SOAP 08/31/2016; Ezekiel 14:23

Today's reading: Ezekiel 12, 13, 14; Revelation 5

S) "²³ 'Then they will comfort you when you see their conduct and actions, for you will know that I have not done in vain whatever I did to it,' declares the Lord God."

Ezekiel 14:23 (NASB)

O) To make a very strong point, in the second half of this chapter, the LORD spoke to Ezekiel about some hypotheticals. He said that, when He stretches His hand out against a nation, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in that nation, He would not spare the nation but only those three men. He gives four examples of the same thing, whether using famine, wild beasts, the sword, or plague. Then, after giving the same example, that He will not spare a country once He has passed judgment, even if those three men were there, regardless of which of the four methods of judgment He might use, He turns this hypothetical against Jerusalem in reality, in v.21. However, God assures Ezekiel that there will be a remnant spared. He says there will be survivors who come to Ezekiel, after all four judgments come against the city Jerusalem. Consequently, their conduct and actions, righteous as they will be at that point, at least, will be a comfort to Ezekiel. Whether that is because they were already a faithful, righteous remnant, or because they were the only people willing to repent, we don't exactly know. In either case, they will apparently be found righteous before God (as Noah, Daniel, and Job), at least at that point they will be. So, Ezekiel will be able to see that God's righteous judgment was not to destroy every last person from Jerusalem, or to cut off the line of Israel. His purpose is to winnow, to purge, to purify for Himself a remnant who will be faithful to Himself.

A) When calamity strikes, I often hear people say trite things like, "everything happens for a reason." While that is true in the strictest sense, people usually mean it as a comfort, as if to say whatever has happened will turn out for the good. This is simply not true. At the very least, people die in the guilt of their sins, everyday, and that is most assuredly not for the best. Having said that, this verse is a very great comfort to me, because it does remind me that insofar as the will of God is being accomplished, His purposes are always righteous, good, and just. So, when God does purpose trials, tribulations, even judgments in my life, but those circumstances are the tools of His discipline, then when I see my conduct and actions, I will know that He has not done in vain whatever He has done to me. Similarly, when I am praying for my loved ones, whether or not they have yet committed their lives to Jesus, and I am asking for the will of God to prevail in their lives, to be done in their lives as it is done in heaven, and I see tragic, stressful, painful, or even terrifying things happening in their lives, I must hope, pray, and trust that it will bring them to repentance. If I can see their conduct and actions honor God after such circumstances, then I will be comforted with a great comfort, indeed.

P) Father, You have allowed me to experience some difficult times. I can look around me, and see that there are others who have faced much more difficult times, more difficult struggles, more pain, more loss, more tragedy. So, I am thankful that You have spared me from more difficult things, so far. Having said that, I would be glad to face anything You have in mind for my life, if it means being a better, stronger, more devout disciple for Jesus Christ. I trust Your discipline, Father God. I trust that whatever judgments You put forth, while I am still on earth, are only the methods to keep me as Yours so that in my final day, I am found to be faithfully with You. Lord, there are a lot of people in my life who are estranged from You. Like the elders mentioned earlier in this chapter, they have idols before their faces, and erected in their hearts, that are keeping them from a right relationship with You, Lord. Father God, I ask for You to judge them on earth, using whatever means You determine are right, that they would come to repentance and right conduct and actions. Soften their hearts, or else break their hearts, that they would see the truth of who You are, who they are, and what it means to be in relationship with You, Lord. I look forward to the day, that I see their conduct and actions, and it comforts me to know that what You have done in their lives was not done in vain, but that it accomplished the purposes You designed. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven . In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/30/2016; Revelation 4:8

Today's reading: Ezekiel 8, 9, 10, 11; Revelation 4

S) "⁸ And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say,

'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.'"

Revelation 4:8 (NASB)

O) There are a few things I notice with this passage. First of all, the four creatures (described in v.7) are all different forms, but share in notable traits. Only one of them should have wings (the one like a flying eagle), and yet all of them have six wings. I suppose also that only one of them should be able to talk (the one with the face like a man), but all four of them speak. Also, in two different ways, John describes that they are full of eyes, in front and behind (v.7) and around and within (v.8). Very different in their carnal or natural representations (lion, calf, man, eagle), but very much the same in their supernatural traits (wings, eyes, speech). Second, the existence of these four creatures seems to serve no other purpose, than the continual worship of God. They are not said to have any other purpose, and they are described as worshiping this way ceaselessly, day and night. Lastly, the actual words they speak of significant. They don't tell of His wisdom. They don't tell of His judgment or righteousness, mercy or love. They tell of His holiness, and of that holiness they describe two character traits that we, as His creations, can never actually share with Him. First, they tell of His power, which is unmatched and cannot be rivaled. He is the Almighty. His power is so complete, so utterly beyond us, so holy is He in His power, that no one even has power that was not given by Him. Second, they tell of His eternal, uncreated, and independently existent being.

