1)# ’Who despises the day of small things?’
Zechariah 4:10 (8-10)
What Zerubbabel and others had done in real time, represented a greater work that God was doing for all time. Rebuilding the temple seemed insignificant to the Babylonians, the work of a few zealous Jews, but it was a shadow of what would impact the whole world in years to come. Centuries later, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, spoken of here in verse six, began to build the Church of Jesus using a small group of disciples. Left behind, but not forgotten, they were used by Jehovah God to ‘turn the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6) and to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matt 28:19).
In a world where the big gets bigger and the small is pushed aside, it’s a comfort to know that God does not despise small things. What we do may not make the headlines or even be noticed or recognised by other people around us, but the Lord notices everything done in his name. Paul tells us that God chooses the weak, poor, foolish things of this world for his glory. Let’s be content to be small, so that God may be big in our lives.
2)# ’You have made known to me the path of life.’
Psalm 16:11 (7-11)
You won’t find this path on a map. It’s not included in any leisure walk or countryside guide, but it is open to all who want to walk along it. We must all walk through life, however short or long that walk might be and we all make choices as to which path we follow. Most are broad. This one is narrow. Most promise much, but fail to deliver. This one is the path of life.
Sadly all the paths of the world end in despair and death, however many lights and fanfares there are on the way. But this path of life, spoken of by the psalmist, is offered by the Lord God and continues beyond physical death. He alone can make it known and, by his Holy Spirit, he will walk it with us. It may not be very smooth or easy. It may be quite dark and costly at times, but it leads to an eternal new heaven and earth. It is the path of life and there is no other. Let’s choose to walk it again today.
3)# ’Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.’
Matthew 3:8 (4-10)
Fruit has been defined as, ‘The visible expression of the invisible power working within.’ Whether it’s a tree or a person’s life, the fruit will show the quality of that which is hidden from view. This is not about complying with certain patterns or traditions, as the Pharisees and Sadducees were doing. It’s not just about doing good deeds. It’s about our being.
Being transformed by the Holy Spirit; being empowered to live to the glory of God; being rooted in Christ, so that we grow to be more like him in all aspects of life. It all starts with being forgiven and being born again, as we come in repentance and faith. Then the invisible power of the Holy Spirit gets to work in our lives and produces fruit that brings glory and honour to our heavenly Father.
4)# ’The sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees.’
1 Chronicles 14:15 (13-17)
Just like the eyes of Elisha’s servant were opened to see the armies of God all around him, so the ears of David were opened to hear the angelic forces going on ahead of him. The activity in the spiritual realms is very real, even though we may not normally see or hear it and it impacts the realms of flesh and blood. Spiritual forces are not to be made fun of, or treated lightly.
Thank God for the angels who come to our aid at different times and in different ways. Whether or not we see or hear them, they are there. Our confidence is not in the strength of flesh and blood, as David had to learn, but in the Lord and his heavenly army. Whatever you and I may face in these coming days, let’s call on the Lord for strength, and as he directs, go forward in the certainty that he goes before us and the victory is won.
5)# ’But he shouted all the more.’
Mark 10:48 (46-52)
This is one of those wonderful incidents recorded in Scripture that is there as an encouragement for us all. Bartimaeus may not have been able to see, but he could shout. He couldn’t be sure whether Jesus had seen him, but he made sure Jesus heard him. His shouting offended those around him and they told him to be quiet. So, he shouted even louder!
Let’s not be put off by those around us. Don’t let them discourage us from seeking a touch from the Lord. Getting to Jesus is not about orderly queues, waiting for your turn or knowing the right people. It’s about the heartfelt cry. That’s what Jesus will hear and that’s what he responds to. As he calls us closer to him today, let’s be ready not only to receive from him, but, like Bartimaeus, to be ready to follow him.
6)# ’Out of reverence for God.’
Nehemiah 5:15 (14-19)
It makes such a difference when we act out of reverence for God. As Nehemiah demonstrated, it’s not about our position or status in the eyes of men that counts, but our position before God that makes the difference. As governor, Nehemiah had the right to a privileged lifestyle, but chose rather to associate with the ordinary people and help with the rebuilding of the wall. He also shared with other people what he could have kept for himself.
