He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
TO PONDER
The parallels between Joseph's story in Genesis and Jesus story are many. Their silence in the face of their betrayal by those closest to them is just one good example.
We don't ever see Joseph speak up or complain out loud about the injustice of his situation. Just like Jesus, in the face of those who were falsely accusing him and looking for a reason to crucify him, remained silent and gave no protest.
So what are we to do with that? What should a follower of Jesus do when we are personally confronted with injustice and betrayal?
I think there are two things we need to keep in mind. Firstly, Jesus was always quick to speak out against injustice when he saw it being perpetrated on others. He often spoke up for the sick, the poor and the marginalised and taught his disciples to do likewise. So we can, and should, regularly stand up for those who have need and are unable to help themselves. The people of God have, on balance, a good history of doing this.
However, when it comes to what to do when others mistreat us, the story is a bit different. Jesus tells his disciples to be quick to forgive, to turn the other cheek and to pray for those who pursecute them. We can, if we choose, go ahead and make a big fuss when someone wrongs us. We could whinge and moan and complain to anyone who will listen but that only serves to spread our negativity onto others. The way we glorify God and bring his grace and mercy to bear in the face of those who hurt us is to leave judgement and vengeance in God's hands, trusting him to judge rightly. Remember, all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, we are all equally in need of his mercy and grace.
PRAYER: God of Mercy and Grace, I thank you for the grace and forgiveness you have given me through your Son, Jesus Christ. Please help me to be patient and quiet when people treat me poorly and to also be able to offer forgiveness. Please grow in me the courage and the strength to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me. In Jesus name, Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”
TO PONDER
"I have a dream..." Martin Luther King Jr, is perhaps one of the most famous 'dreamers' in modern history because of his 'I have a dream' speech. His dream was a world where all people might be treated fairly regardless of race, and end to segregation, and an end to racism. Just like Joseph, his dream got people very upset with him. Unlike Joseph, Martins dream actually got his killed.
However there are two things to mention about Martin's dream. Firstly, I can't say for certain but I'm not sure that his dream was his own. Here's one section from his I have a dream speech,
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
I don't know about you, but I am convinced this was a man who believed God had given him a task to do. This leads me to my second point about his dream, While it may have caused some people to plan his assassination, it led many more to catch the vision and begin the work of reconciliation and justice. That's not to say that there is not more work to be done where racism and other types of inequality and injustice still occur, but even though Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, his dream lived on.
It's not so easy to kill a dream or the will of God. Joseph's brothers thought they had done it, Jonah thought he could evade it by running away, and those who crucified Jesus thought they had done it too. It turns out that not even death can stop the plans of God. So if you feel as though God has given your life a purpose and meaning, then don't avoid it or run away from it. Embrace it, even when it seems like the task is too big, God will hold you in his hand and be there with you to see his dream for youcomep to fruition.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that you have had in mind, right from the beginning, a plan and a dream for my salvation through your Son, Jesus. I know your dream includes the salvation of all people and that you have a part for me to play in that dream. Please help me to know when and where and how to play my part so that your glory may be revealed to all people. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”.
TO PONDER:
Every day I get a message from Amazon.com.au informing me that they have “found something you might like” and its true, I do like it, I do want it and I can even get it delivered today, the same day I ordered it at no extra charge, so I am even saving money!
Finding that brown cardboard box left at my front door on the same say I ordered it, without having to drive to the shops brings me a special kind of happiness, I think I have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).
Today’s verse reminds us to be on our guard against greed, to avoid GAS, to realise that maybe we don’t need that thing Amazon.com.au has found for us, and realise that the happiness we feel when we see that brown cardboard box left at the front door is not true joy and won’t fulfill my life, even if they fulfilled the order the same day it was ordered.
PRAYER: Almighty God, forgive me when I look for happiness in possessions when I place my faith and hope in acquiring more instead of you, help me realise that true joy can only be found in you Amen.
Today's devotion written by Danny Brock, LifeWay WestSide
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
TO PONDER:
I don’t know about you but I’m glad I’m not as bad as those other people, you know, the ones listed in today’s verses.
Do you ever sit in worship and think someone else needed to hear the sermon and then walked out satisfied that you are doing great compared to those other people?
Today’s verses mention the “obvious” things like witchcraft and debauchery and I think, since I have never even attempted to cast a spell on anyone and I am fairly confident that I haven’t "debauched", Paul is obviously talking, once again, to those other people.
