SOAP 12/10/2016; Jeremiah 36:23-24

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4*
S) "²³ When Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut it with a scribe's knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier. ²⁴ Yet the king and all his servants who heard all these words were not afraid, nor did the rend their garments."

Jeremiah 36:23-24 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) God had directed Jeremiah to write down everything He had told the prophet, from the time of King Josiah until this time (the fourth year of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah). When the scribe wrote it all down, because Jeremiah was still under a sort of political house arrest, he told the scribe to take the scroll and read it in the temple of the LORD. Then, in v.9, we see the narrative skip forward as much as a year, but we don't know if Baruch the scribe had been reading the scroll repeatedly that whole span. However, at this later time some officials heard the words, and they were appropriately alarmed, and carried word to the king. Despite trying to hide the actual scroll, the king fetched it (although Baruch and Jeremiah were hidden). When the king heard the words of the scroll, not only was he unafraid, but he didn't even seem exactly angry. His action to destroy the scroll (and trying to seize the scribe and prophet) almost seems like an afterthought. What this really came down to, was that this king wanted to continue in his own sovereignty. Rather than rending his clothes in repentance, he chose to rend the scroll which condemned him. Obviously, though, this was not like the edict of an earthly king. Destroying the physical message wouldn't eliminate the danger, any more than killing the messenger would.

A) This is a strong reminder for me. When confronted with the truth and sovereignty of God, my choice is to submit or rebel. There is no middle ground, there. God requires obedience and submission to His lordship. The instinct, though, is to just tear up the message and try to ignore the things God says when they don't align with my own will. Like a little kid with a note from the teacher, I want to destroy the evidence of my guilt, rather than confess it and submit to the authorities over me. But, this is the beauty of the gospel. I don't have to be afraid of the punishment, if I am truly repentant when I confess my sins. God has already promised to justify me in the blood of Christ, when I repent and submit myself under His sovereign authority again. So, when I read the Bible, and there are Scriptures which convict me of a sinful behavior or attitude, my reaction must be to accept the truth and authority of my King, as well as His mercy and grace. Something's gotta give, and I will either rend my heart in repentance, or rend His words in denial.

P) Father God, the grace You have shown Your servant is overwhelming. Indeed, You had overwhelmed me with Your mercy and grace, Your lovingkindness in pursuit of my heart, even when I was in denial of Your words. I am so thankful, Lord, that You never give up on me. Even when I choose to rend Your words, rather than rend my heart, You are always willing to receive me again. Let me walk in an attitude of willing and quick repentance. I invite the convictions of the Holy Spirit in my life. Open my eyes and ears, to recognize the sinful areas of my heart that need to be submitted to Your authority, God. May I choose to rend my heart, and never Your words, because I am so aware of Your grace and mercy, Your lovingkindness and compassion, which saved me from my self-inflicted ruin. Let Your praise be ever on my lips, and be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/07/2016; Jeremiah 8:10b-11

Today's reading: Colossians 1, 2, 3, 4*

S) "¹⁰ '... From the prophet even to the priest
Everyone practices deceit.
¹¹ 'They heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially,
Saying, "Peace, peace,"
But there is no peace.'"

Jeremiah 8:10b-11 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This chapter is part of a long discourse, where the LORD is exposing just how far His people have gone away from His ways. In a sense, these two verses really summarize the depth of their fall. Of all of God's people, the prophets and priests had always remained the most faithful. From the very beginning, Moses (himself a prophet) and Aaron (the first of the Levitical priests) were clearly the most faithful of that generation (although they themselves were disqualified from entering the promised land). Then into the judges, we see the prophetess Deborah rebuking the judge Barak (Judges 4). Even with the very first king of Israel, Samuel had to rebuke Saul. Nathan had to rebuke King David. Even after the split of the kingdom, when Jeroboam erected golden calves in Israel, all the Levites left their lands behind, to go to Judah so they could remain faithful to the LORD (2 Chronicles 11:14-16). So, we see example after example, throughout the checkered history of Israel, and even Judah, that the priests and prophets had, for the most part, remained faithful to God even if the kings and people had become unfaithful. However, here in the final days of Judah, after the kingdom of Israel had already been taken into exile for their unfaithfulness, even the priests and prophets (Jeremiah excluded, I think) had become deceitful. They were charged with ministering to the people, with speaking the truth of God to them, and bringing reconciliation between God and His people, but they weren't doing it. They were saying there is peace, but there was no peace. They were saying that the people were healed (spiritually, that is), but they were not.

