SOAP 12/27/2014; Revelation 1:8

Today's reading: Revelation 1, 2, 3, 4

 S) "⁸ 'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.'"

Revelation 1:8 (NASB)

O) Before going into the details of the vision to come, Jesus establishes His sovereignty with this verse. He is everlasting and eternal. He is both the Beginning and the End. He doesn't qualify those statements, because He is completely those things. He is in all three phases of time (as we know them); He is present, past, and future. It also seems purposeful, that the time-tenses were listed in this order. It often seems that this is the same order that God wants us to think of time. He is first concerned with our present - do what He is saying to do. Now. Then, we are quite often instructed to remember our past - especially regarding the LORD. It seems that the future is often the last thing we are supposed to consider. Lastly, it cannot be missed that He is establishing that He is the Almighty, was the Almighty, and will be the Almighty.

A) The principle application is reverence for God. I also should draw comfort from knowing that He stands apart from time passing, or through all time passing. He is aware of every part of time, knowing it all fully. And I need to trust that He is almighty, throughout all time. He is almighty in my current circumstances. He is almighty over my past mistakes and failures. He is almighty over my unseen (to me) future.

P) LORD, You are the Alpha and Omega. You are the One who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty over all of time. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty. Open my eyes and ears, that I might rightly fear Your power and presence. Thank You for the grace that is to know You, and to have relationship with You, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for revealing Your character, through the Bible, Your holy words. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/26/2014; Psalm 117:1-2

Today's reading: Psalm 117, 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1

S) "¹ Praise the Lord, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
² For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!"

Psalm 117:1-2 (NASB)

O) This is the shortest chapter in the entire Bible. It is a call to praise so perfect, so simple, that it really just doesn't need any additional words. The word "truth" there can also be translated as "faithfulness" and it sets the tone for this call. We don't praise the LORD out of obligation, but out of celebration! He is faithful and true to us, and His lovingkindness is great toward us, so we praise Him! Also, note that the writer of this Psalm is not simply calling to praise the people of God - Israel. In the prophetic spirit of Christmas, this Psalm declares that the LORD is great to all nations, all people. It is because all nations and people are blessed through Abraham, in Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Savior of the world. This Psalm was written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, but our LORD is eternally good to us. He was good to us before Jesus was born to Mary, because it was always part of God's redemption plan..

A) My first response is to praise Him! My second response is to repeat this Psalm, and call people to praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples! I will spread the gospel, and tell anyone who will listen, about His lovingkindness toward us - all of us - and His true and everlasting faithfulness.

P) Father, thank You for revealing Your character to us. Thank You for Your lovingkindness and faithfulness and truth. Open their eyes to see and ears to hear, and put Your words into my mouth. Help me to manifest the bold spirit, which You have graciously put within me. Open my mouth to praise You, LORD. Let Your will be done with all men. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/25/2015; 1 John 2:17

Today's reading: 1 John 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

S) "¹⁷ The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever."

1 John 2:17 (NASB)

O) The preceding two verses carry strong warnings not to love the world. To clarify the language of the "world," it can refer to both the collective people who are not of God, and also the planet. In this sense, John is reminding the disciples of Jesus, that our focus, intentions, and values, should not be on anything of the world (people). That is to say, our pursuits should not be the same as theirs, because our motives to any actions should not be the same as theirs. In the verse above, we are reminded of the underlying principle at work, in the division between believers and non-believers, and what draws our interests. The things of the world, and the people themselves, are passing away. Disciples of Jesus know that there is an eternal agenda, beyond our lives in this world (planet).

A) My interests can be all over the place. I like videogames and reading fiction. I like board games and building forts. I like watching TV shows and talking about them. I like good food and Lego blocks. And I love Jesus. In a lot of ways, these interests feel at war with my love for my savior, because they are all fighting for my time. Like turns to love, when my actions give priority. That happens sometimes. The above verse draws a line in the sand, though. I cannot love the things of the world, because those things - and the reasons I love them - are passing away. I enjoy games and books because I like fighting, conquering, adventure, and victories. I enjoy building Lego things and forts because I like creating, searching, and accomplishing. I like TV and movies, and talking about them, because I like laughing, relating, and breaking things down (and arguing, admittedly). All of this can be beneficial to me and others. All of these things can be used for God's glory - and that is good. But also, all of these things can sabotage my attention from my Lord, and subvert His Kingdom through me. It really comes down to investment. If I am investing in something temporal, only in the here and now, then am I truly doing to will of God? That seems unlikely. If I am investing in something eternal (relationships, edification, God's glory, etc.), then I am more likely doing His will. The verse above reminds me of an easy test to use - check to see if this is a dead-end-investment of my time.

