In the Know 5

Psalm22:26-28

Just as the earth begins to shed the dark and cold of winter and moves into the brightness of spring, so we too must have our faith come into the light of God’s grace.  As we prepare to enter into Holy Week we may see that much of the focus is on the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.  This can be something that brings us down.  It is a sad time.

But we must have the attitude that Jesus had throughout those dark days.  He knew he was going to go through suffering and pain, but I believe he kept his focus on the ultimate glory that awaited him on the other side of the tomb.

On the cross Jesus spoke the first few words of Psalm 22, words of pain and sorrow.  But I believe he wanted everyone to remember the rest of the psalm.  What good news is there for the poor?  What will the attitude be from all the people?  Why will this come about?

As Christ went through the pain and torment of the arrest and crucifixion, we too sometimes go through the struggles of life.  We experience hurt and pain.  We have times of sorrow and grief and loneliness.  We often face times of hopelessness.

But we need to keep our focus on the other side of the tomb.  There is glory that awaits us all.  Jesus did indeed die, but that death was only temporary.  He was raised again and in that resurrection we are given incredible hope and joy.

As believers we need to be people who are in the know.  We must be people who are aware that the death of Christ is not the end.  There are rich blessings from God that will come our way.  We will be satisfied.  We will gladly give praise to God because we know that the crucifixion was for our salvation, a gift of God’s grace.

When we begin to feel sad or discouraged we must keep our focus on the glory of God.  Dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.  Let us rejoice in that knowledge.

DAILY CHALLENGE:  How can you keep your faith focused on God’s glory?

In the Know 4

Psalm22:16-18

Our dishwasher has a delay setting.  We can load it with dirty dishes, add the soap, and then set it to run several hours later.  We don’t need to be there when it happens.  We know that once we have set the dishwasher it will go through all the cycles and clean the dishes.

While on the cross Jesus quoted the first line to Psalm 22.  Such a comment should have called to mind the entire psalm for those in the know.  What suffering is talked about in verses 16-17?  What is talked about in verse 18?  How do these words fit with the crucifixion?

Just as the dishwasher goes through the whole cycle whether we are there or not, Jesus was urging his followers to go through the whole of Psalm 22 to understand what was going on.  Jesus was not only reminding his followers that what he was doing was for the ultimate good of the world by quoting Psalm 22.  He was also showing them that what was happening was a fulfillment of prophecy.

Hundreds of years before Jesus entered Jerusalem and was crucified his ancestor King David wrote a psalm.  In that psalm David expressed the despair and sorrows that all of us feel from time to time.  He talked about the familiar feeling of hopelessness we all go through.

When life becomes difficult and we think that we have no friends we may feel as if we are surrounded by a pack of vicious dogs that snap and snarl at us.  We may feel under attack.  But these words from David were a prophecy of how God would work His salvation and grace.  It predicted the crucifixion that Jesus would go through.

As Jesus hung on the cross he was encircled by evil men.  They did indeed pierce his hands and feet when they nailed him to the cross.  And beneath him the execution squad of soldiers cast lots – rolled dice – to see who would get his clothes.

Jesus had a message in his words from the cross.  Ultimately he was reminding all of those who believed to have hope in the good that would come through his death, the salvation that he brought through the crucifixion.  But he was also reminding them that he was indeed the Son of God, the fulfillment of prophecy, the living out of God’s promise.

We must bear in mind that the death of Jesus was not the end of the story.  We must remember that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God, and that he gave himself completely that we might have hope and joy in the grace and love of God.

DAILY CHALLENGE:  What can remind you of the purpose of the crucifixion?

In the Know 3

Psalm22:1

“It’s always darkest before the dawn.”  This is a common expression, one that may be familiar to most people.  Personally, I don’t know how accurate the statement is.  Before the sun comes up it actually gets a little lighter, in my opinion.  But the point of the expression is that things seem to be at their worst right before good things break through and clear up all the problems.