A) There is a sense in which all believers are called into the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2), because we are ministering to the world, trying to share the gospel and facilitate that reconciliation between God and His creation. And, in a smaller scale, there is a sense in which I operate as a priest over my family, in that I am leading them to serve God, to worship Him. In that role, I have a responsibility to lead them in truth. I cannot call something acceptable that is not acceptable to God. I cannot mislead them into a false sense of security. I must hold firmly to the truth of God's standard for righteousness, carefully observing His holiness, and openly leading by example in confession and repentance. I have a duty to lovingly care for my family when I see there is sin or brokenness. It is not up to me to heal them, though. That is the role of God alone. But, I should be leading them back to the presence of Jesus, that He may do what He does as our merciful and faithful high priest.

P) Father God, thank You for the mercy and healing that You are so quick to give. Thank You for the promise to sanctify me in Christ Jesus. Thank You for leading me, to conform to the truth as You have declared it, and for opening my eyes and ears to know Your standard of righteousness. I know that the culture of this world would rather redefine what is good, than to submit to the only One who is good, but that is not what I want. I don't want the false promises of the world, I want peace with You. Help me to lead my family in truth. Help me to be bold, in confessing the truth according to Scripture. Let me be unwavering in my commitment to this. I know that this must be done in love, or else it will become a fruitless endeavor, so please keep my heart soft. Let me always seek the good of my wife and children, according to what You define as good. I know that You can, and will, heal every spiritual hurt that we have. Every wound we endure can be healed when we are reconciled in peace with You. Even our physical hurts are only temporary, until we are raised in glory with Jesus. So, let me lead my family in love, so they may be healed in truth, and have peace with You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/16/2016; Psalm 119:71-72

Today's reading: Malachi 3, 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

S) "⁷¹ It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
⁷² The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces."

Psalm 119:71-72 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This is the end of the "Teth" portion of this psalm (because Psalm 119 has a sort of verse for each letter in the Hebrew alphabet, almost like an acrostic poem). Because these verses are sort of a conclusion for vv.65-70, working backward through them helps shed some light on the context. David concludes that the law of God is better than gold and silver to the extreme. Gold and silver, obviously being some of the most valuable things available for him to compare, he is essentially saying that God's law, His very words (because it says, "of Your mouth") is priceless, invaluable, irreplaceable. He wouldn't trade them for anything. With that attitude as a starting point, when reflecting on v.71, it's easier to see how he concluded that his afflictions were good. If the most valuable thing in the world to him is the law of God's mouth, then anything that brings him more awareness, more knowledge, a deeper understanding of that same thing, that law of God's mouth, anything to bring that more to light, that would also be valued by David. His ability to see his circumstances this way, though, was predicated on the value he placed on the law of God's mouth. If he didn't have such a high regard for God's words, then he probably would not have seen his affliction as anything so good, either.

A) The very direct application for me, is first for me to determine the value of God's words, the law of His mouth, in my life. That is really just a determination I have to make (and, I have been making it over the last several years). Values are always defined internally. If I had a baseball signed by my favorite player, and someone wanted to trade me a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, I might not want to do it because my favorite is still my favorite. Even though I could sell the Babe Ruth for more (because other people would value it more), that doesn't mean that I value it more. In the same way, I can make the determination that God's words, the law of His mouth, are indeed more valuable to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. That's the price I can set on it, by my own valuation. Once I'm there, once I've determined that knowing God's words is so valuable to me, then I will begin to see circumstances differently, especially afflictions. If financial stresses are causing me to dive into Scriptures for hope and trust in God, then my financial stress will be seen as a good thing - because I so value God's words. If relationship issues, difficulties with my kids, problems at work, failing health; if anything causes me to learn God's statues better, to learn what He has said more, then those afflictions will be seen as good, when I value the law of God's mouth so much. I'll be able to say it's a good thing I went through X, Y, and Z, because it brought me closer to God, and I understand Him better, having gone through that while leaning into Him. Because of this view, and seeing my afflictions as a discipline rather than a punishment, I should be warned that in a way that could be inviting God to allow afflictions in my life, though. I'll pray that I deliberately value God's words more, but at the same time, I'll expect afflictions may help me prove my prayers.

P) Father God, the law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. I declare that, I confess it. Help me to live that out, and prove it by my actions and lifestyle. Let me hunger and thirst for Your words, each day. When I face afflictions, when I am tested in this, let those circumstances drive me into communion with You, Father God. Let me run to the refuge of Your words. Let me spend more and more time in the Scriptures, that I would know Your words better and better, and know You more and more. In every thing, on earth as it is in heaven, let Your will be done. Be glorified in my afflictions. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/17/2016; Revelation 22:8-9

Today's reading: Ezekiel 42, 43, 44; Revelation 22

 S) "⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. ⁹ But he *said to me, 'Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.'"

