Author: BJ Armstrong

2 Chronicles 17; Revelation 6; Zechariah 2; John 5

We have arrived at that magical time of year when we begin evaluating our year.  We ask, was it worth it?  Did we accomplish all that we set out to do?  Unfortunately, few of us will bother to accurately answer those questions.  Worse yet, even fewer will bother to make a change in 2017 which means that next year, the answers to the same questions will be unremarkably similar to today.  This is all the evidence I need to see that our lives are not very different from the man at the well in John 5.  He, along with a multitude of others, had a tough year.  He dreamt of a better life.  He even had an idea of where to get it.  He always found it out of reach.  Year after year passed and nothing changed.  He’s was promised hope and empowerment.  So have we.

Do you think that the man at the well gave up hope?  Seriously, after 38 years of the same thing, how could he possibly think that anything better would come his way?  As I look back on the days and years of my life, I can see how it happens.  There are all kinds of things that get in the way of the life that you and I were created for.  Maybe it’s a shortage of money, bad health or even abuse.  There is a multitude of seemingly valid issues that keep us exactly where we are.  Satan makes sure of it.  He will dissolve every grain of hope in our lives with complaining, distrust, fear, and accusations.   In the end, we pretend to be living a life of hope, but it feels an awful lot like despair.  Just like the man at the pool.

There is a way out.  God wants us to live a life of hope and empowerment.  That is why he created us.  In fact, he has great plans for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)  The catch is, that we have to choose it, which is why he asks the man “do you want to be healed?”  (John 5:6)   For myself, I hear this question two ways.  First, it prompts “are you ready to do what it takes?”  If I am going to pursue the life that Jesus promises, it is likely that I need to make some sort of lifestyle change.  I need to be ready to leave my old behaviors behind.  Second, is a question of trust.  Do I really believe that Jesus will honor my obedience and surrender with a “full life?”  (John 10:10)  If either of these are missing.  Forget it.  Next year, you will get exactly what you got this year.

Just like the man at the pool, Jesus is telling us “get up, take up your bed and walk.”  The man responded with obedience and trust.  Will you?

2 Chronicles 8; 3 John 1; Habakkuk 3; Luke 22

Parents often feel compelled to bring souvenirs home for the kids.  As a kid, I always hoped for something awesome, but I came to expect the last-minute purchase from the airport. Once in a while, however, we would get something specific and relevant to the country where they traveled.  For example, my parents traveled to the Promised Land in Israel when I was young. They passed out several gifts upon their return. When I received mine, I remember my father’s proud face as he handed it to me. It was a small package, not bigger than a handful and heavy for its size. The simple paper wrapping pulled away easily revealing a polished stone. It had clearly been broken off something, as one side was unfinished with jagged edges.  I am sure that my bewilderment prompted my father to explain, “now BJ, that is really special. That piece of marble that you are holding is a piece of Solomon’s temple.” What, seriously?!  My response was something like, “no way, dad, you got ripped off!”

Maybe it was the audacity of my dad’s claim, that earned small, polished and broken rock a piece of real estate on my desk for the last 30 years. Seeing it gives me pause, prompting me to think about the Temple that Solomon built. Based on the last several day’s reading, the Temple’s size and opulence were second to none.  Far beyond what I can imagine.  When I try, I wonder where this particular chunk of marble was.  Perhaps my rock was part of the many great columns, or maybe the flooring, or even a toilet. Could it have been more important to the Temple’s purpose near the altar? It may have been any of these things, but it doesn’t matter. Solomon’s temple is irrelevant. It’s gone. Time and men reduced all of that work and splendor to this small, broken and useless rock.

This small rock also serves to remind me of the temporal nature of this world. Nothing we build or accomplish, no matter how noble the purpose, will last.  Yet, there is hope.  Today, Luke 22 begins to document the origin of our hope.  No longer do we need an opulent temple to sacrifice countless animals so that we can get close to God.  Jesus is doing that work instead.  Jesus, now arrested, goes willingly.  Jesus goes because of his great love for each of us.  He goes to pour his life out so that we can live ours.  It is not temporary, it is eternal.