A) My initial response to this, and the thing that should be the most constant, is my humility. I must recognize that the holiness of God, and His eternal, independent, and uncreated existence is a part of His being that I cannot really comprehend, I can only apprehend it. I must understand that He is holy in His power beyond anything I can fully grasp. There are many things about His holiness, that I am also commanded to be holy like Him. He is full of grace for His enemies, showing love to traitorous mankind, by sending His Son to die for them while they were still sinners. He is compassionate, taking up the cause of the widow, orphan, and alien, when they have no one else. He judges with righteousness. He is full of lovingkindness. In all of these kinds of traits, He is completely holy and different from humans, and yet we are called to be this way with Him when we are in Christ. However, in the holiness of His very existence, I cannot really share, as I am a created being. In the holiness of His power, I cannot really share, as any power I would ever wield, would only ever come from Him. This kind of holiness, in His power, and in His very existence, this holiness humbles me. That humility is my first application. The second thing is, and this is something a worship leader once pointed out to me years ago, is that I can share in a very special thing. These creatures, even now, must be saying this phrase in the heavenly place. While I am here, it can be a very special, very powerful act of worship, to share in their words for my God. To declare with them, that He is holy, holy, holy. That He is the Almighty, who was and is and who is to come.

P) Father, You are holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty. You are, and were, and are to come. Your holiness is even beyond what I can know. You are deserving of unceasing worship, and I desire to worship You more. Open my eyes and ears, Lord. Help me to be more aware of You, more aware of Your presence and power. Help me to be more mindful of You, to be more sensitive to Your Spirit. Just have Your way with me, God. That's my prayer today. I want to be holy as You are holy, to be set apart for Your purposes. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth as it is in heaven. Be glorified in every way, by every tongue. You are holy, holy, holy, Lord God, Almighty. You are, and were, and are to come. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/29/2016; Revelation 3:19

Today's reading: Ezekiel 4, 5, 6, 7; Revelation 3

S) "¹⁹ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."

Revelation 3:19 (NASB)

O) Jesus had just rebuked the church of Laodicea pretty strongly. Verse 16 is pretty famous, about how the church had become lukewarm. Verse 17 actually speaks to me a lot, given my history (I wrote an entry about it back on 12/27/2011). So, in light of the admonishment, the above words from Jesus hold particular value; this reminder of His love and discipline, this command to be zealous and repent, could not have been given in a better context. God wants us in a right relationship with Him, because that is the place where we will have life. He wants this because of His love for us. This is the reason we must repent when we are apathetic about our faith. This is the reason they were told to be zealous, because they had become indifferent about serving the Lord. This is why they needed to repent, to turn back to Him. Over and over, through the Old Testament, God disciplined His people in the hopes that they would repent. He would reprove their infidelity in order that they might become a people zealous for His name again. This didn't happen very often, and only a remnant would repent and remain faithful. We don't know the historic result of the church of Laodicea.

A) Given the way I feel connected to v.17, I also feel a strong connection to v.19, here. I love the Lord, and as His servant I must invite the discipline and reproof of Jesus. This is the only reliable way to be sure that I am walking according to His ways. Certainly, I should seek to be accountable with other Christians; mutual ministry and godly relationships are a wonderful gift for me to be able to recognize where sin has blinded me and a log may be in my eye. Still, even more than trusting godly relationships to help me see straight, I really need God to heal and open my eyes when I need correction (see v.18). The key to this is humility and a willingness to ask God to do whatever it takes to help me be fully obedient and submitted to His lordship over me.

P) Father, You are worthy of my allegiance. Not only did You create me in the first place, but You also redeemed my life when it was lost. You paid a precious price to bring my spirit to life with Christ. Because of that, I submit myself to Your authority, fully. I invite Your discipline, Father God. I trust that Your reproof and discipline are borne from Your love for me. Kindle the fire within me, Lord. Let a zeal come forth in me, that I would repent of my laziness, selfishness, apathy, and indifference. I know that I am easily fooled into thinking I am secure in this world, or even in Your kingdom, to the point that I am lackadaisical. This is an attitude not worthy of Your name. This is not who I want to become ever again. I don't want to slip into a lukewarm faith. So Father God, I ask for this discipline and reproof, and I pray that it brings about zeal and repentance in my life. All of this to Your glory, Lord. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/28/2016; Revelation 2:10-11

Today's reading: Ezekiel 1, 2, 3; Revelation 2

S) "¹⁰ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ¹¹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death."

