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1)# ’If you are willing.’
Mark 1:40 (40-45)
This is not an expression of doubt, but simply acknowledging the Lordship of Christ. The leper would not have come for healing if he did not believe that Jesus could do it. His faith was demonstrated by his coming to Jesus, and expressed, ‘you can make me clean’. But he recognised that healing is an act of mercy and grace – undeserved and unmerited - hence the ‘if you are willing’.
When we see what God is doing for other people it can be easy to assume that we have the right to expect the same. But as we surrender to Christ then we accept his will in our lives and that can be difficult. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we must be willing to live for Christ ‘even if he does not’ do what we ask of him. Bowing the knee to Christ as Lord is more important than getting what we want.
2)# ’You have set your glory.’
Psalm 8:1 (1-9)
Even with powerful telescopes and space exploration, man is only touching the very edges of this glory that the Psalmist speaks about. Yet what God allows us to see is there to help us to worship him. As the Psalmist considers the glory of God displayed in the heavens, he is humbled. ‘What is man that you are mindful of him?’(v4). Yet the God of glory has shared his glory with mankind (v5) and given us responsibility to care for his creation. With that responsibility comes accountability, to the God of glory.
But his glory is not limited to what we see or know. It is set in place for a wider audience. The heavenly hosts are aware of his glory. The demonic powers are aware of his glory. Even Satan is aware of his glory. It’s a glory that is set and cannot fade. When Jesus came the first time, his glory was veiled in flesh. When he comes again, his glory will be fully revealed and acknowledged by all - in the heavenly and earthly realms. Until that day, let’s continue to declare his glory and majesty as Lord of heaven and earth.
3)# ’Polluted by the world.’
James 1:27 (22-27)
This pollution is not thick black smoke or contaminated water, but the influences and attitudes of those around us who do not live according to God’s ways. Through social media, TV, newspapers, work colleagues, friends and family, we can become contaminated. Many of these pollutants seem reasonable, even attractive, but can do longer-lasting damage than the blackest smoke or dirtiest water. It can result in something that is worthless (v26) rather than something that brings blessing (v25).
James says that it is our responsibility to guard against these things (v21). We can’t avoid contact with the world, but we can make sure we have the help of the Holy Spirit to protect us from its pollution. The Bible says that if we live according to the Spirit, then we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Guarding against pollution requires a lot of will and effort, but it can be done, with the Spirit’s help. Let’s set our hearts and minds on the right things again today (Col 3:1-2).
4)# ’Like the peoples of the world.’
Ezekiel 20:32 (30-38)
This was the desire of the Israelites as they looked at the nations around them. They were fed up with a God they could not see, having to live so differently from people around them. They wanted idols to see and touch, to merge in with other nations and to live like them. As a result they put themselves under the judgement of Holy God and suffered the consequences. A sorting out had to happen before restoration could take place of those who remained faithful to the Lord.
The pressure on us as God’s people today is to fit in with society around us, to be tolerant and go along with what is acceptable to the world. But if we follow Christ, then we can never be ‘like the peoples of the world’. There will be clear differences in our attitudes and actions. Part of the cost of following Jesus is to bear the scorn and rejection of the world around us. We won’t feel at home here, because here is not our home.
5)# ’Leaving her water jar.’
John 4:28 (21-30)
What a difference Jesus makes! This woman came to draw water, but after her encounter with Jesus, she left her water jar at the well. She came carrying the cares of life, but left with the joy of salvation. Her need for fresh water reflected her need for a fresh start to life, which had become dry and empty, just like her jar.
In her conversation with Jesus, something happened deep within her and she became a new woman. Leaving her water jar reflected the leaving of her old life. Both were left with Jesus. She had met the promised Messiah, and her life was changed. She received living water from Jesus, then shared it freely with her neighbours.
All who come to Jesus today can leave their old life with him and receive his forgiveness, joy and peace. It’s life with different priorities and a different perspective. Something the world simply does not have to give. Let’s come to Christ afresh today and experience the living water that he alone can give.
6)# ’Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites.’
