1)# ’But God chose ... ‘
1 Corinthians 1:27 (26-31)
How precious is this! The Apostle Paul lists those whom God has chosen. ‘The foolish, the weak, the lowly, the despised ...’ Not a list to go up on the honours board, but a list of those that the LORD Jesus can use for his glory. This is not to decry education or expertise, both of which have value, especially when used for the benefit of other people. In fact Paul notes that some, but not many, in the Corinthian church were influential and well-educated.
However, those the world rejects as unimportant, unimpressive or ungainly, the LORD chooses, welcomes and blesses. You see, self-achievement and self-adulation can be a big hindrance in being a servant of the LORD and of other people. How often self gets in the way of service, so the LORD looks for those who are emptied of self, humble in heart and willing to serve, that he can fill with his Holy Spirit. Thank God that in Christ Jesus, you and I have been chosen. Let’s boast of what he has done for us, even again today.
2)# ’Who touched my clothes?’
Mark 5:30 (24-34)
With people crowding around Jesus, it could be any one of so many. But the question was not asked of people generally, but of one person in particular. Whilst other people had brushed Jesus’ clothes in the bustle of the crowd, one lady had touched his clothes deliberately, with faith that it would be sufficient to do what many doctors could not do. Immediately she was healed and would have quickly slipped away never to be recorded in scripture, but for Christ’s question.
Her touch was noticed by Jesus and he draws her out from the crowd to acknowledge her faith, to give her peace and help her to tell other people about what Christ had done for her. It may have been trembling the first time, but thereafter she would have witnessed more boldly. So let’s follow this lady’s example and start telling people about all that Christ has done for us.
3)# ’Remember your Creator.’
Ecclesiastes 12:1 (1-5)
Belief in a Creator God is offensive in today’s society. Most schools no longer teach it. Some clergy no longer preach it, and many individuals no longer believe it. People would rather believe in superstition or scientific theories. You’re not accountable to fate or science, but you are accountable to a Creator.
The advice here is for us to acknowledge our Creator. As the writer points out, a Creator God gives meaning to life that evolution cannot give. God created for a reason, and that reason is for us to know him, to enjoy what he has made and find completeness in him. To ignore him leaves us alone and without hope and as our reading reminded us, this life, with all its trappings, will come to an end one day. But, if we acknowledge our Creator now, even the LORD Jesus, then he will acknowledge us before his Father in heaven, and include us in his new creation that he has planned - forever.
4)# ’Be content with what you have.’
Hebrews 13:5 (1-8)
Not the easiest of things to be in a society that constantly pushes the latest and newest versions of whatever. A cheap and throw-away culture doesn’t encourage contentment. There is always something bigger, better, faster, newer! And it’s strange how, more often than not, we compare what we have with those who have more than us, rather than with those who have less.
The reason for being content is given in the following verses. The promise of God’s constant presence with his people means that what we have will be all that we need for that moment in our lives. It may not be what we might like or desire, or what other people have, but it will be what God knows we need for both our physical and spiritual well-being.
It was a lesson Paul learned and it enabled him to serve the LORD freely in all circumstances. A confidence in God will result in contentment with what we have and generosity towards other people.
5)# ’But Barnabas took him.’
Acts 9:27 (23-30)
We all need someone like Barnabas at some time in our lives. Some were suspicious of Saul’s conversion, but Barnabas was willing to believe his testimony, as well as that of the disciples in Damascus, like Ananias. Some were afraid of him, given how he had treated the early Church, but Barnabas was willing to take a risk. It says a lot about Barnabas and he was the one to introduce Saul to the apostles and vouch for his conversion.
There may be good reason for us to doubt whether someone has truly turned to Christ, especially if they have a so-called 'history’. But we need those who, like Barnabas, will give opportunity and encouragement for people to live a new life in Christ, irrespective of what they may have done or been in the past. As Jesus made clear and as Saul soon showed, true disciples of Christ will be proved by the sort of fruit they bear in their lives. So let’s find someone we can encourage in their walk with Jesus today.
6)# ’Your name is like perfume poured out.’
