SOAP 09/12/2015; Psalm 81:15

Today's reading: Daniel 3, 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

S) "¹⁵ Those who hate the LORD would pretend obedience to Him,
And their time of punishment would be forever."

Psalm 81:15 (NASB)

O) This psalm begins with a call to worship, and then the author gives an account of words he heard the LORD speak. In vv.8-10, God reveals that His heart is for reconciliation. But, in vv.11-14, we see that the people refused to return to their God, so He gave them the fruit of their idolatry. That is the context of the verse above. Truly, people are either for God, or against Him, but from God's perspective, there is actual hatred in the hearts of people who only pretend obedience to the LORD. Idolatry is a sin, but over and over, we see God call Israel out, because they were worshiping idols and trying to worship Him. That is pretending obedience. We are left with the impression that God is even more offended with our idolatry, when we pretend our idols can coexist with worshiping Him.

A) Certainly, everyone sins. Authentic, born again, Christians sin. I sin. The real question is, am I pretending that my sins, the idols of my heart, can coexist while I profess worship to the LORD? If I am pretending that my sins are not sins, and my idols can coexist with the Almighty, then I am pretending obedience. I cannot expect anything less, than for that type of spiritual adultery to be punished.

P) Father, You are holy in All Your ways and in all Your commands. I don't want to pretend obedience, while I am trying to glorify You. I want to love You in obedience, not hate You in pretending. Purify my heart, my Lord. Clean out the rooms in my heart, where I have hidden idols. Examine me, judge me, overturn the tables where I have corrupted what You intended. Restore holiness where I have profaned. Judge me now, while I may still repent. Show me the sins of my heart, where I have been pretending obedience without even realizing it. Convict me by the Holy Spirit within me, and let me respond with contrition, humility, obedience, and love. Have Your way with me, Lord GOD. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/11/2015; Revelation 16:7

Today's reading: Daniel 1, 2; Revelation 16

S) " ⁷ And I heard the altar saying, 'Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.'"

Revelation 16:7 (NASB)

O) Recently, I have learned of an older view of Revelation, called amillennialism. Essentially, it teaches that the millennial reign of Christ, described in Revelation 20, is not literal, but that it describes the current church age. Along with this interpretation, there is a partial-preterist view of Revelation, that views most of the prophecies of the book as already fulfilled (notably, by the Jewish war in 70 AD, and the destruction of the temple. With those two views together, it would be believed that this entire chapter has quite possibly already come to pass (the seven plagues, the bowls of wrath). This would all be in contrast to most of what I have been taught (that the Great Tribulation, the beast, the antichrist, the plagues, and the millennial reign are all future events). Back to the verse at hand, it comes from the midst of the third bowl of wrath, when the rivers are turned to blood. An angel declares that the punishment fits the crime (vv.5-6), and the response from Heaven is in the verse above.

A) To be sure, my eschatology is not settled, in the least. But, it is of the utmost importance that, when I read through any parts of Revelation (which is prophetic, apocalyptic, symbolic, and mysterious), that I am really focusing on the indisputable truths that are there, because those will be the most applicable to me now, and in the future, however that future looks. No matter what the future holds, between now and the final judgment, I can rest assured that the LORD is true and righteous in His judgments. In all likelihood, I'll never see the days described in this chapter (whether they have already taken place, or I am dead before they come). Still, I will certainly be in the presence of the Almighty God, and He will judge. Therefore, on my judgment day, I have a feeling God will not be too concerned with my eschatology. No, I think it's a much more important thing to be settled, as to whether or not I live in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Whenever my day of judgment is, if I am found alive in Jesus Christ, then God's wrath for my sins will have been satisfied at the cross, because my Redeemer will have already paid the price. So, more important than resolving my views of the end-times, is that I resolve my views of the now-times. Right now, I must remain in Christ Jesus, walking in the Holy Spirit, living for His glory, and seeking to do His will.

P) Father, You are true and righteous in Your judgments. You are holy and pure. There are still, and probably will always be (at least while I am in my imperfect flesh) many things I do not understand. But I am thankful, that the most important things have already been revealed. So, do not let me become distracted in fruitless debate. It seems that my views on the end-times, and how to view the book of Revelation are much less important than simply being obedient to Jesus Christ. I wasn't redeemed so that I could debate eschatology. I was redeemed to love, heal, feed, share, and give witness to the gospel. Let me remain focused on my life in the here and now. Be glorified in my life, and let Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/10/2015; Lamentations 5:20

Today's reading: Lamentations 3, 4, 5; Revelation 15

S) "²⁰ Why do You forget us forever?
Why do You forsake us so long?"

