“Hospitality”

January 19, 2024

January 19, 2024

Read Genesis 19, Psalm 19, John 19

Genesis 19 is the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. As soon as Lot finds the two angels entering the city in the evening, he pleads with them to stay with him and not in the middle of the city. He likely knows how wicked “all the men from every part of the city” v. 4 were. Lot still an outsider to the people of Sodom tries to offer hospitality, and ultimately protection for the two guests. How do we as Christians look out for people today? How can we offer protection or safety to others in a time of need?

The reason for the destruction of the city has been well known for thousands of years. We even have Jewish commentary that speaks about the nature of the homosexuality in this chapter. Some Revisionists and LGBTQ affirming people will try to say that “knowing” the two angels was not about having sex with them, but this doesn’t fit the context. Especially when Lot offers his daughters to the men who “who have not known any other man.” The same Hebrew word is used. It clearly could not be to know the men in a non-sexual way because Lot’s daughters were “pledged to marry.”

But what are we to make of Lot’s proposal? “Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof” v. 8. Here are some opinions or interpretations. One, he simply did not care about his own daughter’s safety and lives. Two, he was scared and quickly offered a solution in desperation. Three, he was faced with a moral dilemma and choose the lesser of two evils. Four, Lot’s comments should be taken as sarcastic in a way to shock their conscience and stop their actions. We must remember that Lot does not have the integrity that Abraham has, and His actions are compared to Abraham’s in a number of ways. God did not command Lot to offer his daughters, nor would he. The Bible describes his free will choice and is not a prescription for us to follow in the future.

Psalm 19 is a psalm that highlights the glory of God seen in nature and how it points to a creator. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” vv. 1-2. In apologetics this is referred to as general revelation. God reveals himself through creation to every single person on the planet. David then goes on to praise God for his Word, He uses the different words like “the Law of the Lord,” “statues,” “precepts,” and “commands.” David sees the benefits of God’s special revelation to us through his Word. David ends the psalm with a prayer, and he asks God to keep him from sinning. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” v. 14.

John 19 is the narrative of Jesus crucifixion. I would encourage you to take your time and read through the chapter slowly. Sometimes we think we know things and, in our haste, we may miss the important details. I have heard many Christians debate whether or not they believe Jesus was crucified with no clothes on or very little. Most likely, he had none. This was all a part of the cruelty of the cross.  Not only was it a painful way to suffer and die, (The word excruciating comes from the practice of crucifixion), but it was also the public humiliation that Jesus faced from those who passed by.  Verses 23-24 describe that the soldiers divided his clothes between them and gambled for the final under garments that were left. This leads me to believe Jesus was put on display in total humiliation. As you read through the story, keep in mind that Jesus endured all that for you and to die for your sins on the cross.

Earlier we discussed the hospitality of Lot in the city of Sodom. Now in John 19 we see Jesus in the lowest point of his earthly life on the cross, but He does something amazing. Something only the Godman could do. He has the desire to hand his mother over to the disciple most believe as John to take care of her and look after her. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” vv. 26-27. Most people turn inward when they face pain or difficult circumstances, but Jesus still cared for others. Despite the ups and downs of life, who can you and I look out for and show compassion or hospitality toward?  

What else do you see in these chapters? What words or phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Add your comments below.

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Posted by John Weldon

Complete Unity

January 17, 2024

January 17, 2024

Read Genesis 17, Psalm 17, John 17

One thing our culture loves to do right now is divide us. We are constantly bombarded with polls telling us how most people feel who identify with a particular identity group. In election years we are over-saturated with political ads attacking the other side. We are conditioned to think more about how a person differs from us that we are alike. In Christianity we even squabble and fight over our differences. You may have seen the meme that says why are there 45,000 different denominations and suggests that the differences should lead them to not being trusted. This is a gross overestimation of the numbers.  There is actually just a couple dozen different denominations. The numbers get inflated when they count churches from different counties of the same denomination. Pastor Mike Winger of the YouTube channel “Bible Thinker” does a great job explaining this in detail. Even still, we have our differences.

