SOAP 09/25/2015; Ezra 3:12-13

Today's reading: Ezra 2, 3; Luke 8

S) "¹² Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud for joy, ¹³ so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away."

Ezra 3:12-13 (NASB)

O) When I first read this, the reason for these old men were weeping was not immediately clear. Reading the same events in Haggai 2, however, it becomes quite clear that they were weeping from sorrow. They were so heartbroken, realizing what was lost in the punishment of their exile. This faithful remnant waited seventy years, I'm sure while they buried many of their friends and family members, all while hoping to see a glorious return to the LORD. On the other hand, this sorrow was contrasted immediately with the overwhelming joy of thousands of people, who had hoped for what they had never seen. They had their hearts on a homecoming to a home where they had never been.

A) Reading about this sorrow, and really imagining this scene unfolding, breaks my heart. In contrast, the idea of a multitude crying out in joy about finally seeing a dream, decades in developing, coming to pass, fills my own heart with joy. This actually reminds me a lot of my own life. There is a duality at work, about the regrets I have that coexist with my hopes. In a very real way, this gap between broken history and healed future is intersected with the cross. Jesus Christ meets me in my deepest regret and He ushers me into a new future and a new hope. Realizing what I have lost, the time, relationships, and opportunities, helps me to value what I now have, even more. Realizing that I am the old man weeping, while I am also the young man cheering, helps me remain humble as I see a more complete picture of what God has done for me.

P) Father, You are so great in Your grace. You found me weeping over what my foolish decisions were costing me. You redeemed me and, reshaped and rewrote my future. Help me to be more aware, and conscious of this cross-section. As I acknowledge my duality in this, help me to still focus more on my future. I know that you are drawing me toward something, and so I want to keep my eye on where You're leading me. Dry my tears from my regrets, and open my mouth so I can shout for joy, at the future You have given me. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/24/2015; Psalm 84:10

Today's reading: Ezra 1; Psalm 84, 85; Luke 7

S) "¹⁰ For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

Psalm 84:10 (NASB)

O) This whole psalm sings of the blessings that worship before the LORD brings. The courts mentioned here, are not like the courts of our judicial system. Instead, this is about having an audience with the King. Given the privilege to be in the presence of His majesty. In the context of the Old Testament, this was speaking of the temple of God, which was itself, a carnal representation of what is in heaven. There is hyperbole in the number thousand, used here. This is not a mathematical equation. This is to say, that one day in the presence of the LORD is better than any number outside his courts. Really, this is to say that there is no real comparison. The next sentence in this verse gives us another poetic way to view the value of the presence of the LORD. It's almost like the writer is saying, they would rather be homeless at the door of the Lord, than to have a home among the wicked. That's a powerful statement, that is alluding to communion with God being worth any cost.

A) Many of the lines from this psalm, or at least the concepts, were used in the Matt Redman song, "Better Is One Day" and it is one of my favorite songs to play on the drums.

This whole psalm is a beautiful reminder to me about priorities. Whether I am wrestling with temptation, or I am overwhelmed by time constraints, or I am just feeling stressed, this verse reminds me to put everything in perspective. The first sentence of the above verse, is profound when I consider how much people value their carnal longevity. I hear medical claims about how certain practices will extend my life, or cut years off of it (although in reality, the LORD is sovereign). When I think of it in that literal sense, it begs the question, "How many years would I cut from the end of my life, in order to spend one day in the presence of God?" The answer is disturbingly hesitant. Because of responsibilities and relationships, I suppose I am reluctant to trade away all my years. At the same time, I know how sweet the presence of the LORD is, even here on earth in veiled glory. In practice, I know that I am not being asked to literally trade time, but the posture of my heart should be willing. My priority, should be fellowship with my Lord. He is worthy of my praise. He is worthy of my prayers. He is worthy of my adoration and attention and affection. Perhaps the simplest, best way to reinforce this, for myself, is to routinely worship God without distraction. To devote time to worship without expectation, without hindrance. It's hard to devote my undivided attention, practically speaking. However, the more I do, or at least the more I attempt to do this, the more I will remember and realize the truth of this verse.

P) Father, there is nothing sweeter, nothing more satisfying, than Your presence. Every time I am worshiping, and I can feel Your presence manifested, I am humbled and lifted up at the same time. It's so easy to lose focus, God. It's too easy to forget. Revive my mind, Lord. Revive my soul. Revive my worship. I know I will find You as I seek You, so let me be intent and seek You earnestly. Help me remember the real value of fellowship in Your presence, Lord. You are worth all of my devotion. I never regret time spent chasing You in worship and prayer. Every day, I want to make the conscious choice to forsake dwelling with the wicked, not just to forsake evil, but to reside in Your presence. You are a refuge and a sanctuary to me. Keep me and protect me, and keep drawing me back to You. Have Your way with me, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/23/2015; Daniel 12:3

Today's reading: Daniel 11, 12; Luke 6

S) "³ Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."