Paul wrote that we should look after the interests of other people and should submit to one another out of reverence for God (Eph 5:21). If Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we must be ready to serve one another ‘wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.’ (Eph 6:7). Our reverence for the Lord will be shown by our serving other people.
7)# ’They loved praise from men more than praise from God.’
John 12:43 (42-43)
‘They’ were some ‘chief rulers’ in the synagogue who came to believe in Jesus, but kept it quiet for fear of being thrown out of the synagogue and losing their position of influence and importance. John expresses things quite bluntly and leaves a challenge for all who would follow Christ. By staying silent, these religious leaders revealed what they loved more - the praise from men. Faith in Christ must be confessed in word and deed to be effective.
Being in favour with people is very appealing and we are encouraged to live at peace with all men as best as we can (Heb 12:14). But when being in favour with men keeps us from owning up to Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, then something needs to change. Praise from men can all too easily turn to condemnation, as Jesus himself found out, but when we acknowledge Christ as our LORD before men, he will acknowledge us before his Father in heaven (Matt 10:32) - and that counts for eternity.
8)# ’You are mine.’
Isaiah 43:1 (1-3)
There’s no stronger way of putting it. We belong to God. He has redeemed us. He knows us by name. The Lord speaks to his people in a very personal and direct way. In this relationship there is no room for a third party. There can be no sharing. We belong to God - fully. He has every right over our lives - and as a result, in Christ, we can know the fullness of God’s promises that provide confidence and security that he alone can give. We belong to God.
In a world that is ever more fearful and insecure, when people are questioning their identity, God’s Word to his people today is still the same. ‘Fear not … you are mine!’ A personal relationship means a personal friend. Whatever difficulties we may be called to go through, by his Spirit, God is with us and has promised to keep us. So have no fear - we belong to God.
9)# ’Walked along with them.’
Luke 24:15 (13-24)
In their sadness and despair, these two disciples did not recognise Jesus walking along with them. They must have been pretty downcast to have the best travelling companion and the best Bible study ever, yet not appreciate either in that moment! But Jesus stays with them. He walks along with them, at their pace and in the same direction. They may have been discouraged and dispirited, but at least they kept walking! Their despair was turned to joy when the resurrected Jesus made himself known to them when breaking bread.
The twists and turns of life can leave many of us struggling, physically, mentally and spiritually. Maybe like these disciples, we feel somewhat alone and discouraged. The joy we once knew is gone and the Christian life is hard going. Well, read it again. ‘Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.’ Whatever position we might find ourselves in, be reassured, Christ walks along with us and will not leave us downcast. As we lift our eyes up from our situation and onto Jesus, he will give us a fresh revelation of himself and a different perspective on life that will refresh and renew us deep within.
10)# ’The midwives, however, feared God.’
Exodus 1:17 (15-17)
These midwives were under pressure at work. The king of Egypt had given direct orders to kill all baby Hebrew boys. Pharaoh hoped that the fear of losing their jobs and even their lives, would make these ladies comply. But he hadn’t taken into account their fear of God which was greater than their fear of the Pharaoh. As a result, not only were many lives saved, but these women were blessed by God with children of their own.
Pressure at work is nothing new, but as Christians, we have to decide how we will respond to it. Fear of men will lead into all sorts of compromises and wrong actions, but a respect and fear of God will help us to know and do what is right, irrespective of the consequences. His blessing is so much better than any favour other people might offer. So, like these ladies, let’s resolve to live in a way that is right before God today.
11)# ’God was kind to the midwives.’
Exodus 1:20 (18-21)
Whilst these women initially had no families of their own, their kindness to those Hebrew women who were giving birth had been noticed by God. Their respect for the Lord God affected the way they did their work. They respected life, even when Pharaoh had ordered them to kill and destroy. Their acts of kindness towards Israelite families were now rewarded by God, who gave them children of their own. The joy they had seen in other people was now a joy they experienced for themselves.