Revelation 22:8-9 (NASB)

O) John, by the end of the visions he had seen, must have been fairly overwhelmed. With all of the supernatural activities, the swing from plagues to promises, it's not really that hard to understand why he would have been tempted to worship at the feet of this angel. In fact, this wasn't even the first time he was tempted in this way (see Revelation 19:10). However, this angel was quick to rebuke John, reminding him to worship God alone. The angel also gives some definition to his role as an angel (that he is a fellow servant), and also some definition to what it means to be of the brethren (that we heed the words of God, and also that we serve one another).

A) First, this is a warning to me to not exalt fellow servants of God. I must be careful not to take an attitude of admiration beyond those bounds, where I may actually be closer to worshiping a fellow servant. Second, and equally important, is that I must never allow others to esteem me to such a degree, either, that it would become sin for them and me, both. The best way for me to really keep this kind of humility and right-minded view, is for me to be committed to worshiping God alone, and doing so often. That's the only safeguard against idolatry, and the only safeguard against pride.

P) Father, You alone are to be praised. I confess that I have wrongfully worshiped things and people. This can still be a temptation, still be a struggle for me, when I let my guard down. When I take my eyes off of You, I am woefully prone to exalting things in my heart that have no place there. But, I want to worship You alone. I want to redirect others, too. I don't just want to deflect compliments, but I want to reflect Your glory. Help me to be bold, and vocal, about praising You when others see anything good in me. Help me to plainly refer them to Your goodness, so that anything resembling admiration for me, might become worship of You. All of this to Your glory alone, Lord God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/16/2016; Revelation 21:23

Today's reading: Ezekiel 40, 41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

 S) "²³ And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb."

Revelation 21:23 (NASB)

O) This verse actually relates to the story of creation. That seems especially appropriate, considering that only a few verses earlier (v.6), God said He is the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end). The relationship, is that the light of the world, the light of creation, the light we need is not from the sun or stars, but from God Himself. It shouldn't be lost, that many early civilizations worshiped the sun, because they recognized the need for light, the dependence that crops had on light, the warmth and even just the general comfort from living in the light. At this point in Revelation, the first earth has passed away along with the first heaven, which i think also refers to the stars, moon, and planets, etc. (see also 2 Peter 3:10-13). But, just as the early peoples recognized the importance of light in their very lives, I think this verse (like the creation story) is reminding us that God Himself is our source of life. In Him, we have all we need of light, all we could want of light.

A) The first thing i thought, reading this passage, was of the correlation to the creation story (that God declared light before making the sun). But, the second thing I thought, was that there would be no bedtime! Perpetual day means no night, no night means no sleeping! I don't know if that's literally true, but the appeal of that possibility reminded me of another entry i made regarding my sleeping habits. Pulling all of this together, this verse is really a reminder to me, that I must find my satisfaction and life in God Himself. He sustains me, He gives fulfillment. One day, maybe i won't have to sleep, but what I do with my time in that place, is also beyond my imagination. When distractions are set aside, and I worship God with a pure heart, I often am reminded that there is nothing I'd rather be doing in that moment. In the New Jerusalem, maybe I'all do nothing but worship Him, and never be more glad than to not have to stop for any reason.

P) Father, thank You for this glorious promise! Hasten the day, Lord, that night never returns. Let me keep focus, that one day I will live in Your glorious, perpetual light. In the meantime, let me remember that my source of life, warmth, comfort, and revelation, is You alone. Let me be patient and disciplined, to sleep when I should, and to make the most of my days. Let Your will be done in my and through me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/15/2016; Revelation 20:14-15

Today's reading: Ezekiel 38, 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

S) "¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. ¹⁵ And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Revelation 20:14-15 (NASB)

O) Similar to the end of the beast and the false prophet, and then the end of their army that followed them, these verses are at once a promise and a warning. The promise, is that one day death and Hades will be ended, thrown into the lake of fire. The struggle of human existence as we know it, will be over. No longer will we wonder about the after life. No longer will we deal with mortality. The mystery will be over. That is a promise. The warning, is that those whose names are not found in the book of life, they will also be thrown into the lake of fire. Just as I mentioned yesterday, regarding Revelation 19:20-21, the passage above (combined w/vv.5-6), may support the idea of utter annihilation for those doomed to the lake of fire. A little earlier in this chapter (v.10), the devil is certainly said to be tormented for eternity, and it seems likely that the beast and false prophet also share that fate. However, this mention of the second death, and the comparison to those who will not suffer the second death being the followers of Christ, this does leave it open to the possibility that if their names are not found in the book of life, they are destroyed in the lake of fire. After all, this chapter is very clear that the devil (and probably the beast and false prophet) will suffer eternally. It does not include that description for those people who are cast in. Likewise, the people are said to suffer the second death, but the devil, false prophet, and beast, are not said to suffer a second death when they are thrown into it.

