SOAP 09/10/2016; Revelation 15:3-4

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

S) "³ And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

'Great and marvelous are Your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty;
Righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the nations!
⁴ 'Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy;
For all the nations will come and worship before You,
For Your righteous acts have been revealed.'"

Revelation 15:3-4 (NASB)

O) The singers in this passage are those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name. That is to say, they were victorious over that tribulation. The details of that victory aren't really given. We know that not taking the number of the beast would certainly make grocery shopping difficult (see Revelation 13:16-17), but that could be some measure of symbolism. It could be something like a boycott, a social ostracism like the Jews saw in Germany. It could be quite literal, too. In either case, without a doubt they overcame the same way that the devil was defeated, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony (see Revelation 12:11). Exactly what they overcame, or even when this victory song is taken up, is not why I highlighted this passage, though. In chapters 5 and 14, there are myriads singing new songs to God. That term "new song" is also used once in Isaiah, and several times in Psalms. Contemporarily, I hear that phrase used a lot. It seems a very popular thing to do, lately, to encourage a "new song" to God. But in this passage, we see something quite different from that. These who were victorious, they sing "the song of the Lamb" which appears to be the rest of v.3, and the beginning of v.4, but they also sing "the song of Moses," which is the end of v.4, the last two lines. This brings to light an important lesson that shouldn't be lost. New is not always better. We serve the Ancient of Days, and He has never changed. He has never needed to become new. Our worship of God must be true, and if it includes a new song, that is just fine. If it includes a song that is three thousand years old, as long as it is true worship, then that is also perfectly good worship.

A) There are times when I become obsessed with new. Materialism and capitalism are built around the concept that new is better. But, even with less tangible things, I can sometimes get tricked into thinking that new is better. A new method of doing something, a new tradition, a new worship song. That's really where this verse hit me. Sometimes, new worship songs can feel fresh and exciting. The unfamiliar lyrics can help draw my focus to God, really paying attention to what I'm singing, since I can't recite the words by rote. The new music can be exciting. However, I don't want worship to be about me. Traditional songs, hymns, even a Psalm taken straight from the Bible, these should be given as much value as any new song, so long as the lyrics are true and I am singing them to God in truth. I don't want to become bored with worship, just because it's "old" to me. In reality, I need to keep myself humble, and remember that worship is not about my feelings. Feeling the emotional connection between me and God, while I worship Him, is always nice. However, worship is not about me. I must remain humble and committed, devoted in my singing, to worship and praise Him because of who He is, not because of how I feel about the song. He deserves more than my good feelings.

P) Father God, You are holy. You are mighty, sovereign, true, unchanging, full of lovingkindness, compassionate, patient, righteous, and perfect. Your judgments are final. Your wrath is unbearable. Your love is complete. Your wisdom is unsearchable. Your mercy is complete. You are eternal, ever-present, and all-powerful. You are personal. Who am I, that You would desire to relate to me? Who am I, that You would be pleased to know me? Thank You for the communion we have in Your Son. Thank You for the mercy I receive by the blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You for promises I have, for the blessing it is, for the love You have lavished on me, to call me Your child. You deserve all this worship and more. You deserve every part of my life devoted to You. Let my lips sing Your praises all the days of my life. Even to my very last breath, let me worship You in spirit and in truth. Father, I confess that my attitude in worship is not always what it should be. Too often, I get distracted by the music and the words, and thinking about the song for the sake of the song. I don't want that, Lord God. Help me to focus properly, to be mindful of why I worship. Help me to focus on who You are, what You've done, and who I am in Jesus Christ. Let me be intent with my thoughts, with my words, to focus on thanksgiving. I pray that You find a humble servant, when I worship You. Let me bow my heart before You, singing both new songs and old. Let my worship to You be found as a sweet aroma before You, a sweet gift from Your child. I pray that my worship is pleasing to You, whether it is traditional or contemporary, whether it is an old stand by or a new favorite. I just want my worship to be true and to please You. Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed. I love You, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/09/2016; Revelation 14:3-5

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

S) "³ And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. ⁴ These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless."

