SOAP 04/05/2016; Amos 2:6

Today's reading: Ruth 1, 2; Psalm 53, 61; 2 Corinthians 5*

S) "⁶ Thus says the Lord,
'For three transgressions of Israel and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because they sell the righteous for money
And the needy for a pair of sandals.'"

Amos 2:6 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 2

O) Through the first and second chapters (up to this verse), Amos was prophesying against seven different nations. He was prophesying to the Israelites about surrounding countries, which were all long-standing enemies of the kingdom of Israel: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, sons of Ammon, Moab, and even Judah. All of the prophecies start with the same opening, "For three transgressions... and for four." All the while, his listeners would have been gaining confidence in his words. He was, after all, telling them agreeable things. He was promising that that LORD would execute judgment against their enemies. Normally, the true prophets of the LORD (when speaking to Israel) would have nothing but negative prophecies against Israel. But, Amos starts his discourse against all of the surrounding nations, something that would have been very well received by the people of Israel. As he worked through the culpability of the six gentile nations first (their crimes being general inhumane treatments and wickedness), they would have no cause for alarm whatsoever. Then, Amos got to Judah, and the crimes he mentioned were more specific, as sins against the LORD. Namely, that they broke His laws and their covenant. This was the beginning of his shift to the real topic and purpose of his prophetic vision/message. At this point, some of the more shrewd listeners may have had their ears tickled, if they had any convictions left at all. But, they may not have recognized that the shift was on, but when Amos got to the words in the above verse, they surely understood. All the while up to this point, Amos would start the words of judgment the same, and the people would doubtlessly agree, "Yes, the LORD should punish that nation!" By saying it was, "for three... and for four," it made it clear that God had already extended grace and mercy, but this was far enough. By saying, "I will not revoke it," God was making it clear that there would be no plea bargaining. All the while, they must have been agreeing. After all, who would have disagreed about God executing His perfect justice against their enemies? And by agreeing all the while, agreeing that these neighboring enemies had gone far enough, agreeing they should not be able to plea-bargain, they were unknowingly agreeing that they, themselves, had gone far enough and should have no opportunity to plea or bargain. The details of their sins were much more specific, building sin upon sin (not just persecuting the righteous or poor, but perverting justice as well. Not just adultery, but father and son both committing fornication with the same girl, etc.). Their guilt was compounded upon still more guilt.

A) Even as I read this, and as I typed those last few sentences, there was a shade in my heart that wanted to react in self-righteousness. There was a moment of disgust, tempting me to think, "How could they?!" But, in a very real sense, this was exactly part of the problem Israel had. We're all guilty of the same things, like Relient K said. That's what this verse is all about. That's what this transition was, that Amos was making. This is the lesson I must learn, to remain humble and correctable. I can never allow myself to think I am less in need of mercy or grace, than anyone else. Sin starts in the heart, and even if I never do what another person does, the same sin might still rear its ugly head in my heart. Even if the same sin doesn't, another sin does. At the core, I still need Jesus, every single day.

P) Father, You are holy and righteous. Your judgments are right and true, never out of place or time. Your punishment always fits the crime. In Your great mercy, lovingkindness, and compassion, I do not face the punishment for my sins against You. That same mercy and compassion is what I desire for others, too. Help me dwell on the grace I receive, at all times, so that I am not tempted to see myself more highly than I should. Help me to dwell on it, so that I am more compassionate to others when they also need the same grace, Father God. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, that people would be reconciled to You through the grace of the gospel. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/04/2016; Jonah 3:7-8

Today's reading: Judges 19, 20, 21; 2 Corinthians 4*

S) "⁷ He issued a proclamation and it said, 'In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. ⁸ But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands.'"

Jonah 3:7-8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jonah 3

O) Jonah had barely made it a third of the way through the city, when the people responded in unity, believing his words and repenting. As news reached the king, he responded with the above words. He was extreme with his response, leaving no possibility for a lapse in repentance.

A) This part of Jonah's book really resonates with me. I tend to have an extreme attitude, when it comes to repentance. There seems to be no biblical reason to think that animals should fast, or that they are capable of culpable violence. Still, the king wanted to be sure, so they were forced to fast as well. Similarly, when I have a conviction, I may also "overreact" with extreme measures in my repentance. While it probably does no harm, forcing my pets to fast (so to speak), it surely does not help. In the case of this king, he didn't really know the LORD. He could not have known what God wanted, and must have thought it was better to be safe than sorry. Conversely, I do know what God wants. He made it plain in Scripture. I have to think that my Father God wants my reactions to be more reasonable. Throughout the Bible, He asks for clear thinking, sober minds, and rational thought. So, when I feel a conviction, I should carefully seek to balance my reaction, not letting my emotions carry me, even if it's "better safe than sorry." This is a matter of maturing in my relationship, knowing my Father God. I should certainly understand better than this king did.