Revelation 2:10-11 (NASB)

O) This chapter has the first four of the seven letters that John was to send to churches in Asia. Mostly, each of these letters has some kind of rebuke, except the letter to Smyrna (which is where this passage comes) and Philadelphia (in chapter 4). This is a much shorter letter, with only a short introduction naming the church, a title introduction of the Lord, a commendation about their wealth despite poverty (which is likely a contrast of spiritual wealth and worldly poverty), and an encouragement that God sees their tribulation. Then, the two verses above come, to warn and encourage the church. They will indeed see more tribulation, and they are told specifically that it will involve imprisonment for their faith. However, it is a great encouragement that the affliction has an end, and even a short one. It is noteworthy, though, that they are immediately told to be faithful until death, though. It almost sounds as if their ten day imprisonment may actually end with death, as if they will be on death-row, as it were, but only for ten days. What else may happen to them in that ten days is left unwritten, but they are encouraged that whatever they suffer in that, it will be short, and they are reminded to be faithful until death. It's noteworthy here, the title used in this letter to describe our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is called in v.8, "The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life," Which is a pointed reminder of the resurrection we have in Christ, when He comes on the last day. God then promises a reward of the crown of life, but then the last verse also has a curiosity. Jesus promises that he who overcomes (that is, remains faithful until death) will not be hurt by the second death. That phrase, "second death" seems to be a reference, then, to a death that happens after earthly death. There is some amount of mystery, there, but there are also only a few possibilities that I can imagine. As Christians, we understand that we have a physical birth, but that we are also born again in the Spirit. A second death could refer to our first being physical, but then if we fall away from our faithfulness in Christ, then we will suffer a second, spiritual death. Alternatively, this could be a reference to when Jesus said we should, "fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28). Whatever the case, the point of the letter is certainly to warn of tribulation, to comfort the church that their plight is seen and God is with them, and to encourage and motivate them to remain faithful even unto death.

A) Many people see these letters as symbolically being for modern-day churches. While I'm not sure there is a modern, or future, "counterpart" to this church, it is obviously a great example (as all seven letters are) of how I am still to live as a believer. Whether or not I am ever imprisoned for my faith, and whether or not I am ever martyred, eventually I will die and I must remain faithful until that end. I will face persecution for my faith in some ways, to some degrees, and I must remember that God sees me and I am not alone. He knows the struggles I'll face for His sake, and remembering that those struggles won't be forever (even if they do last my lifetime), is an encouragement. My life on earth is just a vapor, in the vastness of eternity. My life on earth, in its entirety, might as well be ten days in view of eternity with the One who has already faced and conquered death.

P) Father, thank You for seeing me. Your grace in the way You care for me is so humbling. Who am I, that You would call me to Yourself? Who am I, that You would want relationship with me so much, that You would do so much, that grace would be so profound and so complete, that I would come to You when You called me? And yet, that is the power and scope of Your lovingkindness and compassion for me. Your grace was upon me before I knew You. And now, as Your servant, I want to live according to Your will completely, Lord. I am Yours to death. I don't know the details of the trials or tribulations I may face, but I am confident You know them. You knew them when You called me; they have never been a mystery to You. I trust that You have called me into Your service, into Your kingdom, knowing what I'd face. I am committed to remain faithful to You, until death, whether that is only through ten days of imprisonment or fifty more years of persecution. I know who has gone before me, that Jesus went first and conquered the death I will face. I have no fear left for anything or anyone, but You alone God. So, let Your will be done with Your servant, whatever You wish and for however long. Let it all be done to Your glory, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/27/2016; Revelation 1:13-16

Today's reading: Jeremiah 52; Psalm 143, 144; Revelation 1

S) "¹³ and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. ¹⁴ His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. ¹⁵ His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. ¹⁶ In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength."

Revelation 1:13-16 (NASB)

O) What astounding glory this is! Even with the descriptors that John gives, it is still very difficult for me to visualize how Jesus looked in His appearing. There is some hope to recapture the image in everything up until the very last verse, though. For example, I can imagine a man with white hair, and a golden sash, etc. I can even, with some effort, imagine how His face must've shone. After all, I know the brightness of the sun, and so I can imagine the brightness of the Son. But, the description of the stars in His hand, and the sword in His mouth, while obviously symbolic, would still have been amazing to see directly. As much as I may want to try and imagine a reproduction of this scene, though, I think to some degree it should be left a mystery. That is, the less detail I know, the more I must simply submit to the fact that the glory of Jesus is actually beyond comprehension, and I must simply look forward to the day when I see Him as He is.