Revelation 14:3-5 (NASB)

O) Like most passages in Revelation, we must understand that there are, actually, a few ways to interpret the book as a whole. Whether the majority of its prophecies have already been fulfilled, or they actually point to an "End Times" can vary tremendously. In this case, I'm not sure it actually matters, because the sovereignty of God on display is the same, whether this occurred in the first century, or it will occur centuries from now. This is not the first appearance of this multitude. Earlier, in Chapter 7, they were sealed on the head as bond-servants to God, to be protected from tribulation. Now in this chapter, they are said to have the name of the Father and Lamb (being Jesus) on their heads. This is noteworthy, because the previous chapter ended with the warning about the mark of the beast being on the foreheads (and hands) in order that they might be able to buy and sell. In both of these groups, we see a symbolism in this mark on the forehead (and/or hand), because this is one of the ways that the Romans marked their slaves (or "bond-servant" as many recent English translations have the word). These 144,000 were said to be the slaves of God, and now we see they bear His name on their heads. This is in contrast to the people who take the mark of the beast (implying an allegiance, debt, or slavery to him). With all this context in place, we come to the scene, seeing this multitude of faithful Christians (because they follow the Lamb, which is what disciples do, which is what Christians actually are) taking up wondrous worship to God, which is unique to them. Now, whether or not their are other Christians in this scene, in the world, is also not explained. However, this 144,00 is described as remarkably faithful. They are said to be chaste, but that seems very likely to be symbolically telling of their faithfulness to God, more than their physical sexuality. No lie is found in their mouths, which could be talking about them simply being honest, or it could also be more idiomatic. Honesty, in this way, was often representative of moral purity in general. When Ezekiel says he was a man of unclean lips, from a people of unclean lips, he seemed to be speaking of impurity more broadly. Also, when Jesus met Nathanael, he was called, "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Again, this could have simply meant he was extraordinarily honest, but it seems to carry with it a broader implication. And, the last line of v.5 certainly makes it clear that these people are blameless. Finally, and perhaps the most telling of the descriptions of this group, is that they are said to be purchased from among men as the first fruits to God and the Lamb. Now, this term is clearly symbolic, but it's not unique to this book. In fact, it appears several times in the New Testament, and it either refers to Jesus Himself, or to the church (see James 1:18 especially). So, this 144,000 seems most likely to me, to refer to the early church. This would set this whole period (at least from ch.7 through ch.14) in the time period of the early church.

A) The more I read through Revelation, trying to read it for what it says within itself, the more I wonder how much of it may already have come to pass. Having said that, I don't have a strong desire to be decided about it. If it does indeed refer to the past, then this passage is inspiring me to be like that early church, faithfully wed to the Bridegroom. I want to follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Even if I'm not counted among the first fruits to God, I want to keep lies from my lips, and remain blameless (I say "remain" because Jesus makes me blameless by justification, taking away the guilt of my sins before my Father in heaven). If, however, this multitude has not yet been revealed on earth, then I still want to be like them! It doesn't change the fact that this group, whoever they were/are, remain exemplary in their walk with Jesus. That is exactly who I want to be, exemplary in my walk with Jesus, and one day worshiping before His throne.

P) Father, You are worthy to be praised. This multitude, they are right to sing a new song before Your throne. Lord, I don't pretend to know all the mysteries of John's revelation, but this passage is clear, that I must remain a faithful disciple. I must remain loyal, unwavering in following Jesus. I must remain honest and blameless. I confess, that in terms of exemplary disciples, I have a long way to go. But I want to grow and mature in my relationship with You, God. Help me to be more like these, who are the first fruits. Let my life be for Your glory, God. I only want Your will to be done, that I would be a servant who pleases my Master. To You be all praise and glory forever. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/08/2016; Ezekiel 28:16

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

S) "¹⁶ By the abundance of your trade
You were internally filled with violence,
And you sinned;
Therefore I have cast you as profane
From the mountain of God.
And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub,
From the midst of the stones of fire."

Ezekiel 28:16 (NASB)

O) This verse was already highlighted in my Bible, as a warning, but when I looked for an entry for it I couldn't find one (although it certainly seems familiar). Since I can't exactly erase a highlight, I decided I would go ahead and write a(nother) entry for it. This comes as part of a judgment and then lamentation for the king of Tyre, although he is not named. While the imagery and some of the descriptions certainly carry with them some spirituality, I do believe this is still talking about a mortal man. Throughout the first half of the chapter, there are several references to the king making himself out to be like God, and the supernatural elements to vv.15-16 may be a reference to that, almost like the LORD is using the arrogance of the king to make His point, that the king is no match for God at all. I suppose, because it is not explicitly said so in the Bible, and even because this king is unnamed, that there is some possibility that he could have been an actual cherub, but that seems unlikely. However, whichever is the case has no bearing on the warning itself. Clearly, the hubris of this king brought about the judgment of God.