The routines and ordinary tasks of life can provide opportunities for us to witness for Jesus as our Lord through acts of kindness towards other people. It may not always be appreciated and sometimes we will meet hostility. But even in the face of opposition, acts of kindness for Christ’s sake will not go unnoticed, nor unrewarded (Lk 6:35-36).
12)# ’When she could hide him no longer.’
Exodus 2:3 (1-8)
There are times when we have to let go and trust God. This became a defining moment in the lives of Moses and his family. Moses’ mother had done all she could. Somehow she had hidden her son for three months, but now she could hide him no longer. Little did she realise what great things God had planned as she placed Moses in the basket amongst the reeds. God’s plan needed Moses’ mother to release her hold on her son, so that he could serve God’s purposes.
Wanting to keep control over areas of our lives may hinder our commitment to the Lord. To serve God fully, we must be fully given over to him. It won’t be easy and it might be painful, but whatever we are holding on to or whatever we might be trying to hide, let’s come out into the open before God, give all we have and are to him and then let him use us for his glory.
13)# ’We cannot help speaking.’
Acts 4:20 (13-22)
In the face of severe opposition, it may have been prudent for the disciples to quieten down a bit. Perhaps they should have prayed for wisdom as to ‘how to win friends and influence people’ in positions of authority. But whatever might have been considered prudent or wise from a human perspective, the reality was that they simply could not stop speaking about Jesus. Such was their experience of Jesus, on a daily basis, that they simply had to tell other people.
Some may talk about earning the right, winning the respect, being open to other views, before talking about Jesus, which may seem reasonable - or might just be an excuse not to say anything. But having an experience of Jesus at work in our lives, just like Peter and John, will make all the difference to our speaking out. Living the Christian life is all very well, but a witness needs to speak up to help those who have not heard, hear the good news about Jesus. As Romans 10:14-15 puts it, ‘How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”' So let’s have beautiful feet today!
14)# ’But even if he does not.’
Daniel 3:18 (14-18)
We know how things turned out, but as these three young men stood before the king, they didn’t. Their confidence in God was strong as they faced the reality of being thrown alive into a burning furnace. They knew that God could save and rescue them - but what if he didn’t? Such was their commitment, that even if God had other plans, they still would not worship an idol.
When we decide to follow Christ, there’s no guarantee of an easy life, no promise that all will go well. Things may not work out as we might have hoped or planned. We will encounter opposition to Biblical teaching. But as so many have found out already, when we trust in the Lord, whatever happens, we can know his assurance and peace even in the most testing times. So let’s keep trusting the Lord, even if …
15)# ’You also must be ready.’
Matthew 24:44 (42-44)
Being ready means we are waiting, either for a short time or for a little longer. It doesn’t mean we do nothing, but it does mean that our focus, our attention is on what we are waiting for. While we continue to live in this world, Jesus wants us to be alert to his coming back and not distracted. Witnessing for Christ is part of being ready for his return. Being ready means being expectant, not surprised - looking forward and up, not back or down.
The Christian life is about pressing on, through thick and thin, so as to share in Christ’s eternal glory. Being ready means things are all sorted. Whatever is needed has been done. Thank God that being in Christ our sins are forgiven, our future is secure and a place is being prepared for us in the new heaven and earth. Let’s be ready as we pray ‘Come Lord Jesus!’
16)# ’Come and have breakfast.’
John 21:12 (7-14)
There’s a simplicity and warmth in this invitation from Jesus. The disciples had been at a loose end, unsure of what was going on after Christ’s resurrection, so they went out fishing all night - and caught nothing. It was a bit like rubbing salt into the wound. With no clear direction at this time, these fishermen took things into their own hands - and couldn’t even catch a fish between them. Life can be like that.
But Jesus helps them to understand that, from now on, they need to rely on him for the whole of life. He provides the practical comfort and reassurance they needed. The beach barbecue satisfied their physical hunger and his welcome lets them know that they are truly loved and forgiven. The same can be true for us. When we are ‘all at sea’ in life, unsure of what we should be doing, let’s not remain in the boat, doing things in our own strength. Instead, let’s take time out to be with our Friend and Saviour, the Lord Jesus, who promises to guide and provide as we trust in him, one day at a time.
