May 28 - Who Believes In You?

Read: John 7:1-10

For not even his brothers believed in him. (John 7:5 ESV)

I want people to believe in me. It's part of my personality. I have an innate desire to inspire others to believe. In an often selfish twist of this I regularly wish for them to believe that I know what I am doing, how I will do it, and why I will do it. Perhaps I am not so alone in this.

We all probably crave to have others believe in us. Sometimes it can become a distraction, especially if we come to depend on it as a measurement for self-worth or accomplishment. But encouragement is an exceedingly powerful thing. So, who believes in you?

Jesus faced this same issue. His own flesh and blood siblings doubted his divinity. They would not change their minds about it until after his resurrection. They would not simply believe in him. In spite of their doubt Jesus kept on ministering. He never lost focus. He never got distracted. He knew there was a source of belief in him that surpassed anything that could come from men. The Father believed in him.

The Father believes in you too. He believes in His image and likeness with which you were created. He believes in His righteousness with which you were covered. He believes in His future in which you can be a part.

That is a life changing bit of encouragement. It is actually quite daunting. God believes in you. We spend so much time sometimes considering the notion of belief as a term for the contemplation of existence. To believe also means to support, to encourage, and to rally to. So let me say it again, God believes in you.

Jesus believes in you. He believes in you so much that when his family, his culture, his country, and his friends rejected him he carried on. He endured. He sacrificed.

All. For. You.

All because he believes in you. He believes you were worth it.

May 27 - Not Everyone

Read: John 7: 1-24

For not even his brothers believed in him. (John 7:5 ESV)

Sometimes the people you love the most can be the harshest critics. Maybe family are your biggest critics, often it is family, perhaps it is close friends or peers. The simple truth is that the more we operate inside of Godly community, the more we love, and are loved; the more vulnerable we become to rejection at the hands of those same people.

Jesus was rejected by His hometown of Nazareth.  He was rejected by His own brothers, at least until after his resurrection. He was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by one of His chosen twelve Apostles.  He was denied by His best friend.  His own Father turned His back on Him in His final moments.

Sometimes, many times, the Christian existence will call, send, and guide us into territory where life's many potential vulnerabilities become realities. Thankfully we follow someone that has already faced that kind of hardship and overcome it.  We can carry our cross with the full faith that Christ leads us into His own glory. That is, He leads us into the glory of God, by the grace of God.

May 26 - Who Are My Brothers?

Read: Matthew 12:46-48; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21

But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” (Matthew 16:48 ESV)

Brotherhood is a remarkable thing, truly.  Many of my favorite memories in life involve my brother.  I have loved him deeply, as only brothers can, since the first moment my parents told me he was coming into this world.

Jesus had brothers too.  After his birth Joseph and Mary went on to have other children.  James, one of Jesus’ brothers eventually even went on to pastor the Jerusalem church.

Jesus’ statement concerning his family wasn’t an attempt to downplay his love and concern for his earthly family.  There are several examples in the Gospels that demonstrate Christ’s consideration and adoration for his family.  Rather, it was an inquisitive statement put forth to engage his audience.

The New Testament frequently uses the language of family to describe Christian community.  Those of us who follow Jesus have been adopted into the family of God.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ.

May 24 - Seeing Signs

Read: Luke 11:29-32

For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. (Luke 11:30 ESV)

Seeing is believing right? For most of us it is simply easier to accept what we can see. But it is also important to ask yourself, what exactly do I see? What is the sign before my eyes?

Jesus declared that he himself would be a sign to his generation. The nation was in turmoil. They were occupied by a conquering force. They were crushed by a cruel puppet king. They were spiritually starving under the leadership of a corrupt religious aristocracy. Jesus was the sign that all of that would change, and it did.

What kind of sign is before your eyes? Do you see Jesus? Do you see him for who he is?

Jesus does change everything. His death was the catalyst for our new life and restored relationship with God. Look to him. Find answers. Find assurance. Find provision and find peace.

May 23 - Seeking Signs

Read: Matthew 12:38-42

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." (Matthew 12:38 ESV)

I use signs a lot when I'm driving. Especially if I am traveling into new territory or looking for somewhere/something new. In our culture we depend on signs so much that we invented technology to give us audible voiced cues as we drive down the road. We want to see and know what is ahead. We want proof.