Song of Songs 1:3 (1-4)
The very mention of the lover’s name seemed to fill the room with a most beautiful aroma. Such was her love for him that she delighted in his name being spoken. People today may dishonour the name of Jesus, but no amount of abuse can take away the beauty it holds for those of us who love him.
The name of Jesus has power over the darkness of sin and death. The name of Jesus brings healing to the heart, mind and body. The name of Jesus gives peace in troubled times. The name of Jesus is the name by which we are saved. The name of Jesus is exalted high above all others and one day, every knee will bow and every tongues confess him as LORD, when he comes again. Lift up the name of Jesus today and share the fragrance he brings.
7)# ’Does this offend you?’
John 6:61 (60-69)
This question from Jesus came at a time when his teaching was becoming more challenging and personal, and harder for the wider group of disciples to take, so that many turned back from following him (v66). The teaching of Jesus has always caused offence to those who want to sit comfortably within the world. This is as true today as it ever has been, especially over moral issues.
One of the dangers for the Church today, is that to make Christianity more attractive, we compromise the teaching of scripture so as not to offend. When Jesus caused offence by telling the truth, he didn’t back down or seek common ground. He loved people too much to do that - and so should we. Revealed truth rather than human reasoning will bring salvation to needy sinners.
The cross of Christ will offend, but it remains the only way to be saved.
8)# ’Just as he had done before.’
Daniel 6:10 (10-14)
Despite the threat of hungry lions, Daniel saw no reason to change or conceal his habit of worshipping the LORD. His fear of God was greater than any fear of lions, jealous staff or even the king himself. He continued to do what he knew to be right before God, even if it contradicted some misguided law. He didn’t enter into discussion or look for a way to please both sides. There was no middle way on this issue. The apostles did the same when they stood before the Sanhedrin in Acts chapter four.
There will be times when pressure is applied on us to stay quiet, to agree with ways that are contrary to Biblical teaching. We may be asked not to speak about Jesus or share our beliefs, so as not to offend or cause upset. We will face increasing opposition to Biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality. When these things happen, may we be given wisdom and courage to follow Daniel’s example and do what is right before the LORD rather than before men, whatever the cost.
9)# ’Forgive your brother from your heart.’
Matthew 18:35 (23-35)
Real forgiveness runs deep. It’s much more than simply saying that things are okay. More than a smile and polite conversation with those who have offended us. Many people put on a show of having forgiven, whilst still holding on to grudges or hurts deep within, out of the sight of other people. It may convince others, but not the LORD, and we’ll not know the joy and peace that comes with giving real forgiveness.
Jesus makes it clear that true forgiveness is from the heart which is not visible to other people, but is seen by our heavenly Father. An unforgiving heart will show itself sooner or later, as in this parable. An unforgiving heart is a hard heart (cf Matt 6:14). But when we forgive from our hearts, we’ll be right before God. It destroys the root of any bitterness, irrespective of what the other person might do. So let’s forgive from our hearts today and enjoy the freedom and peace that comes from Christ himself as we do.
10)# ’They do not even know how to blush.’
Jeremiah 6:15 (13-15)
Mark Twain, the American writer, humorist and essayist, said, ‘Man is the only animal who blushes - or needs to.’ Yet in our reading, the wickedness of the Israelites had sunk to such a depth of deceit and corruption that they had lost any natural shame and their consciences were numbed. Even those who were meant to serve as an example and lead the people to live God’s way, had become affected by the general immorality. They neither blushed on the cheeks, nor in the heart, and God could not tolerate it any longer.
Similar situations of immorality and idolatry are warned against when Christ speaks to his Church at the beginning of the book of Revelation. The need to blush is an indication of our need to be forgiven. The shameless ways of some today must not be apparent in the Church. God has called us to be holy - so holy we must be.
11)# ’Your faith in God has become known everywhere.’
1 Thessalonians 1:8 (4-10)
Role models can have the ripple effect. Talk of what the Thessalonian believers were like had spread quickly as people returned to Macedonia and Achaia with news of faith that changed lives. Such was the impact, that other believers took them as a role model and sought to emulate them. It had all started with the Thessalonians imitating the example set by Paul, Silas and Timothy.