 

1 Chronicles 29; 2 Peter 3; Micah 6; Luke 15

Micah 6 seems a strange place to land with all the great scripture reading today.  On the heels of Thanksgiving, however, Micah’s question is a good one. He asks, “What shall I come before the Lord with?” (Micah 6:6) He asks this question right after recalling how the Lord had delivered and redeemed them.  It is his gratitude that compels him to offer something in return. But, what could be good enough? What could be honoring enough? Micah considers offering 1000 rams.   Or, he contemplates, maybe burnt offerings would be better. Perhaps 1-year-old calves? What will please the Lord? He is even willing to offer up his first-born son! Anything!! Micah quickly realizes that none of these are good enough for God. No, our material possessions, our children, or the work of our hands are not good enough for God. God requires the most precious thing about us. Our heart, our soul. That is what God wants. So, what is the best response to him? Micah echoes God’s call from Deuteronomy 12, which says, “to but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

To better understand these offerings of justice, mercy, and humility, we need to look to the Cross. First, justice was served through the punishment and suffering of Jesus.  Second, God grants us mercy, washing our records clean through the shed blood of His own son. Finally, Jesus clothed himself in humility. Instead of claiming his birthright as the son of God, Jesus takes on humanity, subjecting himself to death, even death on a cross. I love the way Andrew Murray describes humility.  He describes humility as “the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all.” Clearly, Jesus is the perfect example.

Murray, Andrew; Christian Book Series (2003-10-17). Humility (Optimized for Kindle) (p. 47). . Kindle Edition.

1 Chronicles 19–20; 1 Peter 1; Jonah 3; Luke 8

What are you thankful for? It is likely that someone will ask you that question today. I can recall several Thanksgiving’s where each person around the table was asked to recite their gratitude to the group. I can also remember times when I had to dig really deep to produce an answer. Think back on the last 24 hours. Next, look back a little farther to include the last week. What do you think about first?

As I complete the exercise, I have to admit that gratitude is not my first reaction. You see, I have encountered many problems in the last 24 hours. To be real, the last seven days have not gone exactly as I planned either. It’s troubles, not gratitude that shows up first in my mind. Apparently, I am not alone. Peter encountered Christ followers that were missing the pure joy of Christ. He left us some simple advice that will help us when we are feeling less than grateful.

To start, Peter reminds us to be careful, in our troubles, not to revert back to who we were before we met Jesus.  Yes, it would be easier to live like a pagan, only pursuing what feels good. But, Peter explains, since we know the truth of Christ, we must choose him again. He elaborates by showing us how choosing Christ means to “set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This makes sense to me. Practically speaking, when I set aside my quest for success and prominence, I begin to see Jesus clearly again. And, I find rest for my soul.

Peter also encourages us to be obedient. Reminding us that it is our obedience during tough times strengthens and purifies our faith. In order to do so, we must “prepare our minds for action, be sober minded and set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13). Our obedience, therefore, strengthened by our tested faith produces “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:8).

At this very moment, I am grateful for Thanksgiving. I hope that you too will have an opportunity to stop and remember why we choose to follow Jesus. Peter sums it up wonderfully for us in 1 Peter 1:3-4. He reminds us, that Jesus “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  Give Thanks!

 

1 Chronicles 9–10; Hebrews 12; Amos 6; Luke 1:39–80

Why is it that vacation, Halloween, and Thanksgiving always roll around when I am trying to be “good” about what I eat? Seriously, I have maintained a really good diet for several months. It stopped quickly with my vacation. You know how it is, great dinners are part of the deal.  Right? For me, a great dinner includes dessert. But, I remind myself that it is ok. This is a short-term thing. A week of splurging won’t matter.  After all, I’m on vacation! The brief interruption of my diet has now been exacerbated by Halloween. It turns out that I am a sucker for Snickers and Milky Way’s and Almond Joy’s and Butterfingers, and pretty much anything that gets dumped out of that bag. (Actually, I am not a fan of Whoppers, but I eat them anyway). The best part of Halloween candy is that everything is bite-size. I mean, it’s not like I’m eating an entire candy bar. As I consume multiple pieces, I remind myself that there are only a handful of pieces left. Once they are gone, all will be well and I’ll get back to my normal diet. Except for the fact that next week is Thanksgiving. It’s not likely that I am going to take it easy on homemade rolls, or extra gravy. And, pecan pie is awesome (especially with ice cream) so I’m definitely looking forward to that and since the Thanksgiving tradition requires we eat pumpkin pie I’ll go ahead and try that too. My mother-in-law makes a mad coconut cream pie that occasionally makes its way to the table and really, its one of my favorites so I’ll try that too. Hey, don’t forget, it’s just one day. For dinner, I’m looking forward to lying low. My mom makes grandma’s angel food cake and I’d hate to dishonor her legacy by passing it up. Besides, angel food is pretty light.