The religious leaders in Jesus' time wanted proof as well. Or at least they outwardly claimed that it was proof they were aster. Some were motivated by their power, influence, and bank accounts, but ere were those among their number earnestly seeking to please God, and serve Him. I'm not sure what category the group fell into that first asked Jesus for a sign, but I know that his response addressed the real issue.

What is it about us that demands proof? Is it mistrust, a lack of faith, or absurd arrogance? Maybe it is a meandering conglomerate of all of them. Maybe we vacillate between varying shades of mistrust and arrogance in our pursuit of proof. But what lies at the core of what we are actually searching for in our pursuit of proof? Are we hoping to find irrefutable evidence for the existence of God or the supremacy of the human intellect? Many with varying opinions would argue that proof for both arguments already exists. No, the answer to what we are seeking is secondary, or maybe even tertiary. The chief question in our humanly selfish pursuit of proof is, why are we seeking proof? Or, why do we demand a sign? The answer to that question reveals a great deal about our hearts.

May 22 - Denounced

Read: Matthew 11:20-24

Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. (Matthew 11:20 ESV)

We choose whether or not to believe in the supernatural. It is a choice all of us must wrestle with. For some this is an easy and nearly effortless struggle as they willingly, readily, and eagerly accept the notion of things happening beyond the realm of natural explanation. Others reject offhand the notion that anything can take place that is not potentially explainable by science.

Where do you fall on that scale? Maybe you find yourself believing in the supernatural. Maybe you have seen things that are unexplainable. This important statement that Jesus made boils down to one question; what do you do with the revelation of Jesus' supernatural power?

Some who experience the supernatural still refuse to acknowledge the source of that power. They explain it away, chock it up coincidence, and try to forget about it. Jesus would have none of that. He let it be known that his supernatural acts were attempts to draw attention to the Father. Everything the Son did was to exalt the Father.

Jesus used powerful language when describing the fate awaiting those who experienced his supernatural power and did not repent. He warned them of the trouble that awaited their stubborn refusal to return to a right standing with God. It's a side of Jesus we rarely see in the Gospels.

What would it take for Jesus to denounce you or I? Surely we must be wary of falling into the same trap of refusing repentance. It's not about merely being sorry for our actions. It is about our willful acknowledgement of God's plan and power.

May 21 - Don't Look Back

Read: Luke 9:57-62

Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62 ESV)

Not every yesterday is a pleasant memory. Often the recollection of yesterday is a painful remembrance. Perhaps terrible thing were done to you or by you. They are part of your yesterdays.

Jesus cautioned his followers against being consumed by worry for yesterday. In order to thoroughly live in the freely given identity we receive in Christ we must step into the new life provided for us while rejecting the pain of the past. It means recognizing that all of our hope, all of our strength, all of our joy, and all of our provision are rooted in Christ. It means looking ahead to the life and work he has for us.

I have made many mistakes in my life. Some would easily be deeply regrettable. But instead I find a measure of gratitude where cynicism, or even, fondness could linger. I don't miss my days of reckless selfishness. I don't wish to be back in that season of life. I'm not looking back instead of ahead.

Jesus calls each of us that bear his identity as a child of God to press on. Yes, we have been hurt. Yes, we have failed in some pretty shameful ways. But those things do not define who we are. We are children of God. We are coheirs with Christ. We have identity in Christ. He is calling us to look ahead.

May 20 - Leave the Dead

Read: Matthew 8:19-20; Luke 9:57-62

And Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead." (Matthew 8:22 ESV)

Life and death. You are alive or you are dead. That's pretty much how we think. That is especially how the naturalistic kind of perspective trains you to think.

Really we are, all of us, born into death. The curse of sin that was brought into God's creation by His first created couple is something we are all faced with. And the only thing that rescues us from that curse is life in Christ.

The question of life or death is the question of Christ. To be in Christ is to be alive. To be outside of Christ is to be dead, even though you may still draw breath. This is to what Jesus was speaking of. He was drawing followers to himself that could be counted on guide Christianity in its infancy. Jesus was, and still is, looking for people who would be willing to walk from anything and everything the natural life had to offer in order to discover supernatural life in him. Where does that leave you?

I don't believe God is asking us to leave and reject our loved ones. He is however calling us to leave behind death and follow him into life. Life in Christ.