In John 17 we find the prayer that Jesus prayed after He had observed the Passover Meal with his disciples, and He teaches them about what it means to serve one another. Jesus prays for three different people in this prayer. First, He prays for himself. Knowing what He will soon face Jesus prays that He will glorify and thanks God for giving him everything.

The next subject of Jesus’ prayer was His disciples. Jesus spent the most time praying for those who He had walked and talked with over the years. Jesus prays “protect them from the evil one” v. 15 and He also prays “that they too may be truly sanctified” v. 19. Sanctification is the process of becoming more Christlike. More inline with the God of the Bible and His teachings. It is something that does not come all at once, it is a process over our lifetime. The longer we walk with the Lord the more we reflect Christ.

Third, Jesus prayed for “for those who will believe in me through their message” v. 20.  Jesus prayed “that they may be one as we are one” v. 22.  One of the areas we can strive to grow in sanctification is our unity. We learn to deal with each other’s warts and personal imperfections and strive in unity as Christ would want us to be. Why is unity so important? Jesus gives the reason, “to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” v. 23. Our unity brings a powerful evangelistic pull to the gospel message. What can you and I do to bring the body of Christ into unity?

What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Write your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon

“Dwell”

January 15, 2024

January 15, 2024

Read Genesis 15, Psalm 15, John 15

What things do we rush through in life? What do we try and speed through to get them done? What things do we enjoy and desire to spend time on? Chances are if you are making a list in your mind right now, the things we want to dwell on are the things that we love and find enjoyment. How does our walk with God fit into these two categories? Do we long to rush through our time with God in order so that we can dwell on other things in our life? Or, do we long to spend time with God and in His word more than other things?

God again comes to Abram in Genesis 15 and tells Him, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” v. 1. Abram speaks up and asks what type of reward he may receive, Abram longs for a son. Earlier God promised Abram that he would have many descendants, but it hasn’t happened yet. Abram is getting impatient. If you know the story, it will take 25 years for Abram and Sarai to have the promised child. God wanted Abram to dwell in his promise and to be obedient to God. Abram had to trust God would reward Him in God’s proper timing. Our world is probably even more impatient now. The use of technology makes us pace the kitchen floor waiting 2 minutes for our popcorn, or the few seconds it takes for our phone and apps to connect on a video call on the other side of the world.

God again comes to Abram in a deep sleep and reminds Abram that it will a while before all the things God spoke to him about will come to pass. “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and ill-treated four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterwards they will come out with great possessions” vv. 13-14. Then God tells Him “In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here” v. 16. Many will explain the fourth generation as through ha typical life span of a human, 100 years and that would match the 400 or 430 years in Egypt as slaves.  

In Psalm 15 David asks, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” v. 1. The rest of the psalm answers that. It is those who fear the Lord, those who do right, and live a just life in relationship with their neighbors and others. One day we will dwell with God, not in the sanctuary or temple, but with God in Heaven.

In John 15 we see a similar theme of dwelling. Jesus calls his true disciples to “remain in me” v.4. I love the King James word “abide.” Jesus tells us three times to remain or abide. First, “remain in me” v. 4, second, “my words remain in you” v. 7, and finally “remain in my love” v. 9. This aspect of dwelling all has to do with our relationship with God. Yes, the Bible does not speak much about our need for a “relationship” with God, that is a more modern phrase, but the Bible does speak much about our “walk with God.” When two people go for a walk together they can communicate, both talk and listen, they can interact with one another, learn from each other. All this is true of our walk with God. The last part of the chapter Jesus reminds his disciples that when we remain in Him the world will hate us. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” vv. 18-19. We have a choice, we can either remain in God’s love or the world’s love. Where will we choose to dwell?

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes pop out at you? Write your thoughts and observations below.

