SOAP 02/05/2016; Acts 12:14

Today's reading: Exodus 39, 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

S) "¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate."

Acts 12:14 (NASB)

O) Peter had been arrested by Herod the king, then sentenced to death. He was under the guard of four squads of guards, and his fate seemed sealed. Still, the church kept praying for his deliverance (vv.1-5). Peter was awakened and delivered by an angel, and even knowing the miraculous power of God before this, he didn't believe his own deliverance had happened until he was a block away from the prison and his deliverer disappeared. So, he made his way quickly to the house of Mary, and a young woman named Rhoda answered him at the gate. Then we see the above verse. When she did report it to the disciples there, they didn't believe, either. Thankfully, Peter kept knocking, and they came and let him into the house.

A) This story always amused me. We don't know how old this girl was, but she was a servant, so maybe somewhere between 10 and 13? I have two daughters (who are 5 and 10 years old right now), and I've seen them get excited enough that it completely blanks every other thought they had. Simple tasks, like opening a door for a guest, can easily flee the brain. So, reading this story, it's easy for me to imagine either one of them in Rhoda's role. As adorable as that is, unfortunately, it's also easy for me to imagine myself in the role of the disciples in that house that night. There is a lot of truth to the saying, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." But the word, "probably," is perhaps the most important word in that phrase. This story reminds me of two different stereotypes related to age. The older people struggle to believe. The younger person is so idealistic, that responsibility is forgotten. I think it's important to be realistic about things of the world. But, when it comes to the things of God, what is realistic? Is it realistic for a man in a maximum security prison, awaiting martyrdom, to be rescued by an angel? Is it realistic that a Father would sacrifice His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life? Is it realistic for God to take a man from the palace of Egypt, into the desert, to save a nation? What about for God to take a man out of the desert, and into the palace of Egypt, to save a nation? Is it realistic for the entire human race to be saved on a floating zoo? Is it realistic for every piece of matter in the universe to suddenly exist, when it didn't exist? Forget about what is probable. Without God, these things are just impossible, let alone improbable. But, with God, nothing is impossible. So, when it comes to the world, the old adage is well and good. However, when it comes to God, if it seems to good to be true, perhaps I need to change what I think. I should listen to what His word says, and listen to His promises, and remember His miracles, and believe. I should go open the door.

P) Father, if I didn't know You, if I wasn't so familiar with Your character and Your works, then I would think You are too good to be true. You might very well be too good for some things. You are too good for me, because of Your grace. You are too good to break Your promises. You are too good to be indifferent. You are too good to ignore Your people. But, one thing You certainly are not, is too good to be true. Thank You for revealing Yourself. Thank You for setting miraculous precedent. Let the whole of the Bible increase my faith, knowing You are faithful. Let the entirety of my life increase my own faith, knowing how much grace You have already shown me. When I experience Your goodness again, when I am confronted with Your awesomeness again, remind me that it is not out of character, not out of Your ordinary. You are utterly believable. Thank You for Your goodness, which is eternally true. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/04/2016; Isaiah 66:3

Today's reading: Exodus 37, 38; Psalm 19; Acts 11*

S) "³ But he who kills an ox is like one who slays a man;
He who sacrifices a lamb is like the one who breaks a dog’s neck;
He who offers a grain offering is like one who offers swine’s blood;
He who burns incense is like the one who blesses an idol.
As they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations,"

Isaiah 66:3 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 66

O) The main point of this verse, is a warning that doing the right thing with a corrupted heart, is still a problem. The killing of the ox, the sacrifice of the lamb, the grain offering, and the burning of incense were all parts of the ceremonial laws of the old covenant. However, the slaying of a man, breaking a dog's neck, having anything to do with the blood of an unclean animal, and certainly blessing an idol, all of these were quite corrupt and contemptible things. These people had the outer appearance of obedience, but had actually chosen their ways apart from what God instructed. The desires of their hearts were for abominable things.

A) In light of the teachings of Jesus, none of this is revelatory. In fact, it might be possible to say that, in light of Jesus, nothing in the Old Testament is revelatory. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. But reading this verse certainly reminds me of a few points. First, while behavioral obedience is required, even according to Jesus (see John 14:15), there must still be a change in the heart for the obedience to mean anything. In His parable about the two sons, the obedient son first had a change of heart (see Matthew 21:29). The verse above serves as a reminder of the truth, that the heart matters as much, if not more, than the behavior. Also, the above verse is a reminder that this has always been the case with God. He has always wanted my heart first, before my actions. So, my Christianity, my spirituality, my morality... these things are not about sin-management. The defining question is not, "How well I am resisting temptation?" but it is instead, "How dedicated is my heart?" When I examine myself, when I judge myself, when I allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to convict me, my focus should be less about circumstantial behaviors, and more about seeing the things in which my soul delights. Am I delighting in my own ways? Am I delighting in my own pleasures? Or, instead, am I delighting in God's ways? Am I delighting in God, Himself? That should be my focus. It's not about performing the right things, but about preferring the right things. In that right preference, behavior will follow. In that determined commitment to devote myself to God and His ways (which includes actions that show that, like worship, prayer, etc.), then the other aspects of obedience are kept as holy.