After Jesus came into Jerusalem he was arrested and put on trial.  He was convicted and sentenced to death on a cross, a public execution.  While he hung on the cross Jesus quoted the first line of Psalm 22.  What are the questions asked in this psalm?  What is the attitude or feeling these questions evoke?

It is common to interpret the words of Jesus on the cross as an expression of sorrow and suffering.  In the moment that he cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” it is assumed that God had momentarily turned His back on Jesus because of the sin Jesus took on.

But there is another way to look at what Jesus has said.  In the time of Christ the psalms were not numbered and ordered as they are presented in our modern Bibles.  Instead each psalm was remembered and recognized through the first line.

By crying out the first line to Psalm 22 Jesus was reminding those in the know that they should recall this psalm.  While it begins with a lament and cry of desperation and despair, the psalm does not stop there.  Like most psalms the attitude begins with hopelessness and sadness and then moves on to joy and triumph.

Even as early as verses 3 and 4 in Psalm 22 we see expressions of victory through God.  “You are enthroned as the Holy One.”  “In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.”

Jesus was declaring that it was always darkest before the dawn, but dawn was coming.  He was suffering on the cross and it may have appeared that evil had won, but there would be goodness that followed this execution.  Jesus would rise again.

As we draw nearer to the celebration of Easter we must remember that there is hope for each of us.  No matter what troubles we may experience, no matter how much we feel that there is no hope, we must remember that we are loved by God so much that Jesus was willing to die so that we might live.  Through his death Jesus put sin to death for us.  There is goodness that awaits us all.

DAILY CHALLENGE:  How can you hold on to hope through your darkest hours?

In the Know 2

Matthew21:9

We have a video of my wife and me holding our oldest son when he was just a few weeks old.  In that video, as we talk about the excitement of our newborn baby, we also make strange comments that don’t make sense to the casual observer.  They are cryptic references to a television show that we had watched not long before our son was born.

To almost everyone else our words sound silly, hard to understand, almost stupid.  But to my wife and me they make perfect sense because we know what we were talking about at the time.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem a crowd gathered.  What did the crowds shout?  What does the word “hosanna” mean?  Where does the sentence “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” come from?

This symbolic parade of which Jesus is a part continues with participation from the crowd that goes ahead of him and follows behind.  To the outsider, the rulers, the Roman soldiers and governor, the words probably did not mean a great deal.  The people were shouting “hosanna,” and reciting a line from a psalm.

Outsiders may have realized that this triumphal entry and the words being shouted had some religious significance, but only the people who were in the know realized what was being expressed in all this.

The word “hosanna” is a Hebrew expression that means “save.”  Those in the crowd who were calling out to Jesus were declaring that the Messiah had come.  A real and powerful threat to the existing government and the status quo had arrived.  They were declaring that a savior had come.

They also quoted from Psalm 118.  Warren Carter points out that this psalm was one traditionally recited at Passover (the holiday that would be celebrated soon after Jesus arrived) but a psalm that also had significance because it speaks of God’s victory over Israel’s oppressors.

Those in the know were aware that Jesus had come to Jerusalem to do something mighty and earth-changing.  They may not have completely understood all of Jesus’ plans but they knew good was about to come about.

As we approach Easter we must be aware that Jesus has changed the world forever.  We must be aware that God has saved us from the death of sin and blessed us with His grace.

DAILY CHALLENGE:  What changes will you have in your life knowing Jesus is your Savior?

In the Know 1

Matthew21:1-5

In his book The Roman Empire and the New Testament Warren Carter talks about how cultures that are being oppressed will establish ambiguous protests.  That is, they will protest the oppressing culture but do so in such a way that the other culture isn’t aware of the protest.  Only those who are “in the know” understand that a protest or secret message is being expressed.

Such is the case with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  This would explain why some of the things that happen take place, although they may appear confusing on the surface.

From what location will Jesus enter Jerusalem?  Why does he want to ride a donkey?

Jesus is playing to an audience that is in the know.  The Jewish people, especially those who were following Jesus and waiting for the Messiah, would understand the importance of everything Jesus was doing in his final arrival in Jerusalem.  He was entering from the Mount of Olives, a place of God’s judgment in Zechariah 14:3-5.  He was riding a donkey.  This was both a mockery of the Roman triumphal parade (the Romans rode large horses) and a fulfillment of Isaiah 62:11.