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Posted by John Weldon

“Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”

January 14, 2024

January 14, 2024

Read Genesis 14, Psalm 14, John 14

What things in your life trouble you most? Is it a circumstance you face, a relationship, financial or material needs, a physical illness or perhaps something new you are facing with an unknown future? What takes your peace away from you? One thing that can make these difficult circumstances better is knowing that we do not face them alone. If we are blessed to have family, friends, a church to lean on can make these times more bearable. There is greater comfort knowing that whatever we face as disciples of Jesus that the Lord is with us, and that God can rescue us from anything we face.

In Genesis 14 we find the story of Abram who rescues Lot from a battle where he is caught in between some rival kings. Abram rounds up 318 “trained men born in his household” v. 14.  Abram goes all out to rescue His nephew Lot from trouble and the Lord gave him success in his efforts. In almost 30 years of ministry, working in a church, I have seen many people in need. One common theme is that bridges often have been burned in families and there is no help available for those in need. Be thankful for the family that you do have. If you do not have a family that you feel you can call a blessing, why not turn it around and be a blessing to them or create that type of family going forward.  

After the battle is over Abram is greeted by The King of Sodom and the King of Salem, named Melchizedek. These two kings can be contrasted against one another. Melchizedek is an interesting person which we know little about from Genesis 14, but psalm 110 and Hebrews chapter 5 and 7 speak more about. Melchizedek is said to be priest of El Elyon “God Most High.” Abram strangely gives him a tenth of the spoils he collected in the rescue. This is the first time we see the use of a tenth given in the Bible. The King of Sodom asks for the people back but tells Abram he can keep the goods. The King of Sodom comes out next and asks for the people back that he rescued but tells Abram he may keep all the goods. Abram informs the King of Sodom of his oath – “have taken an oath” v. 22 “I will accept nothing belonging to you” v. 23 Not even the smallest items? – “a thread or the thong of a sandal” v. 23 Abram wants only to have others know God was the source of Abram’s blessings and possessions and no one else. – “you will never be able to say ‘I made Abram rich’” v. 23. Many believe, including myself, that Melchizedek is a theophany of the preincarnate Christ whom Abram pays a tenth to. You can dig into that deeper in Hebrews if you wish.

Psalm 14 starts off with an often-quoted verse by many Christians who want to take a swipe at atheists. David writes “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” v. 1. I’m not sure the best way to win the ear of an atheist or for them to hear the gospel is to start with name calling. Also, this misunderstands the meaning of the word “fool” in the biblical sense. Most often a fool was a morally deficient person. If a person does not believe that God exists, there is no higher authority in their lives than themselves. They will say and do what they want to, which is what the word fool in Scripture describes. The next few verses David reminds us all with some “hard truth” (as our student pastor recently said) that we are all sinners, “there is no-one who does good” v. 2, and not many people seek the Lord “The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” v. 2. David resolves the psalm again with a reminder that God will bring salvation and restore the fortunes of his people. “Let Jacob rejoice and be glad” v. 7.

In John 14 we have the beginning of a long discourse of teaching from Jesus on the Holy Spirit. The chapter begins with Jesus telling the disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” v. 1. The disciples were trouble because what Jesus had revealed to them in the previous chapter. He was going to be with them only for a little while longer. Even worse, those who claimed to never leave Jesus would deny Him three times before the cock crows.  Jesus uses a beautiful wedding analogy in verses 2-3. Jesus was going away to prepare a room in his father’s house. In the first century Jewish culture the betrothal of an engaged couple would be a typically longer period. The groom would go and build a home or a room in his parents’ home and prepare it for he and his soon coming bride. After the wedding ceremony the groom would take his bride back to the home that he had prepared for her. The disciples ask questions and try to understand what Jesus was referring to. Thomas questions Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” vv. 5-6. This exclusive statement by Jesus has no doubt caused many relativists to push back and reject Christianity then and now.