Paul’s memory of the Thessalonians caused him to thank and praise God as he and other people witnessed the change in this group of believers. Their living faith had changed their way of living. That’s what faith should do, as is explained in Hebrews ch 11 and James ch 2. Faith in action impacts the lives of other people and the Thessalonian believers now set an example for other congregations to follow. So let’s join in with them and be known as people whose faith in the living God makes a difference to how we live today.
12)# ’If only ...’
2 Kings 5:3 (1-6) -
These heartfelt words of a young servant girl began a series of events that would change the lives of many people. She longed to see her master cured of his leprosy. She had seen the upset it caused. Despite his position as army commander, Naaman had no control over his leprosy. But the girl knew where healing could be found and the words tumbled out… ‘if only’. Maybe she practised what to say. Maybe she waited for the right moment. Maybe she spoke hesitantly. Maybe she just blurted it out. The main thing is that she spoke up, and lives were changed.
Jesus spoke similar words to the woman at the well in John ch 4. ‘If you knew…you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’ If only people knew the forgiveness and freedom from sin that Jesus gives. If only people experienced the new life in Christ. If only someone told them! Let’s be like the servant girl and do our best to tell someone today. By God’s grace it may make the difference between life and death.
13)# ’How much more ...’
Matthew 7:11 (7-12)
There’s little comparison really. Yet Jesus makes one in order to underline the utter trust and confidence we can have in our Father God. If earthly parents know how to give good things to their children, how much more will our heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask? ‘How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,’ wrote John in his first letter. Here is an abundant God, a generous God, a God with a big heart.
Have you noticed the persistence of children when they really want something? Linked with God’s generosity is our persistence. How much do we really seek after God? How much do we want to serve him and live according to his will? Are we ready to be honed and refined, as well as to be blessed? Do we really long for family and friends to know Christ as their Saviour? If so then let’s be persistent and not give up (cf Lk 18:1ff). Then we’ll discover how much more God has for those who love to live his way and are ready to serve him.
14)# ’Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?’
Psalm 10:1 (1-11)
This cry is echoed day after day as similar events to those described by the Psalmist, happen around the world today. It is likely that all believers have, at some time or another, felt as if the LORD is standing back or even hiding, especially for those who are caught up in war zones or victims of injustice. Whether it is on a world or personal level, there are times when the wickedness of man seems to be unrestrained and as if the LORD is turning a blind eye and deaf ear. We can feel very alone.
But the psalmist answers his own question. ‘You, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand (v14).’ The LORD is King (v16), he hears our cry (v17) and he will bring about justice (v18). Rather than standing far off, God has drawn near as Christ Jesus and experienced the unfairness of life for himself. He knows what it is like to be oppressed and afflicted. As a result he can help all who struggle in life. We can call out to him and, as Hebrews puts it, ‘receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ What man intends for harm, can be turned for good as we trust in the LORD.
15)# ‘Whoever wants to become great. ‘
Mark 10:43 (41-45)
Books are written about it. Seminars are held about it. Social media promotes it. Becoming great is what many people aspire to achieve. Promotion, wealth, fame, might all give some level of greatness, but at what cost? As many have found, greatness in the eyes of the world may not be all that great after all. The trappings of greatness can soon become a burden that’s hard to carry and many have fallen beneath its weight.
So what is Christ’s advice on being great? Become a servant, a slave, and follow his example. Put other people first, seek their good and you’ll be considered great in God’s kingdom. We won’t necessarily make the headlines in the world's media, but it will be noted in heaven and bring eternal reward.
16)# ’But Daniel resolved not to defile himself.’
Daniel 1:8 (3-9)
Having the resolve is more than just making a decision. It’s about having the determination to see it through. When all around them were enjoying food from the king’s table, the Israelites’ decision taken one day, had to be put into action the next day.