The Roman officials in Jerusalem saw only a silly little parade heralding the arrival of a local teacher and rabble-rouser.  But those who were in the know saw the importance and significance of all that was happening.  Jesus was coming to take his place as the Messiah.  He was bringing God’s grace and mercy to a people in need.

We need to be people in the know.  We must recognize the importance of what is happening in our religious year.  The arrival of Palm Sunday is not just the final week of Lent, but it is the beginning of Holy Week.  It is the start of that final approach to the celebration of Easter.

With that in mind we must take the opportunity to renew our faith commitment.  We have passed through Lent, a forty-day period of preparation and self-evaluation.  We are about to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  Is this just another day in our life?  Is this just an opportunity to have a holiday and the big meal that comes with it?

Or will we be “in the know?”  Will we see that it is time for us to start living our faith with conviction and sincere devotion?  Will we accept the sacrifice of Jesus AND the responsibilities that go with it when we live as Christians?

DAILY CHALLENGE:  Will you accept Jesus as your “king?”

By Many or By Few 4

Joshua 23:9-11



Not much to go into battle with, is it?

 In today's passage, it's Joshua's final words to the people of Israel.  But they definitely still pack a punch today.  And it triggers several questions for me:

1. Why, oh why, do we have such short memories?  Joshua has to remind the people that they've defeated a bunch of powerful armies!  You would think that they might just remember that, wouldn't you?  And we're no better.  How many times has God won the battle for us over something we were struggling with (when we let Him - see my next point) and we turn right around and forget.  It's always been that way (see the 10 Lepers!).  But what if we were to live our life not based on fear of the next thing, but rejoicing over the last thing.   And carrying that knowledge with you everywhere you went?
2. Why don't we trust God?  When He proves himself time and time again, you'd think we'd start to learn and trust?  But we don't.  It seems like every situation that arises, every attack and every disappointment becomes a chance for another selfish little pity party and not a chance to let God triumph.  He has promised over and over again that he will take care of our enemies, yet we don't seem to really believe it.  Even after he's done it over and over, we still don't really believe it.  We need to begin to give the battles in our life to God and step back and let him work miracles!
3. What does it mean to love the Lord?  Our understanding of love is so limited.  But the word used here is 'ahab and it's used throughout the Bible as the kind of love between parents and children or husband and wife.  We're supposed to love God in the way we love someone romantically -- be excited to spend time with them, want to know all about them, want to share everything about yourself with them.  That's how we are to love God. 

DAILY CHALLENGE:  What battle has God won for you?  Have you ever stepped aside enough to let Him?

God Gives Life 1

Luke 19:37-40

When my nephews were very little they stayed at our house from time to time. Once while they were there they knew their grandpa was coming home from work so they set up a vigil to watch for his arrival. Each positioned himself at a window in different rooms and kept their eyes on the road. They had a plan that whichever one saw grandpa first would begin shouting out a noise like a siren.

They were excited about who was coming. They were filled with anticipation and gladness. They couldn’t wait to see their grandpa.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem marked the beginning of his last days on earth. He was coming to face his crucifixion. But he was also coming to provide all of us with the tremendous gift of everlasting life we receive because of his sacrifice.

What did the disciples do? What did they say? What was the reaction of the Pharisees? What did Jesus say?

I have always found this reading in Luke to be a very moving and exciting passage. The crowd of followers is shouting praise to Jesus because they knew him to be the Son of God. But the Pharisees just didn’t get it. All they heard was noise and they wanted it stopped.

But Jesus told them that if the people weren’t shouting the very stones would cry out praise. We can look at this verse and think that Jesus was speaking symbolically, that he was just making a point. But it has always been part of my faith and belief in the workings of God to take this statement literally.