In Jesus teaching about the Holy Spirit in this chapter we first learn that the Holy Spirit will act as a “Counselor” v. 26, not like a mental health professional, but a defense attorney who will defend us in times of need. Second the Holy Spirit will “teach and remind you of everything I have said to you” v. 26 when they teach and write the Gospels and Epistles. Third, and most importantly the Spirit will bring peace to them. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” v. 27. This is not an absence of war or conflict, but rather an inner peace that Christ’s followers will have despite the trouble they will face (John 16:33).

What else do you see in these verses as you read them? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you? Write your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon

Mindful

January 9, 2024

January 8, 2024

Read Genesis 8, Psalm 8, John 8

What are some things that you will never forget? Depending on how old you are, you might recall some of the details surrounding; the moon landing, when JFK died, when Elvis died, where you were when the challenger space shuttle exploded, the 9/11 attack, when Michael Jackson passed away, when a family member got married and on and on. These were big events in your life that made an impact on your mind.  On a side note, many skeptics will balk at the idea of the gospels being written down years or decades after Jesus had died and risen from the dead, but we must remember that Jesus’ resurrection was a huge event like many of the ones listed above. You might not remember what you had for breakfast 20 years ago, but you will remember the significant events that impacted your life.

Genesis 8 starts out, “But God remembered Noah” (and all the animals too). We are not talking about a God with amnesia here. This phrase is an anthropomorphic (places a human-like character trait on an object or something not human) phrase that shows that God cares and has compassion for Noah and the animals. God is the creator of the universe and everything in it. He could have hit the reset button, but he didn’t. He chooses to save that which He has compassion for. Over a year passes and the ark finally comes to rest on the mountains. The Lord dries up the waters and tells Noah he can leave the ark safely. The first thing Noah does is to offer and sacrifice to God for His protection. When we come to appreciate and love God for what He has done for us, we should desire to thank Him or give Him praise.

In Psalm 8 we have a similar theme. David gives praise to God, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” v. 1, David is in awe of who God is and for His interest in His creation. He acknowledges that God is the creator of the “moon and stars” v. 3. Yet in verses 4-5 he sees the personal nature of God, “what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.”

In John 8 we read the story of the woman caught in adultery. Most bibles have a note in them telling you that the earliest manuscripts do not contain John 7:53-8:11. My opinion is that it was not in the original manuscripts but was likely a scribal addition later when documents were being copied. I personal believe this interaction between Jesus and the women took place and was later added in from other sources or the oral tradition. Nothing in the 12 verses seems out of place or “unlike Jesus” from the other Scriptures. Jesus craftily keep the Law of Moses and single handedly dismissed the woman’s accusers. Jesus was mindful of this sinful woman and showed her compassion in her time of need.

The majority of John 8 is a dialog between Jesus and the Pharisees. It is started by Jesus’ statement, “I am the light of the world.” There are seven “I am” statements in the gospel of John. Jesus and the Pharisees hold a discussion over the authority to do and say the things that Jesus does. Then the conversation turns over to fathers. Jesus claims that God is His Father, the Pharisees want to name Abraham as their father, but Jesus disagrees. “’If you were Abraham’s children, said Jesus, ‘then you would do the things Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things’” vv.39-40. The Pharisees object that they are not illegitimate children and Jesus agrees with them here, but plot twist, Jesus tells them “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire” v. 44.