Hosea 3:1 (1-6)
Gomer had a history of unfaithfulness, even when Hosea first married her. An adulterous wife is not good for your reputation, especially when you are a prophet of the Lord. But the Lord is not so concerned about reputations, but rather about obedience. God’s call on his Church today is the same as for Hosea. ‘To love … as the Lord loves …’ Hosea’s obedience and patience were tested more than once.
This is not a love based on emotions, but on our will to help other people to follow Christ, to grow in Christ. It’s a sacrificial love, a resolute love, a forgiving love, a disciplined love. There will be disappointments, as for Hosea, and times when we have to start again with people. But the Holy Spirit will enable the love of Christ to be manifest in and through us as we offer ourselves in service for him. If Christ called us to love even our enemies, then we can exclude no-one. Let’s practise this love today.
7)# ’What do I still lack?’
Matthew 19:20 (16-22)
It was a question that, in hindsight, this man may have regretted asking. As far as he knew he was doing everything that was required. But he also knew from experience that there was still something missing. It was a cry from his heart. Eternal life could not be earned or bought. No amount of religious activity or worldly wealth could get peace with God. What was lacking for this man, was what he was unwilling to do. The cost of discipleship was too much. He went away sad.
True discipleship is a daily challenge for us all. Not relying on earthly securities is not easy. As some fishermen found out, following Jesus meant a change of priorities and a change of ownership. Once Christ becomes our Lord and Saviour, he owns us and all that we have and are. Our priority is to serve him, not the other way round. Eternal life is freely available, but at a cost - first for Christ and now for us.
Missionary and pioneer, CT Studd, once said, ‘He who is wise, lets go of what he cannot keep in order that he may gain what he cannot lose.’ Let’s make sure we are wise before God today.
8)# ’Then God opened her eyes.’
Genesis 21:19 (15-21)
A change of focus made all the difference. This was not the first time Hagar had found herself out of house and home. It had happened some years earlier just before giving birth to Ishmael and God had promised a future for the descendants of Ishmael. But now it seemed to have all gone pear-shaped and Hagar saw nothing but gloom ahead.
How often we can forget what God has promised when circumstances are against us. How slow we can be to trust the One who will provide for our needs. God called to Hagar and changed her perspective. Instead of looking at her limitations, her eyes were opened to see what God had provided. Both water and a future. When we become fearful and worried about our situation, let’s look up, look to the Lord Jesus and discover his provision for the present and his promise for the future, for all who trust in him.
9)# ’Living in your panelled houses.’
Haggai 1:3 (2-11)
Before rebuilding the house of the Lord, the people wanted to get their own places sorted. Their priorities were wrong. They gave priority to their own physical needs; homes, fields and supplies for themselves and neglected their worship of the Lord. Yet despite all their efforts, they were never satisfied and never had enough. Does that sound familiar? How we need to hear afresh what God is saying to his Church. ‘Give careful thought to your ways’.
Let’s look to extend the kingdom of God before we extend our buildings. Let’s give the best of our time and money to telling other people of Jesus, rather than maintaining our creature comforts. Let’s be a blessing to other people over and above being blessed ourselves. We’ve been given the privilege of sharing with Christ in building his Church - and that means people rather than things. Panelled houses are temporary, heavenly dwellings are eternal. ‘Give careful thought to your ways’.
10)# ’With the woman still standing there.’
John 8:9 (3-11)
When everyone else had moved away, this lady stood still. Her sinful act had been made very public - as had the hypocrisy and sin of her accusers. But as they sheepishly moved away, she didn’t. She stayed, standing in front of Jesus. Why? Because she needed to hear something that would change her life forever. ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.’
Jesus doesn’t want to embarrass us or make a spectacle of us. He simply wants us to receive his forgiveness and freedom. The lady accepted that she had sinned, but instead of being stoned, she needed forgiveness. Instead of condemnation, she needed freedom and Jesus was the only one who could give her these things. There’s no better place to be made whole, than standing before Jesus. Shame can be lifted, hurts can be healed and freedom can be received. Whatever our need, let’s come and stand before Jesus today and receive what he alone can give us.
11)# ’I will bring you home.’
Zephaniah 3:20 (17-20)
These are wonderful words of reassurance and hope. To all who are feeling lost or isolated; to all who are struggling in their walk with Jesus; to all who are strangers in this world. ‘I will bring you home.’