Jesus had come to Jerusalem to fulfill his purpose. He was going to die on a cross, and in that death he would remove all of our sins. He would give us a new and everlasting life with God. His followers recognized the new life Jesus brought them and celebrated it. And if the people did not celebrate it the earth itself, all of God’s creation, would celebrate what Jesus was doing.

As we approach Easter Sunday we need to recognize that Jesus gives us life through his sacrifice. We need to celebrate the gift of love from God that makes us new again and supplies us with life eternal.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you celebrate the gift of life Jesus gives?

Triumphal Entry 5

2 Timothy 4:2

Special performances and programs at the local school make me a little antsy because I have been unexpectedly called on in the past for various reasons. Once I was asked to offer a prayer at the beginning of an event. Once I was asked to draw names for a contest (because I am a pastor they figured no one would accuse me of cheating). Once I received an unexpected award.

Now, when I attend any school event I try to be as alert as possible because I never know if someone will call on me to do something.

The young Christian leader Timothy is given some advice on how to be prepared spiritually. What are the many things he should be ready to do? What does “in season and out of season” mean to you?

These instructions to Timothy are all about being prepared with faith. Timothy is encouraged to not allow anyone or anything take him off guard.

His first charge is to preach the Word. He is supposed to share the good news of Jesus with other people. He should also teach other people, correcting bad behavior and encouraging good.

And can’t these things be said of us as well? We should all be prepared to share the good news of Jesus Christ whenever we have a chance. We should not allow ourselves to use the excuse that we are not ready to talk about Jesus. We need more time to prepare.

If we have that attitude we can miss out on opportunities to save people from a life of hopelessness and sinful behavior. We can let slip our chances of doing good for God.

Instead we need to be prepared in season and out. We need to be ready to talk about our faith and our relationship with Jesus at any time, not just in places and situations where we would expect to. I have had unexpected conversations with people struggling in their faith in the grocery check-out line, in my driveway, and in the corner of a restaurant. Not everyone gives me the opportunity to meet them in my office with my Bible and commentaries spread across my desk.

Like Timothy we all should be prepared in season and out. We should be strong in our faith, confident in our relationship with Jesus, trusting in God’s presence, and ready to be that example of Christ others may need.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can equip you to be ready to share your faith?

Triumphal Entry 4

Romans 6:5-6

I heard a story long ago about a famous actress married to a rich businessman. Their life together was one of opulence, wealth and plenty. It was said that on one of their anniversaries the husband gave her a card that said, “Thank you for being with me through thick.” Apparently there was no “thin” in that marriage.

But most relationships are going to have both the thick and the thin times. There will be good times and bad times, and those who really care about one another will stand side by side through it all. True caring and love will not shy away from difficulties.

In Romans Paul explains that when we are baptized we are baptized into Christ. In other words, we are made a part of Jesus and we are connected to him. Through that connection, then, we are also connected to his death. As he is a victor over sin and death, so are we.

What further comment does he make about our connection with Jesus? What does he say about our life before faith in Jesus?

Keeping faith in trying times may be difficult. We can’t always see things from God’s perspective. We don’t always understand what is going on, and it is easy to start questioning your own abilities to endure and cling to faith.

But we can be ready in our faith, ready to deal with all the troubles of life, because we know the old is gone and the new is here. Once we accept Jesus as Savior then we belong to him. We are baptized into his life, death and resurrection. We no longer have to live a life of hopelessness and sin.

And more than that, we are no longer alone. Even though we may face struggles and hardships in life, because we believe in Jesus and have accepted him as Savior, we are united with him. He is there to give us that strength we need to face the troubles of life.

Jesus is in a relationship with us, and he will be with us through thick and thin, good times and bad. Knowing that should help us to be strong in our faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you approach sin and temptation knowing that Jesus has freed you from them?

Triumphal Entry 3

Luke 22:31-32

When I have things on my mind or I am feeling stressed about something I can become rather testy. That means I am likely to snap at other people in my family, especially my wife. And then we have an argument with raised voices and hurt feelings.

But when I have had a chance to calm down and get a better perspective on things I can go to my wife and find forgiveness. Things go back to where they need to be, and that’s a good thing.