A) Like my conclusion yesterday, I still don't want people to be thrown into the lake of fire, regardless of what happens to them when they hit the flames. I don't want them to suffer, I don't want them to be annihilated. This is because I would much rather see them live eternally with Jesus! If people come to submission under the lordship of Christ, because they are afraid of suffering in hell, or being annihilated, then I suppose that is still a victory and reason to celebrate. However, if a person continues in their walk with Jesus only because they are afraid of hell, then I don't think that is really sustainable. Fear, as a motivation, doesn't last very long (in the big picture). It is much more important to submit to King Jesus because we love Him, and we understand His love for us. Love is a perfect motivator. The verses above are cause for me to celebrate, in that I know with certainty that there is an end to come. I know that there will be a time when the struggle of humanity will be past us. There will be a time when I no longer wonder about eternity. That is a comfort to me, because it lets me let go. I don't have to debate it. Similarly, I don't have to know exactly what happens in hell, because I'm certainly not going there. I can be certain of that because of the love I share with Jesus. He loves me, and I love Him. That love will not change, even if I am not always good at acting out my love. I want my life to glorify God, not only because I fear and revere Him as my Creator, but because of the love in my life. Love is a much more appealing attribute in me, as a Christian, than any fear I might express.

P) Father, thank You for these promises, Lord God. Thank You for revealing the end of the story. Thank You for promises, that death and Hades will be ended. Thank You for the promises that the devil will be permanently judged and ended. Thank You for promising that I will live forever in eternity with You. Help me to heed this warning, even though my own salvation is secure in my relationship with Jesus. Help me to heed the warning, that it would affect how I share the gospel, and why I share the gospel. Not only that I want no one to go to hell, whether it's eternal torment or annihilation, but let this contrast be motivation to share the gospel that others would receive an eternity of love, and an eternity of relationship with You. Open my eyes and ears, that I would be more and more obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let me boldly share the gospel, and Your love in my life. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/14/2016; Revelation 19:20-21

Today's reading: Ezekiel 36, 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

S) "²⁰ And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. ²¹ And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh."

Revelation 19:20-21 (NASB)

O) The bigger picture of the Bible should never be lost. The bigger message of any particular book within the Bible should always be kept in focus. The running theme and context of any specific passage should always be protected. With that in mind, this chapter is closing with the victory of the Lamb, God's victory over the beast and the false prophet, and the army which they commanded. God is victorious, not only over the carnal humans who oppose Him, and oppose His people, but He is also victorious over His spiritual enemies. Now, in the particulars of these verses, I did find it notable, that the beast and the false prophet, who may not actually be people (but possibly institutions, nations, or spiritual beings), are the two who are said to be thrown into the lake of fire. The people, the army of followers who were still opposing God, are simply said to be slain. They are killed, and their bodies are then food for the birds (which is fairly common language in prophetic judgments). That is to say, the people are not said to be thrown alive into the lake of fire. It may be that they still end up there, but this is one of many passage that suggests the possibility that those who die apart from Christ simply die, that they are extinguished, that they do not suffer eternally but are instead destroyed utterly. This is by no means definitive; there are many passages that suggest eternal suffering for those who reject Christ, but there are as many passages (maybe more) that suggest the annihilation of those who reject Christ. In either case, the sovereignty and victory of God are certain.

A) Regardless of the details (or even the duration), I don't want anyone to go to hell. More exactly, I want everyone to live forever in communion with Jesus! There is no sweeter peace, joy, fulfillment, and love, than to be in relationship with Jesus. So, I don't want to become too distracted by debating the nature, characteristics, or details of hell. I know that God will end the problem of sin. I know that God will be victorious over all His enemies. This passage is a promise of His ultimate victory over the beast and false prophet, and it's a warning to the people who would oppose God. It's not about what happens or doesn't happen in hell. This passage is to remind me of the awesome power of my God. This passage is to remind me that He wins, and I win with Him when I am in Christ. This passage humbles me, reminding me to be thankful for my place with Him.

P) Father, thank You for victory. Thank You for revealing the end of the story, that You will one day put an end to Your enemies, and mine. I pray for Your will to be done, that every opportunity is given for every person in the world to accept You as King. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Father God. You are sovereign and good. You are just and merciful. You are full of grace and love. Thank You for bringing me into a right relationship with You, through the gospel. Be glorified in my life, and let me boldly share Your love with others. Let me evangelize, not because hell is bad, but because You are good. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.