A) I never knew the image of Jesus at all, obviously. As He actually described, I am one who believed without having seen Him (John 20:29), so when I finally see Jesus in His glory, it will be the only time I have ever seen Him. There is a sense in which I am actually very thankful for that. John knew the image of Jesus, having spent more than three years with Him. When He saw Jesus in this revelation, it might actually have been difficult for him to reconcile the two images. For me, though, I am able to come to His glory, never having known the veiled image of God as He was on earth. I will only experience His full, unfiltered glory. There will be no adjustment needed, I will simply be able to behold my Savior, the one whom I have sought all the rest of my days, to finally see the mystery of His image as it is plainly.

P) Father, this mystery is too wonderful for me to comprehend. My imagination fails me, when I try to visualize all of John's descriptions at once, so I give up. Instead, I simply and thankfully look forward to the day, that I am able to behold the glory of Jesus as He is. Thank You for this promise, Lord God. Thank You for giving me eternal life, that I will be able to spend eternity in the presence of my Savior, to know Him fully, with the mystery being solved for all time. Let me ever look forward to that glorious day. Let me seek You continually, daily, to know You more and more here on earth, until I know You in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/26/2016; 3 John 5-8

Today's reading: Jeremiah 50, 51; 3 John

S) "⁵ Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; ⁶ and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. ⁷ For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. ⁸ Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth."

3 John 5-8 (NASB)

O) John is making the point that supporting missionary work is participating in it. By missionary work, I don't only mean going to a foreign land of some kind, spreading the gospel and doing community work - all of which are very good and need support. However, I also mean that by supporting a brother's mission to do free auto repairs for widows and single moms, we are participating. By raising funds for a Youth Camp trip, we are participating. Whatever is accomplished for the brethren, giving time or money, raising awareness, providing hospitality, all of that support makes us fellow workers. It's noteworthy that John specifically says, "especially when they are strangers;" I think that takes the love-factor up a notch. It's easier to support a brother or sister we know well. Supporting a stranger, although he or she is in Christ with us, does take more faith and trust, sacrifice and love, and that glorifies God all the more.

A) Like so many passages of the New Testament that are instructive, the only way to apply this passage is indeed to do it. The most convicting portion of this passage, is certainly the command to "send them on their way in a manner worthy of God." To be clear, a ministry is not always "on its way" somewhere. Sometimes it's very much local, resident, or longstanding. The real point is that I should support my brothers and sisters in a way that is worthy of God. That means I will view their ministry as my ministry, seeking to help them serve God however I can, and by doing so, I will also be serving God. A lot of times, it can feel a little vague - what it is that God is "calling" us to do. However, many times it may be as simple as supporting others in causes and missions that they are already doing.

P) Father, thank You for the support I have received from the brethren, when I have been seeking to do work for You and they have seen it as opportunity to join me. As I approach this new phase of my life, being here in Montana, I don't want to wait around with nothing to do. How, exactly, my family and I will serve You is not yet clear. However, in the meantime I want to invest myself in the work of brothers and sisters who are already here and doing things for the Name. Help me to see the ministering work of others as opportunity for me to be a fellow worker, at least in supporting their work - whether it's financial, hospitable, volunteering, or otherwise. As we seek to build others up for Your glory, I pray that You do reveal to me and to Kristin, unified in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, what kind of ministry we should take up in Your name. I want to serve You, Lord. I am in fact Your servant. Use me however You wish, Lord. Until I have a clear understanding of what that is, help me to be diligent and faithful, supporting my brothers and sisters in their calling, as they already know. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/25/2016; 2 John 10-11

Today's reading: Jeremiah 37, 38, 39; Psalm 79; 2 John

S) "¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; ¹¹ for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds."

2 John 10-11 (NASB)

O) John was warning about false teachers, antichrist people who deny that Jesus came in the flesh. More broadly, he says in the previous verse that these are those who go too far and do not abide in the teaching of Jesus. Then he immediately followed with a warning not to allow these false teachers to enter your home and not even to greet them, or else we would participate in their evil deeds. These are strong words, but it's hard to misunderstand them because they are fairly plain. There does seem to be something almost spiritual, about having people into the home. When Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, He said to bless and heal the households that received them. However, he said to proclaim against the cities where no one would receive them, that they would even wipe off the dust of the city; but that the kingdom of God is close. Jesus said it will be better for Sodom, than for a city that rejects His disciples. So we see a very strong difference of instruction, based on who allowed the disciples into their homes. Similarly, John is telling us to be very discerning about what kinds of teaching we allow into our homes.