When the majority ignore God’s pattern for living, it can be easy to accept it as the norm. Not so for Daniel and his fellow Israelites, and not so for us. Eating the wrong sort of food, even whilst a captive, would compromise their walk with God. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were committed to being right before God, even if it made them different from other people. Their confidence for health and strength was in the Lord, rather than in the king’s food. It wouldn’t be the last time their resolve would be tested.
When we are tempted to follow the majority or trust in worldly ways and schemes rather than in the LORD, then we need to reconsider our decisions and resolve to live in obedience to God’s way.
17)# ’This I keep on doing.’
Romans 7:19 (14-20)
How many times has this been true for us? ‘The evil I do not want to do -’, says Paul, just before this admission. Later he exclaims in frustration, ‘What a wretched man I am!’. Perhaps one consolation for us, is to know that Paul had the same struggles as we have.
The constant battle with the old nature is something we have to deal with day by day. It can wear us down, especially when we try so hard and still fail. But thankfully we have a High Priest in Jesus, who ‘has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.’ (Heb 4:15). He intercedes on our behalf and by his Holy Spirit strengthens our new nature as we offer ourselves to him day by day. Learning to rely on his strength takes time, but by his grace, over time, we will overcome - just like Paul.
18)# ’Then the LORD shut him in.’
Genesis 7:16 (11-16)
Closing the door of the ark was an act of God. Building the ark was an act of obedience and faith and Noah had both. But it was for God to decide when the door should be shut. For those in the ark, it meant safety and a future. For those outside, it meant judgement and death.
Just as God closed the door of the ark, so this world will be brought to a conclusion, not by man, but by an act of God. Whilst the door of the ark remained open, any who entered in could be saved from the coming flood. Until Jesus returns, there is forgiveness and salvation for all who come to the cross of Christ. If you do not know Jesus as your LORD and Saviour then come to him now in repentance and faith and trust him to save you from the wrath of God. If you are already in Christ, then walk in obedience and faith and extend an invitation to all, whilst the door is still open.
19)# ’Because he loved this world.’
2 Timothy 4:10 (9-13)
Just a few words, but what a sad turn of events. Demas had been co-worker with the Apostle Paul. He’d heard Paul speak, seen the Holy Spirit at work and been involved in front-line ministry. He’d sent greetings to fellow-believers and worked alongside Mark and Luke. But then something changed. His love for ‘this (present) world’ suggests desertion for personal comfort rather than further ministry. An opportunity not to be missed was taken by Demas and he left Paul and other people, out of love for the things of this world.
Let’s not dismiss or belittle the attractions of this world. Gifted people follow Christ. His disciples hold positions of influence and responsibility. Worldly opportunities not to be missed, present themselves in all sorts of ways, but may take us away from following Jesus. Demas is not the only one to succumb. So let’s make sure that we stay alert to the dangers and don’t desert the One we serve. That way we won’t miss out on the eternal reward.
20)# ’What do you want me to do for you?’
Mark 10:51 (46-52)
This is one of the most beautiful questions Jesus ever asked. It seems completely unnecessary given the circumstances, yet it produces one of the most bold and heartfelt responses ever recorded. “Rabbi, I want to see.” More than financial security, more than food on the table, more than the warmth of a home - all of which would have done a beggar just nicely - Bartimaeus wanted to see. Simple, but life-changing. And the first person he saw - was Jesus, and he became his disciple.
How people need the same touch of Jesus today. Spiritually blind they stumble through life not sure where they are going or what the purpose of life really is. The world cannot give sight to the spiritually blind; only Christ can and will, to all who call out to him today. Whatever our need, however long we’ve been waiting, whoever is involved, we can respond from our heart to Christ’s offer to help, either for the first time or yet again.
21)# ’Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.’
2 Chronicles 15:7 (1-7)
Azariah’s words inspired King Asa to keep going with his reforms amongst the people of Judah. Asa had become king at a time when the influence of foreign gods was still heavy amongst God’s people and it required perseverance to root things out and restore true obedience to the LORD. But Asa kept going and things began to change.