A) Because I know with certainty that I am not a cherub, the last half of the verse isn't directly applicable. Even metaphorically, this is a judgment I will avoid by keeping myself humble before my God. He is God and I am not. Unfortunately, there are still ways in which I act as if I am God - by this I mean I am tempted and sometimes sin, with things like arrogant pride, and making decisions as if I am sovereign over my life. In a sense, every time I sin, it could be said that I am making myself out to be the god of my own life, that I am making myself the god of my own heart. There are many, many passages in the Bible, warning against this kind of pride. However, this verse did strike me as a little unique, in that it connects the materialism of the king's desires to the violence of his hands. While this passage may be a little more descriptive than prescriptive, I also see a sort of parallel in the beginning of James 4, which talks about the connection between unsatisfied desires and violence. While the root of any sin is certainly pride, it should be noted that there are other - progressions I suppose I could say - that trace sinful behaviors back to their roots. If violence really is the end result of materialism, then addressing the unchecked desires in my life will certainly help prevent some of that violence (although I am sure other things can lead to violence). Materialism isn't something too obvious in my life; that is to say, I don't think it's a regular stumbling block for me. Having said that, I know that I have sometimes been surprised by desires that have taken root in my heart, for things that I don't really need, or even that I should certainly not even have. Even materialism has a root, and tracing it back to the pride that says I'm in charge of my life, and I'm entitled to my desires, is certainly where I need to put to death my own desires.

P) Father, thank You for the patience You show Your servant every single day. I confess that materialism still creeps into my heart at times. I don't always notice it, because it doesn't seem like a particularly regular struggle for me. Because of that, I pray that You would help me see the temptations for what they are, help me see them even more clearly. Tracing that back further, Lord, I lay down my own desires. Help me put to death, the desires that do not honor You. I am not my own, Lord. I confess that I am Yours, because You have purchased me - and at an incalculable cost. I am indebted to You. However, even more than that, I just love You. Father God, I want to be obedient, and to please You. I want to live for You, and not fleshly lusts which are passing away, anyway. Help me to exercise more self-control today than I did yesterday. Help me to grow in this daily. Help me to walk in the Spirit, so I am not gratifying the desires of my flesh, and instead I am pursuing and gratifying the desires of my spirit. It is the desire of my spirit to honor and glorify You, my Lord. Let Your will be done in this. Have Your way with me, Your humble servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/07/2016; Revelation 12:17

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

S) "¹⁷ So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus."

Revelation 12:17 (NASB)

O) This chapter seems to take a break from the future events, inasmuch as it seems pretty clear that it is depicting the birth of Jesus, and the opposition from satan. The ensuing war, I think, probably takes place over a long course of time, but that's where it gets a little bit more than speculative. Eschatology being what it is, and apocalyptic prophecy adding to the mystery, there's no way to know what all of this means. Anyone claiming to have all of the knowledge, all of the secrets revealed, should probably be avoided. However, taking the chapter together as a whole, the sovereignty and victory of God come through very clearly (especially from v.11). Just as important, to take from this chapter and this last verse especially, is that there is a very real war happening. The church, and every citizen of the Kingdom of God, has a very real, very active, very angry enemy. The enemy of Christianity, of Christians, of Christ, it is not the far left-wing politics of America. The enemy is not the liberality of Europe. The enemy is not Islam, or even the militant tyranny of ISIS (or ISOL). The real enemy we have is the dragon, the ancient serpent, the devil, satan (v.9). Everything else is a ploy. We do not battle against flesh and blood. There is a much bigger, much more important war raging around the globe. It's the only war that matters, the only war that has ever mattered. The war for souls to be rescued from the hatred of the devil. This battle is fought without carnal weapons, but instead with the spiritual weapons of prayer and fasting, learning the truth of God through Scripture, and the boots on the ground are the same ones that bring the gospel to those who are held captive.

