none so blind
May 27, 2009 READ: Psalm 82 Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. —Matthew 25:40 Singer Ray Stevens is generally given credit for writing the phrase “There is none so blind as he who will not see,” a line from the song “Everything [...]
who is my neighbour?
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy” (vv.36-37).
READ: Luke 10:30-37
Who is my neighbor?” is an important question for a Jew. Surrounded by enemies—Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans—for centuries, the Jews of Jesus’ day sneered at the Samaritan half-breeds who threw caution to the wind and married foreigners.
“Who is my neighbor?” is an important question for us. Surrounded by nations of needy people—eating mud pies in Haiti, drinking contaminated water in India, and sleeping without mosquito nets in Burundi—we wonder if we should do more for those who are now only a mouse-click away.
Jesus answered our question with a story about the Good Samaritan. Unlike the priest and Levite (Luke 10:31-32), religious types who were too busy, scared, or just plain selfish to help the dying man by the side of the road, the despised Samaritan lost a day’s travel and two days’ wages when he carried a robbery victim to the nearest hotel (vv.34-35).
Jesus finished His story with a question that challenges ours. He reframed the debate, changing our question from “Who is my neighbor?” to “Which of these three would you say was a neighbor?” (v.36). Jesus turned our noun into a verb, saying that it matters less who our neighbor is than that we are neighborly. Our attitude is more important than the number of people we help.
Jesus rejected our question because it was asked for the wrong reason. Much like the Jewish lawyer who asked “Who is my neighbor?” because he “wanted to justify his actions” (Luke 10:29), so we ask it when we want to know how little we can give and still be saved.
Selfish people ask, “Who is my neighbor?” so they can check off the giving box and keep the rest for themselves. Good Samaritans ask, “Who needs my help?” They realize that they cannot save everyone, but they stand ready to serve anyone. —Mike Wittmer
When was the last time you went out of your way to help someone? What person can you surprise today with unexpected and undeserved grace?
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Loading ...calling evil good
May 26, 2009
READ: Isaiah 5:18-23
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil! —Isaiah 5:20
The Wizard of Oz has remained popular for years. People of all ages have learned moral lessons from Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they traveled down the yellow brick road. Of course, in the plot line the great enemy to be overcome is the Wicked Witch of the West. Evil is clearly depicted and overcome by good.
A new Broadway musical, however, turns the moral sense of the original story on its head. In this rewriting of the story, the wicked witch is presented as a sympathetic character. Born with green skin, she feels like an outsider. Major characters, plot lines, roles, and other details are altered so that the wicked witch is really just a misunderstood person. The audience might come away with the idea that evil is good and good is evil.
During the ministry of the prophet Isaiah, a reversal of moral values took place in Israel. Some actually lifted up the evils of murder, idolatry, and adultery as good. In response, Isaiah gave a stern warning: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!” (Isa. 5:20). In our relativistic world, popular culture constantly challenges biblical values. But studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word can ensure our discernment between good and evil. — Dennis Fisher
If we know the truth, we can discern what’s false.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...life words
These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! (v.47).
READ: Deuteronomy 32:45-47
Words have power. A wounding word can pierce deeper than physical pain. I still remember moments in junior high when my undesirable physical traits became objects of ridicule. Too many of us carry the harsh, violent, or demeaning words of a parent or coach or friend—spoken long ago. Whoever said “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” obviously lived in denial.
On the other hand, a beautiful, hopeful word can be a healing balm to the lonely or the hurting. Words—honest words—can touch deep places in the human soul.
I’m drawn to God’s words given through Moses to the people of Israel, instructions about how to live in the land God had given them and how to keep their hearts loyal to Yahweh. At the conclusion of these vast, sweeping directives, Moses added that they were to “take to heart all the words . . .” (vv.45-46). These God-words were not intended to create a cold, formulaic regimen. They were not sterile orders but words from the Creator crafted to dwell in the rich soil of the heart, in the place where love and hope and life are best nurtured.
And God’s words were not empty blather, a verbose rattling on about pedantic religious detail. These words, Moses said, were Israel’s very life. God’s words would be like the air necessary to breathe or the food necessary to nourish our bodies (Psalm 119:103). God’s words would give them meaning and identity. God’s words would tell them who they were. God’s words would guide them toward joy and fullness, providing direction for them to “enjoy a long life in the land” (v.47).
God’s words will do the same for us. When we hear them—if we obey them—they will lead us toward life, always toward life. —Winn Collier
How have words impacted you—both positively and negatively? What challenges lie before you, and how is God’s Word giving you guidance as you face them?
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the arlington ladies
May 25, 2009
READ: Matthew 26:6-13
What this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. —Matthew 26:13
In 1948, the US Air Force Chief of Staff noticed that no one attended the funeral of an airman at Arlington National Cemetery, and that deeply disturbed him. He talked with his wife about his concern that each soldier be honored at burial, and she began a group called the Arlington Ladies.
Someone from the group honors each deceased soldier by attending his or her funeral. The ladies also write personal notes of sympathy and speak words of gratitude to family members when they are present. If possible, a representative keeps in contact with the family for months afterward.
Margaret Mensch, an Arlington Lady, says, “The important thing is to be there for the families. . . . It’s an honor to . . . pay tribute to the everyday heroes that make up the armed forces.”
Jesus showed the importance of paying tribute. After a woman poured a costly, fragrant oil on His head, He said that she would be honored for years to come (Matt. 26:13). The disciples were indignant and thought her act was wasteful, but Jesus called it “a good work” (v.10) for which she would be remembered.
We know heroes who have given their lives in service to God and their country. Let’s honor them today. — Anne Cetas
We honor God when we honor one another.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...the witness of friends
May 24, 2009
READ: 1 John 1:1-7
We have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us. —1 John 1:2
Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Halberstam died in a traffic accident 5 months before the publication of his landmark book about the US war in Korea. In the days following the author’s death, fellow writers and colleagues volunteered to conduct a national book tour on his behalf. During every engagement, they paid tribute to Halberstam by reading from his new book and offering personal recollections of their friend.
When it comes to conveying the essence and importance of a person, there’s no substitute for a friend. After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, His followers began to tell others about the unique Person they had known. “We have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us” (1 John 1:2). Their purpose was that others might come to know God the Father and Christ His Son (v.3).
At times we may feel that witnessing to others about our faith in Christ is a frightening task or a burdensome duty. But talking about a Friend whose presence and influence have transformed our lives helps us see it in a new light.
The gospel of Christ has always been most powerfully presented by the witness of His friends. — David C. McCasland
The more you love Jesus, the more you’ll talk about Him.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...God’s visit
God has visited His people today (v.16).
READ: Luke 7:11-17
If you take a trip to Israel, will you plan to visit Nain? Probably not. This ancient village (now known as Nein) isn’t located on any major roads running through the Jezreel Plain. It’s not likely that many tourists visited this off-the-beaten-path destination during the time of Jesus either. But it was in this small, obscure village that the Savior chose to bring a widow’s son back to life.
Jesus came upon a funeral procession (Luke 7:12) in Nain. The expectation of the crowd that followed Him was that He would stay away from the mourners—not just to be respectful, but also to keep a ritually acceptable distance between Himself and a passing corpse. But that’s not what happened.
Jesus looked at the widow, walking beside her son’s coffin as it was being carried out from the city gate, and “His heart overflowed with compassion” (v.13). He crossed over the barrier of religious tradition, of ritual purity law (Numbers 19:11,13), and He touched the coffin.
The widow, bereft of a husband and now having lost her only son, was in danger of becoming destitute. She was burying the person who was to take care of her in her old age. So when Jesus raised her son from the dead (Luke 7:15), He also lifted up the widow from her hopeless situation. After witnessing the miracle, the crowd said, “God has visited His people today” (v.16).
Believers in Jesus living in the 21st century have a more complete understanding of God’s “visit” to earth—of Jesus’ work on our behalf. “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners” (Romans 5:6).
Like the widow, we were utterly helpless, without hope. But Jesus came and willingly gave His life. He crossed over the barriers of sin and death to save us. Out of deep compassion, He touched us. —Poh Fang Chia
How has Jesus touched your life? What does His compassion mean to you today?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...make way
May 23, 2009
READ: Isaiah 40:3-5
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. —Isaiah 40:3
Dwight D. Eisenhower was known for his courageous leadership during World War II. His battle-tested skill equipped the troops to reclaim Europe. Soon after returning to the US as a hero, he was elected president.
While in Europe, Eisenhower had experienced the danger and difficulty of navigating the twisting roads. So, for the sake of US national security, he commissioned a network of roads that became the nation’s interstate highway system. Mountains were tunneled through and valleys were traversed by mammoth bridges.
In ancient times, conquering kings gained access to newly acquired territories through highways built for their troops. Isaiah had this in mind when he declared, “Make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isa. 40:3). And John the Baptist called people to repentance to “prepare the way” into their hearts for the arrival of King Jesus.
What preparation needs to be done to allow Jesus unhindered access to your own heart? Are there rough places of bitterness that need the bulldozer of forgiveness? Are there valleys of complaining that need to be filled with contentment? We can’t afford to neglect this spiritual engineering. Let’s prepare the way for the King! — Joe Stowell
Repentance clears the way for our relationship with the King.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...rated R for violence
All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).
READ: Judges 2:10-17
The youth group was shocked at their leader’s claim: “The Bible is full of R-rated stories.” “Really? Where?” they asked. “I’m not telling you,” he said.
It’s true. The Bible is rife with sordid stuff. In fact, God told Israel to “completely destroy” the inhabitants of the Promised Land and take their place in Canaan (Deuteronomy 20:17-18). Why? Because of the Canaanites’ depraved religious practices.
But the Israelites failed in that mission. The book of Joshua tells of their inability to eradicate the inhabitants. The book of Judges tells the sad story of what happened next. The Israelites were enticed to worship other gods, and sex was a big part of this idolatry (Judges 2:12,17).
The Canaanites “worshiped” the god of agriculture with fertility rites that included temple prostitution. Not surprisingly, Hebrew males found such a system to be appealing. Let’s see, sex with a prostitute, and my crops grow? Right, I’m in. And the part about having a god you could actually see seemed real nice too. Soon, it was impossible to tell the Israelites from the Canaanites, and God’s chosen people were enslaved by tribes that they should have annihilated—per God’s commands.
So why is Judges, with its narrative of debauchery, dismemberment, and death, included in the Bible? Two primary reasons that I can see:
• It’s true. The book of Judges doesn’t tell about a nation’s greatness, it shows the human race as it really is.
• It reveals God’s ways. This R-rated book shows the unexpected deliverance that comes from our infinitely surprising God (v.16).
When we follow God, we choose His help and blessing. But that help seldom comes in the form that we expect. The book of Judges gives us a glimpse of His loving creativity in spite of our willful rebellion. —Tim Gustafson
What is tempting you to turn away from God? In what ways are you demanding results now, rather than waiting patiently for the Lord?
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