A) There is a part of me that almost laments this warning, because I'm probably too fond of conflict. When Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses come to my door, I want to have them come inside so I can debate them. It doesn't usually last long, and everywhere I've lived, they only come once and never return. So, I can't even say that my discussions with them have been particularly fruitful. Also, those were pretty much before any of my kids were old enough to understand any teaching, let alone Godly things. I don't worry too much about my kids overhearing false teaching (or my wife for that matter), if it's something I can discuss with them and we can keep everything straight according to what the Bible actually says. Then again, there's no reason to let seeds be planted that must be dug out again. Furthermore, I simply am not privy to all of their unspoken doubts or misconceptions. Beyond those kinds of risks, I think John is simply saying, that by allowing false teaching, or a false teacher, into my home, I am endorsing his teaching. That is certainly something I must avoid. So, a new determination I make, that if anyone comes to my door, preaching a different Jesus than the Bible teaches, I must politely but firmly send them on their way.

P) Father, thank You for giving me the truth. Thank You for opening my eyes and ears, to know Your words even as well as I do, but I pray that I continue to learn them better. Help me to be bold and firm, against false teachers. Please protect my family, my wife, my children and their children, against false teaching and deceptive false-gospels. Let Your will be done, in who we invite into our home. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/24/2016; 1 John 5:14-15

Today's reading: Jeremiah 33, 34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5

S) "¹⁴ This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him."

1 John 5:14-15 (NASB)

O) John closes his letter with some admonishing, but also the great encouragement of the verses above (along with reminders about eternal life). It is important to note that God is omniscient. He does indeed hear everything. However, the idea of God hearing prayers, carries a different connotation of a granting of the request. For example, when the man born blind was asked about Jesus healing him (see John 9), he said, "We know that God does not hear sinners," So this is almost idiomatic, the idea of God "hearing" actually meaning God "granting" the prayer request. So, the real issue is not whether or not God knows we are praying and can audibly hear us or spiritually know the request of our hearts. The real issue, is whether or not those requests are aligned with His will. To that point, there is such a freedom when we surrender to God's will. There is freedom in realizing we don't have to make everything happen ourselves. There is freedom in learning that His commands are for our good. There is freedom in understanding that His will is better than ours, and trusting that the solution He has in mind is the best one. What that means to prayer, is that when we conform our prayers to His will, we are assured they will come to pass.

A) This truth, this promise, should really inform how and what I pray. It is not enough to simply end my prayers with a disclaimer, or a caveat, of a simple "if it's Your will." To be clear, that is indeed very important. I have seen God answer a lot of prayers in my life, and when I have been committed to a humble approach, that I only want my request if my Lord wants it for me, that has born fruit of humility, patience, and wisdom. However, when I think about this promise, that my prayers of things He wills, will be heard and granted, it makes me want to search out His will for me to pray! Specifically, what occurs to me right now, is that I need to be in prayer for my unsaved loved ones. I don't pray nearly enough for them, but I know it's God's will that none would perish but all would come to repentance. How could I have any request more powerful to pray, or more urgent? Second, and this is timely and topical to my life, is for His will over my family right now with our move to Billings. We prayed for this for almost a year, humbly submitting ourselves to His timing, His will, His provision for this move to happen. Now that we're on our way, I need to pray for His will to prevail over the rest of our lives here, and how they transition, and how we flourish, all to His glory.

P) Father, thank You for this promise, God. Thank You for hearing me when I pray for the things that matter to You. Father God, there are so many who need the gospel, who need Yiur truth to set them free. I could pray a never ending list... but for now, let me just say, please soften hearts, and open ears and eyes, especially for my brothers and sisters, my in-laws, my friends, all of whom need Your freedom and healing. I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ continue to pray for all of the unsaved whose names I don't know, but they do. Save Eric, and Tim and Shonda, and Gabe, and Feleisha. Save Pete and Bev, and their brothers and sisters, and mother. And God bless Mary Gadbaw, Lord. She is a faithful woman who loves her kids and Jesus, and I pray her requests for her kids are heard, Lord. Please save Kara and Vance, Brad and Kayla. Use me however You will in their lives, however I can play a part in their redemption stories. Just let Your will be done for them. Father God, thank You for hearing me and Kristin, in our request to move to Billings. We are so thankful that this is happening. Hasten the day, Lord, that I can go get them to join me here. When we are here, I pray we settle into our church family here. Prepare and establish relationships for us here, God, for Kristin and me as adults who need brothers and sisters here to support us in the absence of family. Please make relationships for our kids, to have godly friends who will challenge them to be better disciples of Jesus, who will encourage and admonish. Prepare our kids that they would engage in church family here, and flourish in Jess Christ, becoming strong disciples themselves. I want to serve You here as a whole family, Lord. Be glorified in us, in Billings, and let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/23/2016; 1 John 4:12

Today's reading: Jeremiah 31, 32; 1 John 4

S) "¹² No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us."

