Luke 3

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, March 7: Luke 3

This chapter focuses in on the ministry of John the Baptist. John’s central message: “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance,” (v8). Luke associates John’s ministry with the fulfillment of Isaiah 40, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.”

The repentance John calls Israel to is a ministry of compassion and social justice. “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise,” (v11); to the tax collectors, “collect no more than you are authorized to do,” (v13); to the soldiers, “do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages,” (v14). This is what repentance looks like: love for others grounded firmly in love for God.

To repent is to change direction, to turn. Luke’s Gospel, more than any other, links repentance with forgiveness. Luke stresses God’s gracious acceptance of the sinner; however, Luke also emphasizes repentance as a core element in the teaching of Jesus. As we’ll see in our study of Acts, the early church continues to preach repentance as well (Acts 2.38; 3.19-20).

Luke gives us an interesting little detail with regard to the baptism of Jesus: he says that Jesus was praying immediately after his baptism as the Spirit descended upon him. Luke is going to underscore the importance of prayer at every point in Jesus’ life: at his baptism, before he chose his disciples, at the great confession, at the transfiguration, Gethsemane, and on the cross). Of course, this is a thread that he’ll carry over in Vol. II, as we’ll see next in our study. “What regularly happens in Luke-Acts when Jesus and his followers pray is that God reveals his will and gives courage and comfort.” (Mark Black, “Luke: The College Press NIV Commentary Series). Jesus, now anointed with the Spirit, is prepared to move forward in his ministry as God’s Messiah. This sets the stage for everything that follows in Luke’s Gospel.

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Luke 2

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, March 6: Luke 2

I apologize again for posting this so late today. The past few days have been filled with a lot of pain for a lot of people I know. But I’m thankful for the opportunity to finish out this day with God’s Word here in Luke 2.

Luke says that the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem occurs under the decree of Caesar Augustus (2.1), but we know better, don’t we? All of this takes place under the sovereignty of God. Caesars may come and go, but this King, born in Bethlehem, reigns forever!

2.7, Jesus is laid in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Some scholars have pointed out that a better translation for inn might be “guest room”, based on ancient Greek usage. They speculate that Joseph would’ve traveled back to his hometown and attempted to stay with his family for census purposes. He arrives to find that there is no room for him and his pregnant wife. Perhaps another family member has already claimed the guest room; perhaps Mary was so close to labor that the family didn’t want to risk ritual defilement by having her in the home; perhaps they simply didn’t approve of Joseph and Mary’s apparently illicit pre-marital relationship. Whatever the case, there is no room for them.

From the very beginning, Jesus is a displaced person. He will say in chapter 4 that a prophet is without honor in his hometown. He will say in chapter 9 that the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. The crowd will turn on him during Passion Week, choosing to receive the criminal Barrabas in his stead. And even today, millions willingly reject Him as Lord and Savior, refusing to invite Christ into their hearts.

But Luke points out that this is a displaced Messiah for displaced persons. The first to hear of this glorious birth? A group of lowly shepherds, tending their flocks. There are no magi in Luke’s story; no resplendent gifts lavished upon the child. Only low class workers paying tribute to a king born in a cave.

There are many other things we could say about this chapter, but one final comment: note how the key players in the story demonstrate faithfulness to God here in the beginning. Mary and Joseph wait for her time of purification to end before journeying to the Temple. They can only afford a pauper’s sacrifice (turtledoves / pigeons), yet they faithfully honor God’s Command. Simeon has faithfully waited to see God’s Messiah and honors God for fulfilling his promise. Anna, faithfully worships in the Temple each day, before finally laying eyes on God’s Son. And Mary and Joseph are faithful to God’s message to them, even to the point of naming the chosen child “Jesus”.

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Luke 1

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, March 5: Luke 1

Luke’s Gospel is a Gospel for the underdog: the downtrodden, the poor, Gentiles, women…all were considered second class citizens in the ancient world and each of them are recipients of the Good News in Luke’s Gospel. As we’ll also see in Luke’s writings, he emphasizes repentance and forgiveness more than any other NT writer. The Holy Spirit also emerges as a thematic emphasis in Luke / Acts. Just a few things to keep in mind as we read.