In the list of dysfunctions mentioned by Paul he leads with the obvious, the “sins”, the lifestyle choices that require purposeful decisions to enter into, I don’t think its possible to stumble into an orgy (sorry Paul mentioned it first) but some of those other things, you know the grey areas he lists, like anger (rage), jealousy (envy), selfishness, and denominations (sorry I meant factions), I maybe have stumbled into once or twice, a long time ago, of course…
Just because we haven’t committed the “obvious” doesn’t mean we haven’t fallen into the other “less severe” dysfunctions of say factions or perhaps envy.
Martin Luther himself reminds us about the pedagogical use (the mirror) of scriptures like today’s verses which expose sin and drive us to Christ even if we never tripped into an orgy.
PRAYER: Forgiving Saviour, I ask for forgiveness for my pride and my idolatry of self, thinking I am better than those “others” who need to cry out to you due to their sin Jesus help me run to you daily. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Danny Brock, LifeWay Westside
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
TO PONDER:
Now I've not got anything against any modern pop/rock musicians, but the reality is that the lyrics of popular music have always reflected something of the philosophy and world view of the culture in which they are written. Have a look at Lady Gaga's lyrics from her song "Born this Way"
"I'm beautiful in my way 'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret Just love yourself, and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way (Born this way) "
It's a pretty different sentiment than what we hear in today's reading from James. So often, as a disciple of Jesus, it can seem like the whole world is against us because they just don't see things with the eyes of faith which we have as followers of Jesus. They Don't see God at work they only see human effort and achievement. That kind of 'earthly wisdom' might be tempting to follow when everyone around you is following it, but look behind the perfectly manicured social media posts and you'll inevitably find people who are just as lonely and messed up as the rest of us...maybe even more so.
God's wisdom is perfect, even when it sometimes puts us at odds with the world around us and is different to what we see everyone else doing. But Jesus is the only truth that leads to eternal life.
PRAYER:Almighty God, I thank you for taking an interest in me while you are so much higher than me, so far above, yet you still walk with me daily, you listen to my prayers and talk with me as a loving Father. Please help me to recognise your wisdom and live by it even in the face of the wisdom of this world. Amen.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
TO PONDER
I don't come from a large family, I only have one younger brother. My parents were great at keeping things fair between the two of us and I certainly don't remember ever feeling like they loved one of us more than the other.
The same is true about God. He doesn't play favourites. However, sometimes I have been inclined to think he does. When someone else receives miraculous healing when you have been praying for the same thing it can seem like God is chasing one person over another. Perhaps the best way to reference the kind of feeling I'm talking about is in the movie 'Bruce Almighty' in which the main character Bruce feels like God is doing everything for everyone else but never seems to be interested in helping him out. (If you haven't seen it, it's well worth a watch.)
Bruce's perspective is very short sighted, he doesn't see the multiple ways God is at work in his life and it leads him to have a very dysfunctional relationship with God. However, throughout the movie, God is constantly at work restoring that relationship, and the same is true for us.
Maybe you do't feel like God's playing favourites, but each of us have areas where our relationship with God is dysfunctional. Maybe today you will let him point that out and do some work on improving that situation?
PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, I know that I can't see the big picture the way you do. I know that the Bible says you are always working for the good of those who love you. Help me to know and trust that to be true even if I can't see it in the moment. Help me to love others the way you love me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
TO PONDER
In the closing chapter (22) of the last book of the Bible (Revelation), we are provided with some absolutely beautiful descriptions of the New Jerusalem (Heaven) and all that has been prepared and awaits us in our eternal home. Our Lord God of the holy prophets sends His angel to show His servants (us) the things which will shortly occur. Jesus himself reminds us in verse 7 that He is coming soon. His word is forever faithful and true.
As I read todays text, I cannot help but be reminded of the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25: 1-13. We need to keep watch, because we do not know the day or the hour (Matthew 25: 13). We are being warned to be prepared for the return of Christ. Not to be lazy or complacent. The need for spiritual readiness in anticipation of the Kingdom of Heaven is paramount. The message highlights that being vigilant and prepared is crucial for all believers.
Be on your guard for not even the angels in heaven know the day or hour of our Lord’s return (Matthew 24: 36). We, and all our brothers and sisters in Christ will be blessed by believing in Him, inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and keeping God’s word.