Daniel 12:3 (NASB)

O) Daniel was seeking to understand the great vision he had received. While Gabriel was giving him clarity about things to come (which are still debated, actually), he mentioned this little promise. The language of this verse is somewhat familiar, as Jesus also described His followers as lights to shine, to attract people to the gospel. The angel said this promise, if you will, is for those who have insight and lead many to righteousness. The topic of the insight is not explicitly defined, but we can assume it's insight about the vision Daniel had. Or else, it's insight about righteousness itself, which is found in God alone. In any case, the purpose of being a light is to draw people out of the darkness of unrighteousness.

A) The details of the end times are not made plain to me. However, I have enough insight to know a few things. First, the Judge is coming and no one will escape the final judgment. Second, those who are found in Christ Jesus, will be found redeemed, cleansed, justified, and forgiven. Last, those who are found apart from Christ will rightly be judged guilty of their sins, and there will be punishment. That alone, is enough to motivate me to lead people to righteousness. Although, it is perhaps more appropriate (in the light of the gospel) to capitalize that word. Jesus Christ is Righteousness. As much as I might ever shine, it is only because of His light within me. It is His glory that I want to spread.

P) Father, You are light itself. In You, there is no darkness at all. Light exists from You, because of You, and by You. Darkness is perilous. In the dark, danger looms. In the dark, pain and heartache exist. In the dark, people do whatever evil desires lurk in their hearts. I have lived in that darkness, but You redeemed me and rescued me from my own shadowy place. I want to draw people to the light, Father God. I know that there is life in the light. You are in the light, and in You there is eternal life. In You, there is fruitful life. I know that in myself, I am not capable of leading anyone to righteousness. However, in You, I can do all things. Let my life glorify You, and be a beacon of life to others. Help me to live a life that honors Your name. Let Your purposes, Your will, be done in my life. Help others to see that the righteousness of Jesus Christ can be theirs as well. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/22/2015; Daniel 9:3-5

Today's reading: Daniel 9, 10; Psalm 123; Luke 5

S) "³ So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. ⁴ I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, 'Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, ⁵ we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.'"

Daniel 9:3-5 (NASB)

O) Daniel was well aware of the words Jeremiah had spoken, that their exile would last seventy years. But, when he looked around, he must have been disheartened by how he saw his countrymen, his fellow exiles. Reading his prayer, we can almost hear his desperation. These are not the words of a man who is confident about his contemporaries. He knew they were sent away justifiably. He knew they deserved the judgment they received, and it grieved him. It's pretty easy to see his concern for the future of his nation. And so, rather than despair, this righteous man sets about to the same response he has built into his very character. His life has been filled with the practice of prayer, and when his future was dismal, he knew what to do. Once again he sought his God in prayer. Not only did he make his supplication plain, but he addressed the root causes of his distress, namely the guilt of sin. It's noteworthy, that he didn't say, "their sin" but he also claimed it. He confessed it as "we have sinned," because he understood two important principles. First, that he was not without guilt. By comparison, maybe he was better off… but God does not grade on a curve. He knew he had committed sins. Also, he understood that God would judge the house of Israel, God's people, all together. That isn't to say he would be directly punished for the sins of other people, but it means that he would feel their pain. He would feel the loss of them. This was an expression of unity and commitment from Daniel on behalf of God's people.

A) The first thing to ask, is if I was in Daniel's shoes, but in my time, who would the "we" be? Daniel prayed on behalf of God's nation, God's people. In the present day world, in my life, that is not the United States. But it's also not the nation of Israel. God's people, His Kingdom, is the Church. The worldwide body of Christians. So, the next question for me to answer, is whether or not there is mass-guilt within Christianity. I jump to that, because  I certainly know I am guilty of sins I have committed, as an individual. For that, I have forgiveness and mercy, in my repentance. In confessing my own sins, I am gaining healing and growth. But, if I am also seeing the unity I have with other Christians, people who profess the name of Jesus Christ as Lord, then I should also be concerned for judgment theyight be inviting by their actions. Right now, the clear answer to me, is the way so many Christians in this country have accepted homosexuality. That the culture, or the government, would embrace it as normative, should be no surprise and of little concern. Christianity was always counter-cultural, and on a great many topics it really still is. But, for some of the Church in the U.S., to ignore what the LORD has clearly said, what Jesus directly affirmed, to ignore this is flirting with the wrath of God. The other thing that came to mind, was the secret sin of fornacation. From pornography to affairs, from fantasizing to online rendezvous, to sexting, the sin manifests in every conceivable way. Both of these issues have a common theme. The enemy would love nothing more, than to tear down the marriages of the people of God. The reason is pretty simple, because biblical marriage is such a clear, beautiful, powerful image of the gospel. So, if he can destroy the plan (redefining marriage) or destroy the product (tear apart existing marriages), then he can destroy one of the best representations of God's love, and our relationship to our Savior, that is available to humanity. So, this is the aim of my prayers for God's people. This is where our sin seems to remain, and it hurts the body of Christ. Anything that hurts the body of Christ, hurts me. In repentance, there is mercy, but if God's people are not repenting of their sins, and God's discipline is coming, their pain will be my pain as well.