P) Father, You are holy and good. You are pure and righteous. Those elements of Your character are scary, if I am not also aware that You are gracious and merciful. I confess that my behaviors have been right in a lot of areas, while my heart has remained corrupt in one way or another. Please forgive and discipline me. Create in me a clean heart, a soft heart. Burn in me, with a renewed desire for You and Your ways, Lord. I repent of my own ways, and I choose You alone to be the delight of my soul. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/03/2016; Isaiah 62:2

Today's reading: Exodus 35, 36; Acts 10*

S) "² The nations will see your righteousness,
And all kings your glory;
And you will be called by a new name
Which the mouth of the Lord will designate."

Isaiah 62:2 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 62

O) This chapter is a message of prosperity, restoration, and protection. While it seems that God promised these things to "Zion" or to "Jerusalem" (see v.1), there is some amount of careful consideration that must be done. When we consider what the LORD promised in vv.7-9, for example, it raises some questions. We know historically, that when the remnant returned from the exile, and reconstructed the temple and city walls (see Nehemiah), that was not the end of their woes. In fact, all we need to do is evaluate a little bit of the Gospels, and we see plainly that the city of Jerusalem was under the Roman control. So, how could it be that its grain and wine would never be forfeit, as it says in v.9? There are really only two ways to view it, then. Either these promises have still not taken place (unless, perhaps, they were fulfilled when Israel became a sovereign nation after WWII), or these promises are not meant for this people directly, literally. The key, I think, comes with the verse above. What makes the most sense to me, is that this chapter is really about the Messiah, coming and establishing His eternal, spiritual kingdom. When Jesus came, the people of God were no longer called "Israel" but they instead, took new names as the disciples of Jesus. Some were given more personal new names (like Simon/Peter and Saul/Paul), and others simply changed from being Jews to being Christians (or else from Gentiles to Christians). When this chapter is viewed through that lens, seeing the references to marriage make a lot of sense (especially for how many times Jesus compared Himself to a bridegroom). The references to being forever freed from the power of our enemies makes a lot more sense, when viewed spiritually instead of physically (although there will still be a final day of judgment, when all evil is permanently ended). The righteousness and glory of God's people, is a reflection of the righteousness and glory that belong to Jesus Christ. The new name, which the mouth of the LORD designated was Jesus, the Christ.

A) Setting aside carefully studying with context, which is always important, this verse (and chapter) has great value for me, directly. I was oppressed, defeated, and bound to my sins. I was utterly defeated, hopeless. I lost the fight for doing any good, before the fight even began. I was doomed to failure, doomed for death. But, when the righteousness and glory of Jesus Christ came into my life, I was redeemed mightily! I was given a new name! Sure, my given name was still Nicholas Cannelora, but it was no longer "the doomed" but, "the redeemed." God gave me purpose, direction, and life itself. The point of meditating on a verse like this, is to remember that God is for me! He had a plan of redemption all along. He desired to give me a new name, to change me. That process isn't over, but when I reflect on who I was, I am full of thanksgiving and praise. Remembering my own testimony about His goodness, inspires me to share the gospel with boldness. It inspires me to confess and repent of sins, because I know how much I've already been forgiven and sanctified. I could never doubt His grace and mercy for the sins in my life today, when I know that He's forgiven me so much already. This is increased faith, not just hoping for the best, but in understanding who God is. I have faith in Him. I don't simply believe for the sake of optimism.

P) Father, thank You for redeeming me. Thank You for the new name I have, in Christ Jesus. Thank You for securing my freedom, promising my provision, and establishing bread and wine for me. All of the symbolism in this passage, it humbles and excites me, Lord. I am inspired to share this, to share Your promises. Give me opportunity, and let me be found faithful and obedient. Be glorified by my life today, God. I don't want to squander this redemption. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/02/2016; Isaiah 59:17

Today's reading: Exodus 33, 34; Psalm 16; Acts 9*

S) "¹⁷ He put on righteousness like a breastplate,
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing
And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle."