These words can be trusted, because the One who speaks them is unchanging. ‘I will …’,
It’s personal. We matter and he will ‘bring you home’. It’s a promise for the future for all who put their trust in Jesus; ‘I will bring you home…’ We have his company, we’re not on our own. I will bring you … The Good Shepherd will lead his sheep to the safety of the fold. And there’s a belonging. 'Bring you home'. Home is where we belong and although we might feel homeless now, a heavenly home is being prepared and one day we’ll be together with Christ and all the saints – forever! No more wandering, no more struggles, no more tears. Home at last.
12)# ’Holding on to the traditions of men.’
Mark 7:8 (5-13)
If we want to be obedient to Christ, then we have to guard against being ruled by the traditions of men. Traditions focus on the external act rather than the condition of the heart, which is what Jesus is pointing out here. Religion is built on traditions. Relationship is built on love of the heart. Doing things out of habit is not the same as doing things out of love. It’s all too easy for routine to become ritual and the focus becomes man-centred, rather than Christ-centred. We may even come to rely on maintaining traditions for our salvation than trusting in Christ. It can happen in our private lives as well as in our church meetings, sometimes without us realising it.
Traditions may please men, but not God. It will be hard to break with traditions, but living in obedience to Christ will set us free from the restrictions of men and will keep us from being judgemental of other people. We conform to traditions, but we’re transformed by the Holy Spirit (Rom 12:2). Let’s make sure our relationship with Christ is rooted in our love for him.
13)# ’He is able to save completely.’
Hebrews 7:25 (22-28)
Our salvation in Christ is not incomplete, nor is it temporary, nor is it in doubt. In this passage, the writer to the Hebrews is comparing the ministry of priests under the old covenant with the ministry of Christ within the new covenant. Under the old covenant, the sacrifice of animals could only provide atonement for sinful actions, but never change the sinful nature. But the sacrifice of Christ reaches into the very core of our being, changes our heart and cleanses us from all sin. The sacrifice of animals was effective for only a short time and had to be repeated time and again. Even the ministry of priests was cut short by death, so that other people had to be found to replace them.
But Christ’s death and resurrection have defeated both sin and death. His sacrifice is effective for all time. Now we have the new nature within, with the Holy Spirit as God’s deposit for what is to come. One day we will have resurrected bodies when our salvation is consummated (Heb 9:28). Until that day we can be ‘confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’ (Phil 1:6) How reassuring is that!
14)# ’The LORD does not see us.’
Ezekiel 8:12 (9-13, 17-18)
Oh yes, he does! Just because it is dark or behind closed doors, does not mean the LORD cannot see what is going on. Out of sight of men is not out of sight of the LORD. The level of idolatry and wickedness amongst God’s people was such that even the elders of Israel were affected. They allowed idolatry and false teaching to infiltrate their worship. What a timely warning for the Church of Jesus today.
Going along with what is acceptable to society does not mean it is acceptable to God. The LORD does not turn a blind eye. The pressure on the Church is to accommodate changes in society, but where these changes are contrary to God’s laws, that is Biblical teaching, there can be no tolerance. The LORD does see and he will act in judgment, first with his Church to sort us out, just as he did with his people Israel in Ezekiel’s day. So let’s make sure we, the Church of Jesus, do not compromise our worship of him and live in obedience to his word.
15)# ’The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.’
John 12:3 (1-8)
It’s surprising what effect a loving action can have. No words were spoken by Mary, as far as we know, but her action spoke louder than many words. Criticism couldn’t stop the fragrance from spreading. Hard hearts couldn’t avoid the sweetness of the scent. All who were there were affected by Mary’s action. This silent act revealed the true feelings of Mary’s heart, more than any words could express. Having sat at the feet of Jesus as he shared eternal truths during a previous visit, Mary now anoints his feet in humility and worship.
Things done out of love for Jesus will affect those around us. At home, at work, wherever; however small or insignificant. So let the fragrance of our actions, today, be a blessing to other people, in Jesus Name.
16)# ’Live a life worthy of the Lord.’