P) Father, You have a plan for holiness. You are holy and You call us to be holy. You have a plan for healthy marriage, that it would glorify You. Marriage should be a representation of Christ with His church, but I can see where we have marred what should have been a spotless union. Many of Your people, the church, have defiled holy matrimony. I have been guilty, myself, failing to remain righteous, falling to lust. I confess that we have sinned. I have sinned. I repent, Father God. Let the Holy Spirit be stirred among Your people, that they would be drawn to repentance as well. The church in the United States has disregarded Your plan for marriage. I know that You discipline those whom You love, and that sin cannot go unpunished. If there is no repentance, then I know that Your kingdom cannot be received. Lord, be merciful to Your church. Let us uniformly return to Your holy definition of marriage, as only between one man and one woman. Protect the marriages that exist, according to Your will. Heal broken and hurting people, struggling to remain in their marriages. Use me in this, Lord. Let me act in obedience, to share the beauty of the gospel through my marriage. Use me to bring healing and hope and health, through Jesus Christ. Let Your will be done in Your church, foremost, and in the world. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/21/2015; Daniel 7:26

Today's reading: Daniel 7, 8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

 S) "²⁶ But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever."

Daniel 7:26 (NASB)

O) Daniel saw an apocalyptic dream, of four different beasts rising out of the sea. The vision was confusing, even to Daniel, although God had given him great wisdom about such things. But, the vision was explained (at least in part). The beasts represented different kings (and their kingdoms), the fourth of which was the most powerful. Like the apocalyptic prophecies in Revelation, there are some varying interpretations about these last few books of Daniel (particularly regarding timelines). One thing should be remembered, though, and the verse above highlights it. The LORD is sovereign, and He wins. Whoever this fourth beast is, or the horn on his head, or who he possibly was, it is clear that when the Judge presides, no one can object to His judgment.

A) All external fears of the future should be stripped away, when I read passages like this one. There is no antichrist, no beast, no horn, and no dragon, who can ever stand up against my God. On the flipside, I must remain humble and remember, that judgment starts in the house of God. I must fear the LORD, walk in obedience, and humble myself before Him. This isn't an occasional thing, it's not even a daily thing, it's a constant thing. This isn't an event, it's an attitude. The posture of my heart should be humble. Then, I can have confidence because of Jesus Christ.

P) Father, You are holy in Your power. You preside in righteous judgment over all of creation. For that reason alone, I should fear You only. No one compares to Your power and might. Help me remember that, as often as I remember that no one compares to Your mercy and love. Let me not get distracted with speculations about end-time prophecy. There is so much talk about eschatology that seems to be completely frivolous, sometimes. I don't want to get caught up in all of that. When I think of the future, help me to focus primarily on the joy at seeing my Savior face to face for the first time. It will be such an occasion for joy, when I am found in Christ on that glorious day. Thank You for the peace and joy that I have because of the gospel. Let Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/20/2015; Daniel 5:22-23

Today's reading: Daniel 5, 6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

 S) "²² Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this, ²³ but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand. But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and all your ways, you have not glorified."

Daniel 5:22-23 (NASB)

O) Belshazzar was the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar. During a very large dinner party, after he'd been drinking, he arrogantly brought out the gold and silver articles, which had been stolen during the exile from Jerusalem. Then, the people began praising their gods of gold, silver, etc. This would be doubly offensive to the LORD. First, it is idolatry. Second, it profanes articles that were supposed to be holy to Him, the only living God. So, the LORD made a hand appear, and write a mysterious message on the wall. No one could understand it, so they brought Daniel to interpret. First, the prophet gave a short history lesson about Nebuchadnezzar being humbled (vv.18-21). Then, Daniel rebuked the king, with the words of the above verses. Afterward, he interpreted the mysterious message, which spelled doom for the king; he died later that night. The writing was on the wall for Belshazzar, both literally and figuratively.