When there is apathy or even opposition, it can be hard to keep going. When unbiblical influences, attitudes and actions of society creep into the Church, we need strength to resist and to correct. When other people relax in obedience to God’s Word, we need to be more attentive. Whether in the home or at work, in service at church or in witness to the world, let’s not give up. Live for the LORD. He rewards faithful workers.
22)# ’Asked a favour of him.’
Matthew 20:20 (20-23)
Little did this mother realise that this ‘favour’ would be recorded in scripture. It was meant to be a private conversation on behalf of her two boys, but it became a lesson for us all to heed. Seeking a position of influence, either for ourselves or for another, is not what the kingdom of God is about. It wasn’t so much the request as the motive behind the request, that was wrong. Jesus takes the opportunity to emphasise the difference between the ways of the world and the ways of God.
Service in the kingdom of God is about putting other people before self. Jesus set us the example that we must follow. It is also true that if we are to share in Christ’s glory, then, as Jesus explained to his disciples, we must be prepared to share in his suffering. That’s the cost of service.
23)# ’Not so with you.’
Matthew 20:26 (24-28)
There is an alternative. The ways of our society do not need to be the ways of the Christian Church. Secret conversations, whisperings in the ear, actions to gain influence, cronyism, may well be accepted in the world, but are not acceptable in the Church of Jesus. Jesus invites us to live an alternative lifestyle where everyone else is considered before ourselves, and the ones who will be given first place will be the ones who place themselves last. The two Greek words that are translated as servant and slave (v26&27) both speak of doing what is necessary to serve other people, however menial the task may be.
The kingdom of God runs contrary to the ways of the world. Leadership in the Church must reflect Christ, not those with worldly authority. Sadly this is not always the case and much hurt and stunted growth is caused as a result. The sooner we learn to live this alternative way, the more effective we will be. Let’s live this way, today.
24)# ’She began to sob.’
Genesis 21:16 (14-19)
Sobbing is when we can take no more. Our whole body aches as our heart cries out for help and tears flow unchecked. Hagar had been involved in complicated relationships. As a result she was out of house and home. Now with nothing to drink and nowhere to go, life had all but dried up and she began to sob.
Sometimes the LORD allows us to get to a place in life where we can fall no further in order that he might lift us up as we pour out our hearts before him. Too often, even when we are up against it, our dignity and pride stop us from sobbing before the LORD. Yet heart-felt tears can release hurts from the past and bring us to a place of restoration before God.
When we can take no more, then let’s pour out our hearts to the LORD. He knows our situation and the depth of our feelings. Let’s receive his comfort and assurance, and let him turn our tears of despair into hope for the future. Wandering in the desert place can be replaced with living with purpose and promise as we trust in Christ.
25)# ’Because he was not one of us.’
Mark 9:38 (38-41)
Not one of the twelve; not one of those closely linked with Jesus or from a recognised group with an established reputation. So the disciples told this man to stop his work in Jesus’ name. But they themselves were then rebuked by Jesus.
Today, in our different church denominations and organisations we can dismiss or criticise those who do not fit in with the norm, who do things differently and work on their own. Over the years God has used many outcasts and misfits for his glory. All too easily, big organisations and large groups can blunt the cutting edge of Christ’s followers. The sense of adventure with God can be lost for fear of upsetting the establishment. Powerful ministry for the LORD is not limited to certain groups. It’s honouring the name of Jesus and faithfully serving him which counts. A good tree produces good fruit. So let’s be open to those that the LORD chooses to use for his glory.
26)# ’Like one of the king’s sons.’
2 Samuel 9:11 (6-13)
Here is Mephibosheth, a cripple and grandson of the late King Saul, David’s enemy, brought in to face the new king, probably in fear for his own life. Yet instead of anger, there is mercy, instead of retribution, there is reconciliation. For the sake of Jonathan, David restores to Mephibosheth all that he would have inherited from Saul. But more than that, David gives him a place at his own family table, alongside his own sons. This is the heart of David and it reflects the very heart of God.
For the sake of Jesus, we ‘who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ’ (Eph 2:13). By faith in Christ’s death we are reconciled with God (Rom 5:10). We who were enemies of God have been invited to eat at his table (Rev 19:9). Like the King’s own Son, we have become children of God and are now heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). Praise be to Jesus! Let’s live in the presence of the King today, tomorrow and forever.
