tick tock

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0825Psalm 89

The psalmist is absolutely sure of his theology. He knows that the greatness of God is beyond that of any other being.  He knows that God will do what is right, and that God’s moral integrity is matchless.  Yet the psalmist also knows that this just and righteous God has allowed his servant (Israel’s king) to suffer the consequences of his people’s unfaithfulness.  The king asks the LORD to deliver him and his people, and frantically reminds the LORD that, unlike him, they are mortal.  Their time is short; it is running out.  Their souls are heading for Sheol, and they can do nothing about it. 

LORD, we know who you are, and you know what we are.  We depend on you. Deliver us!

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what Mordecai knew

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0799Esther 2

Mordecai knew the sadness and loneliness of a little orphan girl named Hadassah.  He loved his niece, and made a home for her in his home. Mordecai knew the secret of who queen Esther was.  He felt prompted by the LORD not to reveal that secret.  Not yet. Mordecai knew that some worthless fellows were plotting to assassinate the king.   God had so orchestrated the events so that what Mordecai knew was the most important news in the kingdom.

LORD, you have given us knowledge of how to rescue those doomed to destruction.  Help us to share what we know, so that others might live.

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already dead

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0714Psalm 88

The psalmist cries out to God regularly, and plans to keep doing so, but he is close to giving up hope.  He feels that God is not listening, as if he has already joined the dead in a dark and silent pit.  As much as the theologians try to sidestep what this Holy Spirit-inspired author is saying, there is no way of getting around the fact that Heman the Ezrahite saw no hope in death. For him, the dead are lying in the grave, no longer remembered by God, and cut off from his hand.  He was praying not for release at death, but for life and deliverance. 

LORD, our hope is in you, not in our own supposed ability to survive death. We seek life and deliverance from you.

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two wrongs

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

012Esther 1

This story explains how the vacancy in the Persian royal family came about.  Readers today can be tempted to take sides in the dispute between the  king and queen, but the truth is that they were both probably both very wrong in what they did.  Both were obviously motivated by pride and stubbornness, and too much wine.  The point for the biblical author is that although the human beings were acting foolishly, God was behind their actions, making room for his will.  Likewise, there are many disappointing and challenging situations that believers will face in this life.  While it is often difficult to see God’s hand in those circumstances, he is there.  He can take two wrong choices and make something right out of them.

LORD, when we are discouraged and disappointed, help us to trust that you know what you are doing.

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born there

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0712Psalm 87

Jerusalem is celebrated because of its glorious future.  It will some day be said that people from all the nations will be “born there.”  The psalm speaks in faith of a time when Jerusalem is seen as the center of what God is doing in the world, and that even its present Gentile enemies will proudly call it home.  The New Testament explains how this will happen.  Believers will be grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11). 

Thank you, LORD, for bringing us home to you.

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cleansing again

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0711Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah’s life story ends with one more attempt to cleanse the temple, much like the life story of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29).  The temple was significant because it represented the presence of God before men.  The church – not the buildings, but the people – is supposed to do that today.  That is why we should strive to be pure and undefiled.  It is not ethnic diversity that defiles the church. Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations.  He wants ethnic diversity.  What he doesn’t want is divided loyalty.  That is what makes any temple impure.

LORD, cleanse us again.

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God alone among the Gods

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

baptism 161Psalm 86

This psalm seems to contradict itself, because it praises God for being unlike any of the other gods, and then states that the LORD alone is God.  The other gods are spirit beings who attempt to control the lives of the nations by forcing them into the bondage of idolatry.   The LORD, the maker of heaven and earth, has no need or desire to keep people in bondage,  By his grace he sets us free, and gives us the hope of eternal life through Christ.  When all is resolved on judgment day, these false gods will have their part in the lake of fire, which is the second death.  Then it will be clear to all that there has always been only one God.

LORD, thank you for bringing us to yourself, so that we can live and love you forever – the only God.

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when the task is done

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

baptism 160Nehemiah 12:27-47

When they celebrated the dedication of the newly rebuilt wall in Jerusalem, all the leaders were there, and they formed two processions, each headed by a large choir for singing praises.  Instead of sitting around congratulating each other on their success, and bragging about their hard work, the leaders spent the day worshipping the LORD who had called them to that work. 

LORD, inspire us to magnify you as a response to our successes, because they all come from you.

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righteous and faithful

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

baptism 160Psalm 85

This psalm comes from a people who have known the joy of the LORD’s forgiveness and restoration, and seek for it again.  They are confident that the LORD will restore them again because of two things, both of which are attributes of God.  The LORD is righteous (so he had to punish the people for their sin) but he is also faithful (so he will not forget to restore them).  It is terrifying to contemplate that God cannot be tricked, justice will come.  It is comforting to know that this sovereign God loves us, and will revive us again.

LORD, we surrender to your judgment because we have experienced your love.

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ten percent

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

baptism 157Nehemiah 11:1-12:26

This section records the effort to repopulate Jerusalem, and the proof that levitical duties were carried out during the entire time of the restoration.  It is interesting that the goal was to put a tithe of the people itself into the city.  Not everyone could go and live there, but everyone was to bless those whom they sent to represent them.  In a similar way, only a small percentage of us will know the joy and privilege of foreign missionary work.  Under the new covenant, the blessing goes not to those who go to the holy city, but for those who go to reach others with the message of the gospel.  Have we given ten percent?  What would happen if we did?

LORD, make us senders of the ten percent.

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