1 John 4:12 (NASB)

O) The topic of love runs strong throughout this letter, and especially in this chapter. In this verse, John is alluding to one of the strong purposes of love, but from a little bit of a different angle. In John 13:35, he recorded the words of Jesus explaining that the love the disciples shared would be confirmation to the world that they are His disciples. That is a matter of our love glorifying God. Similarly, John says in this passage that no one has seen God, but if they see us loving one another - especially as Jesus does - then God abides in us, and people can see that. It is that recognition of God's presence in us, that recognition that the love we bear is from Him, that's what makes it perfected. It is because His love is on display in us, people can see the reality of Jesus through our love, and that stands in proxy of seeing God. In other words, people don't have to see God to understand He exists, if they see Christians who are loving others as Jesus loved.

A) It occurs to me now, that this verse may be giving a new light to 1 John 4:19. I always took that verse to mean I could only love because God loves me first. While I don't think that's wrong fundamentally, per se, I think it's maybe not John's point. I think he's speaking more about the motivation of the Christian to love. Many people can claim many causes for their desire to love someone, but the Christian should only ever need one reason: because He first loved us. Similarly, I am motivated to share that love God gave me, by loving others in His stead (so to speak). I think this is at the root of what it means when people say things like, "We are His hands and feet." or something like, "You may be the only Bible someone ever sees." These can feel like tired clichés, but there is certainly some truth in them. People will never see God to believe, but they may see His love in me and believe. That motivates me, almost like a responsibility, to love others because He first loved me, and o want to show them His love.

P) Father, thank You for loving me first. Thank You for revealing Your love for me, through the people who loved me before I knew You. Bless those men and women, Lord. Reward them for their faithfulness in loving me, in showing me the reality of who You are, by loving me as Jesus loved the disciples. Help me pass that legacy on to others, too. Let me be fully motivated to share your love with others, that they may come to understand You are there and love them. Let Your love be perfected in how I love others, all to Your glory. I pray that Your grace covers my failures, and that others can see Your grace when I am not loving as I should. Please forgive me for not loving as I am commanded to love. Help me be a more faithful steward of Your love, and let Your will be done in it. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/22/2016; 1 John 3:1

Today's reading: Jeremiah 28, 29, 30; 1 John 3

S) "¹ See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."

1 John 3:1 (NASB)

O) John was called the disciple whom Jesus loved, or the beloved disciple, and it's no wonder that so much of his letters focuses on the love of Christ. He really understood the reality of the love of God. To be sure, this is a wonderful promise! It is wondrous, the love God has for us. John himself, wrote the words that God loved the world so much, He sent His only Son to die for us. For a long time, I held a particular appreciation that I am saved, since I was not Jewish, but even the Jews didn't consider themselves sons of God, but sons of Abraham. This is more, though. Being a son of God is the assertion Jesus made, which goes beyond being of Israel. In Christ, we are made fellow heirs of the promises in Christ. He is the firstborn, and we are made His brethren. That is so great a love! That is why John finishes that verse with a reminder, a warning of sorts, that the world didn't know Christ, so they won't know us.

A) As great a promise as this is, and that itself cannot really be overstated, I also noticed that this is in part, an instruction. John says, "See..." Like so many songs from Kids Praise, Psalty the singing psalm book taught me this verse in the KJV. In that song/version, the word is translated "Behold..." I think that word especially, conveys that this is an imperative statement. I need to see it, to set my eyes on it, to behold it. God loves me so, so much, that He has made me His son. How great a love, indeed.

P) Father, my words will never correctly thank You for so great a love. In a way, I know that even that inability is a testament to Your grace. Even if I had the comprehension to fully see this grace, and even if I had the perfect words, it still wouldn't be enough to thank You. The only response, is that I would completely submit my life to You. Help me keep this beautiful promise in mind today. Let me heed the imperative word of John, that I would see the truth of Your love, that I would behold it, that I would keep my eyes focused on the reality, power, and purpose of Your love, in all the grace You have given it. Thank You, Father God. When the world turns against me, let me remember that they were first against Jesus. If I am treated like Him, then I am all the more thankful to walk as He walked, and suffer as He suffered, as long as You are glorified as He glorified You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/21/2016; 1 John 2:28

Today's reading: Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2

S) "²⁸ Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming."

