no difference?

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

111013Malachi 1-2:9

The LORD speaks through his prophet to address two complaints the people had in his day.  First, the Israelites complained “we are no different than anyone else.”  To which the LORD said. “You are right, you are no different than anyone else, except that I have chosen you, and loved you. Remember Esau.  Remember that I chose Jacob, and have invested in him.”  There is a difference.

Secondly, the people complained “our worship is no different than anyone else’s.”  The LORD responded, “It has become a drudgery because my priests do not take it seriously any more. I will punish them for that.”  Worship is supposed to bring people into the presence of God.  If it becomes just a form of entertainment, it cheapens the experience.  God cannot allow that to continue.  When it comes to true worship, there must be a difference.

LORD, make us holy, unique, different, so the world might see the difference, and come to you.

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worst defense

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0541

Acts 6:8-7:60

Stephen’s message at his trial before the Sanhedrin is one of the best Old Testament summaries ever.  It was also one of the worst testimonies ever given at a trial.  It so enraged the listeners that they decided to dispense with the rest of the trial and proceed with the execution.

Stephen was less interested in preserving himself, and more interested in getting his people to see what they were doing.  That is why he summarized the Old Testament.  Two themes are found throughout his message: 1) The LORD always keeps his promises. 2) Israel always misunderstands and rejects what the LORD is doing.

Stephen’s hope was that the people would understand that Jesus is the promised Messiah,  the eternal inheritance promised to Abraham and his descendants.  He hoped that they could see their resistance to Jesus as resisting the Holy Spirit.

LORD, open our eyes to what you are doing among us, and show us when we are resisting your Holy Spirit.

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He will be here

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

110913Zechariah 14

Sometimes the “day of the LORD” does not refer to Christ’s coming, but some other event.  The phrase could be rendered “when the LORD strikes.”  But this final prophecy of Zechariah can refer to no other time. All the nations have been gathered against Jerusalem to battle, a battle the New Testament calls Armageddon.  At first, Jerusalem will seem to be lost.  It will be taken, its houses plundered, and its women raped. 

But then, The Messiah will reverse his ascension of old, landing on the Mount of Olives. He is accompanied by his angelic armies.  They are there to do battle against the enemies of Israel, and to conquer the opposing nations, restoring peace to Jerusalem, and installing the Messiah as king over all the earth.  From then on, all of the families of the earth will keep the feet of Booths, celebrating the presence of God, because He will be here.

LORD, thank you for your coming kingdom.  Give us the wisdom to celebrate your presence and live by your word now.

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a day of repentance and humility

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

110813Zechariah 12-13

Embedded within this prophecy of restoration is a prophecy of spiritual revival – a cleansing of idolatry and sin from Judah and Jerusalem.  It starts on the day the whole people are scattered when their shepherd is struck and killed.  The people of all Judah will be in Jerusalem when they look on the LORD himself, whom they have pierced.  Their resulting grief will bring a spirit of repentance and humility, wiping centuries of pride from their hearts.  Idols and false prophets disappear from many.  Yet, there will still be enough rejection to warrant a further cleansing. The LORD will again turn his hand against the whole land, and two-thirds will perish.  The remnant will be tested, refined in the fire.  They will call upon his name, identifying themselves as the LORD’s people.

LORD, give us a vision of remembrance of Christ crucified, so that we turn from our idolatry and dishonesty and cling to you alone.

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the worthless shepherd

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

110713Zechariah 11

A previous vision had predicted what things were going to be like under the Grecian empire.  Now, Zechariah looks even further into the future and sees the land under the control of Rome, particularly during the time of Christ.  The original three shepherds (prophet, priest and king) have been replaced by a foolish, worthless shepherd (Herod, puppet to Caesar).  He has broken the covenant, and with it the two staffs (God’s favor, and Israel’s union).  Eventually, the foolish shepherd abandons his job, and his severance pay is 30 pieces of silver (the exact amount paid to Judas for his betrayal).  He threw the money to the potter – an image that speaks of God’s sovereign plan – which he is going to fulfill.

LORD, we are grateful that our true shepherd will never abandon us, and he will never be replaced.

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sidelines

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1041Acts 28:16-31

The book of Acts ends at a very strange place.  Paul is in Rome under house arrest.  He spends two years in limbo, on the sidelines.  Other than the people who visit him, and his guard, he sees no one.  He spends his time witnessing to them, and writing some of his epistles.  This dynamic leader is now taken off the scene, and one wonders what God is up to. 

Why sideline such an important leader in the first century church? Part of the answer is that the Holy Spirit wanted to use others during this time, and it is always his prerogative to decide who serves, where and when.  Another part is knowing the tremendous value of books like Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Paul was taken “off the field” so that he could focus on his writing ministry.  You and I benefit from his apparent defeat.

Whenever we face discouraging changes in our situation, forcing us to choose plan B instead of the plan A we want, we need to remember that the sovereign LORD always knows what he is doing.

LORD, we trust in you.  We surrender to your plan, even if that may mean scrapping our plans.

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rescuing shepherd

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

111013Zechariah 10

The LORD is described as a rescuing shepherd, who takes his exiled sheep from Assyria and Egypt and brings them through the raging seas in a second exodus back to the land.  Once they return, the sheep are transformed into war horses, and the new shepherds lead them to triumph in battle.  Unlike the present shepherds, who are leading them to idolatry, these new shepherds will reject the household gods, who utter nonsense, and rid the land of diviners who had given empty consolation through lies and false dreams.

Oh LORD, lead us out, lead us back, lead us with your truth.

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peace to the nations

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

110513Zechariah 9

Not only will the LORD rescue his flock from the present oppressors, but the next world dominating empire that Daniel predicted (Greece: Daniel 8:21) will be overcome as well.  Then, a king will arise who will speak peace to the nations.  He will be righteous and have salvation.  He will enter humbly, riding on a donkey.  He will rule from sea to sea.  The prisoners are told to return to their stronghold, because the LORD promises to restore to them double what they lost.

LORD, thank you for the promise of restoration, and the restoring king who entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

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streets full

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

110413Zechariah 8

The LORD’s rescue of his people will bring peace and prosperity.  It will be an opportunity to witness to the goodness and faithfulness of God by a display of the goodness and faithfulness of the people toward him and each other.  This is the objective of the rescue the gospel offers as well.  The streets of the city should be full of signs of blessing, the elderly and playing children.  This image is particularly delightful in a weary, strife torn land.  It speaks of a well-being that the nations will envy.

LORD, give us the wisdom to display your goodness and faithfulness – even while we wait for the fulfillment of your promises.

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Chislev

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1968Zechariah 7

Chislev was the month designated for fasting, to remember the destruction of Jerusalem.  Now that the temple was being rebuilt, some of the people requested that the fast be discontinued.  Zechariah’s answer from the LORD was that the fast that really matters is a change of heart, resulting in a change of life.  If that does not happen, it does not matter if there is a physical temple or not.  God wants his spiritual temple in the land.  We are it.

LORD, turn us into people who demonstrate your kindness and mercy and justice to others.  Soften our diamond-hard hearts.

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