During the Last Supper with his disciples Jesus had some bad news for Peter, the disciple who thought he was the most devoted. What was Jesus’ warning? What was his assurance?

A close look at what Peter does in all the Gospels will show you that Peter was somewhat impetuous. He seemed to be the first to jump at things, to open his mouth, to step forward. He always had something to say, and he was frequently wrong.

Jesus warned Peter that things were not going to be easy for him during the crucifixion. Peter gives an oath that he would follow his Lord even to death (verse 33) but Jesus still predicts his betrayal. In spite of what he was saying Peter was not ready with his faith just yet. He was not ready to withstand the testing he would go through.

But Jesus also assured him that Peter was protected by Christ’s prayers. Although he would deny Christ – three times, no less! – Peter would still have faith. And when he was ready to get back on his spiritual feet, it would be his job to help the others get their act together too.

We can be like Peter. We can think we are strong in our faith, that we believe, that we understand the Bible and we’re ready to face anything. And then something difficult comes along and knocks us right out of the saddle. We doubt. We question God. We feel abandoned.

But like Peter, if we have accepted Christ as our Savior, then he is with us in these trying times. And like Peter, when we get a clearer perspective on our faith we are welcomed back by Jesus and strengthened in our faith.

We must be ready to face the challenges of life. And we must be ready to trust in God during the tough times.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that God is with you to strengthen your faith in hard times?

Triumphal Entry 2

Mark 14:49-50

As our children get older we are giving them more and more responsibilities and expecting more involvement in what we do. One of their responsibilities has been to help out with doing the dishes – washing utensils, pots and pans – and then putting them away. Frequently, however, one of them will hold up a spatula or pot and ask, “Where does this go?”

That usually gets a response of “Are you new here?” How can they live in our house day after day for years and not know where we keep these items?

It can be frustrating to think you have been putting time and effort into things and no one seems to notice or appreciate it. I can imagine how Jesus felt when he was arrested in the garden. What did he say about himself? How did his followers react to the arrest?

Upon the arrival of this group of men who came to arrest him Jesus has a comment to make about how they are acting. They have come with swords and clubs, as if they have to subdue this man. Jesus points out that he has been around for quite some time. He has made no secret of his teachings and his actions. Now, suddenly, it is not okay and these people are acting as if they know nothing about him.

Jesus’ words are a criticism of the behavior and attitude of this band of armed men, but it is also a reminder that Jesus has had a ministry that has spanned some time. He has taught several lessons. He has explained things to his followers over and over again. And now we see the response of his disciples. “Everyone deserted him and fled.”

In spite of the time Jesus has spent with his disciples, in spite of all the lessons he has taught and the miracles he has performed in front of them, they are not ready to stand behind their Lord. These followers of Jesus were not ready to stand up in faith even though Jesus had been with them all that time.

We also can claim to have faith and a relationship with Christ and still shrink away from our responsibilities as Christians. We can claim to love the Lord and still be unprepared to share our faith or show love to strangers.

If we will be true children of God we need to be ready to stand with Jesus at our side, and not desert him in tough times.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do stand firm in your faith and not run from your responsibilities?

Triumphal Entry 1

Luke 19:29-31

This past Sunday I forgot to get two cloth napkins to wrap around the loaf of bread for Communion. On my way to church I had to get out my cell phone and call home. It was a simple fix to a brief problem. I knew exactly where the napkins were and so was able to give instructions as to where they might be found.

When I realized I had forgotten the napkins I had a moment of panic, but it was quickly over because I knew where the napkins were. They just had to be gathered up. Although I had forgotten them I was prepared and what I needed was easy to get.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem he knew what was going to unfold with the crowds in the city. Who did Jesus send ahead of him? What were his instructions? What should they expect to encounter?

There is a great deal of speculation and interpretation of why Jesus took part in what has been labeled his triumphal entry. It could have been a mockery of the Roman “Triumph,” a special, stylized parade of Roman officials who enter a conquered or subdued city. It could have been a deliberate contrast to this military display, or it could have been a symbolic gesture of peace.