Luke begins his Gospel in a unique fashion: he begins by stating his intentions. He sets out to write an orderly account of the life of Jesus, addressed to Theophilus, “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught,” (v4). In v5, Luke mentions the reign of Herod, although it will soon become clear that Luke understands these experiences as occurring under the sovereign rule of God.

In chapter 1, two pregnancies are contrasted: the old barren woman and the young virgin girl, both impossibly pregnant. The old woman’s son will bring an end to the old covenant; the young woman’s son will usher in a new covenant era. But this is the power of God at work. With the birth of John, we have the priestly couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth (a daughter of Aaron). As the text says, Elizabeth was barren and advanced in years (v7). But an angel appears to Zechariah and says, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard,” (v13). A child is promised to this righteous couple, a child who “will be great before the Lord” (v15), one who will “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,” (v16). This prophetic figure calls to mind OT prophecies from Malachi (3.1, “Behold, I send my messenger and he will prepare the way before me,”; 4.5, “Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”).

But even an angel telling us our prayers have been heard does not necessarily result in faith. Zechariah questions Gabriel and is punished by a season of silence. But Elizabeth responds appropriately when she says, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people,” (v25).

Gabriel appears to Mary six months later and gives her news that radically alters the course of her life, not to mention human history: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of hte Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (v31-33). Mary questions how this could be possible, given her status as a virgin. And Gabriel answers by affirming the power of God: “For nothing will be impossible with God,” (v37).

Zechariah, a priest / preacher, is the first to hear Gabriel’s good news in Luke’s Gospel. But it is Mary, the poor girl, who is the first to praise God with a hymn, extolling his goodness (v46-55). One of the major themes of Mary’s song is the reversal of fortunes that only God can bring, which foreshadows the Gospel message of salvation for the outcast.

One interesting note: the early church fathers associated Mary’s conception with the burning bush in Exodus 3. Mary and the burning bush both contained God, yet neither were consumed — even though God is a consuming fire (Deut. 4.24).

Points of application:
Sometimes righteous people suffer disappointment: see Zechariah and Elizabeth.
Sometimes righteous people deal with doubt: see Zechariah.
But the response God seeks most is the response of praise: see Mary.

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What I’m Loving, March 2012

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Jason

It’s been a while since I’ve posted one of these. Here’s a random smattering of things I’ve been enjoying lately.