27)# ’Why were you searching for me?’
Luke 2:49 (41-52)
Mary and Joseph were looking for Jesus to fit in with their plans, to go along with them. They had lost sight of him in more ways than one. Now their assumptions were being challenged. Lessons had to be learned and relationships reset. It wouldn’t be the last time Jesus had to challenge people’s expectations about him. People searched out Jesus for various reasons. Healings, miracles, debates about religious matters, to further their own agendas. But Christ’s call is for us to follow him, to fit in with his plans, not the other way round.
Our search for Jesus must not simply be for what we can get from him, great as that is, but more about what we can do to serve him. Discipleship is rewarding and costly. Following Jesus is demanding and joyful. Following Christ will change our lives for good, in more ways than one. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and help other people to meet him too.
28)# ’What do you have in your house?’
2 Kings 4:2 (1-7)
The answer was quite brief. ‘Nothing there at all, except a little oil.’ But an empty house and that ‘little oil’ was just what the LORD was looking for. Throw in a couple of sons and a dose of faith and one lady’s obedience brings blessing to the whole community. Jars of oil from out of this world!
We may feel that there is not much in our ‘house’. Perhaps time has left us empty. Past activities have worn us out. Circumstances have made us all but shrivel up. Maybe, like this lady, we feel like we have lost everything and we struggle to get up in a morning. Life has very little to offer and the future looks bleak. Well, whilst there is still life in our bodies, however bleak the situation, let’s offer what we have left to the Lord today. He’ll give hope in place of despair; peace in place of anxiety and forgiveness in place of guilt.
29)# ’Thoroughly equipped for every good work.’
2 Timothy 3:17 (10-17)
Some people have gym membership, but rarely go, so miss out on the potential benefits. Some Christians have a Bible that is rarely read, so miss out on the help it can give. It can help us be ready for those challenging times that Paul speaks about in our reading today.
If we are to be equipped for service in God’s kingdom, then, as Paul makes clear, we need a regular intake of God’s Word. It will teach, rebuke, correct and train us in righteousness. If we read it and allow the Holy Spirit to speak into our lives, we will be fit for service. Often we might spend more time reading the thoughts and insights of other people about the Bible than time we spend actually reading the Word of God. Good as they might be, they’re no substitute for the real thing. So to be equipped and ready for action, let’s read the Bible each day and then let it impact our lives.
30)# ’Even in his illness, he did not seek help from the LORD.’
2 Chronicles 16:12 (11-14)
This is a sad conclusion to King Asa’s life. He had started so well and ‘did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God’, but things had changed over the years. Having got rid of foreign gods, Asa is rewarded with many years of a peaceful reign. But, as is often the case, years of peace brought complacency towards God and when threatened by enemy troops, he hires foreign forces to help, rather than trust in the LORD. For the rest of his life, there was no peace, only war.
Over the years, Asa’s fervour for the LORD had waned, and even when very ill, he turned to physicians rather than to the LORD. Let’s not let good times cause us to become lukewarm towards the LORD. Let’s not rely on those around us and neglect our reliance on Christ. Let’s seek the LORD through times of plenty as well as times of drought. Let’s honour him in our lives today.
31)# ’Where are the other nine?’
Luke 17:17 (11-19)
Ten lepers had called out for pity. Ten had obeyed Christ’s words and were healed as they went on their way. But only one of them came back to bow at Christ’s feet in worship and give thanks and praise to God. There must have been many more along with these nine who received physical healing from Christ, but never bowed before him as LORD. Maybe they thought it unnecessary. But Christ thought differently.
It is possible to be healed, to see God at work in our lives, experience great things, but never bow before Christ as LORD and Saviour (see Matt 7). When we bow the knee to Jesus and worship him, we receive a deeper healing within. Enjoying the kindness of God in our lives without letting him be our LORD, may make life easier now, but will not save us for eternity. Let’s kneel before him, worship him and then live for him - as LORD.