1 John 2:28 (NASB)

O) This chapter is a little tough, as John is admonishing the church to overcome, and walk in obedience, and love, and abide in Christ, and not love the world. He uses some strong language throughout, and puts things in very simple but hard and fast contrast. In the end, though, he brings it back to a great encouragement. As Christians, we shouldn't be worried about our standing with God, if we really understand His grace through Jesus. So long as we abide in Christ, we will look forward to His return without any hesitation or dismay. The key, though, is abiding in Him. That phrase is a call back to vv.5-6, when John tells us we can know if we are in Christ, if we walk like Christ. That is, after all, what it means to be His disciple.

A) I really think God wants us to stand before Him with confidence. To be clear, this cannot be arrogance. God clearly opposes the proud. However, when we are in a right relationship with Him, when we are humbly submitted to His sovereignty, I think He wants us to have confidence as His children. Our confidence before Him is based on Christ, who had every perfect reason for confidence. If we are like Him, that is, if we are submitted to a life of following Jesus and seeking to be like Him, and when we are raised at the last coming, we will be like Him, then we share in a confidence now, knowing that we are fellow heirs with Christ, and justified before the Father, and loved by God. I want to walk with that confidence until His second coming. I want to approach the throne of grace with confidence. It can even go beyond (or before that?), because my confidence in who God has made me, and why He has given me the talents and gifts I have, and understanding I live for Him in all that I do, that gives me a confidence for my work, parenting, ministry, relationships - it touches everything. But here is the real crux: that confidence must glorify Jesus Christ. If it doesn't glorify my Lord, then it's not confidence in Him, or in me abiding in Him, but something else, something unjustified, ungodly. So, this is then a sort of a humble confidence.

P) Father, thank You for the grace and mercy I have in Jesus Christ. Thank You for drawing me to Him, that I may have a restored and right relationship with You, as I abide in Him. Let my confidence in Jesus, and in the cross, be a light that attracts others to what I have in You. Let this shine as a light, that my confidence doesn't come from some esoteric belief in myself, but it comes from a very real, very evident belief in Jesus Christ the risen King. I look forward to the day I stand before You, in the fullness of the glory of Christ, when I am finally abiding in Him perfectly and eternally. Until then, let me focus on walking as He walked, with all the confidence that brings, all to Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/20/2016; 1 John 1:9

Today's reading: Jeremiah 48, 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1

S) "⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9 (NASB)

O) In the verse immediately before this, and immediately after this, John uses the phrase, "If we say," similar to the way the verse above starts, "If we confess..." All three of these verses are very closely linked, but I highlighted only this verse, because it carries with it the clear instruction. In all three verses, the first thing to do, is to identify who "we" are, as John identifies them. He uses the word "we" throughout this first chapter, and it's even in the very first verse. He identifies that "we" are the ones who have heard, and seen, and touched Jesus (understanding that John identifies Jesus as the Word of God made flesh in John 1, or in this case, the Word of Life made manifest). Three times he says "we proclaim" or, "we announce" and all three times he says, "to you," and he says, "we write," The reason it is so important to see all of these instances, is that when we get down to vv.8-10, it makes it clear that the "we" he means is Christians! In fact, it could even be understood, that the "we" he means, is actually the apostles themselves! So, it's understood to be a much more powerful statement in v.8 and 10, seeing that the apostles still have sinned in their past, and had sin as a present struggle or affliction, if we can call it that. The reason it's so important, is because in the middle of those verses, John says, "If we confess," and he means Christians, the disciples of Jesus, even the apostles themselves. We must understand what confess means, too. To confess really means, to tell it like it really is. Specific to our submission to God, to confess is to plainly describe something like God would describe it. "Con-" meaning "with or like" and "-fess" meaning tell. So, we are telling it like or with someone, and that someone is God, who knows and speaks and reveals all truth. Now, John uses a present tense form of that verb. He does not say, "Since we confessed," as if it was a one-and-done occurrence. He means that it is something Christians still do, even after they have heard, and seen, and touched Jesus, and believed on Him, and wrote to the churches planted all around the known world. They had sinned, and they have sin, and if they confess their sins, the rest of the promise comes to pass. Confession is not meant to be a one time occurrence, but a lifestyle of truth-telling, and in this case, about our sins. The reality is that sin persists in the life of a believer, even after they have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Even after they have planted churches and pastured thousands of Christians. But, the beauty is that Jesus died once for all. He was raised and sits at the right hand of the Father, and still makes intercession on our behalf. That is why God is righteous (or justified, or just) to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. It is because our debt has been paid, and Jesus was the propitiation, the atonement, the ransom for our sins.