Lamentations 5:20 (NASB)

O) This chapter concludes the book of Lamentations, and this verse is almost the end of the chapter. While Jeremiah had some very good reasons to lament the condition of his people, especially relative to their relationship with the LORD, this final chapter seems almost like an extended complaint. Reading the final paragraph (and this is the second of those final four verses), it almost seems as though Jeremiah has forgotten the words of the prophecies God had already given him. Particularly, that their exile would be limited to seventy years. I certainly understand how, in the midst of such heavy turmoil, it could feel like it's taking forever. It could seem as though their condition was unending. However, they were directly told, Jeremiah was directly told, that their exile would last exactly seventy years. I think, as we consider the perspective of this author, one reason for his position might be that he was looking beyond their exact, current circumstances. This condition of persecution, external rule over the people of Israel, was not at all a new condition to them. Reading through the book of Judges, we could almost apply this entire chapter to any one of those low points in their history, when they were oppressed by other people (excepting, possibly, Lamentations 5:6). Considering that Jeremiah knew, very much, that their exile to Babylon was finite, I think it is actually very likely, that this final chapter, and especially the final four verses, are speaking to a much bigger perspective than Nebuchadnezzar's empire. Really, more than anything else, I think that in this chapter, Jeremiah is looking for his Messiah (see Hebrews 11:13-16; 32-40). I think he was looking for an end to the cycle.

A) So much of this chapter talks about an economic plight. It is easy for me to relate to a lot of that, even in Christ. There is a significant difference, though. While I have financial struggles, and they can be wearisome, I also have an eternal perspective that Jeremiah lacked. When I read these rhetorical questions from the above verse, I actually have definitive answers for them, in Christ. God has not forgotten me at all, even in the midst of my earthly struggles. He does not forsake me, even while my struggles might persist. On the contrary, my struggles draw me closer to my King, making me rely on Him more fully. I am drawn to Him more often, when I realize my need for Him is great. My earthly struggles (financial hardship, for example), remind me of the eternal needs that I have for Him. In Christ Jesus, I have a permanent reconciliation to the Father, that no one can take from me. There is no oppressor that can rob me. There is no circumstance that can prevent me from reaching out to my Father God. As long as I have my faith in Christ, as long as I am residing in Him, then I have a hope that defies lamentations.

P) Father, the grace of the gospel humbles me beyond words, I think. As I sit and consider how I would respond, were I one of Jeremiah's contemporaries, I'm at a bit of a loss. When I think about my life, when I was trying to live independent of Your rule, it's not so hard to sympathize with Jeremiah. This, I think, is what it means to share the gospel. Remind me, Lord, that I don't have to know all of the answers, I just need to tell my story. That's all it means to spread the gospel, really. Give me courage and wisdom, to be bold when I share. Give me the right words, to sew seeds that will bear fruit to the glory of Your name. Open ears, open eyes, soften hearts, to hear and see and accept the gospel, Lord. Let it start in my own home, in my family. Let me be the most bold with them, God. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/09/2015; Lamentations 1:9

Today's reading: Lamentations 1, 2; Obadiah 1; Revelation 14

S) "⁹ Her uncleanness was in her skirts;
She did not consider her future.
Therefore she has fallen astonishingly;
She has no comforter.
'See, O Lord, my affliction,
For the enemy has magnified himself!'"

Lamentations 1:9 (NASB)

O) There is a stark contrast of the Lamentations, as a whole, when compared to the truth of the gospel of the New Covenant with the LORD, in Jesus Christ. When Jerusalem finally fell, Jeremiah was heartbroken. He was grieved because of the loss of their holy mountain, Zion, and what it meant to their ability to worship. He was grieved by the loss of the temple, and what it meant to their covenant with the LORD. He was grieved simply by the guilt of his people. In this verse, the prophet noted that the sins of the people were individual and secret ("in her skirts;"). The people would not listen to the words of God, and consciously disregarded their future. In the sense that God warned them repeatedly, over the course of centuries, there should have been nothing astonishing about their punishment. However, because they would not listen, the people were still astonished at their fall. Only then, did they finally cry out to God, as they considered that their enemies were against God's will, which was still a fundamental misunderstanding.