A) Nothing frustrates me like wanting to fight, feeling the adrenaline and zeal, but having no actual target. Nothing makes me want to fight, like spiritual issues. Things like, when someone has been believing a lie for a long time. Things like, when someone has been struggling with a temptation for a long time and I didn't know it. It didn't take long as a Christian, for me to realize that those are spiritual issues, because I never wanted to fight a person, per se. It's just that it felt the same as wanting to fight. I learned that the fight really is in prayer. It's also in speaking the truth against those lies, and fasting for freedom, and just loving people like Jesus. Verses like the one above remind me that there is an enemy to fight, and the real issue for me, is to remember that there is a war going on even if the battlefront hasn't hit home. The devil is making war, even if I am not. He has been enraged for more than two thousand years. He hasn't stopped making war, and he won't stop until Jesus comes back to end it once and for all. In the meantime, I know that I will not end his fight, but I for sure won't let him end mine, either. I won't let him end the fight for anyone I love. The hardest thing about spiritual warfare, is that it is so hard to keep focus. It is so hard, because it's easy to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind. I don't want to be reactive, I want to be active. I want to be actively praying for my own clarity of mind, victory over temptation, faithfulness to my Lord, and devout in my obedience. I want to be actively praying for my marriage, for my wife. I want to be actively praying for her through her weaknesses, that she would find strength in the Lord. I want to be actively praying for my kids, and my unsaved loved ones, and my friends, and my town, and my country, and the world. I just need to keep my eye on the prize, remember that I have a real enemy, and then stand up and fight.

P) Father, You have already given me the victory. I know that with the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony, I will overcome. However, I confess that I am easily distracted. I am easily fooled, lulled into a false sense of security. There is a very real war raging through the world, and my house is not immune to those perils, either. But, I don't want to wait for a bombardment for me to take up arms and join the fray. I want to be more active. Father, I must keep my mind on the battle; this is not a game. Open my eyes to see this fight; open my ears to hear the war. Help me be a disciplined soldier for You, my King. Please forgive my apathy and ignorance. Give me Your sword and point me in the direction to start swinging, God. I want to fight for You. I want to fight for myself, and for my wife and marriage, and for my kids. I want to fight for the souls who are in danger, the people I love who are not yet citizens in the Kingdom with me. Let Your will be done here, Lord, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/06/2016; Ezekiel 29:7

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

S) "⁷ When they took hold of you with the hand,
You broke and tore all their hands;
And when they leaned on you,
You broke and made all their loins quake."

Ezekiel 29:7 (NASB)

O) There are three main things to take into consideration about this verse. First, is that this concept is not original with Ezekiel. When Jerusalem was besieged by Rabshakeh while Hezekiah reigned, he said that Judah should have no confidence in Egypt, calling them a staff of crushed reed, that if they leaned on Egypt they'd be pierced in the hand. Now, the literal recording from above suggests it might say "shoulder" but the point is the same. The significance between these two analogies, is that the earlier were the words of an Assyrian commander, while the words recorded above were given to Ezekiel by the LORD. We could take this to mean that the words of Rabshakeh informed the opinion of God (i.e., Assyria said it and God was confirming it as true). Or, more likely, God had informed the opinion of Assyria regarding Egypt. After all, Assyria had conquered Israel (the northern kingdom) before coming against Jerusalem; they were used as God's agent of purging the northern kingdom, who had rebelled against Him. Rabshakeh even claimed that the LORD actually told him to go conquer (see Isaiah 36:10). Although he obviously could have been lying, we know God spoke to Nebuchadnezzar, but he simply exalted himself beyond God's purposes. The same could have happened with Sennacherib sending Rabshakeh against Jerusalem. The second notable thing between these two analogies, are that in the earlier case, it was a warning to Judah (and likely a warning from God through an unlikely vessel). However, this later warning is directed at Egypt, who is the subject of this unflattering verse. God's people were still likely to hear of God's judgment against Egypt, as Ezekiel was a prophet sent to them, but this is still God humbling a country that thought more highly of themselves than they ought to have. The last notable difference, is the addition of the second portion, "And when they leaned..." Because the reality is, a lot of countries did rely on Egypt for support in conquests, in defense, and for food in times of famine, and even for shelter when they were fleeing political oppression or even assassination. But, how the world viewed Egypt didn't matter, because God knew them better. He saw through their reputation, and saw how weak, splintered, and vulnerable they really were. Lastly, there is a peculiarity with the last word. It is literally translated "stand" and it makes for a somewhat ambiguous sentence. Some of the older translations (KJV, ASV) say, "... loins to be at a stand." But the general idea seems to be the same, that it shocks, wrenches, quakes... it's not good.