  • American Idol with my kids. Everybody knows American Idol is a long-in-the-tooth franchise: the ratings are slipping, the contestants are less talented, the format stale. But my kids love this show. It’s so much fun watching them develop their own personal “favorites” and root them on now that the competition has really started. We haven’t seen last night’s episode yet, so we don’t even know who is advancing to the Top 13 (or whatever it is). But it’s fun to have something like this to watch and talk about together as a family.
  • White Sox baseball. No, I haven’t forsaken my beloved Cardinals. This year, Joshua will be playing on the White Sox in Madison’s 7U 14-team league. Actually, I’m going to brag a little here. This year, every player in Joshua’s age bracket had to try out with fielding drills, batting practice and timed running exercises. The coaches were all assembled on the side with their clipboards and stopwatches. I know, ridiculous, right? But our little guy caught the eye of at least one coach who selected Joshua as a “lottery pick” — meaning he was one of the top players drafted in the entire league. We’ll see if he can live up to his draft day billing, but I can assure you that Dad will do everything in his power to keep him humble. And we’re all at least a little overjoyed that he wasn’t drafted by that “other” Chicago team. Not sure what we would’ve done if that had happened.
  • David Crowder Band’s “Give Us Rest”. The year has been pretty bare thus far with regard to new music. But DCB has released a swan song disk that is on par with anything they’ve put out in the past. At 34 tracks, there’s plenty to chew on. But it’s the thematic approach that’s most compelling. DCB takes a long hard look at life, death, and the promises of God that permeate them both. From the opening line (“Give us rest / We’re all worn thin from all of this”), the band sounds both haggard and hopeful, battle scarred yet full of anticipation for what God has in store. Musically, DCB has always defied easy categorization and this final entry into their canon is no different: electronica, alt rock, bluegrass, rock opera…they all make an appearance here. But it’s the declaration of hope amid life’s realities that stays with you after listening to this album.
  • Stephen King’s “The Stand”. I’m not a big fiction reader. Mainly because I find most fiction to be poorly written and really boring. Nonfiction is just so much more compelling. That being said, I’ll occasionally find a piece of fiction that grabs me. (Like Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”, my favorite piece of fiction.) I’d heard the producers of LOST rave about King’s “The Stand” for years and I decided to tackle it. All 900+ pages. I have to say, it was a bit slow-going in the beginning, but at the 150 page mark, the book just took off. I absolutely loved this work, despite my aversion to most of King’s work. His post-apocalyptic dark gospel just drew me in. And I’m convinced Josh Holloway would make a great Stu Redman. A great read.
  • Working out with Sunny. My wife is absolutely sold out to the idea of working out and eating properly. As a result, I’m spending more time at the gym than I ever have in my life. And it’s all for the best, too. Last April, I tipped the scales at a hefty 210 lbs. Thanks to the gym and a great calorie-counting app on my phone, I’ve dropped 27 lbs. Best of all, I’ve kept the weight off and I feel better than I have in years. It’s fun to hit the treadmill and the elliptical machine with Sunny. I love having her as a workout partner!
  • March sports. I think this is my favorite time of year: March Madness bracketology, spring training games in full swing, and my annual fantasy baseball drafts. Lots of fun.
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Titus 3

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, March 2: Titus 3

This chapter, though brief, is loaded with instruction and encouragement, both for Titus and for today’s reader. If I had to reduce this chapter down to a singular theme, I think “doing what is good” seems to fit, given that Paul uses that phrase multiple times here.

Once again, the Word teaches us that humility must permeate the life of Jesus’ disciples. This humility prompts us to submit to our governing authorities, extending goodness, peace and consideration, showing “true humility toward all men,” (v1). Prior to Christ, Paul says our lives were characterized by indulgence (“…enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures,”) and hate (“…being hated and hating one another”). But then, the glorious kindness and love of God appeared to us and our lives were forever changed. This “but then” moment is Gospel to us — the “good news” that is salvation for those who believe. It is this grace that liberates us to live the kind of lives that Paul writes about: lives that reflect the goodness of God. Obedience, trust, faith, love in action…these all conspire to declare the goodness of God to the world. It is no accident that the most oft-repeated phrase in Scripture affirms the good love of God throughout the ages: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

This ultimate commitment to God’s enduring goodness leads the disciple to avoid certain behaviors, too. In particular, the Christ-follower is to be on guard against “foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless,” (v9). It’s instructive for us to realize that Jesus had little use for the legalists of His day who would spew invective and condemnation and division. As followers of Christ, we take our cues from Him, moving forward only in love.

Paul closes with a few personal remarks and one final exhortation for Titus’ teaching: “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” (v14)

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Titus 2

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, March 1: Titus 2

I am REALLY late in posting this for today’s reading. My apologies. It’s just been a very busy day.

One of the primary motivations for Paul’s writing is to encourage Titus to be a teacher of “sound doctrine (v1)” as a way of countering the false teachers from the circumcision party who are “upsetting whole families (1.11)” with their deception. It is no surprise, then, when Paul embarks on his discussion of Christian households in this chapter.

The instruction for older men, older women and younger men share one common element: self-control. Reverent behavior is encouraged among these groups. The older men are commanded to maintain steadfastness (hope), faith and love. Older women should not imbibe much drink or gossip while teaching the younger ladies. Slaves — an important part of domestic life in the ancient world — are commanded to be trustworthy, that “the teaching about God our Savior” might be attractive (v10).

“Sound doctrine” never strays from this cardinal truth, found in v11: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” Grace seasons the movements of the body of Christ across the spectrum of old & young, slave & free, male & female. This is the hallmark of the Christian community as she waits for her blessed hope, “the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (v13).