May 19 - Why Jesus

For nearly six months I've been writing daily devotions that I have come to call "A Year With Jesus". They are the result of a couple of years of devoted study to the Gospels, Old Testament prophecy, and New Testament letters. All of it is because of my deep devotion to Jesus. With all of the distractions in this life why choose Jesus? Some do not. Still others believe Jesus chooses you. I think the biblical authors actually reveal that it is a bit of both. But for my part why do I love, cherish, and serve Jesus?

I will say outright that I wish I could do better, but for what it's worth I try to give my life and service to the work of Christ. I do this because at the core of my being I believe that Jesus Christ was a first century carpenter, rabbi, missionary, preacher, and miracle worker. I believe he was, and is, the unique Son of God that all of the Bible points to. I believe he lived perfectly. Loved exquisitely. Suffered unjustly. And died, only to be raised to life.

In my heart I have come to believe that the resurrection of Jesus is the penultimate event of human history. It changes everything. It sure changed me.

May 18 - They Could Not

Read: Matthew 17:14-20

And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." (Matthew 17:16 ESV)

Jesus was well-known and highly regarded for his many miraculous deeds. People came from all over the region to be ministered to and healed by the Lord. Jesus even passed along that authority and power to his disciples. But for some reason they were unable to heal the epileptic.

It must have been an utterly defeating moment for the boy's parents. All of their hopes were riding on the disciples' willingness and ability to minister to their son. And they the disciples fell short. They could not do it.

How often do we fail those who are looking to us for answers? I know I do frequently. But the truth is that I just miss the mark sometimes. And usually my issue is the same as that of the disciples. Usually when I miss it, it is a faith problem.

Jesus said that with just the tiniest measure of authentic faith the impossible becomes probable. That is bewildering to say the least. It challenges us right at the root of the issue. Is the supernatural real? Jesus believed it was so. He believed that a true position of faith had the ability to change things.

Yes, I have failed. And will probably do so again. Someone will come to me needing prayer, counsel, or biblical instruction and I will let them down. I will do my best, and it won't be good enough. They will need more, and Jesus is there to meet their need. Because even when Christ's followers cannot, he most definitely can.

May 17 - On Water

Read: Matthew 14:22-32; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. (John 6:19 ESV)

Jesus' disciples saw and experienced things on a regular basis that were incredibly unique. They witnessed miracles, partook in the miraculous, and saw supernatural things happen frequently. So why were they frightened when he was walking on the water?

Think about the guys that followed Jesus. Many of them were fishermen. They were living in a time when travel by boat was extremely commonplace. They lived in a region near a large body of water. Not one of them had ever seen someone walk upon on the water before.

We see airplanes a lot. Sometimes we fly in them to get somewhere. They have become a large part of our logistical infrastructure. But, it would be almost unbelievable to personally see someone who was able to fly through the air under their own power. We are not mentally prepared for that.

In the same way Jesus' followers constantly struggled to come to terms with his frequent ability to bend, break, or supersede the normally static laws of nature. The supernatural can be alarming and jarring when you are so highly conditioned to ignore it as a possibility. Jesus lives, rules, and operates within both the natural and supernatural. He can and did work beyond physics and natural order because his authority is founded and collaborative with the same power and authority that wrought the incredible systematic truths of things like physics and biochemistry. Jesus' power would be terrifying if possessed by anyone other than the loving son of God.

May 16 - You Feed Them

Read: Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14

But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." (Luke 9:13 ESV)

Jesus was withdrawing to a secluded area to speak with his disciples following their return from being sent out to preach. But the crowds always learned where Jesus was, they always followed him, he always welcomed them, he always taught them, and he always healed them.

Jesus taught the people all day long. But the disciples were not as compassionate toward the crowds as Christ was. They wanted Jesus to send the people away. Jesus replied by commanding his followers to feed the crowds. Why did Jesus tell the apostles to feed the gathering? I think it was to force them to acknowledge their own inability, which they did.

When we position ourselves to acknowledge our inability, God will position us to be a conduit or agent for His immeasurable ability. When they recognized their weakness Jesus showed his power. When the apostles decided to obey is when the miraculous happened. Jesus satisfies those who realize their need for him. Jesus is always more than enough.

May 15 - Peace Speaker

Read: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39 ESV)

I have been in a few terrifying storms. It kind of comes with the territory when you live in Arkansas. Still, I have never been in a storm that was so bad I feared for my life. I have also never been stuck out in open water during a storm. As such, it is pretty hard for me to imagine the kind of fear the disciples were experiencing. But, I have been through some pretty trying times in my life. And while I haven't experienced the kind of palpable fear produced by a literal storm, I have weathered a few stormy seasons. I have found myself fearing the precarious nature of my situation. I have found myself asking Jesus to save me from the storm.