A) Quite a bit about this verse (and the book as a whole) don't really apply to my life. My life in the New Covenant, certainly, but also my life in my country. Certainly, God has blessed my country in the past, but we were never a theocratic kingdom. Jesus Christ is not in the constitution. So, if my country continues to move further and further from biblical Christianity, I do not grieve the same way Jeremiah did. Furthermore, Jesus made it clear that His Kingdom has no borders. He also made it clear, that true worship is not respective of location, but it is a matter of spirit and truth. Relative to the verse above, I also have the Comforter that my Lord has given me. So, this verse really serves as a reminder for me to keep focus on the words of Jesus, and to be thankful that the blessings I have in Him cannot be taken by any conqueror. Still, like the Judeans of Jeremiah's time, I must not hide my sins, but confess them. I must still listen to the words of God and consider my future, and repent. There is no enemy I ever need to fear, but instead must continue to fear the Lord my GOD, only. The Lamentations as a whole, and certainly this verse, remind me of where I could be, and where others are.

P) Father, I am so blessed by the grace You have given me, that I cannot even fully understand it. I know that I understand in part, but I also look forward to the day that I understand in full. In the meantime, Lord, I pray that I continue to seek to understand this grace more and more. In that understanding, let me respond with thanksgiving and obedience. My sins were hidden in my skirts, shamefully storing up judgment against myself. But, You rescued me. You opened my eyes, to see the future where my sins were leading. You opened my ears to hear Your call. You comforted me, healing me, by the Holy Spirit upon me, restoring me to You, my God. This beautiful goodness, the grace of the gospel, the mercy and hope and healing and peace, all through the mercy of the cross, this is the gospel I want to share. Let my life glorify You, Father God. Let Your will be done in my life, to reveal Your goodness to others. Let them see that there can be an end to their lamentations. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/08/2015; Jeremiah 44:19

Today's reading: Jeremiah 42, 43, 44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

S) "¹⁹ 'And,' said the women, 'when we were burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and were pouring out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands that we made for her sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out drink offerings to her?'"

Jeremiah 44:19 (NASB)

O) Without a doubt, the women were guilty of their own sins, but this verse is a sort of echo, or shadow, of man and woman in the first sin. There is an inherent weakness in men, to lead wives badly. Certainly, there are exceptional husbands, but as we saw with Adam and Eve, and we see echoed here, the issue of men failing to lead in righteousness is a problem of biblical proportions on a historic scale. In the verse above, these women were pointing out that their husbands were with them in their sinning. Now, in the context of this chapter, and the greater narrative of the exile, it seems likely that these women were looking for someone to share in their guilt so that their own punishment would be lessened. Or, at least, we can safely say that they were not bringing up this point because of their concern for God's statutes. To be sure, there is no blame-shifting with God. He is a perfect judge, and cannot be fooled. So, the inherent warnings of this verse are twofold. To the women: there will be no relenting on the basis of shared guilt. To the husbands: the failure is dual, because they also were idolatrous, and they also failed to lead.

A) Everybody being guilty, does not lesson my guilt by comparison. God does not grade on a curve. Furthermore, as the head of my wife, it is my duty and responsibility to lead her. Having said that, I know that I have a propensity to enable my wife toward undisciplined behavior. I use that term, "undisciplined" because I don't always think it's necessarily sinful behaviors, but perhaps missed opportunities for growth, or just foolish decisions. Still, in those moments, if I am convicted to step up, to lead her in disciplined behavior, and I ignore those convictions, then I am guilty of disobedience to the Holy Spirit, I think. So, maybe she asks if we can go buy something, when I know it's unwise based on our budget. I must have the confidence (in God's lead, in my wife's obedience, in my own responsibility) to make the wise decision. I have a hard time telling my wife "no," but she deserves a godly husband, not just a good husband. This topic isn't even new to my marriage, Kristin and I have talked about this in the past, but it continues to be an area of weakness. From buying cookies, to going to bed without praying together, to staying up too late… whatever it is, I must allow God to lead me, so I can lead her. The craziest thing is, I have such an honorable and obedient wife! This woman, my beloved, she followed me to Redding, CA. If I don't have confidence that she will follow my lead in our self-discipline (and I say "our self-" because we are one flesh), if I am not sure about her submission to my God-given authority, then I truly am a fool.