Until then, like Titus, this is what we teach and live.

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Saints in Santa Rosa de Copan

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Jason

Lately, I’ve been posting mostly my daily Bible study comments as our church family reads through the New Testament together in 2012. (For more information, check out this link to our Facebook page.) But it’s been a while since I posted a more “personal” blog about what’s going on with me and my ministry. Specifically, I want to record some thoughts about a wonderful experience I just had with the saints that meet in a special place in the Lord’s vineyard: Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras.

Last week, Sunny and I had the chance to spend some time with these precious brothers and sisters. For the past several years, some of our dearest friends, Jon and Stacy Stacy, have been prayerfully considering God’s call on their lives. (That story is a God-inspired one in itself; check out their blog to read it in its entirety.) After much prayer and discussion, the Stacys left the States last September to worship and work in Honduras. We decided to visit them and encourage them in their work, but we had no idea what kind of blessing the Lord had in store for us in this beautiful place.

We arrived in Honduras last Friday and were immediately received by the Stacys and their precious children. We flew in to San Pedro Sula, a major city in northwest Honduras. After catching up over lunch, we drove three hours southwest to Santa Rosa de Copan, the largest city in western Honduras with a population just north of 42,000. The Stacys moved to Santa Rosa to work with Mission Upreach, an organization whose mission is to plant one church in every village in the surrounding area in this generation. That means Mission Upreach aims to plant nearly 2,500 churches to serve as a foothold for the Kingdom of God in western Honduras.

Each time I travel to a different part of the world, I’m struck by the sincerity of spirit that is shared among brothers and sisters in Christ. These dear people received us warmly and graciously and it reminded me of my brothers in Cuba, the brothers and sisters I met in South Africa in 2010, and the bond we share as believers, regardless of our nationality. I was reminded of a phrase I picked up in South Africa: ubuntu. Ubuntu is defined as a communal perspective, a way of thinking that says, “I am what I am because of who we all are.” No one can be defined in isolation, but rather in relation to others. We were all created to share a common identity as God’s image bearers. But brothers and sisters in Christ share ubuntu, a common heritage and a common Lord (Eph. 4). I’m glad that I can now add the saints in Santa Rosa to my list of ubuntu friends.

Paul is quite fond of the word “saints” — it’s one of his “go to” words to describe followers of Christ. Now, Paul is quite aware of our sinful condition; he writes extensively about sin and its power, too. But Paul is also adamant in his declaration that if we are in Christ, belonging to Him, then we experience sanctification and, therefore, can be properly classified as saints. It’s not that we have achieved holiness on our own; rather, the holy character of Christ is continually being formed in me. “Be holy as I am holy,” is a command that is fulfilled both instantaneously (at the point of belief, baptism, etc.) and progressively (over time, through discipleship). At any rate, the brothers and sisters in Santa Rosa de Copan certainly fit the bill. Their saintly spirits, warm smiles, attentive ears, and patience with poor-Spanish-speaking Americanos like myself are all proof that the character of Christ has been formed in these godly brethren.

I wish I could share all the details about my wonderful visit to this wonderful place. But it’s enough for me to say that I thank God for His church that meets in Santa Rosa. May He continue to keep His hand upon her for His namesake and for His glory both now and forevermore. Amen.

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Titus 1

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Feb. 29: Titus 1

Titus 1 is a good chapter to read as a follow up to yesterday’s reading in 1 Peter 5. The majority of this chapter is devoted to the role of overseers in the church.

But Paul’s introduction is chock full of theological content. Paul identifies himself as a “servant” in v1, but the word is often used even more descriptively for “slave”. As God’s servant / slave, Paul speaks on the authority of his master, the Source of truth, godliness, and hope (verses 1-2). Paul holds up the unfading promises of God, “who never lies” (1.2). Paul sees the ministry of the church occurring at this “appointed season” (1.3) under the sovereignty of God Himself.