Colossians 1:10 (9-14)
Lifestyle is now a multi-million pound industry. From the food we eat to the holidays we take, from the clothes we wear to the leisure club we frequent, a certain lifestyle is offered – at a price. It may also reflect our aspirations. Adverts, TV programmes, social media all portray a certain way of living that is seen as desirable, if not achievable. We can measure worth by having the right image, the right designer logo, the right accessories.
But here’s the alternative. ’Live a life worthy of the Lord.’ In other words, let his name be stamped on all that we say and do.
It’s not about what we can get, but what we can give. Wherever we are, whatever we do, we can all live in a way that reflects the very character of Christ. It requires humility, a servant heart, an interest in other people above ourselves with the aim of pleasing the Lord and bringing glory to his name. It’s not passive, but active. It’s not about letting life pass you by, but making the most of every opportunity to reflect Jesus. So whatever we do today, let’s style ourselves on Christ.
17)# ’Woman, you have great faith.’
Matthew 15:28 (21-28)
The greatness of her faith was not in how much she asked for, but in how little she knew was needed. ‘Crumbs’ from Jesus were enough to provide healing. On the face of things, it seems that Jesus is somewhat dismissive in his response to this lady’s plea. But his comments draw from the lady persistence and outstanding faith that are rewarded. Despite the disciples wanting her to go, she stayed and kept going with her request. She believed that whatever she received from the Lord, would be sufficient to meet her daughter’s needs. And it was.
You and I may not be the first in the queue or have seats on the front row, but don’t let that stop us from coming to the Lord. Take that ‘mustard seed’ of faith, persist with the Lord and receive from him, knowing that what he provides will be enough to meet our needs.
18)# ’Even those who challenge God escape.’
Malachi 3:15 (13-18)
How true this often seems to be. This same conversation between God and his people is still going on today. Since time began, there have been those who have deliberately flouted God’s laws and seem to get away with it. As Malachi said, ‘the evildoers prosper’ (v15), whilst those who do right often suffer oppression and hardship. We may have experienced this sort of injustice personally or with someone close to us. Like the Israelites, we may even wonder if living in obedience to God’s ways is somewhat in vain (v14).
The cry of God's people down the centuries has been, ‘How long?’ (Hab 1:2) How long will God stand by? How long will he let the oppressors escape, whilst the innocent suffer? The Lord’s reply is that a day is coming, already set, when he will bring his justice to bear and all who have lived his way will be honoured (v11-12). A clear distinction is already made (v18) and God’s reward and wrath will be dispensed in righteousness. So, along with Abraham, we can say ‘will not the judge of all the earth do right?’ (Gen 18:25). Sooner or later, we will all be called to account before Almighty God. Let’s make sure we remain right before him.
19)# ’I know that you have little strength.’
Revelation 3:8 (7-13)
These words of Jesus to his church in Philadelphia are not a criticism, but reassurance. The Lord knows our weakness and so he gives us his strength. How often the Lord has chosen the weak and insignificant to shame the strong and powerful (1 Cor 1:27). We may have little, but when given to the Lord, even the little can achieve great things.
The world may despise the weak, but not so with the Lord. The Bible says that the weak are indispensable as far as Christ is concerned and to be given special honour (1 Cor 12:22). Christ has placed us in his Church to support and help one another, not to be independent of each other. Let’s not be ashamed of our weaknesses, but rather glory in the strength of Christ at work in us. As Jesus reassured the apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9)
20)# ’Out of her poverty.’
Mark 12:44 (41-44)
We are never too poor so that we have nothing to give to the Lord. This lady proves this to be true. It can be easy to say that if only we had more, we would give more to God. The reality is that we’d probably be like the rich people who put large amounts in the offering, but kept larger amounts for themselves. How we use the little we have now will determine how much the Lord gives us responsibility for later on.
Giving to the Lord is not about what we haven’t got, but about giving what we have got. Whether it’s money, time, possessions or even our hopes and dreams, all can be given to the Lord. Christ was quick to point out that this lady gave more than all the others, because she gave all that she had. We may have nothing more than ourselves, but that’s enough for Jesus. Let’s give him ourselves afresh today and let him have everything else besides. We won’t go short.