P) Father, You are holy and I desire to be holy. I desire for my marriage to be holy. Lead me, so that I can lead my wife. Let me follow the convictions You already put in my spirit. I need more discipline to walk in obedience, God. I need to be obedient to Your Word, and I need to obey when You are promoting me to step up to my responsibilities in leading my wife. I love my wife with unbridled passion, but I also need to love her with self-control. Take away my laziness, and my procrastination, and my arrogance, and my idolatry, Forgive me for these sins, Lord. In my repentance, help me forge new habits, new disciplines, a new normal. Be glorified in my marriage, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/07/2015; 2 Chronicles 36:20-21

Today's reading: 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40, 41; Revelation 12

S) "²⁰ Those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, ²¹ to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete."

2 Chronicles 36:20-21(NASB)

O) This is the final chapter of the books of Chronicles, recording the events of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Throughout the prophecies and warnings given to the respective kingdoms, there are references to the land itself, almost personifying the territory. In Leviticus 25, before the people ever entered the Promised Land, they were commanded to give the land a Sabbath of its own, every seventh year. In the very next chapter, God's people were warned that they would be exiled for rejecting God's ways, and that the land would receive its Sabbath, just as He ordained (see Leviticus 26:34).

A) The prophecies serve two important purposes. One, is to prove that the LORD is God. He declares what will happen, and when it comes to pass, that glorifies His name. He is revealed to be true, omnipotent, and eternal, because what He declares will happen, happens. The second purpose prophecies serve, is to warn and direct people to repentance. For me, reading this warning, I am reminded that God is sovereign. When He intervenes, no one will stop His hand. His warnings were heeded in certain periods throughout the history of Israel and Judah. There were times when various kings read or heard the warnings of His law, and saw the prophecies against the people in their land, and they changed course and were spared judgment. However, there could be no doubt, that this final exile was God's doing. The LORD is exceedingly patient, but eventually He will judge. I also must be careful to heed every warning He gives me. Throughout Scripture, I am warned against sin. In my spirit, my conscience is warned against sin. If I do not heed those warnings, I am inviting God's judgment. In repentance, I have forgiveness, because Jesus already paid the penalty for my sins. However, I truly love Jesus Christ, I am truly submitted to the LORD, and I will continue to pursue righteousness, and invite the discipline of my Father God, so that I will heed His warnings.

P) Father, discipline me toward obedience. Your ways are good, and You are holy, and I want to be a reflection of Your goodness and holiness. Despite that will, You know that I am still prone to sin. I know that the sin in my life will prevent me from glorifying Your name and declaring Your goodness. Let me continue to hear Your voice, to see all of the warnings You give me. Do not let me ignore You, Lord. You are worth it all; all obedience, deference, and submission. Have Your way in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/06/2015; Ezekiel 30:6

Today's reading: Ezekiel 29, 30, 31, 32; Revelation 11

S) "⁶ Thus says the Lord,
'Indeed, those who support Egypt will fall
And the pride of her power will come down;
From Migdol to Syene
They will fall within her by the sword,'
Declares the Lord God."

Ezekiel 30:6 (NASB)

O) Egypt had a longstanding place in the hearts of many Israelites, because it had been a consistently powerful nation (although, not always the most powerful empire around). Even today, the nation survived history, and it is still culturally relevant on a global level. Because of their consistent power, wealth, and influence, the Israelites were drawn to them for help from the time shortly after the Exodus, all the way through their history, really until the final exiles were carried away. From Israel's perspective, this was a form of idolatry, mistakenly believing that Egypt could provide safety, security, or peace, when really that was the exact role the LORD wanted to fill for them, Himself. Israel wasn't exactly the only nation that looked to Egypt for alliance, support, or hope. There were many nations that gave allegiance to Egypt in the midst of their distress, and when the judgment of the LORD was being poured out upon Egypt (through the sword of Babylon), there were many nations that wanted to help. But, God is sovereign, and their help was futile. Not only that, but standing in allegiance, in opposition to what God says and wills, is always going to make a person an enemy of God, incurring the same wrathful judgment that is coming. This is what happened to anyone who tried to help Egypt in the midst of their punishment.

