Category: Bible (Page 323 of 419)

My math teacher in high school liked to give tests on December 7. As he handed out thick packets of problems he gleefully exclaimed, today is Pearl Harbor Day, and here is my attack! The man needed a life.

Today is the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The devastation caused by the bombing shocked the US and the world. Most of the US Pacific fleet lay peacefully at anchor, unprepared for the assault at hand, and this lack of preparation proved indispensable in the success of the raid.

Nehemiah, on the other hand, prepared well. Distraught at the vulnerable nature of Jerusalem, and helpless to resolve the problem, Nehemiah sought the Lord as he developed a plan. As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah had access to the most powerful person in the world at that time. Perhaps the right words might sway the ruler.

First, Nehemiah showed his sadness in the king’s presence—true emotional vulnerability—as the king banished servants for upsetting him. But this king appreciated Nehemiah, and asked what troubled him.

Nehemiah shared his sorrow and the king responded, What do you want? After a deep breath and a brief prayer, Nehemiah revealed his big idea—If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.

Nehemiah followed with detailed plans for ways the king could provide the materials and finances for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Agreeing to all, the king even threw in a cavalry detachment and army officers to protect Nehemiah during the massive undertaking.

Had Nehemiah responded to the king’s question with, I’m not sure, let me get back with you, I suspect that our Bibles would be a few pages shorter. A lack of decisiveness in the presence of the king meant failure. Perhaps someone else might have rebuilt the walls, but not Nehemiah.

What plans or ideas are rolling around in your head? We never know when the circumstances align for us to act—it pays to prepare.

Nehemiah 2 in week forty-nine of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski

I have much to be grateful for this time of year, including a successful trip with a group on the Camino de Santiago, despite all the covid fears and protocols. One of our participants said this of the trip:

The Camino trip with y’all is one of the greatest gifts we have received from God in our 20+ years with Cru. We returned home with sore joints but refreshed souls.

I’m grateful for family and friends, and for times of slowness and contemplation. Of course, I grateful for those of you who read my blog regularly, or occasionally, whatever the case may be!

As staff members with Cru (the campus ministry where I do my day job), my wife and I raise all the funds needed to cover our salary, health care, retirement benefits and ministry expenses— everything we receive. It amazes me sometimes to realize that we have seen the Lord provide this way, through a team of committed donors, for 36 years.

However, as we look towards 2022, we find ourselves with a specific need that requires us to give attention to our funding.

Recently a long-term church partner informed us of a change in their giving, resulting in a decrease in our funding of $4800 annually. Add in a significant increase in the costs of our medical coverage and ministry expenses, and we find ourselves needing to raise an additional $14,000 in annual giving this coming year.

For us this need is best met with on-going giving on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. But while our primary need is for long-term funding, a gift of any amount at this time helps us serve for the coming year.

If you would like to help with this need, you can do so by giving a one-time gift, or joining our team on a regular basis. You can give online at www.give.cru.org.

Thank you for considering this request and lifting this need up to the Father. I hope to continue to blog my way through the Bible in 2022, and your giving will help make that possible.

Blessings,

Dave

Of all the terrible people in scripture, Haman stands in the top 1%.

An adviser to King Xerxes, Haman literally pranced his status in the streets. When one lowly Jewish man failed to bow, an incensed Haman concocted a plan to murder him and all his people throughout the empire. Genocide over a snub.

Fortunately, Esther and Mordecai saved the day. Well, saved the day for everyone except Haman. When Xerxes discovered the depths of the foul plan (why he asked no questions earlier reveals a disturbing lack of connection) he turned his wrath on Haman, impaling him on a 75-foot pole. The best, most ironic part of the story reveals that Haman initially built this structure to victimize Mordecai (FYI, don’t google impalement unless you have a strong stomach).

Ultimately, Haman suffered the justice he deserved. I like this ending. Nice, tidy, dramatic. Evil is vanquished and good people take charge (except crazy Xerxes is still calling the shots). Justice like we all hope for in the world.

Sometimes before my eyes, I watch the unjust brought to punishment. But too often, I see corrupt people prosper, doing so as they climb on the backs of unfortunates below them. Nothing nice or tidy emerges to chastise their behavior.

However, I’m reminded that the Lord knows how to execute justice, in this world or the next. While I’m not sure if eternity will be nice and tidy, it certainly will be dramatic.

Esther 7 in week forty-nine of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Ashley Jurius

If people could read one line on your tombstone 2,000 years from now, what would you hope they would read?

In a short letter, way back at the end of our Bibles, we learn the names of two church leaders. Outside of this letter, no further knowledge of these men exists. Scholars know nothing more of their past or futures. Only their mention in this short note from John to his friend Gaius reveals anything about them.

John first wrote of Diotrephes—who loves to be first. Diotrephes opposed the influence of John and other followers of Jesus. He spread rumors, refused to host traveling believers, and even stopped others from doing so. John goes to far as to refer to Diotrephes as evil.

Contrast that description with Demetrius—well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. John commended Demetrius for his service to the people around him and encouraged Gaius to engage with such a good man.

Diotrephes loved his position, loved to be first, loved all the attention and adornments and power that come to a leader. He cherished control. The work of the Lord dragged behind the work of keeping Diotrephes in the limelight.

Demetrius walked in the truth he professed. He was ok with being first, or second or fifteenth, or twenty-third. I picture him patiently waiting at the back of the church buffet line, letting others fill their plates first, then helping wash the dishes.

Demetrius served others—Diotrephes used them.

Pretty crappy line on a tombstone—He loved to be first—but that’s what Diotrephes earned. Demetrius, for his humble service, reaped a beautiful epitaph—well spoken of by the truth—and we gain encouragement from his example today.

I’m sure we’ll meet Demetrius in glory, where he’s probably holding one of the pearly gates open for us to enter.

3 John in week forty-eight of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Javier Quiroga