The shepherds over God’s flock should seek to emulate the same qualities as God the Father, summarized in the phrase “above reproach”. Such a man demonstrates faithfulness: to his wife, to his children, and to the Lord’s body. He leads his family in the faith, refusing to indulge either his temper or his fleshly passions. He shows hospitality, models self-control, and encourages others through teaching soundly.

Although these characteristics are directed to Titus as qualifications for overseers / elders, there is also a general application to all who would follow the Lord. If God has determined that these are the kinds of qualities He seeks in His shepherds, I think we would all do well to try and live by these same characteristics. Since these qualities are important to God, we should aspire to have these same traits formed in our character. Am I a man or a woman who could be characterized as being “above reproach”? Do I manage my family well? Am I showing hospitality? What message do I teach?

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1 Peter 5

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, Feb. 28: 1 Peter 5

Peter’s exile language calls to mind Israel’s wilderness experience. Just as God called Moses from the flocks of Midian to shepherd His people toward the Promised Land, so too has God called for shepherds over His flock in the church. These shepherds (also called “elders”, 1 Peter 5.1) serve under the leadership of “the Chief Shepherd” (5.4), the Overseer of their souls (2.25). In his book “Shepherds After My Own Heart”, Timothy Laniak coins the phrase “under-shepherds” to describe the work of these men. They exercise pastoral leadership and care for the flock, never losing sight of the fact that this occurs under the broad overarching umbrella of the Lord’s shepherding. Under-shepherds understand that they are stewards of God’s flock, serving eagerly and willingly.

In the same way, Peter calls the young men to submission to the older men. As we’ve said a few times now, submission is a significant theme in Peter’s writing. God’s leaders are, first and foremost, followers. They are people who have humbled themselves before God (5.6), trusting Him to lift them up. This is the Gospel, this is faith, this is baptism, this is life with God — the humble death of the old man; the glorious resurrection of the new creation.

Peter closes with a call to awareness. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” (5.8). The forces of evil are at work in our world all the time and we would be wise to be on guard against wickedness. Peter encourages self-control (5.8) and perseverance (5.9) in this struggle against evil. But God’s exiles also move forward armed with this final promise: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (5.10)”

Amen.

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1 Peter 4: Exiles or Ethnos?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, Feb. 27: 1 Peter 4

In the early part of the letter, Peter has been reminding the people of God of their identity. “Exiles”, “strangers”, “sojourners”, “foreigners” and “aliens” are used interchangeably to locate God’s people as a displaced group. Peter seems to be envisioning a new wilderness experience for the people of God, a nomadic experience of longing for our true home. Whether the context is perseverance through suffering, submission to authority, or the call to emulate God’s holy character, Christians are called to live as exiles in the flesh.

Peter uses another word in ch4 to describe those who indulge their sinful desires: “pagans” (NIV, v3) or “ethnos” in Greek. If exiles are characterized by their submission to the Chief Shepherd, then the ethnos bow only to their own fleshly impulses. They do not understand why exiles refuse to engage in their vices: “debauchery, lusty, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry,” (v3). But the day will soon arrive when exiles and ethnos alike “will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead,” (v5). Live as exiles, Peter says, not as ethnos.

The exile’s life is distinguished by self-control, clarity of mind, hospitality and, above all, abounding love, which covers a multitude of sins (v8). “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms,” (v10). God uniquely gifts His exiles and asks for faithful stewardship in the employment of these gifts that His grace might be properly administrated. What is your gift? And how are you using it?

Exiles also possess a reoriented mind, finding joy even in the midst of suffering. This theme was teased out in 1.6-7 and Peter returns to it here at the end of ch4. Peter’s words must have been a tremendous encouragement to the first century exiles who faced opposition at every turn from the Jewish religious institution, the Roman empire, as well as their neighbors and family members. But his teaching would have reminded them of the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you,” (Matt. 5.10-12).

Brothers and sisters, may you live today as exiles in a foreign land. May you employ your gift to bring glory to our Father God, wherever you might be and whatever you might do. And may we face our trials and challenges with the knowledge that God’s spirit of power and glory rests fully upon us (1 Pet. 4.14).

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