Isaiah 59:17 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 59

O) God, seeing that there was none to intercede on behalf of His people, took the matter into His own hands. There have been many times throughout the history of God's people, that He has acted directly to accomplish His plans. There were times when He fought the enemies of His people with direct intervention (e.g. Isaiah 37:36). There were times when He would deliver His servants directly (e.g. 1 Samuel 17:37). But, more often, He would use people to perform His will, to deliver, destroy, restore, or communicate. In this case, though, the LORD saw that there was no one to use to deliver His people. So, God prepares to do battle Himself. This verse is also similar to Ephesians 6, where Paul described the armor of God that a Christian should wear (spiritually), but only half of it. It is striking to see the similarities in the righteousness and salvation, which are identical, with the difference in the vengeance and the zeal. The righteousness that belongs to every Christian, is the righteousness of God Himself, which is imputed on believers through Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:9). The salvation is also the same, because the salvation of Christians is the salvation of God. But then, the difference in the two passages starts with the vengeance. Nowhere in New Testament, is a Christian instructed to take any form of vengeance, and it is specifically forbidden in two places (see Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30). That's all pretty straightforward. The last line, though, may be the hardest to sort out. While there are a great many New Testament passages that talk about being zealous in admirable terms, it is not part of the armor in Ephesians. It's possible that there is no significant reason, but there also might be some clue as to what article is described with zeal. A mantle, or a cloak, would serve two purposes in battle. The first, is simply to cover as a matter of added protection (against enemies or elements). The second, though, is that it could be used as an identifier. In this case, it's entirely possible that God is conveying His identity, as zealous for His people. It would be something along the lines of saying, "My righteousness, salvation, and vengeance, with respect to my people, they are all wrapped up in my zeal for them." That is somewhat speculative, but it seems to fit with other scripture about God's character.

A) Like so many aspects of Godms character, as they are revealed through Scripture, I am in awe when I observe them. This verse reminds me that my God is ready to do battle for me, especially when no one else will. Knowing that He will fight for me, driven by His love for me, it is humbling and a blessing just to know it. This verse serves as a reminder to me that, while I am created in the image of God, I am not God. Vengeance is the LORD'S, not mine. I don't have to worry about pursuing justice for myself, because He will right every wrong, eventually. I shouldn't be in a hurry for it, either, because I know my life is secured for eternity, which is a lot longer than however long it takes for His return.

P) Father, thank You for Your zeal for me! It is amazing, that You look upon me with passionate love. It is humbling to realize that You have compassion and care for me, even in light of all my brokenness, sin, and humanity. I confess that I have sinned, thinking I need to right the wrongs against me, trying to take vengeance into my own hands. Please forgive me, and continue to discipline me, to wait upon You alone for judgment and vengeance, to right the wrongs against me. Help me to, instead, focus on mercy and love, just as You have shown me. Thank You, for the righteousness and salvation that I receive, that I share with You. Let me walk in my armor, as I trust You to walk in Yours. Be glorified in everything. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/01/2016; Isaiah 56:6-7

Today's reading: Exodus 30, 31, 32; Acts 8*

S) "⁶ Also the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
To minister to Him, and to love the name of the Lord,
To be His servants, every one who keeps from profaning the sabbath
And holds fast My covenant;
⁷ Even those I will bring to My holy mountain
And make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar;
For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."

Isaiah 56:6-7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 56

O) God has always had a heart for Gentiles, as well as the Israelites. His chosen people had a covenant with Him, to be His people and He would be their God. That covenant really had the purpose of bringing the Messiah, to bless all nations. Along the way, there were many, many people who were not descendants of Abraham, who would come and join that covenant, making this nation Israel a mixed multitude. In the passage here, we see that the Gentiles who were among God's people were not forgotten in the exile and return. God still saw their faithfulness, and would bless them as they remained in covenant with Him.

A) These passages always encourage me, that God always had a plan of redemption for the entire world. I am so thankful to be in covenant with God. It's not the same as it was, since Jesus Christ brought a new covenant, a better one, but it's still the same at its core. I put my faith and trust in God. I love Jesus Christ, and therefore choose a life of submission to His authority, and obedience to what He says. In turn, I am allowed to worship Him, and He hears my prayers. This cannot be mistaken for a transaction, though. I need to resist the temptation to see this in that way. No, this is about a relationship with God. I love being in His presence, spending time in His word. That happens through covenant relationship, and it is my joy to keep it.

P) Father, thank You for this plan of redemption. Thank You for setting this plan into motion thousands of years before Jesus Christ was even born. Thousands again before I was conceived. Still, You planned this long ago. In Your sovereignty, You chose to love me. Let me dwell on that today. Help me to consider, carefully and frequently, just how amazing it is that You and I are in a covenant relationship through my faith in Jesus Christ. This is humbling and astounding to me, if I make myself dwell on that. It almost seems surreal, but I know that it really is just... real. Thank You, God, for saving me. Thank You, God, for loving me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SOAP 01/31/2016; Isaiah 52:7

Today's reading: Exodus 28, 29; Acts 7*

S) "⁷ How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"