Healthy lifestyles are not limited to food.  In fact, our relationship with God is the most important component.  Just like my diet, I often make choices that circumvent its full realization.  For example, consider this list of activities that hinder my progress.  In no particular order; wine, work, swearing, laziness, Xbox, YouTube, Television, internet, telephone, text messages, facebook, Pinterest, election coverage, books, bourbon, course language, impure thoughts, Amazon, movies, napping, 

If you are like me, you connected with at least one item.  I’m guessing that not only did you connect with it, but you justified it just as I have justified my poisonous diet.  Take a few minutes today to consider how you might, “lay aside this weight,” (Hebrews 12:1) and acknowledge the reality that it is preventing you from finishing the race successfully.

2 Kings 23; Hebrews 5; Joel 2; Psalm 142

How often are we told to focus on our strengths? There are, in fact, countless tools that help us identify and live from them. While I do not disagree with the strategy, focusing only on our strengths masks the reality of our lives. You see, we are all born into a fallen world, subject to sin.  Relative to God, we are weak.  Hebrews 5:2 says that we are “beset with weakness.” The risk, therefore, in living from our strengths is that we become fully reliant on our flesh. The results of which are well documented in the Bible.

• Self-Glory
• Admiration of others
• Subject to error
• Subject to death

Contrast living from our strengths with embracing our weakness.  Jesus, for example, chose the latter.  Rather than embracing achievement and soliciting the praises of man, he embraced his weakness.  We find the evidence in his prayers.  He “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him” (Hebrews 5:7). The result? God heard him “because of his reverence” (v7).  God, therefore, bestowed upon Jesus perfection.  In perfection, Jesus would no longer be subject to error or death.

Jesus submission to God was so perfect, that he also became our eternal source of salvation. He is the ultimate proof that weakness is not something to run from. Instead, we are to offer our weakness to God “with prayers, supplications, and with loud cries to him who is able to save us.” Just as God honored Jesus reverence, Jesus showers our weakness with grace.  Not just any grace, but a grace that is so powerful that it conquers death.

2 Kings 1; 2 Thessalonians 1; Daniel 5; Psalms 110–111

As I continue to read through the old testament, I have a tendency to become discouraged. Mostly because I cannot figure out why the kings don’t get it.  They repeat the same mistakes, over and over. Occasionally, one will appear to be different, attempting to do good. But, his efforts are often half-hearted and almost always stamped out by the next generation. This pattern will continue through our reading of 2 Kings and into Chronicles. As you read the stories, pay attention to these three common threads.

Kings have a way of using God’s good things for their own aggrandizement      For example, today in 2 Kings 1, Belshazzar occupies the throne. He is enjoying the good life and taking full advantage of his reign as king. In order to prove his greatness above all others during a party, he ordered the treasures of the Temple of Jerusalem to be brought out for the guests. It wasn’t enough for Belshazzar to simply use them for the party. In fact, while drinking from them, “they drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.” Daniel 5:4 (ESV).  These acts clearly illustrate contempt of Godly things.

The reign of a king is temporary.  Maybe you didn’t notice, but they all die. In fact, many of them come and go without any fanfare at all.  During their reign, however, they make short-term decisions, based on their short-term world-view.  Their goal is simple.  To maximize their existence.

Contrast these kings’ short-term world-view with Jesus’ eternal world-view.  His decisions and actions are clearly different, focusing not on his own existence but on the eternal existence of all people.

God invites them to participate in His work.  Throughout these stories, God attempts to get their attention. He does it often through the voices of others, generally called prophets. They are the ones that know God’s word and will. Even though the king may have asked a prophet’s advice, they rarely listen, attempting instead to preserve their own ego’s, status and power. They refute and disclaim the advice of the prophets, always with predictable consequences. In the end, they are forced into humility by others, or they die an early death.

Jesus invites us to participate in His work too.  In fact, not only are we promised forgiveness, we are also given new life.  According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are a “new creation.”  Think of all the good things that we can do.