The End

I praise God for the written, holy Word. I am grateful for God's grace, leading me through this year of biblical reading and reflection. If you read through the Bible chronologically this year and if you looked at this blog from time to time, then I hope and pray that the blog helped you in some way.

May the peace of God surround us always.

Revelation 19:1-22:21

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

John, the author of the Bible's book of revelation, sees everything from heaven to earth being renewed. He hears the news that God lives among the people and that the processes of their becoming God's people and God's becoming God to the people is underway. Whenever I see tears dried, mourning turned into joy, crying replaced with songs, or pains alleviated, I think of this promise.

I thank God that the old order of things is passing away. We need a new earth.

Revelation 15:1-18:24

Beginning with the Bible's book of Revelation, chapter 15, John's vision of seven angels bearing seven bowls of plagues begins. The plagues are to be emptied on earth, so that more and more people suffer. 

Again and again, God's people are encouraged. Take, for example, Revelation 16:15, "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” 

I am clothed in Christ. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Romans 13:14) I hope to grow more and more awake to to God's presence with me and to dress myself more and more in the grace of Jesus, so that whenever I encounter temptations, challenges, pain, or troubles, I can own the Bible's encouraging words.

Revelation 11:1-14:20

St. Savin - Woman, Child, and Dragon (Detail), from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=33281 [retrieved December 29, 2015]. Original source: Images donated by Anne Richardson Womack, Vanderbilt University, and James T. Womack, Montgomery Bell Academy, Nashville, TN.

Revelation 6:1-10:11

The Bible's book of Revelation, chapter 5, discloses John's vision of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the Lamb who was slain, poised and ready to open a scroll sealed with seven seals.

Beginning with Revelation, chapter 6, the Resurrected Christ--for that is who is symbolized by the Lion-Root-Lamb--breaks six seals one by one. When each seal is broken a horse and rider appears, spreading first one calamity then another throughout the world. Chapter 6 ends with the breaking of the sixth seal.

Revelation, chapter 7, discloses a somewhat peaceful interlude in John's vision before the breaking of the seventh seal. During this interlude, destruction is forestalled until a number of God's servants can be sealed--12,000 servants from each of Israel's 12 tribes. Immediately afterward, John sees countless martyrs before the throne of God; and the martyrs are worshiping God with shouts of praise. The chapter ends with some of the most comforting words to be found in scripture: Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 'Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,' nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; 'he will lead them to springs of living water.' 'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'" (Revelation 7:15-17)

Revelation, chapter 8, begins with John's vision of the Resurrected Christ's breaking the seventh seal. The seal is broken. Silence ensues. Then seven angels, each bearing a trumpet, appear. As the prayers of God's people mingle together with incense burning before the throne of God, the angels begin to sound their trumpets one by one. As each trumpet sounds a calamity strikes the earth--hail and fire scorching the earth, the poisoning of seas, lakes, rivers, springs, and wells, darkness, etc. John's vision of the woes heralded by the sounding of six of the angels' seven trumpets continues through Revelation, chapter 9.  There is an element of judgment to these woes, as John observes. Those who survive this second round of calamities do not stop worshiping idols and demons. (Revelation 9:20) They do not repent of murders, magic, sexual immorality, nor thefts. (Revelation 9:21)

Revelation, chapter 10, begins another interlude in John's vision. The seventh angel will sound the fateful seventh trumpet, but the angel waits for the time being. One outcome of the interlude is that John is commissioned with prophecy once more: Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.” (Revelation 10:11)

At times I feel the world threatened almost as much as is described here in John's apocalypse. So I hope to be faithful in my witness to Jesus Christ. 

Revelation 2:1-5:14

John is instructed to write messages to seven churches. Those messages are recorded in the Bible's book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3. The messages provide critiques of churches' shortcomings. They commend faithfulness found in the churches. The messages warn churches of imminent dangers. They give churches reasons to hope.

Toward the end of each message this statement is repeated: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Lord, let me hear.

1 John 4:1-5:21; 2 John 1:1-13; 3 John 1:1-14; Revelation 1:1-20

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. (1 John 4:16b-18a)

I believe; I trust God's love for humanity. If I become fearful, then it is time to allow more God, more love to wash over me. Letting go of anxiety and fright, I am free to live in love. I am free to live in God and God in me.

Hebrews 13:1-25; 1 John 1:1-3:24

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7)

Christmas is the season of Light and lights. Jesus, the Light of the World, was born an infant human more than 2,000 years ago. Both God and human, Jesus harbored no darkness within; and His Light illuminated the darkness of the world. I walk by faith in His light. Darkness, be gone!

Hebrews 10:19-12:29

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

I have often thought of faith as both belief and trust. I believe in Jesus Christ, who is God's Son, my Lord, and my Savior. And I trust Jesus Christ, also. I have confidence that Jesus Christ forgives me, and I feel assured of God's never-ending love, binding us together.

Hebrews 7:1-10:18

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27-28)

I am waiting for Christ.

Hebrews 2:1-6:20

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

I learned a deeper meaning from this passage of scripture by way of M. Robert Mulholland, Junior's  book, "Shaped by the Word: The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Formation." Today, I was saddened to learn of Dr. Mulholland's death last Sunday. I praise God for Mulholland's life and work. Thank You, Lord, for Your servant, Bob.

2 Timothy 2:1-4:22; Hebrews 1:1-14

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:1-5a)

Today?

Jude 1:17-25; 2 Peter 1:1-3:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

God acts in power, glory, and goodness to give us both basic knowledge of God and precious promises of God. Through all of these--promises, knowledge, goodness, glory, and power--humanity may take part in God's very nature. Theosis! I want to live in full partnership with the living God. 

