“A Pure Heart”

February 20, 2024

February 20, 2024

Read Leviticus 7, Psalm 51, Hebrews 7

Psalm 51 is a psalm of David. The subtitle tells you that he wrote it after the prophet Nathan confronted him about committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah killed. David had thought he had gotten away with his sin. He thought he had covered it up. He had it all planned out, but God wasn’t fooled. The way that Nathan did it you can read about in 2 Samuel 12. It was a bit shocking, but I got David’s attention.

David cries out to God, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” vv. 1-2. There is also great theology in this psalm. David declares “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge” v. 4. Even thought David did wrong against Bathsheba and her husband, ultimately David sinned against God because it was God’s law that David had broken. Next, we read about sin as imputed from birth. We are born with a sinful nature. A bent to do wrong. “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” v. 5. You do not have to teach a young child to be selfish or to react in their emotions. It comes naturally.

This seems like bad news, but we are not done yet. David knew who to go to for forgiveness and to cleanse him. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice” vv.7-8. When we find forgiveness from God it restores our joy and removes the guilt and shame that we feel because of our sin. Many people try to hide it today. They want to minimize their sin for various reasons. Remember David was the one that is often called “the man after God’s own heart.” It is only because God is the one who can do what David asked next. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” v. 10. Nothing is unforgivable with God (1 John 1:9). If we are alive, we can seek forgiveness from Him. No matter what we have done, even the worst of the worst can find forgiveness in Jesus. Don’t believe me? Just remember David who committed the sins he did.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes do you see?
Add your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon

“Nothing in all Creation is Hidden From God’s Sight”

February 17, 2024

February 17, 2024

Read Leviticus 4, Psalm 48, Hebrews 4

What are some things that you wonder about? Today I have wonder what the intentions of an advertisement was. I wonder if people really understand Jesus’ message and mission. Do you wonder what a person might really think about you? Do you wonder about some specific detail in the Bible? Do you wonder about your future? There is so much that we do not know.

Leviticus 4 describes how an Israelite is to atone for a sin that they commit unintentionally or unknowingly. We cannot know someone else’s intentions unless they tell us or write them down. That is something that is locked up in their minds and is between themselves and the Lord. The question arises, “If I do something accidentally is it still wrong?” This chapter teaches us that it is. “If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s commands, he is guilty” v. 27. The good news is that we can be forgiven just as with a sin we intentionally commit. “In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven” v. 31. God’s Law will show us when we are off the path.

The author of Hebrews tells us that nothing is hidden from God. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” v. 13. God knows everything that takes place in the secret places, behind the closed doors. He even knows our hearts and what we are thinking. That should bring both a little fear and comfort to us. He knows when we are wronged and deceived by others and He knows when we are the ones doing the deceiving.

This is also a benefit to us. When we walk in a relationship with God, we can have limited access to the knowledge that He choose to share with us. God revealed himself to us though His word and in the person of Jesus. Verse 12 tells us the benefit of His word in our lives. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” v. 12. We are judged by God’s Word. It acts like a mirror in which it shows us where we should be and where we are not. His Word is here to guide us …if we will follow it.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add Your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon

“Superior”

February 14, 2024

February 14, 2024

Read Leviticus 1, Psalm 45, Hebrews 1

How many words or companies do you know that have the word superior connected to them? There’s Lake Superior, Superior HVAC, Superior Tire, Superior Credit Union, and we could go on forever. Superior as an adjective means greater in quality, quantity, etc. of high or extraordinary worth, merit, etc. The Bible teaches that God is superior. Jesus as God is equally superior to anything else in the world.

As you read Leviticus 1 you will read about the instructions from God to Moses on how to bring a proper offering to God and offer it as a sacrifice. It must be “without defect” v. 3 and meet other specifications. Why? Because God is superior and worthy of our praise and worship. Following the guidelines and doing it as God described makes it into “an aroma pleasing to the Lord” v. 17. The temptation in our times is to minimize God’s character and authority for something else, either ourselves or something created rather than the creator. How do you view God? Is He superior in every way or just some cosmic creator we must “deal” with?