A) Confession is hard. How's that for confession? I confess that it's hard to confess. It shouldn't be, but it is. Setting aside all of the lies and fears that come with confession to other people (see James 5:16), at times it's difficult to confess my sins to God, to vocalize, acknowledge, and look at my mistakes. It's hard to admit that I still need the mercy of Christ. The blood of Jesus is still something I need to cleanse me. Part of it, I think, is because I want to be perfect. I want to be mature enough to not fall for the same temptations I have in the past. I want to be disciplined enough to do the right thing every time. There's a part of me that feels like I should have arrived by now. But the reality is, I won't arrive until I'm dead. I won't arrive until the glory of Christ is manifested in my resurrection with Him. But, after I've sinned with something I really hate, the lie comes. The lie is usually something like, "I know what I did, and God knows what I did, and I'm sorry, and He knows it. So, why do we need to talk about it?" (we, meaning me and God).  The reality is, confessing to God brings cleansing and justification before Him. The truth is, when I confess to Him, and He cleanses me, it's more than just a legal justification, it's a restored relationship. When I've sinned, I feel the separation from Him. I can sense the wedge between us, the wedge of my actions, and I begin to miss Him of that separation persists. When I confess and He cleanses, He brings me back into His fold. I usually cry, and I grieve my mistakes, and then He comforts me. The more I remember His grace, His promise of mercy, His character as my compassionate Father God, who is full of lovingkindness, the quicker I'll confess my sins, to be drawn close to Him again. I don't confess because I "have to confess," but genuinely because I get to confess. I am blessed to lay it bare before Him, and allow Him to mend my brokenness again.

P) Father, thank You for the dependable, unchanging character You have. Thank You for the lovingkindness and compassion You keep for Your children. Thank You for restoring me, even today, when I confess my sins and You forgive me. Let me be quicker the next time; we both know there will be a next time. I want to spend as little time apart from You, as I can ever manage. Let me be quick to repent and confess, and remember the sweetness of Your forgiveness and comfort. Thank You for being such a good Father to me, so undeserving that I am. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Be glorified in me, that I would honor Yoyr name with a life of repentance and confession. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 08/19/2016; John 21:25

Today's reading: Jeremiah 45, 46, 47; Psalm 105; John 21

S) "²⁵ And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they *were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself *would not contain the books that *would be written."

John 21:25 (NASB)

O) The last two verses of this gospel break from the historical narrative. Verse 24 is ascribing this gospel to John, and the above verse comes as sort of a brief commentary. There is some amount of hyperbole at work in this, or else we should maybe understand that there simply were not that many books at the time, and/or, the understanding of the size of the world was simply limited. The important thing to remember from this, is that even with four gospels having been written, these are still not comprehensively describing everything Jesus did. The things left unwritten are, therefore, things we can only speculate. There is little point in that kind of speculation, and it usually leads to misconceptions, but there is an important lesson to remember from this. Because the gospels we have are not exhaustive, the writers had to be discerning about the things they recorded. They had to be judicious with their resources, imparting the most important elements of His life. This is why, I think, we don't really have any records of the life of Jesus before His ministry, except as a baby being born, and the one story of Him visiting Jerusalem and staying behind in the temple (which are witness to the fulfillment of prophecies). Even at their most interesting, and satisfying to the most itching curiosity, that kind of account would still pale in comparison to the importance of His ministry on earth.

A) Conspiracy theories about Jesus have existed since His ministry began. At the root of this, are hearts of people who do not want to acknowledge His lordship because they want to remain in their sins. I am speaking from firsthand experience as much as anecdotal evidence. Even since submitting myself to Jesus Christ as my King, I am still prone to wonder about His life aside from what is recorded in the gospels. While some of that wonder is innocent, childlike curiosity, the problem is that the enemy will certainly still use that to distract me from what I do know about Jesus Christ. To put it another way, I could say that if I am going to contemplate the life of Jesus Christ, I should not be wondering about what could never be known, instead of letting what I do know fill me with wonder. If the Gospel writers knew that what they recorded were the most important parts of His life, the most important data to pass on to others, the most important stories, experiences, and words of Jesus, who am I to consider that there could have been more important things about Him for me to dwell on? This is not to say that there is no room for thoughts aside from the majesty of Jesus, but if I am already thinking of Him, already talking about Him, already setting my mind on Him, it should then be thoughts that are going to be the most fruitful, and those will always be based on what the Bible tells me about Jesus, for sure.

P) Father, the wonder of Your recorded word is more than enough for me. The grace at work, when I really slow down and consider its epic conception and preservation, is astounding. Thank You for this grace. Thank You for giving us the Gospel accounts that we have. Thank You for opening my eyes and ears, that I would understand the reality of who Jesus is, based on Scripture. Let me dwell on His life, ministry, words, death, burial, resurrection, appearance, and ascension. When I think of my Lord and Savior, I want those thoughts to be fruitful and honor You. Let it all be done to Your glory, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.