P) Father, doing Your will is a joy. It brings fruit to my life, with joy, peace, and hope. Doing Your will is not always fun. Father God, I confess that too often, I am pursuing fun at the expense of life. Open my eyes to see when my actions are investing my time into something that is passing away regardless. Help me to identify when I am using the things of this world, for You, to further Your kingdom, and when the enemy is using the things of this world, against me, to further his. I don't want to play the fool. I don't want to lose focus. I know that You will use my passions, interests, and abilities to further Your kingdom, so remind me that there is plenty of fun to be had there. In the end, God, I don't want to chase the lusts of the world, reducing my pursuits to hedonistic, instinctual actions. I want to be purposeful - in Your purpose. Let Your will prevail in my life, daily, by the actions I take to fulfill that will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/24/2014; John 19:19-22

Today's reading: John 19, 20, 21

S) "¹⁹ Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, 'JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.' ²⁰ Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. ²¹ So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, 'Do not write, "The King of the Jews"; but that He said, "I am King of the Jews."' ²² Pilate answered, 'What I have written I have written.'"

John 19:19-22 (NASB)

O) It was common for the crime of the crucified to be posted on the cross. It was also common for the Roman officials to write it in the most popular languages of the region. In this case, Jesus was crucified just outside of Jerusalem, so the three most common languages were Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. This way, they were assured that almost everyone in the region could clearly see why the person was crucified. In this case, the exact words that were written about Jesus were quite problematic for the chief priests of the Jews. By saying simply, "King of the Jews" there was not left any room for interpretation. So, all of the people who did believe - even those who were unsure - now had this billboard to make them sure. This was affirming that Jesus was who He said He was, and that He was indeed fulfilling the Messianic prophecies. If the chief priests had been able to change the words, to say something like, "Claimed to be the King of the Jews," then they can convince the public that Jesus was an imposter, that He was delusional about Himself.

A) Semantics matter, they absolutely do. Sometimes, arguments about specific words just become divisive quarrells. Sometimes, exact words mean the difference between life and death - even eternally. When people want to attack, they look for a weak link, or a chip in the armor, or a crack in the wall. When Pilate wrote those words, there was nowhere for the opposers to attack. When I speak about my Lord, I need to be just as absolute. Wherever I can afford to be, I need to be clear, absolute, forthright. In this way, it leaves no room for doubt about where I stand - directly with my Lord, Jesus Christ. I can't let myself be sucked into silly debates, but I should absolutely stand my ground with the convictions of my faith, and the words I use to express that.

P) Father, You are an exact God. You are not a God of confusion or chaos. There are still things, and there will always be things, that I do not fully know about my own faith. I believe things by grace, and You prove Yourself faithful. But, of the things that I am certain, give me the boldness to speak them plainly. Remove vague terms from my mouth, and let me speak the convictions of my faith clearly and unmistakeably. Give me the wisdom to speak the truth in love, determined to keep peace, but never comprimising semantics that would leave room for debate (at least about my own position, faith, convictions, words, and actions). Even if I speak something without thinking about the political or social ramifications, if it is pure truth, give me the bravery to stand by those words. Let Your will be done, above all else, even if that means I suffer for the truth I proclaim. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/23/2014; John 15:5

Today's reading: John 15, 16, 17, 18

S) "⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."

John 15:5 (NASB)

O) Jesus is giving His disciples late-term admonitions. This verse is the recap of a longer parable, where Jesus calls Himself the vine, and His disciples the branches from Him. He promises to His disciples, that as long as they are firmly in Him, just as a branch that is fully part of a vine, they will bear fruit - much fruit. But, rather abruptly, Jesus brings everything down, breaking from the parabolic terms, to warn His disciples that they will not be able to do anything apart from Him. He wanted to be clear on that point, with no uncertain terms.

A) There is some room for interpretation, as long as Jesus is speaking in parables. Often times, it becomes very clear. Either He clarified later to His disciples, or it becomes fairly evident through context. But, this verse really struck me, when Jesus broke off the parable (which dealt with the promise), in order to give the clear and unmistakable warning. Apart from Him, I can do nothing. I cannot walk in righteousness without Him. I cannot be a godly, or good husband. I cannot parent without Him. Often times, though, I catch myself trying. I find myself having tried to make things work on my own strength, my own wisdom, my own will. It's not a mindful rebellion, but that doesn't actually matter. The real issue, is that I take my eyes off of my savior. If I keep Him in focus, then I will, as a natural progression, do everything I do as an extension of my relationship with Him. It's not that I am trying to add more Jesus to my marriage, work, etc. It's that I am starting my day - and every moment throughout my day - with my relationship to Jesus. Starting from that point, just Him and me, I will be able to bear much fruit in every area of my life.

P) Father, too often I am trying to make things work. I try to make righteousness and self-control work. I try to make things in my marriage work. I try to make my parenting work. I try to make... work... I try to make... I try... Father God, I cannot make anything work. I confess that I have been too prideful about my approach to things. I haven't been consciously excluding You, and I've been mistakenly thinking that it's the same as including You. Remind me that, if I am not fully including You, then I am expelling You. If I am not fully abiding in Jesus, then I am fully abiding apart from Him. Open my eyes to see all of the areas, in my life and in my heart, that I have been trying to work without You. Help me start my days within You, LORD, and then move throughout my day with You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/22/2014; John 12:27-28

Today's reading: John 12, 13, 14

S) "^27 'Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, "Father, save Me from this hour"? But for this purpose I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name.' Then a voice came out of heaven: 'I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.'"