21)# ’The high places, however, were not removed.’
2 Chronicles 20:33 (31-37)
Going so far, is not necessarily far enough. King Jehoshaphat reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years during which time he ‘did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.’ But then there is this statement. ’The high places, however, were not removed.’ Leaving the high places, in place, was an indication that hearts were not fully committed to the LORD God and it left a foothold for rebellion and misguided decisions. They became a focus for unlawful worship and idolatry. All the good that Jehoshaphat had done was vulnerable because of this one omission. Later in his reign he entered into a business deal with King Ahaziah, ‘who was guilty of wickedness’ (v35) and Jehoshaphat lost everything. How we need to learn from his mistake.
Those unchecked habits or uncontrolled desires can leave us vulnerable, no matter how much good we do. Our aim must be to bring every aspect of our lives under the authority of the Holy Spirit. Let's take another step with him today and remove that which must not be left in place.
22)# ’The man took Jesus at his word.’
John 4:50 (46-53)
What a wonderful statement! It gives us an insight into the character of this man. This royal official was away from home, possibly on business, yet the needs of his family were close to his heart. His request was for Jesus to come, but the Lord told him to go. Go, believing what Jesus had said. The absence of Christ’s physical presence may have caused other people to linger; but not this man. The day’s journey home may have weakened another person’s faith; but not this man. How we need to follow his example.
Perhaps we doubt what God says in his Word and by his Spirit. We reason with it, rationalise it, add to it, take away from it or even dismiss it as not for today. No wonder we lose out on experiencing the power of his Word. Let’s copy this man and live in obedience to God’s Word, proving it to be true, even for today.
23)# ’While she was out in the field.’
Judges 13:9 (8-14)
Don’t be surprised if the Lord meets with you in the ordinary routines of everyday life. The Bible is full of meetings between God and individuals in everyday situations. Abraham, Hagar, Moses, Gideon, Mary, Shepherds - to name but a few. In today’s reading, the angel of the Lord met with Manoah’s wife, the mother of Samson, whilst she was working in the field. This was the second encounter for this lady and it seems that the angel’s appearance was nothing extraordinary (v16), but that field became the place for a divine mission to begin.
Too often we can want to restrict God to meeting with us in church buildings or at Christian events, when actually he wants to meet with us at work, at home, in the street – if only we’d look and listen. As a result we fail to recognise the Lord’s presence in our daily lives and miss out on opportunities for service. God’s Holy Spirit is out there; he’s called us out there; so let’s expect to meet him and serve him, out there ‘in the field’ today.
24)# ’Who loves to be first.’
3 John 1:9 (5-12)
Diotrephes became the cause of much upset and damage within the local Church because of this unchecked desire. If you want to be first, then the way of the world is to push oneself, be disparaging of other people and get rid of those who stand in your way – just like Diotrephes. He stands in sharp contrast to Demetrius a true servant of Christ, who put other people first.
Things should be very different in Christ’s kingdom. As Jesus said, those wanting to be great must become servants, and those wanting to be first must become slaves of other people (Mt 20:27). Strong words that don’t sit easily in the Church, let alone in today’s society. It’s not about false humility, but about a change of heart which is the work of the Holy Spirit. There’s a joy and delight that comes with real service for the Lord that the world’s highest positions cannot give. It’ll also be noticed by the One who gives lasting reward. Let’s be happy to be last, so that Jesus is first in our lives.
25)# ’Walk around in flowing robes.’
Luke 20:46 (45-47)
Flowing robes help to make an entrance. They get you noticed and sweep other people out of your way. They give importance to the wearer and cannot be easily ignored. The image Jesus conjures up is very powerful and something we are just as familiar with today, as all those years ago.
Flowing robes speak of all that we do to impress other people, including those in the Church. Things that make other people feel inferior or inadequate. Things that point out the failings of other people or make them feel surplus to requirements. Things that promote our own interests. Not surprising then that the Apostle Paul encourages us, ’as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ (Col 3:12-13). As God’s people, we cannot wear two different sorts of clothes. So let’s get rid of any flowing robes and put on the garments that help us to become Christ-like.
26)# ’Such a time as this.’