Psalm 45 is a psalm credited to the Sons of Korah. The description calls it a wedding psalm which was sung during royal weddings. It praises the King who is to be married and paints him in a good light. The psalm starts by praising this king of the Jews. The psalm hints at a Jewish king who is more than just an ordinary person. “You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” v. 7. There were 40 kings of Israel and Judah between the northern kingdom and southern. All the kings in the northern kingdom were wicked and described as doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. Only eight of the 20 kings in the southern kingdom of Judah were described as good and that they followed the ways of David and the Lord. This psalm may point to a future king of Israel that loves righteousness and hates wickedness.

The book of Hebrews is a book that compares Jesus to the Old Covenant and how that Jesus is superior to angels, Moses, the priests, and many other Old Testament things. We do not know who the author of Hebrews is. Hebrews 1 tells us that Jesus is superior to the angels because He is the Son of God. Jesus “the name he has inherited is superior to theirs” v. 4. Jesus as the Son is superior because the angels are just servants of God, and they worship Jesus. There is also a quote from Psalm 45 in Hebrews 1. This is confirmation that the psalmist indeed was referring to Jesus as a future righteous king. “But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the sceptre of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy’” vv. 8-9.

Take a moment to recognize the superiority of Jesus in your life. Do you view and worship the Lord as you should? Have you slipped away from your view of how superior the Lord is to you and how his greatness affects your life and how you live it for the Lord.

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

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Posted by John Weldon

“Devotion”

February 11, 2024

February 11, 2024

Read Exodus 32-34, Psalm 42

Today is the super bowl. I read a story last week about three men who have made it to all 57 Super Bowls. The men will sit together and cheer on their teams. Thousands of other people will gather around the stadium and millions more will watch the super bowl on TV tonight. Sports fans are devoted to a game they love. So are the “Swifties” who enjoy Taylor Swift. The things that most people care about or are devoted to can change over time. Sometimes rather quickly.

In Exodus 32-34 we read a little about devotion. Moses was at the top of the mountain talking with God and receiving the 10 Commandments on stone tablets. During the forty days he was up on the mountain the rest of Israel got bored and worried that something might have happened to him. Their solution, they go to Aaron and ask him “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him” v.1. Aaron without question decides to collect gold from the people and then he fashions a gold calf image that they will worship. “Then they said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt’” v. 4. Moses and God had become silent for a short time and the people had to find something to worship. God informs Moses of what they have done and tells Moses to go down and take care of the incident. God calls them, “stiff-necked people” v. 9. In other words, they are stubborn or slow to learn. We might be tempted to scoff at their actions.  “What! Don’t the Israelites know who God is? Don’t they realize what He just did to help them escape from Egypt?” But remember to us, it is just a few short pages in the Bible, but much more time had passed. And if we are honest, we might see a little bit of ourselves in this passage.  We are all “prone to wander, prone to leave the God I love” as the great hymn describes it. It is very easy to get out of the habit of spending time with God. There are always distractions and temptations that want to steal away our devotion to the Lord.

Psalm 42 is one of my favorite psalms. The popular song in the late twentieth century “As the Deer” comes from this psalm. The author desires to be in the house of the Lord and cannot go. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” vv. 1-2. Here you have the opposite effect occurring. Being cut off from God’s people, being alone and away from the Lord. If brings a strong desire for the authors to desire to back at a place where they were before. “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng” v. 5.

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

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Posted by John Weldon

“A Good Cry”

January 30, 2024

January 30, 2024

Read Genesis 46-48, Psalm 30

When’s the last time you had a good cry? I’m not talking about a time when you were really upset and cleared out all your sinus cavities. I mean a good cry where something you experienced brought you tears of joy so much that you were teared up emotionally with good tears.  That is a little bit of what we have here in Genesis 46-48. Jacob has long believed his son was gone for over 26 years and now all of a sudden, he finds out that Joseph is alive. He is not only alive but doing quite well in the land of Egypt.  Genesis 46:29-30 says, “As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time. 30 Israel said to Joseph, ‘Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.’” What are some things in your life that you might have lost all hope for? What things maybe you are tempted to give up on? The reunion of Joseph with Jacob tells us to hold out hope yet.

In Psalm 30 we find a familiar verse with the same message. The subheading to this psalm says it was written for the dedication of the temple by David. In verse 5 David writes, “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Other translations say that “His joy comes in the morning.” We may all experience difficult times and circumstances, we may face many things throughout our life, but for the Christian we can be assured that His joy will come in the morning. That Joy might be over several years like Jacob. It may even be something we have to wait until we enter heaven to experience but know that God’s joy will come to those who hope in him.

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

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

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