 In the final section of John 8, the pharisees get mad and start name-calling Jesus. That’s usually what happens in an argument when one side is losing or they don’t have their facts straight, they resort to ad-hominem attacks (a.k.a. name calling). Christians are not exempt from this either. We need to study and know what and why we believe least we get embarrassed and start it too. In John 8:58 Jesus makes one of the most pivotable statements in all the Gospels. The confused pharisees think Jesus claims to be alive during the time of Abraham, He was just not like they think. They question Him on this and Jesus replies with a quote from Exodus 3. When Moses asks God in the burning bush what His name is, God responds with “I AM WHO I AM” v. 14.  Jesus tells the pharisees, “before Abraham was born, I am!” v. 58. You might say, well that’s not really saying He is God, but to the pharisees of the day they knew exactly what Jesus meant.  We can tell by their reaction, they picked up stones to stone him. If someone were to commit the sin of blasphemy the punishment was death by stoning. We will see even more clearing from another interaction with Jesus and the pharisees in John 10 that this is what was going on.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you? Do you understand just have mindful that God is toward you just like he was with Noah, David, and the woman caught in adultery? Add your thoughts and comments below.  

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Posted by John Weldon

Sabbath, Work, and Some Weddings

January 2, 2024

January 2, 2024

Read Genesis 2, Psalm 2, John 2

Life is a mix of work and play. We see both of these elements in Genesis 2. Some people are work-a-holics, while others are just plain lazy. We must find a proper balance. The Sabbath was a day of rest. God does not need the rest, but it was an example set by God for humanity to follow. We are living in the New Testament times and not under the Mosaic Law. We do not have a legal obligation to follow the Sabbath today, but we would be wise to observe a Sabbath in our lives on a weekly basis. On the other side of the coin, God created man and placed him the garden “to work it and take care of it” v. 15. You likely had New Years Day off and today you are back to work. Work is good for the human soul. It was a part of God’s plan before the fall, before sin (although sin made it more laborious). Work gives us a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and a healthy pride in what we have done. Work accomplishes good things for us and others. The Evangelist Jonathan Edwards who worked tirelessly to preach the gospel across America still made time for a Sabbath. While traveling on the Connecticut River he recorded,

“At Saybrook we went ashore to lodge on Saturday, and there kept the Sabbath;
where I had a sweet and refreshing season, walking alone in the fields.”[JW1] 

Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.

Some skeptics object to Genesis 2 as a contradictory second creation account. Rather it is continuation of the creation account but zoomed in from a 30,000-foot up view down to the garden view. Genesis 1 looks at the creation of the universe and Genesis 2 homes in on the creation of humanity. It ends relating marriage to the creation account with the often quoted “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” v.24.

Contemporaries push back on this narrative. Is Adam superior to Eve because he was created first? Isn’t the creation story a patriarchal story of oppression? Does Adam name his own wife as an exercise of power, after all, Eve is called a “helper” v. 20? The answer, “no” to all these accusations. Sixteen times God is called Israel’s helper (Ex. 18:4, Deut. 33:7, etc.) and He is not the lessor in that relationship. Both men and women are equal in value but differ in their roles in the family and the church which follows the creation narrative.

Psalm 2 opens with a question, “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?” The question of who would dare challenge the authority of God and his power. God dares any nation who would come against his “Anointed One” v. 2, The psalm is full of language that points not only to an earthly king in Israel but also to Jesus. The New Testament connects Psalm 2 in Acts 4:25-26, Acts 13:33, and Hebrews 1:5.

The themes of weddings and authority continue in John 2. Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding. He turned water into wine. Not just any water, it was “the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing” v. 6. Think of that as water unfit to drink, meant for washing hands and other ceremonial items. Jesus took something impure and made it into “choice wine” v. 10 that people would brag about and enjoy. This first miracle was a statement about Jesus’ mission and ministry. Second, Jesus purifies the temple and rids it the money-changers by creating a whip and driving out those who had made the temple into “a market.” What has the contemporary church made the church into? Are we guilty of turning it into anything that would displease Christ? When Jesus is questioned about his actions the subject of authority is raised upon Jesus. “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” v. 18. Jesus looks ahead symbolically to the cross where his physical body would be destroyed but God would “raise it in three days” v. 20.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words and phrases catch your attention as you read?  How does the theme of authority flow through each of these chapters individually? What questions do you have from these chapters? Add your thoughts below.

 [JW1]Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991. pg, 197.

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Posted by John Weldon