A) These kinds of warnings must always be seen two ways. First, I must not be the Egypt in this judgment. God knows me better than the people who see me. They might have a very high opinion of my abilities, qualities, or character. But, they only have their perception. I also may think highly of myself, which might even be informed by te praises of others, to some degree. However, God knows my weaknesses. God knows my limitations, my shortcomings, my failures. As much as I value genuine and loving encouragement, which is good in itself, I must always humble myself before my God, and ask Him for a reality check. Second, I must also not be fooled by the Egypts around me. I must only look to Jesus for my help, for my support, for my security. Obviously, God will use Christians in my life to support, love, and care for me - He'll even use some unbelievers for His glory in this - but that's just it, always His glory must be central to this all.

P) Father God, thank You for direct discipline. Thank You for admonishing Your children, and loving me enough to warn me about dangers I can't see. Thank You for being utterly reliable, and stronger than I can ever fully know. You are holy and good to Your servant. I confess that I have mistaking let placed my trust in broken reeds. I have foolishly looked elsewhere for help and support. But, I know the truth now. I know that there is no other support but You, God. There is no other, on whom I can lean, except You. You are my Rock, my sure foundation. Thank You for grace and love. Let Your glory be plain by my complete trust in You, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/05/2016; Revelation 10:10-11

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

S) "¹⁰ I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. ¹¹ And they *said to me, 'You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.'"

Revelation 10:10-11 (NASB)

O) The imagery of eating a scroll from God is actually seen in another place in the Bible, in Ezekiel 3, where the prophet also described his eaten scroll as sweet as honey. In both instances, they were given prophecy about future events, not only for themselves to know, but they were told to go speak those prophecies to the people and their leaders. In John's case, there is also the added bitterness. The Bible doesn't expressly tell us why it turned bitter, but there are a few logical possibilities. For one thing, most people want to know the future, and so hearing about future events would initially be exciting and good, but when John heard about the great calamity upon the earth, it would have become grievous knowledge to him. Another possibility is that it was his call to prophesy, specifically, that made it bitter. That is, like Jeremiah with the word of God burning his bones within him, it's possible this reference to the book becoming bitter in his stomach is an image of him needing to expel it from within, needing to get it out. That is, with the words bitter in his stomach it made him want to spit the words out.

A) In either case, I must pair knowledge with obedience. If I am not willing to do what God says to me, then why should I expect Him to speak to me at all? I suppose any devoted Christian would feel this way, but I would love to hear God speak things to me. I have certainly felt Him lead me in certain things, certain decisions over the course of my life. The more certain I have been that it was Him directing me, the more joyful it was, the sweeter it was, to be in communication with my Lord. However, I don't want to chase "a word from God" when I have over a thousand pages of words from God. The Bible itself, being the certain words of God, should be just as sweet for me to eat. Like Jesus repeated, I do not live on bread alone, but on the very words of God. Even with just what's in the Bible (and that's a little bit of an underwhelming description, because it is vast in its content), that is a heavy responsibility of knowledge that must be followed by obedience. There is a great deal in the Bible that is indeed sweet to take in. It is full of promise, comfort, peace, and joy. At the same time, there is still a lot to make my stomach bitter. There are a lot of hard truths for those who are still rebelling against the King they won't acknowledge. That knowledge, those words, those are bitter to my stomach, knowing that I do have some responsibility to speak the truth about some very hard topics to some people that I love, in many cases, love dearly. But, like John, I must be fully committed to obedience, to repeat the things God has spoken, the truths that will not change whether or not I speak them. I suppose the important thing is, to never leave the bitter by itself, but to present it with the sweet. I don't want to rebuke without encouragement. I don't want to warn without giving hope. I don't want to talk about judgment without also talking about mercy. I don't want to talk about righteousness without also talking about grace. There is a lot about God's words that can be bittersweet, but when we are in Christ, every bitterness can be taken away, and we can experience only that sweetness of His communion. That is what I want to share. In the end, that is what I want people to take in, the sweetness of Jesus Christ.