John 12:27:28 (NASB)

O) Jesus, close to His betrayal and death, is now getting a little uneasy in His humanity. His Spirit is at war with His flesh. His body resists death, but His Spirit knows He must obey. He is still several hours away from His arrest, at this point, and already He is aware of the conflict within Him. It will indeed get harder for Him (which we see in His prayers at Gethsemane), but early on, He openly confesses this struggle, and is affirmed by the Father's response to Him.

A) This is the perfect example of how I am to respond to difficult times - especially as it pertains to my obedience to what God is calling me to do. God has a purpose for everything He does. He had a purpose when He created me. He had a purpose when He redeemed me. It is not up to me to determine that purpose, it is up to me to obey. When obedience is hard (and I refrain from using a word like, "feels" hard, because sometimes it actually is hard), then I must put my mind back on my ultimate purpose: to glorify His name. When I do that, it draws my mind into the focus where it should be, so that I can obey on purpose.

P) Father, You are worth it all. I want to glorify Your name. Help me to keep this in my central focus. Every act of obedience, every personal sacrifice, every devoted moment, should all be with the ultimate purpose of glorifying Your name. Help me to keep my priorities straight, so I am not getting things twisted, Father. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/21/2014; John 11:32-35

Today's reading: John 9, 10, 11

S) "³² Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.' ³³ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, ³⁴ and said, 'Where have you laid him?' They *said to Him, 'Lord, come and see.' ³⁵ Jesus wept."

John 11:32:35 (NASB)

O) With this story, we see a stunning display of the humanity of Jesus. First we must remember that Jesus is completely obedient to the Father (e.g., see John 5:19-20). So, back to vv.4-6, when Jesus told Mary and her sister Martha, that the sickness of their brother Lazarus would not end in death, and then He stayed away another two days, that was all according to the will of our Father God. Then, in vv.11-15, we see the foreshadowing - even warning - Mary's words above are given affirmation, because Jesus foretells of the death of His friend. Then, when Martha first comes to meet Jesus on the way, He even tells her plainly, in v.23, that Lazarus will be raised from the dead - all of these things were revealed to Jesus ahead of time. But then, when Jesus gets close to the town and Mary comes running to Him, she is overcome with grief. She rightly says that Jesus could have prevented this death, and I believe that may have been what stung Jesus the most - because He knew she was right. He also knew, however, that this pain was necessary, because it was part of the will of the Father. Again, when we go back and read vv.14-15, it's clear that God had a plan for this story to unfold exactly as it did, and that plan was perfect in its formation, and now, in its execution. But, that plan was still confusing to those who did not yet see the whole thing clearly; difficult and painful - even to those who did see the plan clearly.

A) This is not a new story to me, and I must have read this more recently, but this morning I was immediately reminded of my own experience when my mother got sick and passed away in 2013. In December of 2012, it had become pretty clear to me that she was going to die within a few months, but I was still scared to acknowledge it. In a lot of prayer and devotion time, God was clearly preparing my heart, but I still had an idea that it was going to be hard - and it was. In those times, I received a lot of consolation from my wife, blessed gift to me that she is, and a lot of comfort from Jesus. I think the real crux of the above passage, comes from Jesus' witness of the pain of His friends. He knew that their grief was part of the Father's plan, and that it would glorify God and be a witness to His own divinity as the Christ, but He still didn't like seeing His brothers and sisters hurt. This is not at all unlike when my oldest daughter was aware of her brother getting a spanking. She was only 5 or 6, and she knew in her head that discipline would help her brother, but it was very hard for her to process the pain involved. Jesus sees the grief on earth, He knows the pain I experience here, He knows it will glorify the Father, but it's still painful to Him. This passage is an eternal reminder that we are not alone in our grief. No matter what other comfort we might receive on earth, it is secondary to the relating that Jesus does with us. He knows our pain better than anyone - in His perfect knowledge of us and also His own earthly experiences. It is a tremendous encouragement to know two things. First, that the grief I experience can still be part of God's perfect plan. Second, that in my pain, Jesus grieves with me.

P) Father, I confess that Your plans are perfect, even in the pain they might bring. You have already proven to be trustworthy, faithful, and true - in my own life. The Comforter has been very real to me, especially through some of the saddest times in my life. I don't know what other difficulties might come my way, but I know that You will still see me through them. I ask that You open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, that Your plan may be revealed to me. I want to walk in perfect obedience, in the knowledge that Your plans are perfectly formed and executed, even in my grief. Let Your will continue to prevail in my life, on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.