A) There is an older expression, having a bit of a rebirth in today's political climate, "On the wrong side of history." and I find it particularly troubling. In light of this verse, it brings to mind two very important... rebuttals, I might say. First of all, people have a very limited view of "history" because laws, cultures, and norms ebb and flow and change on a vast scale, when we look at history in a broad view. Secondly, and more importantly, there is a much more dangerous place to find myself, than on the wrong side of history: the wrong side of God's judgment. I must be careful in the execution of this principle, but I can never, under any circumstances, whatsoever, support sin. I just cannot ever do that. When compassion wells within me, and I want to support a person who is sinning, I must carefully pray for wisdom, that I can support the person while making it clear that I do not condone their sin. My support for them must be driven by love, that wants to see them reconciled to their Creator, in righteous forgiveness, through the blood of Jesus Christ. Supporting a person who is practicing sin, must always have the gospel at its core. The gospel must be my focus.

P) Father, You are sovereign and infinite. You rightly determine what is just and true. What is the right side of history, ultimately depends on what You determine is right, because Your judgments are eternally true. Help me to view things with an eternal mindset, so that my narrow view of history does not tempt me toward a wrong view of Your judgments. With eternity in mind, let me be bold in sharing the beauty, grace, mercy, and love of the gospel. Soften the hearts of those I love, who have not yet submitted to the Way. Open their eyes and ears, to know and accept Your truth. Let my life be a beacon of Your hope, peace, joy, and love. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/05/2015; Ezekiel 26:21

Today's reading: Ezekiel 25, 26, 27, 28; Revelation 10

S) "²¹ 'I will bring terrors on you and you will be no more; though you will be sought, you will never be found again,' declares the Lord God."

Ezekiel 26:21 (NASB)

O) Reading through this account of the city/nation of Tyre, I couldn't help thinking of a global phenomenon, that so many diverse cultures share a common legend: Atlantis. The descriptions of Tyre in these chapters today (and it's also notable how much time is devoted to their prophecy, as compared to the other nations judged), tells of their vast power, trade, wisdom, and influence. It describes that they were seated in the midst of the seas (that is, an island). At the very least, all of this (along with the actual content from the verse above) tells us that this is not the same Tyre from the New Testament (which is likely to be the same, or nearly the same, as the present day city). But, when I was reading through all of this prophecy against Tyre, and I read the verse above, I couldn't help but be reminded of how many people devote their lives to searching for this lost city of Atlantis. Even if the legends of Atlantis were not about this nation, it still leaves us with a few points to consider. First and foremost, this verse reminds us of God's ultimate sovereignty. What He wishes to cover, no one will discover. What God wishes to destroy, no one can rebuild. Second, this verse is a reminder that humans seek what we value. When this nation was destroyed, it apparently affected a wide, wide range of peoples. The talk of the wealth, information, and power that was lost was immense. People miss those things when they held such a large place in their hearts. What we seek reveals what is important to us. Even today, people have theories about what Atlantis was, and many people devote their lives to seeking the lost ruins, based entirely about what is important to them (e.g., scientific enlightenment, fame, and even wealth). Lastly, This verse reminds us of the righteous judgment of the LORD. Tyre was judged for their various sins, and their desolation was utter. God was completely in the right to destroy them.

A) Working backwards, it can sometimes be a harsh reminder that I am guilty of sins (although, not necessarily the same sins as Tyre, guilty just the same). My sins ultimately deserve death. But, Jesus took those sins upon Himself, bearing the righteous judgment, the punishment of those sins, the death I deserved on the cross. Every verse about God's judgment should produce thanksgiving and humility in me. Also, I must beware hindsight longing, especially (see also, Ecclesiastes 7:10). What I am seeking reveals what is important in my heart. I should be aware of my desires, as they will reveal my heart. My heart should be for God, and the things of God, and my desires should be in alignment with that. Finally, my Lord GOD is sovereign. What should I ever fear, when I am fully submitted to Him? Living under His reign, I should have ultimate peace, patience, love, and joy. If I don't, then I am forgetting who is in charge, here.

P) Father, You are perfect and just. You are sovereign and merciful. You know my heart better than I ever really could. Open my eyes to see as You see, and let the indwelling Holy Spirit convict me when my desires are not what they should be. Help me to let go of regrets, to not dwell on them. Help me to seek You and the things that glorify You. Thank You for the mercy and grace I have in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In His name I pray. Amen.