1 Peter 2:13-5:14; Jude 1:1-16

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13)

Today, in my part of the world folks don't go for suffering. Many barely tolerate discomfort, much less choose anything that might involve personal pain. And many of those who do suffer, whether by choice or by chance, complain about it.

Peter's advice stands in contrast with the experiences of many of my contemporaries. He says to rejoice while suffering for the sake of Christ, or to be more precise, to celebrate participating in Christ's suffering. Here Peter writes from the truth that Christ-followers participate in the ongoing life of Christ. Some of the time following Christ makes for miracles. Some of the time it makes for sorrows. But the Christ-follower can rejoice in the participation. In a sense we are not living our own lives. We are living the Christ-life. And that is reason enough to rejoice!

Titus 1:1-3:15; 1 Peter 1:1-2:12

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. (1 Peter 2:13-14)

This teaching is difficult. Although I submit to human authority often, I question human authority, too. "Why is the speed limit 35 miles per hour on this stretch of road? It could be raised safely to 45 miles per hour."  

Peter has even more justification for questioning authority than I. The Roman Empire had enslaved as much as 75% of its population; and that appears to be a gross misuse of power. The Roman Empire's authorities went along with the illegal arrest, unjust trial, and cruel execution of Jesus, too.

That he witnessed Jesus' passion and death underscores Peter's commitment to humble submission. Jesus submitted. Why shouldn't Peter?

Why shouldn't I?

1 Timothy 3:1-6:21

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:8-10)

Let's restate the wisdom of these three verses of scripture in the imperative mood: Get some physical exercise, because it's good for you! But train your soul in godliness, because it's good forever! Work, struggle, hope, and believe, friends. God lives and saves!

Philippians 3:1-4:23; 1 Timothy 1:1-2:15

Writing in 1 Timothy 1:9-11, Paul the Apostle condemns various sinners by just application of God's Law. But he claims relief for sinners and gives the example of his own experience in 1 Timothy 1:15-16. If Paul is the worst sinner of all (1 Timothy 1:15), then by his experience of receiving God's mercy and forgiveness all persons may anticipate relief from sin.

Thank God for that!

Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1:1-2:30

When Paul the Apostle writes to Philippian Christians to "work out salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12b) he is advising them to do what he is doing. What is Paul doing? He is thinking through his own life and the possibility of his imminent death (Philippians 1:21-26). 

He prefers to die in order to go to be with the Lord. But he views living as "more necessary" (Philippians 1:24) for the benefit of the Christians at Philippi.

What is the most necessary thing of my life...and yours?

Colossians 1:1-4:18

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. (Colossians 4:18)

As he writes to the Christians at Colossae, Paul the Apostle is captive somewhere. In this particular chronological arrangement the editors agree with the assumption that Paul is in Rome. What Paul writes lends credence to this assumption. He writes from the perspective of a mature faith. He writes about universal, cosmic topics, and he writes to give practical advice to the Christian community at Colossae. 

Then, too, Paul is in chains. At the close of the Bible's book of Acts, Paul is in Rome, waiting for his trial to come before Caesar. But he is preaching the good news to anyone and everyone who will listen. He is chained in the Roman system of justice, and he is chained to the cause of Christ.

Ephesians 4:1-6:24

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

Acts 28:11-31; Ephesians 1:1-3:21

For he himself is our peace... (Ephesians 2:14a)

He Is our Peace - The Song

                                                                                            ...enjoy!

Acts 25:23-28:10

Once upon a time not long ago "Where's Waldo?" was a visual pastime. The map below traces the movements of Paul the Apostle as recorded in the Bible's book of Acts. So if any readers wonder, "Where's Paul?" they can look at the map and get some sense of his location in the Mediterranean Basin.

By JWooldridge (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Acts 23:12-25:22

Here two schemes of jurisprudence overlap and compete with one another. One is the Sanhedrin, a council of seventy-one Jewish sages who constituted the supreme court and legislative body in Judea during the Roman period. Another is the Roman Empire's system of laws, courts, and justice. Both are corrupt. Evidence of their corruption can be seen in the ways that Paul the Apostle is treated.

God, when will justice "roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream?" (Amos 5:24)

Acts 21:1-23:11

Acts 21 begins with a first person plural account of certain disciples' journey to Jerusalem. Paul the Apostle is the leader of this band of Jesus-followers. Two purposes for making the journey seem evident to me. One is to deliver to Jerusalem's poor an offering gathered from the Gentile churches. Another is leave-taking. Paul is saying, "Goodbye," to fellow Christians. He believes he may never see them again. But Paul has traveling companions, persons with whom to share his travels. Some (one?) are (is?) able to record these events firsthand.

After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. (Acts 21:1)

Thank You, God, for traveling companions in my spirit-journey.

Romans 15:1-16:27; Acts 20:7-38

Paul the Apostle is traveling from his initial fields of missionary service, Asia Minor and Greece, toward Jerusalem. He hopes to deliver the offering he has collected from the churches he has established to the "mother" church in Jerusalem. After delivering the offering he hopes to travel through Rome on his way to Spain, where he may be able to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to people who have never heard it before. As he draws nearer to Jerusalem he takes leave of the churches that he had founded previously. Many tears are shed with each good-bye.

Of whom am I taking leave today? Who are the folks I may never see again? What gift, what encouragement, and what hope may I offer?

Romans 11:11-14:23

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

Murder, terrorism, theft, oppression, abuse, violence, extortion, robbery, gossip, and the like are widespread and, thanks to media nowadays, well-known: All the more reason to consider, "How shall I overcome? With which kinds of good may this present evil be defeated?"

Romans 8:18-11:10

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

It's that simple...

Romans 5:1-8:17

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

God loves us humans. God displays that love by sending Christ Jesus, who lives, dies, rises from death, and ascends for our forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Receiving the love God displays in Christ Jesus, we humans are freed for life under the Holy Spirit's rule.

Romans 2:1-4:25

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.(Romans 3:20-24)

All are justified by God's grace. All are declared righteous in God's sight through Christ's redeeming life, death, and resurrection. All receive righteousness who by faith believe in Jesus Christ.

I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.

2 Corinthians 11:16-13:14; Romans 1:1-32

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20)

In writing to the Christians at Rome, Paul the Apostle uses an argument from "nature" or from "creation itself" to proclaim God's existence. "Look at the created order of things," he writes, in effect, "and you will see God's eternal power and divine nature." God's self-revelation through scripture plays no part in this argument. If Paul had made his proclamation from the foundation of scripture, then those who have no knowledge of scripture would have an excuse for their wicked and godless ways. Paul proclaims the truth from scripture elsewhere, but not here. In this way he logically erases every excuse for wicked and godless behavior.

On the one hand I am not so sure that everyone will agree that God's invisible qualities have been seen clearly from the beginning of creation. On the other hand I am very sure that I have seen those qualities--God's eternal power and divine nature--in almost every one of my experiences in the natural world. The technicolor beauty of a sunrise, the majesty of the ocean's breakers on a rocky seashore, the sound and fury of an August thunderstorm--all these and more bear witness in my soul that God was, is, and will be. How can I deny this truth written in my heart?

2 Corinthians 7:1-11:15

And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

Dear Reader: Have you met some of these: false apostles, deceitful workers, or someone wearing the mask of an apostle of Christ? Have you met Satan himself, pretending to be an angel of light?

Paul the Apostle has, and here he commits himself to cut the ground from under them. 

This calls for careful discernment between true angels of light and imposters, between true apostles of Jesus Christ and counterfeit apostles.

2 Corinthians 2:5-6:18

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

What does it mean to contemplate the Lord's glory with unveiled faces? To me it means that I drop all pretensions as much as possible. I remove and release any "masks" that I wear. It means that I open myself to God's glory as I am, not as I hope to be, nor as I ought to be, nor as I may pretend to be. 

Authentic transformation may be impossible for me if I insist on viewing the Lord's glory through the lens of my choice.  But let the scales fall from my eyes, and the Spirit of God may have a free hand in my soul. 

The Scriptures I Hope to Read in December

December 1 - 2 Corinthians 2:5-6:18

December 2 - 2 Corinthians 7:1-11:15

December 3 - 2 Corinthians 11:16-13:14; Romans 1:1-32

December 4 - Romans 2:1-4:25

December 5 - Romans 5:1-8:17

December 6 - Romans 8:18-11:10

December 7 - Romans 11:11-14:23

December 8 - Romans 15:1-16:27; Acts 20:7-38

December 9 - Acts 21:1-23:11

December 10 - Acts 23:12-25:22

December 11 - Acts 25:23-28:10

December 12 - Acts 28:11-31; Ephesians 1:1-3:21

December 13 - Ephesians 4:1-6:24

December 14 - Colossians 1:1-4:18

December 15 - Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1:1-2:30

December 16 - Philippians 3:1-4:23; 1 Timothy 1:1-2:15

December 17 - 1 Timothy 3:1-6:21

December 18 - Titus 1:1-3:15; 1 Peter 1:1-2:12

December 19 - 1 Peter 2:13-5:14; Jude 1:1-16

December 20 - Jude 1:17-25; 2 Peter 1:1-3:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

December 21 - 2 Timothy 2:1-4:22; Hebrews 1:1-14

December 22 - Hebrews 2:1-6:20

December 23 - Hebrews 7:1-10:18

December 24 - Hebrews 10:19-12:29

December 25 - Hebrews 13:1-25; 1 John 1:1-3:24

December 26 - 1 John 4:1-5:21; 2 John 1:1-13; 3 John 1:1-14; Revelation 1:1-20

December 27 - Revelation 2:1-5:14

December 28 - Revelation 6:1-10:11

December 29 - Revelation 11:1-14:20

December 30 - Revelation 15:1-18:24

December 31 - Revelation 19:1-22:21

1 Corinthians 15:35-16:24; Acts 20:1-6; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Paul the Apostle is writing about his change of plans, intending at first to come to the Corinthian Christians in person, but then changing his mind. He trusts that the letter he has written to them has had a good effect, and he has some reason for believing so (See 2 Corinthians 7).

But how may I appropriate this verse of scripture? God has made many promises; and all promises amount to "Yes" in Christ. Christ enables me to agree both in those promises and in the divine "Yes." When I agree--Amen!--God is glorified!

1 Corinthians 14:1-15:34

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)

How I long for God's promise of victory over death to be fulfilled!

1 Corinthians 11:2-13:13

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:13-15)

Paul the Apostle is writing about the traditional practices in place in the churches he helped to establish and/or to strengthen. His arguments in these verses of scripture sound similar to some of the things I have heard said in churches, during the past 50 years, namely, "Which hat shall I wear to Sunday School and church?" and, "When are you going to get a haircut, boy?"

So, God, what would You have me learn from Paul the Apostle today?

1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

I have heard generalizations on this verse of scripture, such as, "God won't put on you more than you can bear." This generalization is misleading at best. One, it infers that burdens originate with God. I admit that some burdens may originate with God, but I know many burdens that do not. 

Two, if one thinks of burdens in terms of temptation, as 1 Corinthians 10:13 reads, then the generalization infers that temptation originates with God. Nothing could be further from the truth. God tempts no one. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone... (James 1:13) 

Furthermore, God is in no way passive when believers are tempted. No! Into every event in which Christ-followers are tempted God interjects an avenue of escape. I need to remember this: Look for a way out when tempted. The engine is running and the door is always open to God's "getaway car!"

1 Corinthians 5:1-7:40

Paul's preference is that persons remain as he is--unmarried and chaste. But he admits that persons who marry do not necessarily sin in doing so. Some are called to marriage, and some are called to singleness. All are called to contentment in their respective circumstances.

1 Corinthians 1:1-4:21

However, as it is written:

     “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
     and what no human mind has conceived”

—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

In writing to Christians at Corinth Paul the Apostle quotes the Bible's book of Isaiah, chapter 64, verse 4. This quote underlines the thought that the things of God cannot be perceived by human eyesight nor by human hearing. Further, these things are unimaginable.

What Paul the Apostle knows about the things of God he has received by way of God's Spirit. The Spirit penetrates to the deepest things of God and uncovers the things that God has prepared for us, lovers of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3:18; Acts 18:18-19:41

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

Unwilling, not unable...'nuff said.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-5:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Paul and those with him pray for the Thessalonian Christians, not that they may accomplish great things, but that God may:

1. Make them worthy of God's calling...
2. Bring forth fruit from their desire for goodness...
3. Bring forth a harvest from their faithful deeds...
4. By divine grace glorify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in them...
5. By divine grace glorify the Thessalonians in the Lord Jesus Christ...

These two verses of scripture say a lot!

Acts 17:1-18:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:16

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

The word of God works in people. Though humanly preached and humanly received, the word of God may be accepted as it actually is, the word of God. Paul the Apostle writes that he thanks God continually for this: The word of God received and accepted as the word of God--not a myth, nor a fairy tale, nor a speculation, nor a fiction, but a message of divine origin and holy purpose.

I am thankful for that, too!

Acts 15:1-16:40

Paul and Silas are confined in a prison at Philippi. At midnight the doors of the prison open. The locks on the chains that bound them open, too. The detainees can escape, but they do not.

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (Acts 16:29-34)

It's interesting: When the jailer asks about personal salvation Paul and Silas suggest that both he and his household can be saved. How often do I encourage folks to think not simply of themselves, but also of saving their families?

Another item of interest: After the jailer washed the wounds of Paul and Silas, they baptize the jailer and his household. One hand washes the other! And does the jailer's serving a meal bring on an occasion for celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion?

Galatians 4:8-6:18

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-25)

Keeping in step with the Spirit is a day-by-day, moment-by-moment experience for me. I labor and long both for continuous self-awareness and for continuous God-awareness, asking frequently, "What do I want?" and, "What do You desire, God?" 

Then, too, I quiet myself often, ask no questions, and wait for feelings, images, and/or insights to present themselves in the stillness. 

At the end of the day I recall how my waking hours have been marked--or not marked--by love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I celebrate any harvest of this fruit of the Spirit, and I rest in God's presence.

For now these are the disciplines I practice for keeping in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 1:1-4:7

Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. (Galatians 3:21-22)

One effect of the legal code found in the Bible is to consign to sin all human efforts to make ourselves righteous.  God is the one who makes us humans righteous. At least two things happen when we by our own efforts try to achieve righteousness: We fail at becoming righteous, and we sin against God. Sin is rebellion against God and God's way of doing things.

But if by faith in Jesus Christ we receive what God promised beforehand, then we have not sinned. Indeed, we have acted in obedience to God. We are included among the righteous before God, thanks to person and work of Jesus Christ. And we begin to be made righteous by the power of God's indwelling Holy Spirit.

Acts 13:1-14:28

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:1-3)

I see several significant items in this reading. Here are two:

1. The Holy Spirit works among all subjects, calling Barnabas and Saul and giving orders to the others to set Barnabas and Saul apart for their calling.
2. Although this happened while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, apparently they fasted and prayed some more, before they placed hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them off. 

If I receive what I believe to be a calling from God, then should I seek affirmation of that call in a believing, fasting, worshiping, and praying community? If not, then why not, and if so, then how?

James 4:1-5:20; Acts 11:19-12:25

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:13-16)

The appropriate time for prayer ranges from troubled times to happy times. In the community of Christian faith prayer, anointing with oil, laying on hands, confession, and intercession are enacted.

James 1:1-3:18

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. (James 1:9-11)

This is a challenging statement for me, because I believe that by the standards of the whole world I am very rich. No, I am not a millionaire, but yes, I do have wealth and possessions that the majority of earth's people do not have. As a citizen of the world, then, I should take pride in my humiliation.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13)

Paraphrased, these two sentences above, mean to me: Give others freedom, especially the benefit of doubt concerning their motivations; show mercy. Are we humans "funny" or not? We want mercy for ourselves. We want to be given the benefit of doubt in "shady" circumstances. But for others appearing in "shady" circumstances, we want to rush to judge them. 

Lord, have mercy!

Acts 9:32-11:18

Peter underscores a connection between Christian baptism when he proclaims, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” (Acts 10:47) He has given his witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home of a man named Cornelius. Cornelius and others who are present have accepted Peter's message. And the Holy Spirit has filled them. They are ready to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Acts 7:54-9:31

West, Benjamin, 1738-1820. Conversion of St. Paul, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=54208 [retrieved November 16, 2015]. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mharrsch/2401656220/.

Acts 5:17-7:53

The apostles' preaching, teaching, healing, and ministries are met with the opposition of the Jerusalem Council. The council demands that the apostles stop everything they are doing in Jesus' name. But the apostles state the conviction, "We must obey God rather than humans." (Acts 5:29) The apostles bear their punishment at the hands of the council with grace. They rejoice that they bear disgrace because of their commitment to Christ. (Acts 5:41)

The apostles' story causes me to reflect on my experiences. When have I felt slighted, disgraced, opposed, or punished because of my commitment to Christ? How have I responded--with rejoicing or with bitterness?

Acts 3:1-5:16

Peter and other apostles speak with power and confidence. Many respond with faith in Jesus Christ and his resurrection from death to life.  Many are healed, and many more respond in faith. 

Others doubt the apostles' message. They place no faith in Jesus Christ, and they oppose the apostles' teaching, witness, and way of life. They challenge Peter and the others. They try to prevent the gospel from spreading, but to no avail.

I want to tell the gospel of Jesus Christ with power and confidence. I want to live the gospel of Jesus Christ not only by speaking, but also by doing all the good I can, everywhere I can, for as long as I can.

Mark 16:9-20; Acts 1:1-11; Acts 1:12-2:47

The Bible's book of Acts, chapter 2, describes the fulfillment of a prophecy recorded in the Bible's book of Joel, chapter 2, verses 28-32. According to Peter the Apostle's understanding, as reported in Acts 2, the Spirit of God is poured into the disciples of Jesus who are obediently waiting. 

Choirstall woodcarving of the Pentecost, with tongues of fire descending upon the apostles, detail, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=51555 [retrieved November 11, 2015]. Original source: Collection of Anne Richardson Womack.

But the prophecy found in the Bible's book of Joel indicates that God will pour Spirit into all people and that everyone who calls on the Lord's name will be saved. I suppose that this outpouring must begin with someone, somewhere. And given what happens next--the addition of thousands to the movement (Acts 2:41)--it appears to be a fruitful start for the Spirit's activity in and among humankind.

Matthew 28:11-15; Luke 24:13-35; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23; John 20:24-31; Matthew 28:16-20; John 21:1-25; Luke 24:44-53

This is what happens when we read the Bible from beginning to end during one calendar year: We read about Jesus' death and resurrection, not during Holy Week and Easter, but at the end of the Christian Year, Kingdomtide in some Christian circles and the Season after Pentecost in others. So there is a disconnect for some Christian folk who follow the Christian Year and its seasons.

Upon reflection I believe the above-mentioned disconnect is a good thing. Why? The disconnect may put us in touch with the disconnect that unchurched folks may experience with any reading of scripture. I imagine that for folks who have no background or training in Christianity, its seasons, and its traditions, reading from any part of the Bible may seem disconnected from the rest of their experiences. I need to know that. 

Christians need to be sensitive, not condescending, to that disconnect and to the souls who experience it. And perhaps one way of showing sensitivity would be to admit to the feeling of disconnectedness when reading the Bible from time to time.

Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-13; Matthew 28:9-10; John 20:14-18

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (John 20:3-4)

Burnand, Eugène, 1850-1921. Disciples John and Peter on their way to the tomb on Easter morning, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55038 [retrieved November 9, 2015]. Original source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BurnandJeanPierre.jpg.

Mark 15:22-41; Matthew 27:33-56; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:17b-37

Still catching up... The crucifixion and death of Jesus...

Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16; Mark 15:16-20a; Matthew 27:27-31; Luke 23:26-32; Mark 15:20b-21; Matthew 27:32; John 19:17a

Catching up... The trial and sentencing of Jesus...

Matthew 27:1-10; Luke 23:1-12; Mark 15:1-5; Matthew 27:11-14; John 18:28-38

"What is truth?" Pilate the Roman governor wanted to know. (John 11:38a) His question still hangs in the air. Jesus came to witness to the truth. (John 11:37b) Yet folks seem to have difficulty both in receiving what Jesus says and in accepting all that he does. If I refuse to trust Jesus, then on whom shall I rely?

Truth is what?

Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11; Mark 14:53-72; Matthew 26:57-75; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:12-27

Each of the Bible's books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and interrogation by the authorities. The four books tell how Jesus' closest disciples desert him and how Peter the Apostle denies any knowledge of a relationship between Jesus and himself.  Of the four accounts I find Luke's most compelling, especially at the point of Peter's third disavowal of Jesus. Only the Gospel of Luke puts it this way:

...another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."

Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. (Blogger's emphasis underlined.) Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:59b-62)

I can imagine that Jesus' looking at Peter in the moment of Peter's denial is an "I told you so" look. But I can imagine Jesus' look another way, too. I can imagine it as a look of compassion, an "I knew you would do this; but it's okay" look. I suppose that Jesus' look can be imagined in other ways, too. 

I believe the Spirit of Christ Jesus is looking straight at me, if only I raise my eyes to meet his gaze. Who or what will startle me into that recognition--the rooster's crowing, a net too full of fish, or summer's harvest, ready to be reaped?

John 15:18-17:26; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46

Jesus takes eleven disciples to a garden by night. He leaves eight of them at one place in the and asks three of them to go with him to another place in the garden. He asks the three to wait, watch, and pray. Then Jesus goes alone to yet another place in the garden. Why does he distribute his disciples in this fashion? Is he setting up a "betrayal early warning system?" Is he rewarding certain disciples and distancing others? Or is he simply acting out his grief?

Lord, teach me how to wait, watch, and pray. 

Mark 14:22-26; Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20; John 13:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38; John 14:1-15:17

[Jesus says,] This is my command: "Love each other."  (John 15:17)

Simple, isn't it? But easy? No!

Jesus says to love God with all the heart, mind, soul, and strength. (Mark 12:30) Are we to love each other likewise--with all the heart, mind, soul, and strength? A "yes" answer wells up in my soul. Love each other with the same love we have for God. 

Love is God-originated anyway. (1 John 4:19) In loving God we return part of what God has given. In loving each other we share part of what God has given. May we return love; may we share love in the same way God gives love to us in the first place? I hope so.

This is Jesus' command: Love each other!

Mark 14:12-17; Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14; John13:1-20; Mark 14:18-21; Matthew 26:21-25; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30; Luke 22:24-30

As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. (John 13:30)

Judas has just been fed by the Lord of the Universe, yet he goes out. He leaves the light of the Divine Presence. And it is night--darkness all around. 

Sin crouches at the door. Temptation issues its siren call. A chill replaces the warmth of fellowship. Pride swells in the heart. A dull ache in the gut persists--betrayal.

And it was night. 

Matthew 25:31-46; John 12:20-50; Mark 14:1-11; Matthew 26:1-16; Luke 22:1-6; John 12:1-11

These readings--Mark 14:1-11, Matthew 26:1-16, Luke 22:1-6, and John 12:1-11--describe great devotion to Jesus. A unidentified woman and/or Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus with an expensive scented oil. Jesus' inner circle of followers object to what seems to them like an extravagant waste of resources. But Jesus defends the woman's act. Lyrics from "Jesus Christ Superstar" put it this way:

     Apostles:
     What's the buzz?
     Tell me what's happening

     Judas:
     It seems to me a strange thing, mystifying
     That a man like you can waste his time
     On women of her kind
     Yes I can understand that she amuses
     But to let her stroke you, kiss your hair
     Is hardly in your line
     It's not that I object to her profession
     But she doesn't fit in well with what you teach and say
     It doesn't help us if you're inconsistent
     They only need a small excuse to put us all away

     Jesus:
     Who are you to criticise her?
     Who are you to despise her?
     Leave her, leave her, let her be now
     Leave her, leave her, she's with me now
     If your slate is clean, then you can throw stones
     If your slate is not, then leave her alone

So these same readings--Mark 14:1-11, Matthew 26:1-16, Luke 22:1-6, and John 12:1-11--describe conflict with Jesus and the beginning of his betrayal by Judas.

Great devotion and grand deception in the same few paragraphs...

Kiss of Judas, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55267[retrieved November 2, 2015]. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brtsergio/2338660292.

Scriptures I Hope to Read in November

November 1 - Matthew 25:31-46; John 12:20-50; Mark 14:1-11; Matthew 26:1-16; Luke 22:1-6; John 12:1-11

November 2 - Mark 14:12-17; Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14; John13:1-20; Mark 14:18-21; Matthew 26:21-25; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30; Luke 22:24-30

November 3 - Mark 14:22-26; Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20; John 13:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38; John 14:1-15:17

November 4 - John 15:18-17:26; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46

November 5 - Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11; Mark 14:53-72; Matthew 26:57-75; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:12-27

November 6 -Matthew 27:1-10; Luke 23:1-12; Mark 15:1-5; Matthew 27:11-14; John 18:28-38

November 7 - Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16; Mark 15:16-20a; Matthew 27:27-31; Luke 23:26-32; Mark 15:20b-21; Matthew 27:32; John 19:17a

November 8 - Mark 15:22-41; Matthew 27:33-56; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:17b-37

November 9 - Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-13; Matthew 28:9-10; John 20:14-18

November 10 - Matthew 28:11-15; Luke 24:13-35; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23; John 20:24-31; Matthew 28:16-20; John 21:1-25; Luke 24:44-53

November 11 - Mark 16:9-20; Acts 1:1-11; Acts 1:12-2:47

November 12 - Acts 3:1-5:16

November 13 - Acts 5:17-7:53

November 14 - Acts 7:54-9:31

November 15 - Acts 9:32-11:18

November 16 - James 1:1-3:18

November 17 - James 4:1-5:20; Acts 11:19-12:25

November 18 - Acts 13:1-14:28

November 19 - Galatians 1:1-4:7

November 20 - Galatians 4:8-6:18

November 21 - Acts 15:1-16:40

November 22 - Acts 17:1-18:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:16

November 23 - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-5:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

November 24 - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3:18; Acts 18:18-19:41

November 25 - 1 Corinthians 1:1-4:21

November 26 - 1 Corinthians 5:1-7:40

November 27 - 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

November 28 - 1 Corinthians 11:2-13:13

November 29 - 1 Corinthians 14:1-15:34

November 30 - 1 Corinthians 15:35-16:24; Acts 20:1-6; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4

Mark 13:24-31; Matthew 24:29-35; Luke 21:25-38; Mark 13:32-37; Matthew 24:36-51; Matthew 25:1-13; Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27

Comparing Matthew 25:14-30 to Luke 19:11-27, which are parables of entrusted wealth, I see possible linkages with how it may be in the Kingdom of God. Matthew's Gospel depicts Jesus, telling the story of a man going on a journey and entrusting his servants with differing amounts of money, according to each one's ability. Luke's Gospel depicts Jesus, telling the story of a noble going to his coronation as king and entrusting his servants each with the same amount of money. In Luke's Gospel the servants are told to put the money to work, but there is no such instruction in Matthew's Gospel. 

In both gospels two of the servants overcome their fears, take risks, and leverage the money entrusted to them to make even more money, and in both gospels one servant yields to his fears, takes no risk, and returns the money to his master upon the master's return. In both gospels the master returns and calls his servants to account for the money previously entrusted to them. He praises the servants who added to his wealth during the master's absence. (I wonder about servants who take risks and fail; but that is another parable.) In both gospels the servant who fails to add to his master's wealth is punished. The master indicates that he would have been satisfied with whatever interest the bankers would have paid.

My "take aways" are to receive gratefully all that I am given in the Kingdom of God, to overcome my fears, to risk losses, and to put everything I receive to work in the hope of making gains for God and God's Kingdom.   

Matthew 23:37-39; Mark 12:4144; Luke 21:14; Mark 13:1-23; Matthew 24:1-28; Luke 21:5-24

Mark, Matthew, and Luke agree in reporting Jesus' warning that his followers will be hated. He says to his disciples that we will be persecuted, punished, and called to account. But Jesus promises help, too. He says that we are not to anticipate what to say when challenged, but to rely on the Holy Spirit, who will give us God's message for the moment.

This is the way I want to live--so connected with God that I may rely on God, moment by moment, for speech or for silence, for relief or for endurance, for food or for fasting...

Mark 12:18-27; Matthew 22:23-33; Luke 20:27-40; Mark 12:28-34; Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-28; Luke 10:29-37; Mark 12:35-37a; Matthew 22:41-46; Luke 20:41-44; Matthew 23:1-36; Mark 12:37b-40; Luke 20:45-47

Some of the great teachings of Jesus appear in this collection of Bible readings--and some of my personal favorites, too. For example I have taken the Great Commandment as part of my life's mission, that is, to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

Mark 11:27-33; Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8; Matthew 21:28-32; Mark 12:1-12; Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19; Matthew 22:1-14; Mark 12:13-17; Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26

Authority is a theme running through these scripture readings--in particular the questioning of Jesus' authority. His opponents challenge Jesus, yet they bring a question of governmental authority to him for an opinion: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar? Their duplicity is apparent. They are more interested in undoing Jesus than in clearing up a moral issue.

But Jesus' wisdom overcomes his opponent' trickery: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar; and give to God what belongs to God.

Help us, Jesus, to discern which things belong to God.

Luke 19:1-10; Mark 11:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19; Mark 11:12-26; Matthew 21:12-22; Luke 19:45-48

Here is another sobering thought: Jesus says, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  (Matthew 21:22) It is sobering, in part, because Jesus has cursed a fig tree so that it withered. It dried up in a very short span of time. The disciples have asked how the tree withered so quickly, and this is the answer Jesus gives.

I prefer to ask for blessings in my prayers. In fact, I can't recall invoking a curse in any of my prayers--ever. But what if some of my requests have the effect of curses? What if the things I ask for turn out to be harmful? What if the requests I make in prayer, when granted, bring unintended calamities upon myself or others?

I want to be careful while praying. For, if believing, I will receive whatever I ask for in prayer, according to Jesus.

John 11:17-57; Mark 10:32-45; Matthew 20:17-28; Luke 18:31-34; Mark 10:46-52; Matthew 20:29-34; Luke 18:35-43

Both Mark 10:32-45 and Matthew 20:17-28 expand on Jesus' assertion that ...many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Apparently, James and John hadn't applied Jesus' thinking to their situation, for instead of seeking humble places, they asked to be elevated. They put themselves forward.

Jesus doesn't condemn James and John, although I can imagine his sighing deeply, perhaps while rolling his eyes. He simply tells them it is beyond his authority to grant their request.

The rest of the apostles are not inclined to act so kindly toward the two. The Bible says ...they became indignant with James and John. This is what happens when one or two put themselves forward. Others put themselves forward, also. Or if they hold their place, they begin to feel resentful toward those who seek to become upwardly mobile.

Jesus says, in effect, "Look at me. Look at my life as an example. I command no one, except to love. I serve all--the least among us first--and I save all who will be saved. Do as I do. Serve others; and you will be great in God's kingdom."

Mark 10:23-31; Matthew 19:23-30; Luke 18:24-30; Matthew 20:1-16; John 10:22-11:16

Each of these Bible readings, Mark 10:23-31, Matthew 19:23-30, and Matthew 20:1-16, ends with with Jesus' assessment that the present arrangement of human affairs will be completely reversed one day, that ...many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. But who believes? If I am privileged now, can I imagine becoming impoverished? And if I am humbled now, do I dare to entertain any hope of being elevated? Jesus says it will be so, whether our imaginations allow for it or not--sobering words for the wealthy.

John 9:35-10:21; Mark 10:2-12; Matthew 19:3-12; Luke 16:18; Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17; Mark 10:17-22; Matthew 19:16-22; Luke 18:18-23

Comparing Jesus' teachings on divorce among the gospels, Mark 10:2-12, Matthew 19:3-12, and Luke 16:18, Mark records perhaps the more radical view that both the husband who divorces his wife and the wife who divorces her husband commit adultery whenever they marry another. By contrast Matthew and Luke report Jesus' words concerning the husband's role and responsibility in divorce and remarriage, but not the wife's. 

Matthew's gospel gives Jesus' exception to the prohibition of divorce--marital unfaithfulness. [Jesus says,] "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." (Matthew 19:9)

Luke's gospel records a prohibition, attributed to Jesus, that Mark's gospel and Matthew's gospel do not record, namely that "...the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (Luke 16:18b)

Finally, both Mark's gospel and Matthew's gospel report that Jesus makes the connection between his teachings on divorce and the Scriptures' teachings on marriage. Jesus does so by quoting from the Bible. He doesn't quote from the Bible's moral code on marriage and divorce, however. Jesus quotes from Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24 instead, claiming the Creator's original intention for the husband and wife to become "one flesh" in marriage.

Jesus is not as concerned with what is to be permitted under the Jews' legal code as he is concerned with what is to be honored under the Creator's design.

John 7:53-9:34

The story of a man born blind is told in John's Gospel, chapter 9. The story begins when Jesus' disciples see the man and ask Jesus, "...who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:1) Jesus explains that in this case no sin is involved: The man is blind so that God's glory can be fully displayed. Then Jesus ministers to the man, taking away his blindness and giving him eyesight.

A controversy ensues among Pharisaic Jews, the man whose blindness Jesus healed, and the man's family. The Pharisees are offended that the man was healed on a Sabbath when, according to their interpretation of Mosaic Law, no work is to be done--not even the healing work of Jesus. The man and his family are happy to witness and to receive the miracle of healing at the hand of Jesus.

In the end the Pharisees cling to the erroneous presupposition put forward by Jesus' disciples in the first place, namely that the man was "...steeped in sin at birth..." (John 9:34b) 

God, give me eyes to see Your glory on display in the world and the courage to name You as the source of all healing. Amen.

Henn, Ulrich. Healing the Sick, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=54132 [retrieved October 23, 2015]. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33392350@N00/2397577578/.

Luke 17:20-18:14; John 7:1-52

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39)

One scripture reading that connects water and Spirit is Ezekiel 36:25-27. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Jesus may have referred to this reading by the words he spoke as recorded in John's Gospel, chapter 7.

Jesus, I come to You for living water, cleansing, a new heart, and the Spirit of God within.

Luke 14:25-16:17; Luke 16:19-17:19

The kingdom parables Jesus tells in Luke's Gospel, chapter 15, are about losing, finding, and celebrating--first, the lost sheep; second, the lost coin; and third, the lost son. The parables serve to encourage all who are lost or who may become lost. The shepherd searches and celebrates; the woman sweeps and rejoices; the father waits, welcomes, and hosts a great feast.

But the parables serve to convict, if not to shame, all who stubbornly reject the opportunity to embrace the joy of their friends, neighbors, and families. It's clear from the stories he tells that Jesus views the happiness of the tax collectors and "sinners" not only as opportunities, but also as invitations to celebrate together. 

So when angels in the presence of God invite me how do I respond--with mealy-mouthed muttering or with heartfelt praise?

Luke 12:22-13:17; Luke 13:22-14:24

[Jesus says,] “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:32-34)

This has been a favorite passage of scripture for years and years. It reminds me that God's kingdom--God's rule and sovereignty in my life--is my gift to receive free of cost, fee, or surcharge.

Hallelujah! 

Luke 10:21-24; Matthew 11:25-27; Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 10:38-11:13; Luke 11:27-12:21

Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi da, 1573-1610. Martha and Mary, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55622 [retrieved October 20, 2015]. Original source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Orazio_Gentileschi_-_Two_Women_with_a_Mirror_-_WGA8573.jpg.

(Luke 10:38-42)

Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50; Mark 9:42-50; Matthew 18:6-9; Matthew 18:10-35; Mark 10:1; Matthew 19:1-2; Luke 9:51; Luke 9:52-56; Luke 9:57-62; Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 10:1-20; Matthew 11:20-24

JESUS MAFA. Jesus welcomes the children, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48395 [retrieved October 20, 2015].

(Mark 9:36-37)

Mark 9:2-13; Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36; Mark 9:14-32; Matthew 17:14-23; Luke 9:3745; Mark 9:33-37; Matthew 18:1-5; Luke 9:46-48

Transfiguration, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=49145[retrieved October 20, 2015].

(Matthew 17:1-13)

Mark 8:11-13; Matthew 16:14; Mark 8:14-21; Matthew 16:5-12; Mark 8:22-26; Mark 8:27-30; Matthew 16:13-20; Luke 9:18-21; John 6:60-71; Mark 8:31-9:1; Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:22-27

Perugino, approximately 1450-1523. Christ gives the keys of the kingdom to Peter, detail, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55925 [retrieved October 16, 2015]. Original source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Entrega_de_las_llaves_a_San_Pedro_(Perugino).jpg.

[Jesus says,] "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Mark 7:1-23; Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:31-37; Matthew 15:29-31; Mark 8:1-10; Matthew 15:32-39

Jesus heals a Canaanite woman's daughter. (Matthew 15:21-28) It is one of the most difficult parts of scripture for me in that Jesus refuses the woman's request at first, saying, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." Jesus seems to be repeating the thought that his ministry is intended for Jews only.

But when the woman asks again, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table," Jesus changes his mind, grants the woman's request, and heals her daughter. 

This exchange makes even more sense to me when I view it as an event by which Jesus begins to realize that his ministry is not for Jews only, but also for others. Before this exchange he sends his disciples to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 10:6) But there is no record of Jesus sending his disciples to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" after his encounter with the Canaanite woman. 

I'm just glad that Jesus extended his ministry to all persons.

Mark 6:45-56; Matthew 14:22-36; John 6:16-24; John 6:25-59

According to two gospels--Mark's and Matthew's--Jesus makes his disciples go ahead of him. They get into a boat and set out across the lake. While he prays alone on a mountainside they struggle at the oars. 

What does it mean to be obedient to Jesus and yet to struggle with the task at hand? Jesus is praying. Is he interceding for those who struggle to obey? Is he praying for himself? Is he praying for others?

And what is the significance of his walking on water? He comes to the disciples where they are, and he comes in a miraculous way. At first he doesn't aid them in their struggle. But after they cry out to him Jesus comes quickly to assist them.

Perhaps the message is that I might be more open to Jesus' assistance as it may come from an unexpected quarter and in a miraculous way. Will Jesus help me when I recognize his miraculous appearance? Or must I, like the disciples of long, long ago, cry out to him?

Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9; Mark 6:12-13; Luke 9:6; Mark 6:3044; Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15

All four gospels record this event: Five thousand men plus some women and children eat together in the wilderness. At the close of the day Jesus' disciples believe there is not enough food for everyone there to eat and be satisfied. But Jesus leads his disciples. They bring what they have to him. He gives thanks for a few loaves of bread and two fish. Then he returns the bread and fish to the disciples to be distributed among the thousands. In the end everyone has enough to eat; and there is food enough left over to fill twelve baskets.

I want to do likewise. I want to bring what I have to Jesus. I want to wait and to receive whatever he chooses to return to me; and I want to share it with others. I believe there will be more than enough.