Growing up my best friend's mom used to always sing this song talking about Jesus as the peace speaker. It was a beautiful song, but I never really understood the fullness of the words until late in my college career when I entered a very difficult season of life. Jesus was undoubtedly my peace speaker in those days. Even on the days when I was consumed or distracted by the violent environment of my troubles Jesus was working on my behalf. He was speaking peace into my life, into my future, and into my situation.

Looking back on those days now it is hard to imagine having made it through some of life's tough moments without being able to call upon the peace speaker. Like the disciples in the boat, it is reassuring to know that Jesus makes the difference. Also, like the disciples, I can't always understand what Jesus does; but I have found another kind of freedom in not being burdened with the selfish or prideful desire to want to. Jesus speaks peace into chaos and order into confusion. I hope that I can always listen.

May 14 - Rest in Jesus

Read: Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 ESV)

Rural farm life is a very laborious lifestyle. There are tons of things that must consistently and regularly be done to keep the various animals and plants. It is taxing over time. It is hard but honest work.

Jesus was familiar with hard work. He grew up in the home of a carpenter. In all likelihood he was trained as a carpenter. What kind of labor was he talking about resting from?

Jesus was speaking to a people group who were being taxed, both literally and figuratively, at every angle. The Romans taxed them, their own king taxed them, and even the religious system, the Temple priests, taxed them. He was speaking to a group of people who were intimately familiar with the notion of working in vain.

The Jews strained under the yoke of an oppressively cruel occupying military force. They struggled beneath the inexhaustible appetite of a wicked royal dynasty. The one place that should have been their champion, the one place that should have offered answers, and a respite for their souls, was the Temple; but it was perhaps the heaviest yoke of all. The Temple had become such a horribly corrupt system of extortion and entrapment that the devout were enslaved to empty promises that brandished a ludicrous price tag. All of that sounds eerily familiar.

Jesus offered an alternative. He announced that he was the way to God. He demonstrated power and authority in keeping with that claim. And then he offered it free of charge. He offered rest. He offered change.

That sounds pretty good to me. I could use a rest like that. What about you?

May 13 - Gaining Brothers

Read: Matthew 18:15-20

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15 ESV)

A lot of the language used in describing the early community of Christ followers was familial in nature. Brother and sister were words regularly used to refer to fellow believers. This is the kind of brother Jesus was speaking of.

There will be times in this life in which we find ourselves at odds with fellow believers. Usually it will be a difference of opinion or a misunderstanding, but there are also times when this tension will be a result of a moral failing. We have an obligation to address the sins of those we care about.

Too often in the Christian culture we paint sin as something incredibly easy to deal with, but the truth is that sin is anything but easy. Obviously we are supposed to take our sins before Christ as a matter of repentance and forgiveness. But what about dealing with them friend-to-friend and brother-to-brother?

Jesus advocated one-on-one confrontations. Upfront personal conversations are best. Sitting with someone and talking the issue out always reveals the honest nature of those involved. It cuts through the potential miscommunications and lays all of the cards on the table. Hopefully in a way that brings healing and restoration to the relationship, and points the one who has sinned toward redemption.

May 12 - The Last Days

Read: Luke 17:20-37

For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. (Luke 17:24 ESV)

Opinions on end times events are widely, and sometimes wildly, speculative. Many claim to hold the answers. Some of those making such claims may have answers. I don't. But Jesus had something to say about it too.

One thing I am pretty sure about concerning end times events is that Jesus will rule and reign an actual earthly kingdom. It will be time when the now spiritual kingdom of God will be made manifest as a literal earthly rule upon this world. Many varying beliefs exist concerning the events that will lead to this eventuality. Nearly all agree upon the notion of Jesus reigning and ruling a physical kingdom in conjunction with his spiritual kingdom.

For that to come it means that he will return in identifiable form. Whether it is in his physical presence, his heavenly being, or whatever we do not know. Perhaps he will reappear in a form we cannot really comprehend. But when he does return it will be evident. It will change things. He will light up the world with his sudden glorious appearance.