A) There is an interesting division I have observed. People turn out quite like their parents, or else they strive to be quite different from their parents (with varying degrees of success). For myself, there are many character traits I recognize in myself, that I know my dad also had. I recognize many of them, even in my teenage years (manipulation, condescension, arrogance, etc.). By the grace of God, He revealed the evil tendencies in my heart, and I could see how many of those traits had poisoned the marriage my parents had. So, I began seeking God, desperate for Him to heal me. For the most part, God has delivered me. I still have moments... for example, giving my wife a condescending look without even realizing it. But, the most important thing is for me to heed the warnings. The Holy Spirit convicts me, my wife might rebuke me, the Word of God certainly judges me. It is then my responsibility to see the writing on the wall, before anything is lost (or taken from me). That's where Belshazzar's error was, really. He had the same arrogance and pride that his dad held, but he did nothing about it, despite the miraculous suffering it caused his own dad. I can never see my own heart clearly, because the hearts of man are desperately wicked, and sin is deceitful. So, it is imperative that I am listening to wise counsel from other men, that I am respecting my wife's perspective, that I am immersing myself in the Bible, and that I am praying consistently for the help of my God.

P) Father, You are sovereign and almighty. You make the rules. You set the standard for goodness, righteousness, and holiness. I willingly submit myself to Your authority, my God, my King. I choose to fear You, because You should be feared. Father God, I also know that You are good, seeking my good. In grace, You have already been changing me to be more like Jesus. I also know that my character is far from fully developed. Please continue to reveal the areas of my heart that must still be changed, Lord. I don't want my sinful heart posture to cost me relationships, or cost me peace. I don't want my failures to rob You of the glory You deserve, either. You have so richly blessed my life, that I am forever thankful. Take all of the credit, all of the honor and glory that You deserve, God. It all belongs to You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/19/2015; Ezekiel 48:35

Today's reading: Ezekiel 47, 48; Luke 2

 S) "³⁵ 'The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be, 'The LORD is there.'"

Ezekiel 48:35 (NASB)

O) This is from the final chapter in Ezekiel, and it's interesting that this final chapter doesn't seem to be written as a final chapter. The last few chapters have all been descriptions of how the holy city should be arranged. There are lots of repetitive measurements, and schematics, and divisions of land. This final chapter is simply more of the same. Even the verse above, which is the last verse in the book, seems devoid of typical statements of closure. There is no final prophecy declaring God's goodness. There is no recap of Ezekiel's life or death. Throughout the book, the LORD repeatedly called Ezekiel "son of man" without any clear definition. Many believe this was a way of keeping him humble, to remind him that he was chosen to deliver a message by God's sovereignty, not because Ezekiel was special. It seems fitting, then, that there would be such a nondescript end to his book of prophecies. However, when we ponder this last verse, we can understand it as the full closing statement I think it was meant to be. So much of man's desire has to do with understanding who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. All of those questions are answered in the LORD  If we can only know who He is, and how to find Him, we can have all of our deepest desires met, and our greatest longings can be satisfied. when those concepts are kept central, we can see that the last several chapters are not just about city planning. The last several chapters are a treasure map. It was intended to be given to the people, so they would have the best possible chance of learning, "The LORD is there."

A) This is one of the most fundamental ways the gospel changes our lives. In Jesus Christ, the Immanuel, we no longer have to search for a holy city. We no longer have to find a holy temple, where God's presence is manifested. In Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God is with us. When He came, lived a perfect life yet died a sinner's death, taking the sins of the world upon Himself, He was the final payment of sin. When He rose from the grave on the third day, He conquered sin and death. In the process, He provided that all men could come to the Father through the Son. Now, to find Jesus is to find the LORD. Jesus is found in the gospel, because He lives even now. Putting our faith and trust in Jesus, means the Holy Spirit will also be within us. We, as the body of Christ, are the church. We, even as individuals, are temples of the Holy Spirit. The last few chapters of Ezekiel remind me that I am living with the Holy One every day. I don't have to make a pilgrimage. I don't have to make atonement for my sins. Jesus Christ lives in me. That alone inspires me to a life of worship and obedience

P) Father, thank You for the grace of the gospel. It is such a blessing, knowing that my sins have been atoned. There is such a relief in that grace. There is such peace in my redemption, and knowing it can never be reversed or negated. You are so perfect in Your ways. Help me focus on the gospel, to be motivated to good works. Help me to focus on the gospel, to walk in self discipline. You are sovereign, and I want You to accomplish Your will. But, You are also a gracious and good master, and I want to accomplish Your will, with You. Be glorified in my life. Thank You for bringing Your presence here, in me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.