17)# ’Everyone did as he saw fit.’
Judges 17:6 (5-13)
Things have not changed. Despite talk of progress and social awareness, tolerance and a better society, mankind is still fundamentally selfish. Without a king to lead them, and giving no heed to the LORD their God, the people of Israel fell into idolatry and individuals did as they pleased. ‘Everyone’ included even this Levite in our reading, who, despite being set apart to serve the LORD God, now got what he could for his ‘services’ and traded integrity for personal gain. As a result Micah’s self-deception was even worse.
For us today, what is right and wrong before God has been replaced by what is acceptable or not to society and the individual. Truth is subjective; immorality is excusable and individual rights supersede any Divine guidance. So living as God sees fit will be at odds with the world more and more from now on. But that’s what we are called to do. So let’s recommit ourselves to live with Christ as our LORD and King.
18)# ’The wedding hall was filled with guests.’
Matthew 22:10 (1-10)
This is a lovely picture of what God’s eternal kingdom will be like - full. There will be no empty places in the New Jerusalem. The Lord already knows all who will come to him and he is preparing a place for each and everyone and the wedding clothes will be made to measure. There will be no gatecrashers, nor any who have turned down the invitation, but there will be a few surprises (speaking in human terms).
There will be those that are from the streets of life, ‘good and bad’ (v10), who have been redeemed by Christ. There will be those whose names never graced a wedding list before, but are now included. There will be those who have been rejected by the world, but their places in God’s kingdom are secured in Christ. The book of life holds the names of all who will be at that wedding celebration. The words of Jesus still ring true; ‘rejoice that your names are written in heaven’. Let’s make sure we keep our names on that wedding list by remaining faithful to Jesus!
19)# ’I will put rich garments on you.’
Zechariah 3:4 (1-5)
This is the best set of clothes we’ll ever have. The ‘filthy clothes’ of sin are removed and we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ as we trust in him as Saviour and Lord. There is nothing we can do to make ourselves acceptable to God. Even our ‘righteous’ acts are like filthy rags before him (Is 64:6). But there is something he has done for us that makes all the difference.
Christ who ‘was rich became poor so that we, through his poverty might become rich’ (2 Cor 8:9). Many centuries after Zechariah, the apostle Peter spoke of the Church as a ‘chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God’ (1 Pet 2:9). Clothed in the righteousness of Christ means we are acceptable to God even whilst the Holy Spirit goes on sanctifying us day by day. Don’t let Satan tell us otherwise. The work of Christ on the cross provides complete forgiveness and cleansing, day after day after day. So let’s enjoy wearing these ‘rich garments’ again today and bring glory to the Lord Jesus.
20)# ’Because he loved this world.’
2 Timothy 4:10 (9-13)
Jesus warned against this sort of ‘falling away’ where the ‘agape’ love of many would grow cold (Matt 24:12). Demas is one of the first in the early Church to turn away because of a love, a deliberate choice, for what the world offered. He stands as a salutary warning for
There is much in the world that is good and to be enjoyed, but also there are things that could replace Jesus as LORD in our lives. Whilst on earth, Jesus enjoyed life with friends, but never lost his overriding love for doing his Father’s will. As Paul said, we need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to distinguish between what is permissible and what is also beneficial (1 Cor 6:12). Demas’ love for this world showed itself in his deserting Paul. Sometimes we need a dogged determination to remain faithful to Jesus when the attractions of the world shine brightly or when our discipleship of Christ is particularly difficult. Let’s encourage one another, again today, to keep our love for Jesus strong.
21)# ’Because they trusted in him.’
1 Chronicles 5:20 (18-22)
In recognition of their confidence in him, God answered the prayers of his people. Despite facing overwhelming odds against them, the Lord helped them to defeat their enemies. Prayer to the Lord God, a resolute trust in him, and action in accordance with his will are a winning combination. Seeking the Lord’s help is best done with confidence that he is able to guide us. Then we need to move forward in faith.
You and I face all sorts of battles on a daily basis, so let’s call out to the Lord for his help, rather than fight in our own strength. As we put our trust in him and press on with confidence, he will see us through. It may not be easy and it may not be according to our plans, but we have One who will fight for us and give us the strength we need. Let’s clothe ourselves with the armour of God, stand firm, and experience the help and deliverance of the Lord today.
22)# ’I consecrate my silver to the Lord, for my son to make a carved image.’
Judges 17:3 (1-4)
This mother’s view of what was right and wrong had become so distorted that she openly defies the command of the Lord, yet seeks his blessing on her actions! Centuries later Jesus spoke to religious leaders about a similar situation where they were encouraging people to dedicate any of their wealth as a ‘gift devoted to God’, making it sacred, and so freeing them from having to use it to support their parents (Matt 15:5). The command to honour mothers and fathers was being broken for personal benefit, even whilst under the guise of an offering to the Lord. Parents were left destitute, whilst the temple, and its rulers, became richer. It had become an accepted tradition that exploited a sacred responsibility, both towards God and towards parents.
Re-interpreting and even distorting God’s Word has happened over the centuries to suit individual preferences. It’s something we can all be tempted to do, especially when the attitudes and ways of the world begin to creep into our lives. Getting away with it, doesn’t make it right. Playing with words may suit us, but it won’t be acceptable to the Lord Jesus. Let’s be on our guard today, so as not to try and excuse our wrongdoing.
23)# ’Act justly … love mercy … walk humbly.’
Micah 6:8 (6-8)
Each of these actions is rooted in the heart. The prophet had asked how the people should respond to God and questioned whether many offerings and sacrifices were the simple answer. It’s surprising how often we can think our righteous acts will make us acceptable to God. But the Lord is looking for a changed heart, rather than just external actions. Living with justice, mercy and humility may well be far more costly than more and more religious duties.
In a society where justice is often sacrificed for personal gain, mercy is pushed out by revenge, and humility is swamped by self-interest, how important it is for the Church to demonstrate the alternative way. Just as Christ exemplified these attributes to their fullest extent, so by the enabling of the Holy Spirit we, his disciples, are called to do the same.
24)# ’So in Christ all will be made alive.’
1 Corinthians 15:22 (20-28)
The Apostle Paul makes a sharp comparison here between being ‘in Adam’ and being ‘in Christ’. Being ‘in Adam’ means we are born under the curse of sin. As a result we are already dead to the things of God, even though we may be physically alive (Eph 2:1). Our bodily decay is simply an outward evidence of how we are ‘in Adam’ - dead in our sin (Col 2:13). We face the wrath of God and eternal separation in hell.
But being ‘in Christ’ makes all the difference, not just for this life but for eternity. Christ’s death and resurrection have changed everything! All who are in Christ, are made alive! Sins can be forgiven, hurts can be healed, freedom can be experienced - now. We are born again, given a new life by the Holy Spirit and we become children of God, our Heavenly Father. And what’s more, because Christ has risen from the dead, one day, we will be resurrected into a new body to enjoy fully a new creation without decay. Let’s live in Christ today and enjoy the fullness of his new life now as we look forward to all that is to come.
25)3 ’The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day ...’
Zechariah 14:9 (6-11)
The prophet looks forward to the return of Jesus Christ and his millennial reign. It’s a Day that all who know Christ as Saviour can look forward to. It’s a Day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is LORD. It’s a Day when this groaning world will be brought into the freedom of being under the rule of the One who made it (Rom 8:21). It’s a Day when truth and justice will permeate every aspect of life. It’s a Day when Satan will be seized, bound and locked away in the Abyss (Rev 20:2) and all evil suppressed as Christ shows us just how this world could have been, if we had lived his way.
The Church of Jesus will reign with him (Rev 20:6) and whilst a new heaven and earth is to follow, it encourages us to work for the good of this earth now, in readiness for that Day of the Lord.
26)# ’But the Lord had hidden them.’
Jeremiah 36:26 (20-26)
King Jehoiakim had issued a warrant for the arrest of Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch. The king did not like what had been prophesied against him and ignored the warnings to change his ways. Now he sent his officials to arrest those who had spoken out against him. But Jeremiah and Baruch could not be found. The Lord had hidden them.
Serving the Lord can be a dangerous business. There are those who oppose the Lord and will take it out on his servants. But as the psalmist testified in Ps 9:9, ‘The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble’.
Whilst the Lord can physically hide his people from the eyes of the enemy, just as on this occasion, he can also be a hiding place for those who are troubled, those who are oppressed, those whose spirits need lifting. Hiding in the Lord is not about running away, but about running to the One who can give peace, strength and hope, even in the most troublesome times. Let’s be found hiding in the Lord today.
27)# ’But Martha was distracted.’
Luke 10:40 (38-42)
Martha is not the only one. Each one of us knows what it is to be distracted, especially in our Christian life. How often we determine to let following Jesus have priority in our lives, only to find that other things push their way to the front of the queue. It takes a determination and a persistence to put distractions to one side and be fully attentive to Jesus as we go through each day.
When Jesus advised us to seek his kingdom first and promised that other things would then be dealt with, he was speaking about the everyday practicalities of life. They need to be dealt with, but not at the expense of Jesus being the centre of our attention. It seems that Martha’s sister Mary had her priorities right. So let’s not get distracted. Let’s live for Jesus, first and foremost, then trust him to help us with everything else.
28)3 ’Let the curse fall on me.’
Genesis 27:13 (5-13)
Little did Rebekah realise the trouble her interference was to cause! Even from within the womb Jacob and Esau had struggled with one another. Now Rebekah was adding to it by siding with Jacob and taking matters into her own hands. She may have been willing to take the blame for her son’s actions, but there was little she could do to ease the heartache and suffering that followed.
How easy it can be for us to want to take control of a situation rather than to trust the Lord. Jacob’s struggles were to last for at least twenty years before he was reconciled with Esau, though friction remained between their descendants. Jacob also struggled with God whilst on the run, until he submitted to God’s plan for his life. Let’s learn from this situation and trust in God’s timings and his plan for our lives. Our future (short and long-term) is best in his hands - not ours.
29)# ’But Ruth clung to her.’
Ruth 1:14 (11-17)
Clinging is a deliberate and desperate act. A decision is taken to hold on and not let go. It speaks of determination and resolve. Ruth had a choice; to go back to her own natural family or to go on with her adopted family. She chose to go on, clinging to Naomi. Her devotion to Naomi was more than her desire for her old way of life. In order to be with Naomi she was ready to take the hardships and joys of whatever lay ahead. As a result, she became an integral part of God’s plan of salvation.
Choosing to follow Jesus is not an easy option. Clinging to Christ means releasing our hold on the things of this world and that can be hard, as well as costly. Adoption into God’s family means putting to death our old sinful ways and living according to the Holy Spirit. But as children of God the blessings of our relationship with him far outweigh the hardships of this life. So let’s hold on to him and not let go.
30)# ’The Lord has brought me back empty.’
Ruth 1:21 (18-22)
This was not the happiest time in Naomi’s life, but it was necessary. She had nothing as she returned home to Bethlehem. But God had a plan that included her. He used the difficult circumstances to bring her back to where he wanted her, and her daughter-in-law, to be.
Sometimes, like Naomi, the Lord calls us to go through difficult times in order to bring us to that right place before him. To be filled with the Spirit means first being emptied of all else, and this can be hard. This was a humbling and painful experience for Naomi, but one that she acknowledged was of the Lord. As a result, the Lord blessed her with family and used her to be part of his great plan of salvation. May the same be true for you and me.
31)# ’He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.’
1 Samuel 2:8 (6-9)
Hannah was singing out of her own experience. She knew what it was to be despised, to be childless, made to feel like a failure. But the Lord had heard her cry, seen her tears and had given her a son. As she gave Samuel back to the Lord, her heart burst forth with this song of praise.
Things haven’t changed. The Lord is still seeking out the poor and needy rather than the self-confident and self-righteous. He still chooses the foolish to confound the wise and the weak to bring down the strong. He now calls on us, his Church, to do the same. So let’s give to the poor, let’s reach out to the needy and let’s make known the Gospel of Christ by actions as well as words.