P) Father, thank You for the convictions You have given me. Thank You for discipline and correction. You treat me, graciously, as a son. As emotional as I often am, I still want to think clearly. I want self-control. I don't want to live out a hyperbole, cutting off my hand when I sin. You desire a change in my heart, not in my abilities. That's what I want, too. I don't want to be a rash person. I don't want to be swayed by polarizing emotions, Father. So, when I feel Your convictions (and I pray I feel them my whole life), help me to pause, pray, and carefully consider what to do about it. Please continue to discipline me as a child, and also to instruct me, and help me continue gaining self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. I want to have self-control to avoid sin, but even after I sin, I want to have self-control in my confession and repentance. Thank You for knowing me, and letting me know You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/03/2016; Jonah 2:7-8

Today's reading: Judges 17, 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3*

S) "⁷ While I was fainting away,
I remembered the Lord,
And my prayer came to You,
Into Your holy temple.
⁸ Those who regard vain idols
Forsake their faithfulness,"

Jonah 2:7-8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jonah 2

O) Jonah had run from God, took a ship ride in the opposite direction that God wanted him to go. God caused a storm, the sailors were distressed and confused. Jonah confessed that he was running from the LORD, and he told them to cast him overboard (see ch.1). Whether that was a noble thing to do, or a suicidal thing to do, I'm not sure. In either case, God sent a fish (sea monster) to rescue Jonah by swallowing him. While in the belly of the beast, he prayed to God, repented of his stubborn selfishness, and the animal vomited him up on the shore. Toward the end of that prayer, right before he promised to do what he said he would do, and confessing that salvation is from the LORD (salvation, which he knew was going to come to Ninevah by his own prophecy against it, which he did not want), right before that assertion and confession, he prayed the words above. I think this is particularly revealing as to why he had the change of heart that he did. In that moment, while death was knocking at his door, his mind was consumed by the LORD. And in that same moment, he prayed what is, perhaps, his most compassionate prayer, that those who regard vain idols, forsake their faithfulness. That phrase seems to be translated in several ways. One version says they, "forsake their hope of steadfast love," and another says, "forsake their own mercy," Remembering that he is contrasting the reactions of idolaters with his own reaction, we see that he is realizing their hopelessness. He is understanding they are completely lost. When a day of destruction comes upon a person whose only hope is the creation of a man, and they realize that it has no real hope to give, they have nothing. Then Jonah declared that salvation is from the LORD.

A) There were times in my life that I really struggled to have compassion. There may still come about circumstances that can make it hard, but by the grace of God, He has given me a soft heart for others. At the root of that compassion, is my realization that God has redeemed me. Everything I have is because of His grace. Everything I have, is because of who I am in Christ Jesus. Other people simply do not have that. When I see people in the world, acting in ways that seem immature, unreasonable, mean, etc., it's easy to wonder why they don't just do better. This is not a person who just makes a mistake, but I mean people who are this way. When I see a homeless person, it would be easy to judge their motivation, will power, or sobriety. When I see a husband who is mean to his wife, it would be easy to judge his morality. But through all of the murky, obstructed view that I have of them, one thing shines brightly - the grace of God is what they need. There is no hope in a better job, a prettier wife, better medicine, or another bottle. What people need, just like what I needed, is God. They need the grace of Jesus Christ working in them. That understanding, that outlook, is what will motivate me to spread the gospel.

P) Father, thank You for working in me. I know that I am not anywhere close to finished, but I also know that You will continue this good work in me, until the day of completion when I am resurrected to glory with Jesus Christ. In the meantime, open my eyes. Help me to see the world, to see people, as You see them. God, continue to soften my heart and let me know the depths of despair that people have in their hearts, as they pursue empty vanities that will never deliver them. Let them learn of Your faithfulness. Salvation comes from You, God. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/02/2016; 2 Kings 16:7

Today's reading: Judges 13, 14, 15, 16; 2 Corinthians 2*

S) "⁷ So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your son; come up and deliver me from the hand of the king of Aram and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.'"

2 Kings 16:7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Kings 16

O) Ahaz actually had a dad, whose name was Jotham, and he was even a decent king. However, because his dad didn't follow the LORD completely, some idolatry remained in the kingdom. When times of war came (which was according to the will of God, per 2 Kings 15:37), Ahaz did not respond correctly by seeking God, but instead sought political help from Assyria. In his address, he referred to himself as a servant and son of Assyria. While it seems pretty obvious that this is an idiom, not to be taken literally, what it is conveying is clear enough. His words to Tiglath-pileser would have been perfectly fit to speak to the LORD, had he seen himself and his identity properly.

