight to bow our wills and our lives down to you alone, to have clean hands and a pure heart to seek your face.

Advent 3:7. 21 December 2013

image by cristiano galbiati

by Pastor Eric Thompson

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,

"'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 11:7-15, ESV

Doubt. Reprised.

Jesus might be expected to rebuke John the Baptist for his expression of doubt. It is indeed a truism of derogatory criticism that it nearly always comes from the detached. Those in yesterday's post who attacked the author who had the audacity to acknowledge his struggles did so from a high holy place of puffed up self-righteousness. Jesus forever abandoned this kind of detachment with the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He is so close to our struggles, whatever they might be, that he knows our griefs and carries our sorrows. He is not untouched by the "feelings of our infirmities."

He didn't rebuke John, in fact, he affirmed him in case anyone present thought they might smear John's name for his weakness. He doesn't rebuke Mary who can't bring herself to understand why he let her brother Lazarus die. He doesn't rebuke Thomas for demanding to touch the wounds before he'll believe in his resurrection (we do that, forever branding him "Doubting Thomas").

Long waiting, unfulfilled hopes, trials, and adversity can cause us to question what we once believed. Sometimes this is helpful--we may have believed something untrue, like the idea that God is obligated to fulfill all of our longings. At other times the Enemy may seize upon an opportunity to whisper doubt into our hearts. When this happens, let us do as John did, having faith enough to direct our questions to the object of our hope. Let him speak to our doubts. He is not afraid of our questions. When we hear of someone struggling with doubt let us respond as Jesus did--by drawing near to love rather than away to launch an attack.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

Do you feel like you can be honest with God? Has long waiting or hardship caused you to wonder whether his promises are really coming to reality? Take your voice or your pen & journal and tell him about it. It's not like he doesn't already know!

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Lord God, there is nothing about us you do not know, including the fact that we don't experience 1000 years as one day like you do. Time here moves slowly for those who wait. Our minds don't see all as does yours. We have an active enemy who sows seeds of doubt and discouragement. You are not ignorant of any of this, nor could you ever feel threatened by our questions. You are the rock where we find an anchor, shelter, security, and strength. We glorify you because you are God, high above the storm yet wearing our skin.