Tag: Jesus

Our example

Re: Verse reading – Jeremiah 11:18-23; 12:1-6; 17:14-18; 20:7-18 (day two)
I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” Jeremiah 11:19

These words are strikingly familiar and as we continue to focus on the cross this season we see Jeremiah’s words reflected in Jesus’ journey.  But what was the end game?  Jesus knew the path that lay before Him, and more than that, He knew the victory that would ultimately come.  Jeremiah’s faith was strong, but he did not share the divinity of Christ.  We can benefit from both.  We know, who know that victory is assured through Jesus, can look at Jeremiah’s story and gain hope.  Hope that says there is a way out.  We will most assuredly come to situations that seem desperate, but with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we know that the tree will continue to bear much fruit.

Jesus the Curiosity

Re: Verse reading–Luke 22:66-71, 23:1-25 (day two)
Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. (vs. 8) Our of context this reading seems like a promising opportunity for Herod to have a genuine encounter with the Christ.  I must confess that often when I read this or see depictions of Christ’s Passion, I always hope and pray someone will wake up and understand what they are doing.  But, it had to happen this way.  Herod was curious about this “conjurer of cheap tricks”.  He was interested to see if Jesus would perform for him, and if so Herod might be persuaded release him.  Does Jesus remain a curiosity for us?  Do we treat him with any more reverence than Herod?  Of course we have the words the feign reverence, and yet we still approach Jesus with an expectation that he will “help us out” when we are in a jam.  Jesus saw Herod’s motivation, and would not play his game.  He still sees our hearts and will not be treated as a puppet to perform.

Worth

Re:Verse reading–Psalm 8 (day three)
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…”  Consider, then:  13.3 billion light-years away, a tiny galaxy (the rather clunkily-named MACS0647-JD) shines its light.  That light travels six trillion miles in one year, and even at that speed, it needs 13.3 billion years to reach earth.  The psalmist didn’t measure space like we do, but he knew: God’s heavens are immense enough that the human race would seem trivial by comparison.  And yet, God is mindful of us.  Jesus knew that our well-being depends on our knowledge of that mindfulness in this vast universe: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God…Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)

A Good Boss

Re:Verse reading–Psalm 8 (day two)
If you’ve never had a good boss, it is hard to appreciate the significance of Psalm 8:6. “You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet.” A good boss makes everyone’s life better. Objectives are clear. Less time is wasted. Conflicts don’t get out of hand. The organization flourishes, and everyone joyfully does their part. When the New Testament authors thought of Jesus, they thought of him as a good boss. Consequently, they referred to this psalm to celebrate Jesus’ reign over their lives and all creation (see Ephesians 1:20-23). When you see an organization well run, a home well-managed, a life well ordered, you are seeing the thumbprint of the perfect boss who “does all things well” (Mark 7:37). His work of restoration is not yet complete, and He invites us to participate in it. Are you a “good boss” of your own life, family and work?