A) Identity is a tricky thing. Even the most positive markers can end up snaring us to points of view that hinder, or even harm, the way we react to change and challenges. This is a great reminder that I really must limit how I define my own identity, to make it God-centered. I need to resist the temptation to expand it beyond that. There is a culture around me, even the Christian culture, that applauds being a husband, father, career-man, and working in ministry. However, if I am allowing those definitions to shape how I see things, react to things, and what I believe to be good and true and right, then what happens if/when God takes away my wife? My kids? Any of the things that I had allowed to define me and shape my worldview? It will shake me and could cause me to stumble without recovery. However, if I limit my identity to that of being a servant and son of God, then I will be unshakeable because those two things will never change. God has promised, in Christ Jesus, that I will never be forsaken. As long as I am choosing to serve Him, through my faith and obedience of Jesus, then I will always be allowed to be His servant and son, by the grace given to me through the work of the gospel.

P) Father, I am humbled to be called Your servant and son. It is such great love that You have lavished on me, just as the Scriptures say. Please remind me, to limit the scope of my identity and restrict it only to who I am to You. Jesus is the truth, and in Him my identity is verified. When I am tempted to see myself beyond who I am in Christ, please discipline me and bring my focus back to You, Lord. Be glorified and honored in my life, by Your grace at work within me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/01/2016; 2 Corinthians 1:8

Today's reading: Judges 11, 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1

S) "⁸ For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;"

2 Corinthians 1:8 (NASB)

O) During the opening of this letter, Paul mentioned that the comfort we receive as believers is for the sake of then comforting any others who are afflicted (v.4), to the glory of God (v.3). Then, he goes into some specifics, with some surprising details. Here we have Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ, worker of many miracles, evangelist to many countries, intelligent, full of faith; along with Timothy (v.1), a great man of God in his own right; they are described in the above verse as... suicidal? at the very least, they were greatly afflicted and worn down in weakness. Paul is readily admitting it. In the recent culture of the church in the western hemisphere, having such high-profile leaders admitting such dark and heavy times would be unheard of! It could very well shake the faith of their congregation. And yet, Paul already wrote the exact reason he would share such a thing in v.4. We don't know all the details of the circumstances, as to why Paul and Timothy felt such despair, but that might be for the better. With this entire passage (vv.3-11), Paul is taking a hypothetical and making it practical. He is admitting his weakness. He is admitting that he needed comfort from God. He is making clear the severity of his need. All of this for the purpose of comforting his listeners, which honors the Comforter.

A) There have been times when, as a leader in ministry, I have struggled in various ways and been afraid to share that - least of all with those who follow my lead. Whether it's struggling with particular sins, or emotional lows, the fear has been losing the confidence of the people I am meant to lead, by exposing my problems. But, this is playing into the hands of my enemy! God certainly knows my struggles - all of them. It was no mystery to Him, that I would struggle, when He made me a youth pastor, or Bible teacher, or life group leader. He knew that I would need to lean on Him heavily during various times in those roles. It's certainly no different as a dad and husband. So, while isolation plays into the hands of my enemy, what is going to honor God the most, except for me to plainly and specifically, expose my need for Him? That is not to say that I should be confessing my sins to my kids or anything (although, confessing when I have sinned against them is a critical part of parenting), but I should be plain, honest, transparent, and even vulnerable, about the fact that I need God in a very real way, to comfort and sustain me. After all, I am not leading anyone because of my own strength or abilities, but only because of the grace God has shown me! So, what detriment is there in being more specific about the grace that I still receive? None! It only glorifies God all the more to confess that I need His guidance, strength, encouragement, comfort, counsel, mercy, and grace. I should be bold and humble, being as specific as I can (again, using wisdom and discretion about who exactly is hearing it). In every relationship I have, whether I am leading or following, speaking or listening, I want to glorify Jesus Christ as much as I can. If that is continually my aim, then following Paul's example will help get me there.

P) Father, I need You. I need Your Spirit to comfort me when I have disappointments. I need Your strength and guidance when I am tempted. I need Your grace and wisdom when I speak, teach, or lead. I need Your help. I thank You, Lord, that I have seen so much affliction, hardship, and strife in my life. I thank You that I have endured, by Your grace, so much. It has prepared me to minister to all kinds of people, in all kinds of situations. I know that I will never experience everything, but inasmuch as I have gone to You for help in my times of need, I pray that people in similar need will be made known to me, that I might be able to lead them to You as well. People who come from broken homes, feeling abandoned; let me share how You have been my Father. People with abuse running through their family, let me share how You have been a healer and a refuge. People who have struggled with addictions, let me share how You have been a redeemer and deliverer. In this way, I pray that You receive more glory, more honor. I pray that I am able to comfort others with the same comfort I have received. Help me be bold about my need for You, my persisting, continual need. Be glorified, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/31/2016; 2 Kings 15:37

Today's reading: Judges 9, 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16*

S) "³⁷ In those days the Lord began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah."