To experience the fullness of the kingdom of God, not just in spirit but in this world, would be a glorious thing. It will be a glorious thing. This is the hope that we have in Christ, not that we should be afraid of these future eventualities; but so that we might lovingly and longingly aspire to such a pristine moment in our future history—even while we go about this life in pursuit of him.

May 11 - Own Your Cross

Read: Luke 14:25-27

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:27 ESV)

Today crosses are fashion statements. People were them casually with little regard for their semblance or significance. In Jesus' era the cross was a multifaceted symbol of shame, disgust, torture, cruelty, and wickedness. That's the kind of cross Jesus was taking about carrying.

In the years since Jesus said those words many many people have given their lives for their faith in Jesus. In the years to come more are certain to experience a similar fate. This isn't what Jesus wants for his people. I can't imagine that he enjoys seeing his followers suffer today any more than he did then. But it is possibility.

Even though fatal martyrdom is a pretty far removed threat from our comfortable American existence that doesn't mean we don't have our cross to carry. Your faith in Jesus will mark you. It will set you apart. Often if may label you the outcast. Some will think you a fool. You have to be ok with that. You may get passed up for a promotion because of your faith. You may get demoted because of your faith. You have to be ok with that.

Taking up cross doesn't mean that we go looking for ways to voluntarily end our lives for the gospel. It also doesn't mean that we neglect our obligations and responsibilities. Taking up your cross means that you are willing to willfully follow Jesus into whatever situation he leads you into regardless of the possible or probable outcome.

May 10 - Soul Value

Read: Matthew 16:24-26; Mark 8:31-38; Luke 9:23-26

For what can a man give in return for his soul? (Mark 8:37 ESV)

What is the going rate for your soul? That's the core of the question Jesus asked his followers. In other words, what are you willing to trade for your soul?

I remember the old stories of blues guitarists that used to talk about trading their soul to learn to play the guitar. Of course they seem far-fetched, fanciful, and silly, but the truth is that people are casually trading their soul for inconsequential things on a regular basis. Money, fame, pleasure, reputation, distraction, and security are all distractions that consume. They often seem harmless enough, and they are not all inherently evil things. However, by our nature we are creatures of worship and we love to invest ourselves (to often unhealthy levels) in things that are of minimal or no actual benefit.

Jesus values your soul. In truth it is who you really are. You may not feel valued. Society and circumstances may have tried to train or teach you that you have no value, but it is a lie. Jesus values you so much that he wants to spend eternity with you. And he even died to make that happen.

Know your worth. Know your value. And please know the one who values you most.

May 9 - Adulterous Divorce

Read: Matthew 19:1-12 & Mark 10:1-12

And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." (Matthew 19:9 ESV)

Divorce is a tragic thing. Staggering statistics demonstrate its far reaching affects on our culture. And many who call themselves Christians have been tragically victimized by the saddening reality of divorce.

Jesus was very candid in his opinion concerning divorce. He didn't like it. He taught that the only reason why divorce was allowed was because the ancient Jews had been so stubborn that they demanded Moses to allow it. And apparently he did.

Jesus' thoughts on divorce would make some people very uncomfortable today. H said that it was only acceptable in cases that involved sexual immorality. That's a stern standard that raises the bar considerably, but he didn't stop there. He actually went on to declare that anyone who married a divorced person was committing adultery. Ouch. A tough standard indeed.

May 8 - Heaven

Read: John 14:1-14

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:3 ESV)

Jesus promised that heaven is a reality. Not only that, but he declared his intentions to gather his followers to himself at some appointed time. That in calling the redeemed he would bring us to his heavenly home. He would and will take us to the place for which he departed physical time and space to prepare.

Heaven is for real. It is a place. As much as we can either imagine or fathom it is a location. It is somewhere than can be arrived at, departed from, and dwelled in. It is the capital city of the Kingdom of God. The headquarters of the heavenly host of angel armies. The garrison for God's servants, messengers, and gathered children. In short, heaven is home.

It isn't limbo. There isn't a waiting list. It isn't purgatory, it isn't hell, it isn't Texas, and it isn't the mall. It's not Jerusalem, Mecca, or near the Wailing Wall. The bible paints a picture of golden streets, pearly gates, and rainbow foundations. It is going to be a breathtaking display of grandeur that in truth we may barely even notice as we turn our fullest undiminished affections toward God.

There we will experience peace in full. Joy in earnest. Knowledge unadulterated. Love unfettered. Time unending. God Almighty. The Spirit in Fullness. And Jesus our Savior.