P) Father, thank You for the words You spoke, for the preservation of the Bible. Thank You for the sweetness of Scriptures, Lord. In Your grace, You tell us of Your peace, love, compassion, mercy, and hope. Your lovingkindness is sweeter than honey. But I confess, that Your judgment can be bitter to my soul, Lord. I humbly confess that You are totally, completely, and utterly perfect in Your judgments, in Your sovereignty. But, as a limited creature, I am not always able to see things clearly, Lord. I am heartbroken by the knowledge that some people I love will die in their sins, never having been brought into proper communion with You, God. I know this also breaks Your heart, so I will continue to pray that they all come to repentance, that they all would come to a full and right knowledge of You, trusting and following Jesus Christ as their Lord. Father, You have opened my eyes and ears, to see and hear Your will. It is more than enough to have the Bible, to know what You have spoken that it records. Help me to be faithful with that knowledge, Father God. Let the bitter parts of Your words, the parts that are hard for be to digest, let those words in me be a motivation to speak the truth to people about what their future holds apart from You. However, don't let me ever stop there. I pray that I am always given the opportunity to also speak of Your great sweetness, Lord God. To share all of the promises, the comfort, the relationship that You provide. You take the bitter and You turn it sweet. You redeem and restore. You heal and give purpose. You open ears and then You speak. You open eyes and then You reveal. Thank You for Your sweet words, Lord. And also thank You for the bitter ones. I will gladly take them both, Father. Thank You for speaking to us. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and let me be obedient with the knowledge You have given me. All this to Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/04/2016; Ezekiel 22:28

Today's reading: Ezekiel 22, 23, 24; Revelation 9

S) "²⁸ Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord God,' when the Lord has not spoken."

Ezekiel 22:28 (NASB)

O) Few things anger the LORD, quite like speaking for Him falsely. When I think about the kind of harm that could befall my kids, if someone lied to them about things I never said, convincing them I did, it makes me furious. Yet, these prophets, who were supposed to be the protectors of the people, shepherding the flock of God in His ways, they were doing exactly that. They were corrupted, using their station to deceive God's people. The reference to whitewashing goes back to Ezekiel 13, when the prophets were already condemned for falsely presenting a peace for the people, when indeed there was only the illusion of security. People want hope, they want to know what's happening around them has some kind of purpose, or that it won't last forever. People want security. When wicked people see that need, they will attempt to fill it for their own sordid gain, not because they actually love the people. That's what was happening here.

A) People, as a species, do not change. Our basic needs have always been the same, our desires remain consistent through the ages. One of those, is that desire for security, and to know everything is going to be alright. In our world today, there are still billions of people who seek supernatural answers to these existential questions. Then, there are the others who seek the answers in the scientific and tangible world. Some bounce back and forth. What I have come to learn, though, is that the only reliable, cohesive, thorough answer is found in Jesus Christ. There are huge markets for psychology, financial independence, business success, and physical exercise. That reveals the desires of people, to be healed, secure, and powerful. Ultimately, though, all of those are whitewashing cracked walls. All of those attempts are only going to make things appear good for a little while. Ultimately, what I need is Jesus. I need Him to heal me, protect me, secure my future, and overcome my enemy. I only need Him. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something.

P) Father, thank You for our relationship, Lord God. Help me to continue growing in our relationship, to know You better and better. Let me remain firmly rooted in the Scriptures, to know what You have actually said, so that I can never be fooled into trusting a whitewashed wall. Give me discernment to recognize Your voice, when others speak on what You have said, or when they are speaking of their own mind and only claiming falsely to speak on Your behalf. Open my eyes and ears, and let me receive Your truth alone. Thank You for securing my future, for healing my brokenness. Thank You for protecting me, and for the victory I receive in Jesus Christ my King. Let me be bold to speak the truth, Lord. Let me be bold to expose false teachers, who are preying on the spiritual needs of desperate and endangered people. Help me to be bold with the gospel, the truth hope of Jesus Christ. Let all this be done only for Your glory, and let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/03/2016; Ezekiel 20:11

Today's reading: Ezekiel 20, 21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8


S) "¹¹ I gave them My statutes and informed them of My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live."

Ezekiel 20:11 (NASB)

O) God is not out to trick anyone. Even from the very beginning of creation, He told Adam all that was required for an eternal life in perfect communion with Him. There was only one rule: do not eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Even a simple rule like that proved too difficult to keep. Going forward all the way to Moses (which is what this verse is harkening), and God gave His people a great many rules. He started with the ten basic rules, but then He gave hundreds more to Moses, so the people would have a more keen understanding of what it meant to be in covenant relationship with Him. At the time the above verse was written, God was about to execute a final judgment against His people (final, relative to their inheritance of the promised land). So, the reason God is reminding them now, at this point, that He has always been very plain, very forthcoming about what He required, was so that they could not claim ignorance in their guilt. They could not claim to have misunderstood or not known what was required to live. He gave them every chance to be obedient. He gave them all the information they needed. Information was not the problem, obstinate hearts were the problem.

A) It is not small thing of God's grace, that we know what He requires. I am so thankful that I heard the gospel as quickly as I did. Even knowing the gospel, there was a time when I tried to live without God. But, it eventually became apparent to me, that living apart from His ways would lead to my death. This verse, like the opening of the book of Romans, reminds me that God is for His creation. Like He said only two chapters earlier, in Ezekiel 18:23, He desires for us to live. He is not making it hard for us to know what is required. He gives us every opportunity. In that sense, the verse above is a promise about His character. God does not change, so this is still His attitude. He wants us to know what is needed to serve Him; it's no secret. In the new covenant, it is written plainly in the New Testament. I don't have to figure out how to please Him, I only have to choose to do it. Indeed, God has done all the heavy lifting. He has paved the way. He has funded the project, drawn up the blueprints, and provided all the materials. I only have to agree to do what He says, and do it.

P) Father, this grace is so humbling. Every time I read about Your grace like this, I am ashamed for ever complaining about Your call to be holy. Every time I read about how You have done all the work, You have provided in every way, I am ashamed about my disobedience, laziness, and apathy. It makes me all the more thankful for Your mercy that comes with Your grace. Please forgive me for my selfishness, lately. I know what I should be doing, so let me be found doing it when my Master returns. I want to please You, Lord. I know that Your love is not dependent on my obedience, but that is all the more reason I want to obey. Let Your will be done in Your servant, today, tomorrow, and until my Master returns. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/02/2016; Ezekiel 18:23

Today's reading: Ezekiel 17, 18, 19; Revelation 7

S) "²³ 'Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,' declares the Lord God, 'rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?'"

Ezekiel 18:23 (NASB)

O) This chapter, up until this point, is God telling Ezekiel that He will not punish the sons for the sins of the fathers, and neither will He punish the fathers for the sins of the sons. That is, He clarifies that the guilt of each individual will be on the head of that individual. Then, He also shifts a little to clarify His desire for repentance from every guilty person. If a wicked man turns from all his wicked ways, practicing righteousness instead, then his transgressions will not be remembered against him (vv.21-22). Then, we see the verse above; the rhetorical question makes it clear that God would much rather a man repent and live, than for Him to put that wicked man to death. That does not please God, but it is the just thing to do if a man will not repent of his sins. This is proof positive that the will of God is not always done; God does not impose forced repentance, forced faithfulness. In His grace, He provides that all are able to repent, He has always been willing to receive the contrite and humble heart. His grace is evident in His patience and lovingkindness. God does not want us to bear the wages of our sins, but rather, He desires that we would take His free gift of life by repentance and turning from our ways to His. This was made ultimately and permanently possible through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and made sure through His resurrection.

A) The most important thing for me to remember, when I do sin, when I transgress the ways of my Lord, is that my God is my Father, and His love for me never changes. His heart is always for my repentance, for my restoration, for me to turn from my sin and live. My mistakes never please Him, but my repentance always does. Sometimes, the will of God can seem unknowable. Sometimes, it's easy to get distracted, almost, trying to figure out what God wants me to do. However, many times I think that is me over-thinking, over-complicating things. Starting simply, remembering that His will for me is for me to repent when I sin, that is where I should start. His will for me is to worship and praise Him, being thankful in every circumstance. Knowing the heart of my Father God will keep me in a state of repentance, so that a heart set on His ways will become the posture I keep, the lifestyle I maintain. When I do fail, when I sin, it will then be the natural, quick, and inviting thing to repent and come back to my Father, whose will is for me to live.