2 Kings 15:37 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Kings 15

O) The majority of this chapter is giving a quick rundown of the kings of Israel in Samaria. It shows king after king being betrayed by servants and subjects, then murdered, and the villain ascending the throne. Only the cycle repeats, and over and over, new kings elect themselves by murder and betrayal. Then, toward the end, we see that Jotham succeeded his father in Judah. He did right in the sight of the Lord, although he still had flaws. And then we see this verse nestled near the end of his short paragraph.

A) With unwritten (not here, anyway) implication, this chapter reminds me that God is faithful to his promises. David had a descendent on the throne of Judah until the very last, and that included Jotham along the way. The promises God has made to me, through my King Jesus, will surely come to pass. It is not because of my faithfulness, but because of His! This is an irresistible confidence booster! On the other hand, God allowed for testing and discipline into the life of Jotham (and other kings). In this case, God sent the other kings against Jotham. Whether or not he passed the test, the faithfulness of God as a Father cannot be missed. In the same way, while my faithfulness to Him is not perfect, He will allow tests into my life that are meant for me to draw me closer to Him. He wants me to pass the tests. He wants victory for me (although my "wars" are certainly not physical, but spiritual, according to Ephesians 6).

P) Father, thank You for the faithfulness You have shown throughout history. Thank You for the faithfulness You have shown me. Thank You for the promises I have, secured by Jesus Christ, because of Your faithfulness. I confess that my faithfulness to You certainly is still imperfect. But, because of that, I desire to be disciplined, Father God. I desire the testing You have in store for me, and I want to pass the tests for You, Father God. Allow any difficulties into my life; as long as I draw closer to You, I don't care what comes in my life. That is my determination, that is my declaration, that is my devotion to You. Let Your will be done in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/30/2016; 2 Kings 14:23-25

Today's reading: Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15*

S) "²³ In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel became king in Samaria, and reigned forty-one years. ²⁴ He did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin. ²⁵ He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which He spoke through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of Gath-hepher."

2 Kings 14:23-25 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Kings 14

O) My first thought, "Come on, people. Can't you think of some original names?" Sure, the full name of the king of Israel was "Jehoash" but it's just a different spelling of the same name, which the king of Judah just had! Also, if the first king of your land was evil and it cost him the kingdom, and you had a son who was probably going to be king, wouldn't you think naming him after that first king was just going to cast a pall over his whole reign? Maybe J(eh)oash thought his son could redeem the name of Jeroboam?
The second thought I had, "Wait, Jonah did other stuff besides what was covered in the VeggieTales movie?" There can be little doubt it is one and the same. Both were prophets. Both lived near the end of the kingdom of Israel. Both named Jonah... then again, we did just see how they liked to repeat names... but, both are said to be the son of Amittai... It's the same guy.
My final thought, "Interesting that v.24 describes this Jeroboam as evil, too. Then the very next verse describes how he fulfilled the words of a prophet, seemingly righting a wrong." But, that's just the way God operates. He has no choice but to use broken and sinful people, since that's all that is available to Him. Sometimes, the people He uses are quite evil. But, God is sovereign and just. Only in Jesus Christ, did He have a perfect servant to do His will.

A) Every nuance in the Bible humbles me, as to how God preserved His scriptures. Every time I read about a wicked man being used for God's purposes, it humbles me to remember that I go only by the grace of God. I am used only by the grace of God. I am being made perfect, into the likeness of my Lord Jesus Christ, only by the grace of God. However God might use me, the Bible is replete with men used by God, who are not humble, who then have to be humbled by God. I would much rather that I humble myself before Him. It's comforting and reassuring to know that I could never be such a mess as to be beyond God's use or help. At the same time, it's encouraging and motivating to know, that as I pursue God, He can equip me and build me up, to be used more and more for His glory.

P) Father, thank You for the grace You have given me, Lord God. You are holy and just, righteous and true, sovereign and powerful. You could choose to have nothing to do with this sinful world, with this sinful servant, but still You choose to redeem me. You choose to bring me into Your plan, to use me for Your glory. I am so blessed. Thank You for what You have done in me, and through me. Thank You for what You will still do in me, and through me. Let Your will be done on earth, and in my life, as it is in heaven. To Your name be all glory and praise. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.