The call to preparedness and vigilance require immediate action. The preparation begins now. This surely is our motivation to earnestly share the Gospel with others. Time is of the essence as we respond to the call to carry out the great commission which Jesus Himself gave His disciples. We are to be witnesses to the world and extend the invitation to all those who do not yet know God as their Lord and Saviour.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father. Thank you that you have accepted me as your child. Help me not to take this for granted but to be vigilant and prepared in all that I do for your return. Walk with me daily as I endeavour to carry out your great commission to make disciples of all nations. In your Holy name I pray. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
TO PONDER
I remain intrigued by the number of food products that still today, market themselves inside the supermarket, inviting shoppers to try the cooked / prepared version of their product to taste-test and the friendly cook then provides directions as to which aisle the shopper will find the product in the store - and from my experience will then generally also point out that it is on special this week for whatever the price.
I must admit I can be included (on reflection, a number of times over the years) in the shoppers who accept the invitation to try and never have the intention of purchasing the product. So, why is this marketing option still chosen?
Simply, because it works! Because there are sufficient numbers of shoppers who accept the invitation to taste, are impressed and then purchase the product. They 'try then buy'. And to add to the in-store marketing success, the purchasing customer usually initiates the next invaluable piece in the marketing chain via 'word of mouth' to family and friends. One of the most effective proven marketing models for any business and certainly one of the most cost efficient.
We have the same invitation extended to us in the verse from today’s Psalm. Taste and see that the Lord is good. In fact, this invitation is regularly extended to us during worship (it’s even included to those worshipping on-line these days) as we are invited to the Lords table to partake in His holy meal of His body and blood – a meal graciously provided to us and to all who believe.
We have indeed tasted (and will continue to do so at the Lord’s Table) exactly what is on offer for us and we know that everything about Him is good. We will continue to be blessed by following and taking refuge in Him.
Are you compellingly marketing for the Lord to grow His Kingdom here on earth through 'word-of-mouth'?
As we go about our daily lives there are abundant opportunities for each one of us to invite those around us to come to know Jesus. To taste and see that He is good.
We have accepted our invitation but when was the last time you extended this boundless invitation to others?
PRAYER:Lamb of God. Thank you for my personal gracious invitation to be your child. Thank you that you continue to extend this invitation even though I stray from your path time after time. Thank you that you invite me regularly to your table to share the meal that you prepared for me so I can taste Your goodness. Help me not to shy away from extending Your invitation to others so they too can taste and see that You are good. In Your name we pray. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
TO PONDER
A few years ago, I read a book called ‘More than a fisherman’ by Jim Grassi who served as a chaplain with various NFL (American Football) teams, and also to a police department in the U.S.
As the opening lines of the books Foreword state, “Jim Grassi is not only a Hall of Fame Fisherman but a true fisher of men. He has taken Biblical truth and connected some great metaphors that help us to know God and make Him known.”
For Grassi, being a fisherman of people is all about spiritual mentoring or discipleship. It is a relational process that requires people to become actively involved in living out their faith so that others can get to know God.
I don’t know about you but I find it fascinating that Jesus’ first chosen disciples literally ‘dropped everything’ and walked away from their families, their trade (as fisherman) and followed Jesus upon the invitation to “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Is that incredible blind faith or not?
They had no idea of what the future held for them by following Jesus. Mocking, insults, rebuke and even the threat of death was the reality of what was to come. However, in their blind faith they accepted Jesus’ invitation and in doing so witnessed first-hand His love, His teachings, His servant persona, His healing of the sick and the demon possessed, His raising of the dead and culminating in His own sacrificial death for us and conquering resurrection on Easter Sunday.
So, what is our excuse? We don’t really need blind-faith as we are fortunate enough to know the truth through the Bible and its teachings.
Jesus extends that same invitation (that he gave to His first disciples) to you and me today and every day.
What is stopping you from fully accepting the invitation, and dropping everything to put Jesus first in your life?
We only need to do two things, and we are not on our own. Firstly, accept Jesus’ invitation and then as Jim Grassi states “(Matt. 4:19) is a call to become a fisher of men. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be a change agent within our culture”
PRAYER:Master Fisherman. Your Word and so many other additional tools and aids are available to me to be Your fisher of people. Continue to remind me that your Holy Spirit lives within me to help me in every situation you place me in, to bring people to know you as their Saviour. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping