History. Jesus, now full of the power of the Spirit, announces his public ministry in his hometown of Nazareth. Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 as he defines his mission from the father: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke.4:18-19). Jesus was now on a rescue mission to the poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. He came with the power and authority to radically transform lives. Jesus Christ would bring good news, freedom from oppression, new sight, release from bondage and favor with God. The Holy Spirit empowered him to reveal the new spiritual kingdom of God that overcomes all the oppression of the kingdom of darkness. His kingdom is for anyone who will receive it by faith. But that has been the problem for many people – trusting God. Jesus spotlights two examples from Israel’s history where God provided dramatically for foreigners who trusted Him rather than for Israel who would not. That irritated the hometown crowd against Jesus. “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this” (Luke 4:28). Highlighting a person’s prideful unbelief is not always a popular thing to do. But it is the most merciful thing to do. Only by faith will you and I ever receive all the benefits of God’s grace. There is absolutely nothing too difficult for God; he can overcome any trace of spiritual darkness. The issue will be our willingness to trust Him to overcome the spiritual poverty, blindness and oppression in our lives. What can you learn from your own history of trusting or not trusting God?

Least, littlest and the last. When Israel cried out for deliverance, whom did God choose? Gideon, a most unlikely candidate for leadership. Even Gideon felt completely unqualified. “But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (6:15). Gideon looked in the mirror and saw himself as just a man, in all his weakness, inability, lack of credentials and failures. That background made him the perfect choice for God’s assignment. God prefers to work with people who are aware of their weakness – they are more completely dependent upon Him, not their own strength. Gideon’s weakness was no hindrance for God. The reason Gideon would succeed would be God’s presence: The Lord answered, “I will be with you.” God transforms the least, littlest and the last into mighty warriors for his purposes.

“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things” (I Cor.1:27-28). When God chooses people like you and me to do his supernatural works, it is obvious to all that the work is done by the hand of God. So if you feel unqualified, inexperienced, or incapable – perfect! You are exactly the kind of person God can use!

Ministry.  Up until Jesus turned 30 he had lived an obscure life at home with his birth family.  As he worked in the family carpentry business he grew in his awareness of his unique identity and calling by God.  When it was time to begin his public ministry, there was a dramatic change inaugurated at his baptism: “As he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’  Jesus was thirty years old when he began his ministry” (Luke 3:22-23).  It is very important to understand that the ministry of Jesus began only after the Holy Spirit came upon him.  Certainly the Spirit was always with Jesus from eternity past continuing into his earthly life.  But there was a difference between the Spirit being “in” Jesus before his baptism and the Spirit “coming upon” him after his baptism.  This is similar to the prophet’s anointing of the Old Testament kings to signify they were chosen and equipped by God to rule.  The dove represented the peace and purity of Christ’s earthly ministry.  The Father’s voice of affirmation and the presence of the Spirit upon him were prerequisites for Jesus to enter public ministry.  The same is true for you.  To be effective in ministry requires the power of God’s Spirit upon you.  This is called the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit.  He equips you as His representative to do His supernatural work of impacting lives for His glory.  Effective ministry is impossible apart from the Holy Spirit working through you.  So pray to the Lord for his Spirit to be poured out upon you that you might be equipped for ministry.  This is pleasing to the Father.

Where is the courage? Judge Debbie was Israel’s ruler. God spoke to her to have Barak gather an army against Canaan and a guaranteed victory would be his. But Barak lacked the courage, promising to go to battle only if Judge Debbie came along as well. “Very well,” Deborah said, “I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera (your enemy) over to a woman” (4:8-9). Losing face to a woman was of little concern to Barak. He was choking on his fear. God had given Barak an opportunity to trust Him. But Barak made the mistake of thinking victory depended on the supporting cast – Judge Debbie, his army, whatever. Victory rests with the word of the Lord! If God makes a promise, he will do it! What is God inviting you to do? What bold step of faith and obedience has God placed in your path? Take courage and accept His invitation. See to it that your life is marked by courageous acts of faith, righteousness, and love. Victory is guaranteed.

Torch not passed.  Along the way toward the blessed life, the fathers and mothers of Israel neglected to maintain their spiritual fire.  In their busyness to decorate their homes, build their businesses, and entertain themselves they forgot to teach their children to worship God.  “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel” (2:10).  The parents unwittingly trained their children to live their lives without God.  They were practical atheists – claiming to know God, but living as if He didn’t exist.  There was no authentic, personal faith in the lives of the new generation.  Vibrant faith in God is always one generation away from extinction.  What you do with your time, how you earn and spend your money, the friends you choose, the content of your conversations – this is what you are passing on to a watching, younger audience.  Be challenged to lead your life in such a way that others who are watching will unmistakably see in you an authentic and passionate love for the Living God.

Urgency.  John the Baptist certainly cut his own path.  His base of operations was located not in the center of the city, but rather out in the countryside.  He used no marketing campaigns or advertisements to promote himself, but nevertheless crowds of people pursued him.  His message was decidedly not “user-friendly” with a focus on exposing sin and demanding personal repentance.  He preached a shocking message of life change and gave an urgent announcement: “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Luke 3:9).  The nation and people of Israel had long been characterized as God’s tree and vineyard.  The idea John is presenting is that God expects spiritual fruitfulness evidenced not by ethnicity or ritual but by a change of heart.  Unless the people turned their hearts toward God and adjusted their lifestyle to reflect his values, they were considered useless and judgment would be coming soon.  They were missing their opportunity to reveal God’s nature to the nations.  We, too, are created to reflect God’s nature.  Jesus Christ can produce tremendous and positive life change; the “fruit” of a life lived in submission to His leadership.  We are to live with an awareness that every moment counts.  God is seeking spiritual fruit from my life today; make sure you are rooted in Him and following his lead.  He will make sure the fruit is growing in your life.  How do you think John’s message would be received today in your city?

Tolerance.  One nagging problem Israel faced in their new Promised Land was their neighbors.  Their pagan neighbors were the original inhabitants of the land, but God had given ownership to Israel.  God was clear with his command: ‘out with the old.’  But that would require effort, discipline, and commitment.  How did they do?  Repeatedly you read they “failed to dislodge…did not drive out” their enemies.  Do you know what this is like?  You have left your old life and embraced new life in Christ.  But many of those old enemies remain, deeply rooted in your sinful nature.  If tolerated, they become a snare to your spiritual progress and keep you defeated.  God intends for your love for him to be so genuine and deep, that you do not tolerate anything that competes with him or distracts you from him.  Trust the Lord today to conquer all the territory in your heart & dislodge the hidden sin that holds you back.  Hate what is evil, cling to what is good.

Searching.  Twelve year-old Jesus had been separated from his parents during a national celebration in Jerusalem.  While not unusual for families to lose track of one another at such events, three days span had his parents worried.  They found Jesus, engaged in deep discussion about the law of God with the teachers of the law.  “Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’” (Luke 2:49).  Jesus was at home with his heavenly Father.  In the mind of Jesus, it was the most natural, logical place for him to be.  Do you feel “at home” in Father’s house?  When you fellowship with God is it something that brings peace and rest to your heart.  Does it reenergize your soul?  Do you love to linger there in his presence and regret when the responsibilities of life distract your attention on him?  Or, does meeting with God feel more like a duty, a task to be completed, and something to complete as succinctly as possible?  God desires that you would be at rest in his presence.  Not feeling condemnation, guilt or obligation, but delighting in your father, as would a child needing affirmation and affection.  The sacrifice of Jesus Christ has forever removed the distance between you and God.  Even if it means you pull away from your family, friends and other responsibilities for a time, seek out time to be with Him.  May your heart be renewed as you come to be at home with your heavenly Father.

All. An angel announced to common shepherds the greatest news the world had ever heard: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).  Isn’t it intriguing that the most important announcement in history is made to those considered the lowliest in society?  A choir of angels appears in the sky singing to the glory of God.  The message was simple and direct – the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord has now come.  This is absolutely “good news of great joy.”  Our Savior has come to rescue us – the best news a person could ever hear!  Who does he come for?  “All the people.”  All may not receive his rescue, but he has come save all who recognize their need of him.  The message of Jesus Christ coming to save sinners in need continues to be the best news for all nations on earth.  Our task in making the message known is to share this good news with others, pointing them to Christ the Lord who will bring them great joy.  In this way, we continue what the angels began – we announce what God has done.  This is a major reason God has left you on earth: to share his message and spread his joy.  How has Christ brought joy into your life?

What kind of family do you want to have? Israel has fought the major battles and is now in possession of the Promised Land. But with exposure to the pagan people and their idolatry, there is the temptation to be distracted and drawn away from the Lord. It is critical time for each individual and family in Israel to determine what direction they want their lives to go. Joshua throws down the bold challenge: “If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (24:15). We must all choose between falling back into the slavery of the sinful past, getting entangled by the temptation of the present, or charting a new path for the future. Joshua made his choice and influenced others by his example. Have you? Is it clear to those in your household and your circle of friends that you are in love with Christ? Each family must decide their ‘spiritual temperature’ and God recommends ‘hot.’ Dream about the spiritual quality you want your family to experience in the next year – then chart your course. Forget what is behind, strain toward what is ahead, and press on toward the goal!

Be sure.  It was almost the precise moment in history when God would send his one and only Son into the world.  In advance of the incarnation, God would send one to prepare the way in the hearts of people.  That man was John the Baptist.  The man who would soon be John’s father, Zechariah, was a faithful, elderly priest.  Gabriel supernaturally appeared to Zechariah to announce the news of John’s upcoming birth.  The message was apparently more than Zechariah could grasp: “Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’ The angel answered, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time’” (Luke 1:18-20).  I think you would agree, Zechariah gave the wrong answer!  Zechariah just could not believe that God could be ‘that good.’  His unbelief caused him to forfeit an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate with an angel and become a hero of the faith.  Bummer.  I just wonder how many celebrations with God I’ve forfeited because I wasn’t sure I could trust his goodness.  I want to believe but I waver, hesitate, rationalize, procrastinate and fearfully withdraw from the exciting promises God speaks to me from his word.  The truth is I can always “be sure” that God is good and trustworthy.  Be sure you do not miss out on the adventures God has for your life; believe him!  What are you “sure” about with God?

Just like He promised. Israel experienced the fulfillment of the Promised Land. All the enemies conquered; all the land taken and possessed. From slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea, wandering in the wilderness, receiving the Law, supernatural warfare and finally the promise fulfilled. “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled” (21:45). Their journey was primarily a journey in learning to trust God. That sums up your life, from God’s point of view: a journey of learning to trust God. God allows your choices to take a path that coincides with his plan for you. He calls you out of slavery to sin, allows you to wander through the wilderness of unbelief, provides opportunity to fight through trials by trusting his promises, and eventually experience abundant life in Jesus, your Promised Land. The simple secret of life with God is to trust him. Believe his promises regardless of how things appear, what the doctor says, how difficult things are in your marriage or family, or what the economy is doing. God is true and deserves to be trusted. Search the Scriptures for the promises God has for you – and believe them. He intends to fulfill every one.

The Inheritance.  Tribe after tribe, family after family must have been giddy with excitement over receiving their new homes and properties.  After generations of wandering around the desert, they finally had a place they could call ‘home.’  God had given them their property and it would be their land forever.  But not everyone got a share of the new land.  “But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them” (13:33).  The Levites had not been given land; their inheritance was God Himself.  They were given something far better than deeds to property, vegetable gardens, and a 2-car garage.  They were privileged; they were given special access to God.  Would you consider that an upgrade?  Maybe you think happiness means a higher salary, a larger home, a newer car.  Things are nice, but ultimately they do not satisfy your soul.  Only Jesus satisfies.  “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you…My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you” (Ps.63:3, 5)

Go.  Unmistakably Jesus commissions his disciples (from then to now) to go into all the world and preach the good news: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well’” (Mark 16:15-18).  You go, you proclaim the gospel and the result will be more disciples.  Demons, tongues, snakes, poison, healing – supernatural elements revealing that   heaven is touching earth!  The supernatural signs accompany the proclamation and belief in the gospel.  The big idea here is that nothing can stop the progress of the gospel: sickness, demonic oppression or evil.  The only thing that inhibits the growth of the good news is if the disciples do not “go.”  That is where it all begins – when a disciples is willing to go and make Christ known.  “Going” may mean moving to another country; it definitely means going across the street, across the hall, or as simply as talking to a stranger as you wait in line.  Going is about expressing God’s love – whatever that looks like in the moment.  Offer yourself to God now as one who will ‘go.’  To whom do you believe God is sending you today?

You can’t judge a Gibeonite by its cover.  Joshua made the classic mistake of trusting his own judgment, without seeking God’s counsel.  “The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.  Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath” (9:14-15).  Everyone was fooled by appearances, and was certain they were making the right decision.  No need to take the extra time to pray, search the truth, listen for God’s voice of counsel.  But anytime I think I don’t need God’s guidance (for even small or obvious decisions), I begin to lose awareness of His presence in my life.  It becomes easier and easier to make decisions independent of God’s counsel.  The Fall in the Garden of Eden repeats itself often in my life and yours.  Wisdom to learn from this example?  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your path” (Prov.3:5-6).  Whatever decisions you make today, pause and include God in the process.  The extra time spent listening and waiting on Him will bring rich rewards of his wisdom.

Forsaken. The only statement of Jesus from the cross recorded by Mark is a quote from Psalm 22:1, “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ – which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Mark 15:34). This is the ultimate moment of suffering for Christ – his own heavenly Father has turned away from him, rejecting him. This is the moment dreaded by Jesus from eternity past. In a horrifying moment, Jesus has assumed the agonizing punishment for the sins of the world. He is suffering under the crushing weight of all unbelief, pride and rebellion. The Righteous Father and Judge of all the earth must now address his beloved son as the worst criminal who ever lived. In this moment, Jesus became sin and suffered the consequences. As a younger man, Jesus must have certainly studied the Psalms, discovering the gripping verse in Psalm 22. As he reflected upon its meaning, he stored it in his heart for the time when it would be the only words he could speak. God himself had provided the only phrase that could express his brokenness. Before time began, the Father and Son had enjoyed unbroken, perfect and loving communion. Now that was over – because of my sin. We will never comprehend just how great a price Jesus Christ paid that our sins might be forgiven. In that three-day experience of crucifixion, death and burial, Jesus paid for my justification – but it cost him what he considered most precious; oneness with his Father. Be in awe of such great love.

A little compromise goes a long way. Achan witnessed the amazing destruction of Jericho. Rather than worship God for his stunning victory, Achan wrongly believed that God was not enough to satisfy him. He lusted after what God had forbidden and cursed. For a handful of money and a robe, Achan not only lost his life, but also brought judgment on his entire family and the nation. Think of it: one man’s fall into temptation impacted an entire nation. “Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies” (7:11-12). When I sin, I am not the only one who suffers; everyone I love and everyone I relate to is negatively impacted. My compromise limits God’s protection and provision; my sin hastens spiritual failure. Whatever is pulling you away from God – it is not worth the price you will pay. Confess your sin and return to the Lord.

Quiet. Jesus was enduring one false accusation after another. His enemies wanted him dead and the verbal assaults would soon be followed by physical beatings. How would Jesus respond to this injustice? “Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed” (Mark 15:4-5). Defending oneself is a basic instinct. It is only natural to want to present your side of the story, correct inaccuracies and put your accusers in their place. In this case, Jesus chose not to defend himself. Though the accusations were completely unjustified (even Pilate sniffed out the Pharisees’ envy of Jesus), he remained quiet. How can a person remain quiet while facing verbal abuse and personal injustice? Quietness is the result of the heartfelt certainty that God has all things under control. Jesus was confidently quiet on the outside because he was secure and at rest on the inside. He had entrusted himself to God’s plan for his life. Jesus knew the day would come when God would right every wrong; when every injustice would be corrected. In the moment, Jesus chose to focus on God’s greatness rather than the pettiness of his enemies. There are certainly times it is appropriate to clarify the facts and set the record straight. But there are also times when you need to turn your concerns away from your accusers and focus instead on God’s greater purposes. Try remaining quiet next time your authority is violated, your counsel is distorted, or your intentions are misrepresented. Guard your thoughts from anger or bitterness; choose to be quiet and enjoy the comfort God alone can give. Quietness reflects your awareness that God is your defender. When have you attempted to defend yourself and it did not resolve well?

Denial. Even though Peter had emphatically declared he would never fall away from Jesus, the circumstances changed when questioned by a servant girl. “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.’ Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.’ And he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:71-72). Just as Jesus told Peter he would do, Peter had denied three times even knowing him. While Jesus was authoritatively proclaiming truth, healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the thousands and raising the dead – it was easy to identify with him. Everyone was enamored by this powerful and popular leader. To be included in the inner circle of Jesus was intoxicating for Peter, until now. Peter’s dreams of greatness had all come crashing down and he lost his confidence. His insecurity was revealed when even the slightest of challenges (questions from a slave girl) caused Peter to feel threatened. When he realized what he had done, Peter wept bitterly with regret. Denial followed by regret. Peter shows us what we are like: one moment, a passionate committed follower of Christ who is ready to conquer the world with him; the next moment, a weak and cowardly person who is so fearful of what others think we shun our Christian identity. Maybe our denials are not as dramatic as was Peter’s, but we deny Christ nonetheless. How do we deny him? Any time you are embarrassed to mention your loyalty and love for Christ in a conversation with co-workers or neighbors; anytime you shun identifying with passionate and committed believers; anytime you feel relieved when you blend into the non-Christian world; anytime you compromise what you know is biblically right – all of these are expressions of denying your faith in Christ. May we urge one another on toward faithfulness to Him who has been abundantly faithful to us. How have you ‘denied’ knowing Christ in the past?

Next Generation. The older generation of Israel had experienced the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, water from the rock, and Tabernacle worship. They had every opportunity to trust God and fulfill the vision and purpose he had planned for them. But sadly they died in unbelief. Their children were growing up watching the poor example of their parents with a determination not to repeat those mistakes. God would teach these sons and daughters to live by faith. They would have to learn to depend on Him completely, not trusting their own ability. God commanded a serious ritual to reinforce this truth: “So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised” (5:7). Circumcision is the cutting away of flesh – a symbol of removing all confidence in sin-tainted personality, gifts and strength. Before a new generation could possess the Promised Land, they would have to remove all trust in themselves. Only God would be able to birth something supernatural through them. Put aside all the old sinful habits and unbelief. Allow God to cut away whatever hinders your white-hot love and trust in Christ (Rom.2:29). He has an awesome vision for your life and this generation!

Body. It was the night before his crucifixion; Jesus was anticipating the severe persecution and separation from his father he would suffer. He sought out his father in earnest prayer, requesting his disciples to support him with their concern. However, the disciples soon fell asleep. Jesus challenged them: “Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mark 14:37-38). The purposes of God often contradict with the appetites and desires of your body. Your body is created by God and is a beautiful expression of his love and creativity. However, in its sinful state, your body can be an enemy of your spiritual growth: lust, gluttony, covetousness, etc. God wants you to bring your body under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When God’s Spirit dominates and your body cooperates, the result is self-control. Jesus warned his disciples to watch out for temptation because their bodies were weak. Guard against the tendency to indulge your physical appetites; follow the leading of the Spirit and offer your body as a living sacrifice to Him. How have your physical appetites and lusts hampered your spiritual growth?

Finishing well.  Though Moses did have his struggles, he was a man of great humility and faith.  His costly mistake meant he forfeited the privilege of entering the Promised Land.  Nevertheless, God enabled him to see it from the top of Mount Nebo.  What an amazing finish!  You climb the mountain and see the reality of your lifelong vision and struggle.  As he dies, the epitaph is striking: “No prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face…” (34:10).  If you were to die today, what would be said about how you have spent your time on earth?  Clearly the most important feature of a person’s life is the quality of their relationship with God.  Far more important than your achievements, assets or titles is the depth of relationship you enjoy with Jesus Christ.  Your faith, hope and love is the greatest legacy you pass on to those you love.  People remember how you spent your life and how you finish.  Give thought to how you are spending this brief time on earth…other people are counting on you.

When God writes a song.  “Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them” (31:19).  Knowing that Israel would enter the Promised Land, find prosperity and promptly turn away from God to idols, God wrote a song.  Israel was to write a song and teach it to their children.  The day would come when the future generations would rebel, suffer consequences and be broken.  When that day came, God had a song for them.  His song would enable Israel to acknowledge their failures, but also return to his forgiving grace.  They would sing their way back to God.  God knows your life journey from beginning to end.  He knows all the times you will fall, the times you will rebel, the times you will long for his comfort.  In those times of brokenness, remember God is waiting for you.  He will mark the trail that leads you back to Him with reminders of his undying love for you.  

Waste. A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head. The disciples rebuked her harshly for wasting something of this much value on Jesus. But Jesus affirmed her act of love and worship, “She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mark 14:6). “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9). This woman’s action will forever accompany the gospel – because this is what the gospel is intended to produce. The gospel reveals what and who is truly valuable! The disciples thought the perfume should be sold and the money spent on the poor rather than ‘wasted’ upon Jesus. But the woman recognized that Jesus was most valuable and precious; she gladly poured out upon Him that which was of greatest worth to her. Knowing Jesus and receiving his good news transforms you. You are transformed from one who clings to this life out of fear into one who gladly “wastes” all that you are upon Jesus. The gospel liberates you to freely surrender all you are to Jesus. The depth of love and devotion the woman had for Jesus was misunderstood and rebuked – I’m wondering when was the last time I was misunderstood or rebuked by others because my devotion to Jesus was so intense…

Fork in the Road.  You would think that if God presents two paths – one with tremendous prosperity, the other with destruction and hardship – the choice would be an easy one, right?  Like a loving father, God wanted to prosper and bless his children in a profound way.  But the children had to follow his lead.  They had to make the personal choice to trust and obey Him, in order to receive his blessing.  “I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.  For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess” (30:16).  What makes choosing complicated is that the wrong path looks so appealing to our sinful nature.  The road of rebellion deceives you into believing that this is the highway of good times.  But make no mistake – resisting God’s lead always results in misery and pain.  Choosing wisely requires trusting in God’s goodness.  God’s intentions for you are always best – always.  Your daily decision to “trust and obey” or “rebel and indulge” impacts not only your life, but everyone you love, everyone with whom you work, every task or project in your life.  Do you hear the passion in God’s voice?  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…” (30:19-20)  Choose now to trust Him.

Watch. What will be taking place on the earth just before Christ returns from heaven? The Temple will be destroyed; there will be false preachers doing false miracles, international wars, famine and earthquakes. It will be a terrible season as governments and family members will persecute true believers; the antichrist will rise to prominence. Into this worldwide chaos Jesus will return to bring justice and rescue his elect. The obvious question all would ask, ‘when will this happen?’ “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch” (Mark 13:32-34). We are to live as if Jesus will return right away. Knowing the precise day and time is not important; knowing the season of his return is vitally important. Those who love Jesus will be living as if the day of his return is soon; they will be watching for him. How foolish it is to waste your life trying to make yourself as comfortable on this earth as possible. Be on guard and at high alert – Jesus is coming to take you away with him forever! That’s what matters most. What would change in your life if Jesus were coming tomorrow?

Busyness has become a value in our culture. But could it be possible that a person’s constant motion is simply a cover for a tired and empty soul?  God prescribed a weekly day to rest and renew your soul by thinking upon Him (Mark 2:28). How might a day of spiritual renewal reduce the stress of your life?

Crazy Generosity. A poor widow goes to the Temple and contributes two small copper coins worth only a fraction of a penny. Though many wealthy people are dropping significant sums of money, none of those impress Jesus. He singles out the poor widow’s gift as the greatest: “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44). I don’t think Jesus is rebuking people for giving some and saving the rest. I do think he is highlighting the faith and love that should motivate all our giving. The big lesson here is how God evaluates giving and generosity. He said the widow gave “more” than all the wealthy people. Dollar to dollar, that isn’t true. One hundred dollars is more than a penny. But evidently God doesn’t measure currency as we do. To God, the total amount is only a part of the picture. His greater concern is our motive – how much we treasure him! Jesus was aware of how much she had left (nothing). The widow’s trust and love for God was extraordinarily greater than her love for money. This is what God is seeking: people who give generously out of a heart of love and trust in God. Generosity is somewhere after knowing you have reserves in your pocket. If my giving does not adjust my living, I have not given generously. So put your trust into action and give in a way that reflects your value of God. He is leading you to be “crazy” generous. How does this example stretch you?

God and fashion.  “Make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, so that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes” (Num.15:38-39).  God knew how people tend to forget what matters (His Truth) and squander time on things that ultimately don’t matter (fashion).  Since people get dressed everyday, God gave the ‘tassels’ as a daily reminder of all of his beautiful commands.  The blue cord of each tassel was symbolic of the stream of life running through the commands of God.  God is truth and life.  Apart from him, we have nothing but spiritual lifelessness.  His point is that the truth protects us from falling into the deceptions that destroy us.  The lusts of my heart and eyes scream to be indulged.  Feeding that lust brings but a brief buzz, but then I crash back into lifelessness.  But there is powerful prevention – God wants your focus to be on his life-giving commands; his truth that sets you free.  Get dressed in his truth everyday!

Ownership. The question to Jesus from the Pharisee was, ‘should I pay taxes to the government?’ The simple answer was, ‘yes’, but Jesus gave a broader application. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). Not only was the question a chance to trap Jesus in his words, it could also be motivated by a desire to cling to money. Given the Jewish frustration concerning Roman oppression, disagreement with a variety of government policies and a sense of religious entitlement, it would be easy for them to make a case to refrain from paying taxes. However, Jesus affirmed the simple (but very difficult to practice) principle of submitting to authority: pay taxes to the government as required. But a more significant issue is beyond money; it involves giving one’s whole self to God. Jesus refused to trivialize; what matters to God is people. He wants and deserves that which he has created in his image. We do not have the right to withhold ourselves from him; we belong to him both by creation and redemption. He owns you. He has a claim on everybody! But God has given each person the opportunity to choose him (though he has already chosen all who respond). We are to encourage all people to give themselves to the God who has created them and redeemed them. How have you progressively ‘given’ yourself to God?

What kind of warriors would God select for the army of Israel?  He only wanted soldiers who had a fearless desire to fight.  Officers were directed to filter out the fainthearted.  A minimal excuse could get a reluctant soldier a pass: building a new home; planting a new vineyard; engaged to be married or simply fear of fighting.  Why would God willingly reduce the head count?  Wouldn’t every soldier contribute?  Apparently not.  If someone does not have his heart in the cause, they were to “Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too” (Deut.20:8).  God was preparing to do the fighting for Israel.  Therefore, the greatest attribute of a soldier was not military acumen, battlefield experience or weapon skills.  The most important characteristic of a man God uses is faith.  In this setting, the distracted soldiers were sent home because their lack of faith would infect the zeal of those fully committed.  Never underestimate the influence of your peers!  God can do more with a few who are full of confidence in his ability, than a massive army that relies on their own strength.  Don’t give in to discouragement today.  Trust the Lord, and join with those whose faith is ablaze.