Devotional

Do Not Go to Egypt

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Jeremiah 42

“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says: “ (Jeremiah 42:9).

The people living in Judah at this time were a remnant who have returned from living in other lands (Jeremiah 43:5). Nebuchadnezzar had conquered the people of Judah and had taken their king, and nobles (remember Daniel and his friends?) to live in Babylon. A remnant of poorer folks remained. God had appointed Gedaliah leader over the remaining remnant, but he was murdered and now the people feared reprisals.

All the army officers and the people from the least to the greatest appealed to Jeremiah the prophet to pray “to your God” for direction ( 42:1-2). Words are cheap. “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us” (42:5). Their commitment seemed to be sincere. “Whether it is favourable or unfavourable, we will obey the Lord our God…..so it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God” (42:6). One has to wonder how sincere they were when Jeremiah came back with an answer they didn’t like.

Ten days later God spoke. “If you stay in this land I will build you up….Do not be afraid of the King of Babylon” (42:10, 11a). “If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there and the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt” (42:15b, 16) God went on to warn His people that His wrath would fall on them if they chose to live in Egypt.

One would think, with such clear guidance, the decision would be easy. Perhaps they had already made up their minds. Maybe they believed a lie. There is anguish in the voice of God: “Why?” “Why?” “Why bring such disaster upon yourselves?” (44:7, 8). I wonder today if God looks at His people with such sorrow. The remnant went to Egypt and there confronted Jeremiah, who had been swept away with them. “We will not listen”. Why? “We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven” (the Assyro-Babylonian goddess Ishtar) (44:16, 17). It is worth noting the influence wives had over their husbands (44:15-17).

The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah concerning the fate of Egypt, as we read in Chapter 46. “I am about to bring punishment on Amon god of Thebes, on Pharaoh, on Egypt and her gods and her kings and those who rely on Pharaoh. I will hand them over to….Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon” (46:25-26).

Reflection:

God already had a plan, knowing the heart of each person who had promised to adhere to His will. He would use Nebuchadnezzar to accomplish His purposes; He even calls this man “my servant” (43:10). Perhaps the remnant had forgotten their God, or at least the God of Jeremiah, is Almighty! As I read these chapters, I fear our own Christian culture resembles this remnant far too much. We have been infected by our culture. Do we realize our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and He will judge us for our thoughts and words and actions? Maybe it is not too late. God never leaves His people without hope. He offers deliverance and compassion if we choose to walk with Him (42:11, 12).

Devotional

Hope

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Jeremiah 30-31

“I will discipline you, but only with justice” (Jeremiah 30:11). What a wonderful promise God gives to His people! Israel and Judah have long been divided, each having fallen into the evil ways of the nations around them, worshiping idols and even sacrificing their children in acts of worship. In spite of their faithlessness God is going to restore them both, bringing them back to the land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “The days are coming” (Jeremiah 30:3).

“These are the words the Lord has spoken concerning Israel and Judah” (30:4). “Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you” (30:2). So here we are, reading the Words of the Lord written thousands of years ago, yet coming true in my life-time. In 1948 Israel became a nation. ”I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants out of the land of their exile” (30:10). “I am with you and will save you” (30:11). Jews from all over the globe poured back into Israel! God’s Word is True.

Jeremiah goes on to record details of how God will restore the fortunes of His people, first healing their wounds, wounds of body, soul and spirit. “I will add to their numbers……I will bring them honour”. There will be sounds of rejoicing and singing (30:19).

In once again becoming their God, the Israelites will be protected. In fact, God will punish all who oppress them. Chapter 31 goes on to list the blessings which come. Repeatedly the Lord declares “I will be their God” (30:22, 31:1) Why? The sin which separated them was when they worshiped other gods. But their God is faithful!

Reflection:


Isn’t it precious to know that the God we are in relationship with is so faithful?! In a day and age when everything seems uncertain, where faithfulness is the exception to the rule, what comfort, what confidence we have in our God! He may need to discipline His children (us) but in the end His love remains constant. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again!” (31:3-4a). This is the believer’s hope!

Devotional

Share Your World

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Matthew 10:37-42

Some mornings ago I was watching the news when a report aired on the financial market’s progress. As figures were quoted and the international impact was explored I realized how very little I understood. That area of the financial world is a mystery to me. I couldn’t help but wonder if the same confusion applies to the minds of those who have no connection with the world of faith in which I live. What might stimulate their curiosity, or do they feel so overwhelmed by the intricacies of faith that it’s too much trouble to bother?

As a Christian I am embraced by the arms of God. Tentacles of insecurity from financial ruin or deterioration in health might threaten my physical world, but knowing God has a perfect plan for my life gives me assurance that whatever happens will be part of a greater plan for the world He created.

We often get so caught up in ourselves and those nearest and dearest that we forget God is looking at a bigger picture. Sometimes, for the greater good, He does things in an unorthodox fashion. For example – although being married to an unbeliever is not God’s plan for His children (2 Corinthians 6:14), He made an exception with Esther for the greater good of His chosen people (Esther 2:17). Other examples can be seen in the lives of those who give their all to God’s service and then they are brutally murdered by those they went to save. In Ecuador, many years ago the savagery of the natives met by a faithful woman who loved them for Jesus’ sake, eventually resulted in their salvation because they saw Jesus in her.

How do we make decisions when faced with options that conflict with God’s word? One consideration must be ‘Do I have control over this situation?’ If our loved ones decide to marry someone of the same sex, do we write them off because the Bible tells us this is not God’s will? Of course not! We are to love, to the glory of God. The purity of our loving example may be used of God who really is the only One who can change a situation over which we have no control.

How often do we disengage from situations where really we could be the loving presence of God? Jesus taught us to share cups of cold water with a spiritually thirsty world. Is this God’s way of showing love? He loved me and you while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) – not after we shaped up. This is the foundational truth upon which I live and move and have my being. This is my world. I must share it with everyone who will listen! (Matthew 10:14).

Reflection:

What comprises the foundation of your world?

When do you hesitate to share your wonderful faith? Why? (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

When have you seen God working in unusual ways? Were you part of it?

Devotional

Soldiers

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1 Timothy 1:18-19

Language changes over time. For example, Latin is no longer a living language, though it forms the basis of so many of our words. When Isaac Watts penned the question “Am I a soldier of the cross” was he asking believers to examine their defenses or to be proactive? To what lengths would we go to defend our faith? Does he refer to a blood-bath or to a battle of words, of ideas?

Isaac Watts asked more questions, soul-searching questions. Do we blush to speak the name of Jesus, fearful because it is politically incorrect? What suffering would ensue if we talked about the One who died that we might live? It would be big news around the office, if our lives had been rescued in any other way.

Then he examines our expectations:

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God. Paul wrote to Timothy regarding the battles he would face in his ministry. The reason he gave Timothy so many instructions was to equip him to “fight the good fight [while] holding on to faith and a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:18-19). He warns Timothy that soldiers of Christ will endure hardship (2:3). Sure I must fight if I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord. I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
When we are faced with persecution, at work or even within our families, Paul encourages us from his own experience with suffering. “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory!” (2 Timothy 2:10). The internal battle against self must first be won before we can love others enough to wage war on their behalf. Perhaps we could label this the battle of love. As soldiers of Christ we are also called to be peace-keepers. Peace is a sign to the world that we are under the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16). How often do we cry out for peace within our own hearts? Imagine the pain of others who do not have access to the Prince of Peace. Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith’s discerning eye. When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine.

Reflection:

Let us remember those values for which so many Canadians have fought throughout our history. Founded on Christian principles, let us thank God for the faith of our fathers.

By Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

A Worshiping Man

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Acts 10

Cornelius was a devout man. His devotion to God was highly unusual for a Roman, especially one who had risen in the ranks of the Italian Regiment to the position of centurion. The fact that he believed in the Jewish God indicates he had become a proselyte of Judaism. Not only the man himself, but also his family worshiped God. His faith had impacted some of his servants as well as his military personnel (Acts 10:7). He practised his faith by giving, and praying regularly. We might do well to follow his example.

However, in spite of his faithfulness and zeal, something was lacking. God had seen his giving and heard his prayers. An angel appeared to Cornelius about 3 one afternoon. The angel instructed him to send to Joppa for the man Simon Peter. Without explanation this might have seemed a rather mysterious command. Apparently Cornelius trusted God enough to send for Simon Peter.

Peter’s own experience in preparation for this encounter is a story for another day. Sufficient to say he recognized the call of God and went to Caesarea. Cornelius met him in a spirit of reverence. In fact he fell at Peter’s feet in worship. Immediately Peter raised him to his feet reminding him that he was only a man, just like Cornelius.

Peter knew his Bible. The law given to Moses instructed God’s people to worship only the Lord God, Yahweh. The fullness of this thought required 3 commandments – there was to be no other God, they were not to worship anything animate or inanimate, and even the name of God was to be revered, kept sacred (Exodus 20:3-5). Joshua reinforces this theme in his parting address to Israel: “Do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve then or bow down to them” (Joshua 23:7).

However, tribal customs in some countries call for a show of deep respect for visitors, for teachers, preachers and other noteworthy persons. When I tried to raise a dear African lady to her feet on one occasion, I was rebuked for resisting tribal tradition; she would not budge and I felt guilty.

At this point we need a clear understanding of what worship is, in the eyes of God. Does it preclude a respectful appreciation for other human beings in authority or positions of leadership? When Jesus talked about worship He said: “God is a spirit and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Worship includes ascribing “to the Lord the glory due His name…..worship the Lord in the splendour of His holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29).

Reflection:

Clearly worship is defined by one’s attitude. It is exercised in a variety of ways, but essentially is an act of our spirit, as it seeks God. Bowing to man might be an act of misplaced veneration, but God recognizes the attitude of the heart, and judges us on that point alone. Taking Cornelius as our Biblical example, we see that God, knowing his heart was truly seeking God, gave him the privilege of knowing Jesus by bringing Peter into his life. Our relationship with God is defined by Jesus Himself, in a verse with which we are all familiar “I am the way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).

What attitude defines your worship, and mine? Would you be known by God as a true worshiper, whether man or woman?

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Jesus Stooped Down

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John 8:2-8

Max Lucado, taking his words from the NLT translation, points to a rather insignificant action in Jesus’ life. Or was it more of a habit than we realize. Jesus stooped down to scoop little children up into His arms (Mark 10:14). He loved them – and songs have been written about that love, the one most famous goes around the world. I was riding on a bus in Zambia when the group burst forth into “Jesus Loves Me This I Know”. In full five-part Zambian harmony, without accompaniment, their voices worshiped God for His great love!

At a Conference in New Zealand a group in ministry emulated the Master who stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:5, 14), as we washed one another’s feet. For me it was one of the most memorably moving moments in my life! Humbling! “Dear Jesus – thank you for showing me the way to honour You by honouring my brothers and sisters!”

Peter obeyed the call of Jesus to ‘come’. He actually walked on water! But when he felt the wind and realized how high the waves were – it was no ordinary calm sea he was taking on – Peter began to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him (Matthew 14:28-31). Jesus leaned out/stooped to catch him by the hand.

Jesus was a person of prayer. Talking with His Father was crucial. He did it standing up as well as in other postures. See Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knelt. He stooped before His Father in the most critical decision-making event of His life! Luke tells us an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him for the trauma that lay ahead (Luke 22:39-43). And there, in a posture of abject humility Jesus sweat great drops of blood as He faced the torture, the rejection and utter abandonment of the cross, and all its preliminary persecution.

Under the weight of that cross Jesus also stooped and probably stumbled. He had been beaten unmercifully, but He carried on His responsibility until relieved by the Roman soldiers who ordered Simon to help him (Mark 15:21). In stooping under that cross Jesus was bearing your sin and mine! As we stoop under the burdens we bear let us remember that Jesus stoops with us in an act of utter commitment to the end!

There is at least one other occasion recorded in scripture of when Jesus stooped down. He wrote something in the dirt (John 8:6, and 8). We are not told what it said, but we do know it was a significant gesture. Was He stalling for time while the crowd raged against a woman who had sinned? Was He deflecting attention away from her scantily clad body (after all she had been dragged from the bed of her lover “Caught”!) Max Lucado wondered if Jesus was reliving the day of creation when man was formed out of the dust of the earth, and thinking how easy it is for earthly beings to do earthly things?

Reflection:

How many times have you been sinking and Jesus has stooped to lift you out of a pit, out of raging seas?

Are you stooping as you bear the burden of another?

Next time you stoop to do a menial task, to look into the eyes of a child, to lift someone who is sinking, remember Jesus stooped down!

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Called By the Master

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Matthew 10:1-10

The Bible is amazingly relevant for today. Throughout every era in human history God has been calling people. It started in the Garden of Eden when He didn’t find Adam and Eve; because of their sin they had hidden from their Maker and friend, but God in His great love continued to call. It would take an entire book to review all those recorded in scripture who were called by God, but a few are outstanding. Note as we remember Samuel’s experience, that God even called children (1 Samuel 3).

Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him to commission them for a life-long task. First, He gave them authority over evil spirits and disease (Matthew 10:1). Among the many who followed Jesus these, particularly chosen for specifics tasks, were named (:2-4). Jesus outlines specific conditions for working for Him. These twelve were to go to Israel, particularly those in Israel who were lost (:6). Who were they? Certainly they were not to go to the Gentile community with the gospel message (:5). Why was that?

Jesus, knowing all things from the beginning to the end (He is the Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8) already had His missionary to the Gentiles picked out. In fact Saul was probably born around that time. It would take eleven dedicated men to witness to the stubborn people of God, but by one very powerful preacher, through the thick and thin of persecution, the Word of God was seeded throughout the Gentile communities of the then-known world.

Being called by the Master would mean persecution. Jesus warned His disciples they would not be appreciated (Matthew 10:22). In fact, they would need to be “shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:14-16). The disciples of every generation, (even in the twenty-first century) learned what those words could mean. But they also knew the joy of the Lord is their strength. The reward of ministry to others brings an incredible sense of purpose and peace.

Many are called (Matthew 22:14). However, Jesus knew responses would differ. There are those who make a profession of faith based on an emotional response. Others make a commitment, by following the Lord in Baptism. Some people make Jesus Lord and Master of their lives, not just Saviour. One pastor used to say “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all” (Dr. John Moore). How true is that? Ryrie comments: ”There is a general call of God to sinners inviting them to receive His salvation….there is also a specific election that brings some to Him…..man is held responsible for rejecting Christ whether it is because of indifference, rebellion or self-righteousness” (Page 1500).

The Master calls all to “Come unto Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)….emotional rest in the midst of relational storms, spiritual rest when persecuted, physical rest when tired, sick or hungry.

Reflection:

Note God has called sinners, children, disciples, and perhaps even you and me today. How do you feel about that?

Have you been called? To what purpose?

Does it include suffering? (Read Philippians 1:29)

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Experiencing God’s Love

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2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Why do we not know more about God’s love? Every day He showers us with blessings which we take for granted. If they are removed, we complain like little children, yet He knows we have lessons to learn. His love is consistent with His character and does only that which is for our ultimate good. Have you ever asked “What do You want me to learn?

God’s love is not weak and wavering. Human love is so often inconsistent. We say one thing but mean another. Not so with the love of God, so when He kindly gives us advanced warning of consequences of poor choices, He means it. That, in my day was called good parenting. How times have changed! Is it possible that we draw conclusions about God from lessons learned from our society? Shouldn’t He be the standard by which we measure all things good?

What does scripture say about God’s love? It is lasting love – eternal. That is a concept we find very hard to fathom because we’re used to measuring things, even our feelings. Because it is eternal it never fails; therefore, it is trustworthy. It is relational – He calls Himself our “Father”. Once again He is the standard of good Fatherhood so let’s not take our view of that from our earthly experience, whether good or bad.

Moses sang a song of praise to “the Lord who is highly exalted” because He had seen the love of God in action! First of all, He acknowledges God as “My God…and my father’s God” (Exodus 15:1-2). There’s a history here. Then Moses goes on to praise God for deliverance from evil – the evils of living in Egypt, a land where many gods were worshiped. “Who among the gods is like You, O Lord?” (Exodus 15:11). Then he continues with a vivid description of God – “Majestic in holiness! Awesome in glory! Working wonders!” “In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed! In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling” (15:11, 13).

Hundreds of years later, John refers to the love of God found in Christ Jesus. “Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love!” (John 13:1). The last supper was being served and Jesus was facing the cross where He died in a magnificent act of love, taking our sins, yours and mine as well as the sins of the world, upon Himself, out of love. He demonstrated self-sacrificing love. In a “Me-first generation” this seems to be a foreign concept. So – there is much to learn about God’s love, isn’t there?

Reflection:

It is worth noting that Jesus claimed to be “The Way and the Truth”. If so – what the Bible teaches about God’s love is true. God wants us to know His love – not to just know about it, but to really experience it. How is that possible? We will know it when like Paul we are changed, to love as Jesus loved. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced One died for all, and therefore all died. And therefore, He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

by Marilyn Daniels

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Devotional

Deborah, A Mother in Israel

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Judges 4-5

How many Bible-believing Christians know the story of Deborah? It is unique. In the midst of a patriarchal society, we find this fascinating story of a woman in leadership in the nation of Israel. Where did she come from? What did she do? What of her progeny?

In the book of Judges we find the nation of Israel was being ruled by a series of judges, some of them better men than others. Samson is an example of an enigma, a man called by God, yet one who couldn’t keep his hormones under control. In the end Samson redeemed himself in a tremendous act of courage which ended in his own death. Read chapters 13-16.

Isreal was constantly in a state of flux. The nation was enticed by the gods of other nations. Loyalty to the God of Heaven, the One True God who was to be Lord of their lives, was rejected in favour of gods they could see. As a result, the Lord allowed them to be at war with surrounding nations.

In a little background – Ehud is very little known today, but he made his appearance during the Moabite oppression of Israel, when in a daring act of courage he killed their king. We read “The Lord gave Eglon king of Moab, power over Israel…..then He [the Lord] gave them a deliverer – Ehud” (Judges 3:12-15) He was left-handed, noteworthy because soldiers always struck with weapons designed for the right hand. Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin. Due to his courageous act, Moab became subjected to Israel and God’s people had peace for 80 years.

But then the Israelites did evil again in the sight of the Lord. We read “The Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin” (4:2) a Canaanite king. His commander-in-chief, Sisera, was a cruel man and oppressed Israel severely. Enter Deborah, the prophetess.

It is interesting we are given more family background on Jael, who eventually killed Sisera when he took refuge in her tent, than we know about Deborah. She was married to Lappidoth but nothing is told of his history either. In the hill country of Ephraim, she held court under the Palm of Deborah where the Israelites came to get their disputes settled (Judges 4:5).

Deborah is the only woman who is both prophet and judge alongside two other men in Israel’s history – Moses and Samuel; the only woman among the twelve judges in the Old Testament. She called on Barak to take an army to Mount Tabor where God would lure Sisera into battle and give the victory to Israel. Barak wanted Deborah to go with him so she warned him “Because of the way you are going about this, the honour will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman” (4:9).

That word of prophecy came true (4:18-21) thanks to Jael’s courage. Sisera, in hiding in her tent, fell asleep giving her opportunity to drive a tent peg through his temple. And Deborah and Barak sang a victory song! ”When the people offer themselves willingly – praise the Lord!” (5:2) They had much to thank God for – their oppression was at an end! ”I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel!” (5:7). “My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the Lord!” (5:9). “Then the land had peace for forty years” (5:31b).

Reflection:

When God calls us to serve Him, whether it is under a palm tree dispensing justice, or whether it is in active warfare, lessons we can learn from Deborah are to rise to the occasion without question. Then we should not forget to praise Him who has guided us into the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake. As a man or a woman, the call of God requires surrender and dedication. Just as Deborah composed in her song, her words ring true today :“ When people willingly offer themselves – Praise the Lord!” (Judges 5:2).