Author: Dave Dishman (Page 25 of 450)

I walked along the boardwalk above smoking, bubbling cauldrons of mud and murk in Yellowstone National Park. Signs warned not to leave the safety of the passage, but I wondered just how secure was this raised platform of treated lumber over seething hot water? These walkways are temporary, useful for a few years before needing repair or replacement. They stand firm for only for a season because of the diabolical nature of the ground they cover.

I seek a more solid way of walking through life. The prophet Isaiah points to where such a life is found—If you are not firm in faith, you are not firm at all.

What do we consider firm in this world? It’s hard to come up with a list. Certainly not morals or societal norms. What for all of history was considered firm—male and female—now faces upending and confusion. Cultural elites teach that the only truth is that there is no truth, missing the irony of such a claim.

How do I avoid chaos and build upon a true foundation? By investing my faith in the right person. Jesus famously taught us to build our house upon a rock, and when the rains fall, and the floods come, and the winds blow, our house will not collapse. Only a fool builds above the bubbling cauldrons surrounding us.

No other philosophy or religious creed or way of life matches the unyielding solidity found in God the Father, Jesus his Son, and the Holy Spirit our Advocate. Sink roots in the ground of the Lord. Keep the faith and flourish.

Isaiah 7:9 & Matthew 7:24-27

Photo by airbr3ak3r.zh

Two passages stood out in my Bible reading this morning, both stark warnings about the nature and status of mankind. First, a warning from the prophet Isaiah to the kings of Israel: Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?

Then, from the pen of David: Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!

Both sections of Scripture remind me of the status of men and women before a just and holy God. In the light of His glory, majesty and might, human beings are mere dust, of little regard, of no account. A bleak picture of those who oppose the Lord, and we all stand rightfully accused.

Nevertheless, God chose to love me and you and all ill-regarded men and women. He graciously sent his one and only son to sacrifice his life for us. We’re of no account, yet of the highest value. Hard to understand, and even harder to fathom—how do we plumb the mind of the Lord? But I remain grateful that God chose to account for those of us of no account.

Isaiah 2:22 & Psalm 9:19-20

Photo by Xavier von Erlach

An obscure reference marks the end of a passage describing King Ahaz’s destructive changes to the temple in Jerusalem. We’re told that Ahaz modified the entrance to the temple (likely an awning over the entrance) because of the king of Assyria.

The chronicler described Ahaz as one who did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. In fact, Ahaz gave the Lord the middle finger. He even burned his son alive as an offering to demonic gods, living according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.

Why Ahaz turned so hard from the Lord we do not know. Why does anyone reject God? One clue emerges—Ahaz desperately felt the need to please the king of Assyria. In homage to the most powerful ruler in the region, Ahaz shuttered the temple and chopped up its furniture. Worship was held at new pagan alters. Ahaz fawned before the Assyrian king.

Despite a long lineage from the house of David, Ahaz chose to live at the pleasure of his pagan overlord. Ahaz proved a criminal of a human being and a failure as king. Active rebellion best describes his actions toward God.

To be honest, I’m tempted in the same way. How much easier to shunt aside the ways of the Lord and embrace empty philosophies? It’s challenging to read the Scriptures and pray and spend time with fellow believers. It takes discipline and attentiveness, time and energy. Following Jesus remains a counter-cultural lifestyle, but my life and yours flourish when we make decisions because of The King.

2 Kings 16:18

Photo by Christopher Stites

When I was a kid my parents took me and my brother to watch the filming of a TV episode at Silver Dollar City, a local theme park. This rare occurrence created a stir, and my brother and I enjoyed the excitement. I remember standing behind ropes quietly watching the proceedings, and then shaking the hands of some of the actors. A brush with royalty, and the Beverly Hillbillies remains an all-time favorite of mine.

As a child I stood dumbstruck when I met an actor. I wonder what it felt like for children to meet Jesus? Parents often brought their young ones to a well-known rabbi for a blessing. Jesus drew large crowds, parents with children included. At one point these gaggles of kids overwhelmed Jesus’s disciples:

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.

I get the feeling that in the midst of ceaseless crowds, with ongoing teaching, questions and healings, the disciples felt enough was enough. But not Jesus—not when the kids ran up.

The King James Version of his response reads: Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. The word suffer in Early Modern English means to allow something or tolerate an action. Jesus tells his disciples to tolerate this intrusion, because the kingdom of heaven swells in childlike hearts.

Suffer little children to come unto me sounds stronger than let the little children come. The phrase leans toward get the children in front of me, or make pains to get these kids at my knee. Why? Because the kingdom of heaven sits like a spark in their midst, and Jesus fans the flames.

A riotous group of of kids doesn’t appeal to everyone. Bless those who teach Sunday morning classes at church, run Vacation Bible School, or lead the middle school youth group. As followers of Jesus, we should bless these efforts, as well as do all we can to get our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their friends at his side. In doing so we open their lives, and ours, to the glorious kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:13-15

Photo by Nae Unani