Isaiah 52:7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 52

O) In context, Isaiah was speaking to a nation of POWs. The good news he meant, was the return of the exiles. The peace he meant, was to no longer have an oppressor over them. The salvation was a physical, mortal one. Now, at the same time, Isaiah was also called the Messianic Prophet, because many of his prophecies had foreshadowing for Jesus Christ. In this case, the good news is the gospel as we know it now (the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and all that entails). The peace is that which we have in Christ, the peace with God, that we are no longer His enemies. The good news of happiness relates to the unquenchable joy that we have in Jesus Christ. The salvation is, certainly, meant for this world. However, salvation means so much more than that, too. It is the eternal life we have in Christ. It is the empowerment to live a righteous life. It is the continuous sanctification by the Holy Spirit. And Zion, who is spiritually the kingdom of God, made up of every Christian in the world, our God reigns!

A) The first thing that came to mind when I read this verse, is how poorly the gospel has been received in some places in my own country, in my own state, in my own town. When I consider it carefully, slowly, and prayerfully, I think that is because the good news is not always presented as good. The feet of the messenger are often heard, either as militants marching in boots, or free spirits dancing barefoot. It seems that Christians are either seen as overbearing commandos of bigotry and self-righteousness, or else they're seen as superstitious, out-of-touch, and questionably educated. Sometimes, I want nothing more than for someone to just know what I know. I don't want to convince anyone, and I don't want to badger them. I'm not looking for arguments. I'm not even advocating for altered lifestyles. I don't want to tell people to change their political beliefs or to start condemning the beliefs of others. I just want them to really know how much God loves them, and how much life they can have in Jesus Christ. God will work on convictions and sanctify them. God will help them change beliefs that need to be changed. I just want to give people the good news, and for them to see how good it really is.

P) Father, You are unspeakably good. Thank You for all of the grace involved, that I was able to hear the good news for what it really is: good. God, I want to share this same gospel with others. I'm not interested in the praises of others, in them seeing me as anything special, I just want them to know. I want to share the gospel plainly, and joyfully, and boldly. Give me the confidence of knowing that my responsibility is to be that messenger, not to be the savior, convincer, or judge. Please open eyes and ears, and give me wisdom to share Your love with others well. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SOAP 01/30/2016; Isaiah 48:5

Today's reading: Exodus 25, 26, 27; Acts 6*

S) "⁵ Therefore I declared them to you long ago,
Before they took place I proclaimed them to you,
So that you would not say, 'My idol has done them,
And my graven image and my molten image have commanded them.'"

Isaiah 48:5 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 48

     

O) This passage was written to the captives from Jerusalem, still before their release and return home. God had already told them that they would be exiles for seventy years, before He would bring a remnant of the faithful back to the city which He gave them. There are many benefits of God telling them about their return from exile before they even left (see the book of Jeremiah), but here we see what is, perhaps, the most basic and important reason: God's glory was at stake. As we can see through the last few chapters of Isaiah (and the last few journal entries), God will not give His glory to another. It was true for the Gentile empires that God used to judge His own people and the surrounding nations. It was true for His own people.

A) There is a sense in which this verse affirms God's desire for special revelation (distinct from general revelation that we have through nature). He desires to show specifics to His people (which I am, in Christ Jesus). There have been plenty of times in my life when I have asked God to answer prayers, not for meeting needs but answering questions. Even now, I have questions about my future, and whether or not to move to Montana, or how long to wait, or what work to seek, etc. And while God has done this for His people, this verse reminds me of a big reason why: so they would not attribute His glory to someone or something else. So, if my concern really is what God wants, then my priority in prayer, in seeking answers to questions, should be to glorify Jesus Christ. If God never answers my prayers about things ahead of time, but I am still glorifying God, then I should be content in that. If I am ever in a position that I am giving glory to another (an employer, a tax break, myself), then I am failing on my own, and it has nothing to do with the fact that God didn't tell me something in advance. I do think God can, and still will, give special revelation to His people. I think it is rare, but that He still desires to speak to us through prayers, dreams, or even prophecy by other Christians. I've heard many cases of it, and on some level, it's happened in my own life. With every case, though, it must glorify Him. With every case, it must also be in line with what Scripture already says. God will not give His glory to another. God will not lie.

P) Father, You are worthy of all praise. You deserve to receive all glory and honor and worship. I do long to hear from You directly, God, but only according to Your will. I also want to keep myself in a place that I am always glorifying You, and resisting any temptation to give Your glory to another. I confess that I have done that all to often, either stealing it for myself, or giving it away to others. Please forgive me. Discipline me however You must, in order to prevent me from stealing Your glory. Please speak to me, Lord. Instruct me, lead me, and warn me. All of this to Your glory. I trust in Your will, and if I never hear anything else from You, I know that the Bible is enough to give You glory in everything. Use me however You want. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.