Regardless of why he did what he did, it seems clear that Jesus was well aware of what was happening. He was prepared for the dramatic arrival in Jerusalem. Whether it was pre-arranged or it was because Jesus is God, he knew a colt (or donkey) was waiting for him to use. He even anticipated someone asking about the situation and had a response for them.

In this encounter we have an example for ourselves. Jesus was prepared for this very important time in his ministry. He was ready for what was ahead of him.

We need to be certain we are ready for our encounter with the risen Christ. Living as Christians means we may face challenges, situations that may make us doubt our faith or question our own ability to be faithful. Having faith means living a life of trusting God and daring to do things we may not want to do for the good of God's kingdom. We need to use the time of Lent to build or faith and prepare ourselves to be the strong Christians we need to be.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be certain your faith is as strong as it should be?

The Crowd 2

Mark 11:1-11

To fully understand the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem we have to understand two very important historical facts.

1. The Romans LOVED a good parade. Even the name of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem gives us a big hint here. The Romans had something called "The Triumph." When a Roman leader had gone out and won in battle or taken over a group of people, he got to have a BIG parade. There are very strict guidelines on what gets you a Triumph, how many men you killed, how much loot you gathered, etc. And there are also strict guidelines on how you entered Rome... in a chariot pulled by two (later four) white horses and preceded by the Roman Senate, your captives, and so on. These things were BIG.

2. The Jews lived in constant fear of the Romans, both hating them and submitting to them at the same time. And anyone who had the guts to stand up to the Roman leadership was a good show. It would only be about 40 years after Jesus' death that the Romans would virtually destroy Jerusalem, robbing the temple and laying seige to the hilltop fortress of Masada where nearly 1000 Jews committed suicide in order to not live under Roman rule any longer.

So knowing those two things, the Triumphal Entry of Jesus takes on an interesting twist. Jesus rides into Jerusalem making a mockery of a Roman triumph and everyone there knew it. They were having a wild time waving branches, getting into the moment and thumbing their collective noses as the Roman leadership in town. They had all likely heard about Lazarus being raised from the dead and were curious about this man who was so powerful. For Jews in the know, they also realized the prophetic implication of Jesus entering at Passover riding on a donkey. They would have recognized the reference to prophecy that we read yesterday.

It was full of wild fun for some and intensely meaningful for others. I doubt that anyone there other than Jesus had any idea how quickly this event would bring things to a head.

But most of the crowd was likely there for a show. They were there to celebrate a holiday and got to snub their oppressors at the same time. What could be better?

But within a few days, that same crowd who was so enthusiastic when they thought it was all fun and games, has dwindled down to a handful of folks hiding and even fewer willing to make a public stand with Jesus at the cross.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who are you going to be this Easter season? One of the big crowd who likes the parade or one of the committed few who stick with Jesus when the going gets tough?

The Crowd 1

Zechariah 9:9-10

Saturday afternoon I got totally sucked into watching a show on The History Channel called "Bible Battles" that traced many of the battles of the Old Testament and where and how they were fought. It put one thing into perspective for me for sure! That for at least 1000 years before Jesus was born the Israelites had been either at war with neighboring tribes or among themselves or enslaved to someone else.

Today's reading is a prophecy of the king who will come and bring peace. This portion of Zechariah was probably written about 300 years before Jesus. So for all this time, this promise was held up to the Jews. A conqueror would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey and eradicate their enemies from the land.

That's what the crowd was expecting that day in Jerusalem when Jesus fulfilled this portion of prophecy. The king did arrive, riding on a donkey and bringing salvation, but not in the way the crowd would have expected it.

How often are we like that? Our whole lives can seem like a battlefield sometimes with stress and frustration at every turn. And how we would run out to see someone who promised to take it all away and make our world peaceful in every way.

But what happens when things don't go the way we expect? Will we stay committed? That's the question we'll be addressing this week.

DAILY CHALLENGE: When we are tired and stressed do we let God work how he wants or do we turn away when the answer is not what we thought it would be?