Esther 4:14 (12-17)
Most people had assumed that Esther was chosen as queen because of her beauty and charisma. But Mordecai realised that another, more important reason was behind her being chosen. Such a time needed such a woman as Esther to recognise her part in God’s plan.
You and I may be in places or positions that surprise, or unsettle us. Things may happen that are unexpected. But if our lives are directed by the Lord, then we can trust that he has a reason for allowing us to be where we are. Serving God is more important than achieving personal goals. Being available for him to use is more valuable than self-preservation. This time in our lives is ordained by God so that we can know him better and so that we can serve him and bring glory to his name, just like Esther.
27)# ’And he promised her with an oath.’
Mark 6:23 (21-29)
Rash promises are often made in a moment of excitement. Wanting to impress his guests and having been infatuated by the dancing girl, King Herod promises what he would regret moments later. The whole occasion is spoiled and Herod’s life is forever marred by this foolhardy promise.
Peter also made rash promises to Jesus that he could not keep. It’s so easy to do. No wonder the Apostle James had much to say about the destruction and regret the tongue can cause. Guarding what we say can be difficult at times, especially in the heat of the moment, but it can save much pain for us and for other people later on. Let’s honour the Lord in what we say today and guard our tongues.
28)# ‘Maintain love and justice.’
Hosea 12:6 (2-6)
The people of Judah were relying on the pedigree of their ancestors to stay in God’s favour. But they had not maintained the godly life to go with it. Instead they had allowed malpractice to creep in and had drifted away from living God’s way. It’s easily done, especially when love and justice are neglected. Idolatry had replaced worship of God (ch 13). They defrauded each other and relied on dishonest gain to give them positions of power (v7&8).
The words of the prophet to God’s people are as relevant today as in the past. Love (kindness, mercy) and justice are more than occasional acts. They are not to be haphazard or when we are emotionally moved, but a regular and constant part of everyday life. They need to be rooted in our hearts out of our love for God. We can all be easily stirred by emotive images on our TV screens and demand kindness and justice for the poor and downtrodden, but when those images have gone and the tragedy forgotten, that’s when love and justice need to be maintained. So, in our everyday lives, whether it’s the use of our time, our money or our possessions, let’s make sure God’s love and justice are evident in our attitudes and actions.
29)# ’They kept watch over him there.’
Matthew 27:36 (32-38)
Word must have gone around that something might happen and so the soldiers were to be attentive. But their attention was not for the insults and taunts against Jesus, or for those nearby who were trying to ease Christ’s pain. In God’s plan, their attention was to witness a moment that would change things forever, on earth and in the heavenly realms. As Christ cried out ‘It is finished!’ the impact of his death was felt by the living and the dead. For the living, the curtain in the temple was torn apart, top to bottom, signifying access for all into the very presence of God by faith in Christ Jesus (v51). For the dead, the earth shook, rocks split and tombs broke open. Holy people were raised back to life and, a few days later, appeared to many people as evidence of the impact of Christ’s victory over sin and death (v52-53). What the soldiers witnessed provoked this declaration, ”Surely he was the Son of God!” (v54).
Seeing Jesus as just a miracle-worker or incredible teacher is not sufficient. Acknowledging him to be a great prophet is not enough. It’s only when I accept him as God incarnate, dying in my place for my sin, that he can become my Lord and my Saviour. His death was not a pretty sight, but it achieved a glorious victory that brings forgiveness, freedom and eternal life. See Jesus afresh for who he is today.
30)# ’Of what value is an idol?’
Habakuk 2:18 (18-20)
Trusting in things that can be seen and touched is easy to do in this materialistic world. Idols can come in all shapes and sizes and are not just made from wood, metal or stone. They can be whatever we might set our hearts on and yearn for, whether achievements or possessions. They appeal to the senses and are created by people. They promise much, but leave us wanting more. Like life itself, they will age and wither away.
Putting our trust in things of this world will prove futile and leave us disappointed. But trusting in the Lord is of lasting value. He remains when all else has gone. He is the eternal and living LORD and rules over all. A living God can direct our ways. A living God can forgive our sin and a living God can be in relationship with his people. So let’s make sure we continue to ‘turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.’ (Acts 14:15).