P) Father God, thank You for this great love for me. Thank You for the grace and mercy I have, because of Your great heart for me. Let me remember that Your will for me is to repent and live. That starting there, remembering Your great love for me, I will move to worship and praise, thanksgiving and submission to Your will. Let me walk in obedience, but when I stumble and sin, let me quickly remember Your will for me, Your love for me. Thank You for receiving me, for wanting me. Thank You for the patience You keep for me. Receive all glory and honor, Father God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/01/2016; Revelation 6:6

Today's reading: Ezekiel 15, 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

S) "⁶ And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.'"

Revelation 6:6 (NASB)

O) This chapter shows us the first seals being broken (that is, opened) by the Lamb. The first significance there, is to remember that these judgments are brought about by the sovereignty of the Lord. But, as it goes through them, we see imagery common to judgments given in the Old Testament. In fact, having just recently read through Ezekiel 14, reading about the sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague being used as judgment is not at all unfamiliar. Because this is apocalyptic, prophetic writing, it is hard to know how literally to take some of the details. If the examples given in this verse are literal commodities and literal costs, then it seems strange a famine would touch only the most common crops, and not something so delicate as oil and wine, which grows on vines and aren't exactly known for being easy to grow and harvest; they aren't exactly hearty crops. However, the fact that they do grow on vines brings up an interesting thought. If these details are meant more symbolically, then the first thing that comes to mind about oil and wine, both olives and grapes growing on vines, is that Jesus told us He is the vine and we are the branches. If this is not so literal, but indeed a famine was to come, then it's possible the famine would not damage (i.e., harm) the Christian. The timing of when these opening chapters of Revelation will happen, is a bit controversial. Some consider that they are still to come, while some consider that they apply to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (understanding, then, that the book was written around 66 AD, as opposed to around 85 or 90 AD). In either case, what becomes especially clear with this rider, and this judgment, is that God's control over such judgments is meticulous. He will judge exactly as He desires. If that means this famine only touches certain types of crops, that is within His power. If this famine only touches certain people, that is also within His power.

A) Like a lot of the book of Revelation, this passage is, more than anything, encouraging me about God's sovereignty. There is nothing that escapes His attention and, even more importantly, there is so much that He is directly involved in doing. Some of it will simply be beyond my understanding, beyond my comprehension, beyond the scope of my ability to observe. Some of it, He may actually reveal to me, whether in advance or after the fact. God has graciously moved in my life, prevailed, sustained, preserved me in various ways. I look back on my life and I see the way He kept me in my childhood, the way He preserved me through my teenage years. Even as I neglected Him in the early years of my adulthood, He was faithful with the wife I have, He was faithful with our first child. In His powerful grace, He drew me back to Himself, and my wife to Him in the first. His hand over us in those early years of seeking Him, the evidence of His finger directing us when we first learned to trust Him, serve Him, walk in faith and obedience. The freedom He brought to dark places, the healing He brought to brokenness. Then, even His hand of discipline upon me throughout this history, makes it clear He has purposes in what He allows me to face, to go through, to test me. Even the way He prepared me to face difficult times ahead of myself, reveals His sovereignty to accomplish His purposes. When it all is put together, I trust that He is going to allow into my life, exactly what testing, discipline, and blessing circumstances will serve His purposes. I trust that what He has in place for my life will be for my good, so long as I am seeking Him first, humbling myself before His throne, asking for His direction, and committed to obedience. I have nothing to fear, when I know that I am in God's will.

P) Father, the mysteries of Your ways are deep. I will never know all that You know. It is not for me to have all the knowledge You have. Your grace is sufficient for me, Your servant. It is enough to know that You know. It is enough to know that You are sovereign over Your creation, and that what You allow to happen doesn't happen without Your knowledge and permission. I know that times of testing will come to me, but I trust that as I seek You first, I will pass the test. I trust that if You want me to face circumstances, to overcome trials, that it will be for Your glory and my good. I don't know if a great, worldwide famine is supposed to come in the future, only affecting certain crops - You know. I don't know if this passage describes the time when You preserved Your church out of great tribulation, persecution, and destruction - You know. However, I do know that nothing will come against me that will surprise You. I do know that nothing will happen to me beyond Your permitting it to happen. Because of that, I trust in Your will over my life, and Your plan for my obedience. Help me to respond in a way that honors Your name and glorifies Jesus Christ. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.