REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Charles Graham, a former intern at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was originally posted on June 11, 2019.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The High Priest’s New Clothes: The Robe and the Golden Plate”

Exodus 28:31-35

“You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment,[c] so that it may not tear. 33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, 34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. 35 And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.

In my previous blog, I recounted coming across John 5:39 where Jesus asserts that the Old Testament bears witness to Him. Charmed by the notion, I was excited to be assigned to an OT passage so I could spend time learning how the Old Testament does just that. Previously, I discussed a bit of Exodus 28 and the specifications for Aaron’s garments. My conjecture is that the particularity with which the high priest clothes are made hold some significance that point to Jesus Christ. It seemed that way in Part 1—let’s see if it holds while diving into the rest of the priestly garments.

Exodus 28 also details the build of the ceremonial robe and an engraved golden plate that the high priest is to wear when performing his duties (Exod. 28:31-35; 36-38). It is in these descriptions that the idea of bearing guilt is introduced, and repeated in verse 43. The robe, for example, is fitted with a golden bell and a pomegranate. Verse 35 reads, “And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die,” (Exod. 21:35 ESV). The golden plate has the words “Holy to the LORD” engraved on it, and is worn over the turban on Aaron’s forehead because Aaron is to bear the guilt of the holy things that Israel consecrated to God (Exod. 21:38). 

Now, what’s going on here? Does God need to hear bells on Aaron’s robes to know he is coming to refrain from smiting him? Certainly not. Verse 43 injects the idea that these garments are to be worn by Aaron (and his sons), to prevent him from personally bearing guilt. In fact, if Aaron attempts to enter the tabernacle to minister without them, he will surely die. So what’s happening? The priestly garments are bearing the guilt for Aaron. It’s not so much that Aaron is awarded this beautiful uniform because he’s good enough to enter the Holy of Holies, rather, Aaron is given the priestly clothes because he is not good enough on his own. Aaron has his own sin to bear, and so the garments are put over him because they represent someone who is: Jesus.

The priestly garments are a physical picture of the coming Jesus. The all-white pieces boast of His purity, the extravagant pieces boast of His beauty and glory, the function of the garments tell of the function of the Son who bears the guilt of creation and the necessity of the garments speak to every person’s need for Jesus to cover their sins. Jesus did it, but despite this many people hurt deeply from constantly dwelling on their shortcomings. Can we rest and rejoice in what Jesus has done for us, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us?

Prayer: Father, we thank You daily for what You have done for us and continue to do. I pray that Your Spirit would minister to us and heal us, not only of the propensity to sin, but of the guilt and shame attached to it. Holy Spirit, it is promised that You would remind us of Jesus’ teachings and work. Please do so constantly, so we may find joy and rest in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 5

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John 1:10: He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him; 

1 John 2:1-2: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Questions to Consider

• What makes John’s statement in 1 John 1:10 particularly challenging?
• Discuss John’s teaching about Jesus in 1 John 2:1.

Notes

• While most people are more than happy to acknowledge they’re a sinner, the full weight of that status sometimes escapes them. Many people have a sort of “moral scale” in their minds, placing themselves somewhere between the best and worst people in human history (morally). Since they are somewhere in the middle, they conclude they are a good person. However even IF it’s true, the standard by which we are judged is of whether we have sinned, a test we all admittedly fail. Thus, the necessity and graciousness of Jesus’ work increase to infinitude.
• John establishes Jesus as our Advocate to the Father. It could be argued just as the high priest cannot enter God’s presence in the tabernacle without wearing the garments, neither can a person enter God’s presence without Jesus pleading to the Father on his or her behalf.

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Evening Reflection 

Searching for Jesus in the Old Testament is proving to be an enjoyable pastime for me, though I admit I’m a bit of a nerd. I realize while some will share in my newfound interest, others may not and that’s alright. We can all agree where we really need to find Jesus is in our personal lives. Maybe it means waking up a little earlier for prayer, or maybe it means setting aside the phone for a bit and picking up that Bible. Let’s challenge each other as a family in Christ to fix our gaze on Him. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on December 30, 2018, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Spiritual War”

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

For fun, I did a little research on wartime rationing during World War II.  According to Wikipedia, in January 1942, the U.S. War Production Board (WPB) ordered a temporary ban on civilian automobile sales.  Although the WPB wanted to conserve fuel, the resource they were most interested in saving was rubber, which back then, was mainly sourced from Japanese occupied countries in Southeast Asia.  By June 1942, metal became the valued commodity, and products such as appliances, furniture, and radios were no longer being manufactured.  Gasoline was eventually rationed, which meant non-essential driving was limited and people were more reliant on public transportation.  Sugar supplies were cut in half, and since German submarines were sinking Brazilian cargo ships, coffee was rationed to about 1 lb. per five weeks (about the half the average usage at the time—that would have killed me the most).  By 1943, ration books and stamps were distributed to control the amount of sugar, fruit, oil, cheese, milk, and other items civilians could purchase.  

While researching I realize I’ve never lived through a war that dramatically impacted the way I have lived.  Sure, conflict in the Middle-east raised gas prices, but I’ve never been told I could only have five gallons this week.  Generally, I’ve had the privilege of being relatively unaffected by the wars and conflicts our country has been in.  Our country’s military involvement hasn’t even stopped me from going on vacations.  I guess what I’m saying is that I’ve always been a civilian, and I’ve always had a civilian’s mentality.  

Here’s my point.  Whether we know it or not, we are at war.  And while it seems that Paul exhorts us to take up the armor of God and take up arms, perhaps, we think we are just playing the part of a civilian.  But even civilians have responsibilities to make sure they are living in a manner that aids the war effort.  Of course, the question we want to ask ourselves is this: Are we living as if we are in a spiritual war, or are we totally oblivious to the conflict around us?  The apostle Peter warns us, saying, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8^b). What should we then do? The front end of that passage reads, “Be sober-minded; be watchful.” Paul, at the end of today’s passage, says, “With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying.” As we turn the page into the new year, remember those warnings and let us adjust our lives accordingly. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to put on Your full armor.  Help me to be aware of my surrounding and to spiritually alert.  Let me pray and intercede for my friends, neighbors, and especially those who don’t know Jesus.  Let me be ready to engage with Your word. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 4

REPOST Today’s AMI Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on January 26, 2019, is provided Jasmin Izumikawa.  Jasmin, a member of the Church of Southland, is currently a high school teacher. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Vinedresser”

John 15:1-2

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” 

Failures in work and conflicts in relationships have a way of humbling us and showing us our seasons of growth. When it seems as though there is nothing good left and nothing to look forward, we are reminded of our limits and weakness, which, then, helps us to grow in the right attitude.  Truth be told, even as we express our desires to make room for God to intervene in our lives, there are some things we have trouble letting go, because they exist as remnants of past successes, spiritual highs, “honeymoon” phases and easier times. But, dwelling on these transient seasons can easily stunt our spiritual growth. So, when things become difficult, as they eventually do in life, do you grumble and reminisce of better days or are you moved to pray and cry out to God? Do you pause to worship the LORD in the most inconvenient times? 

Be encouraged and remember the words of our loving God: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1-2). When was the last time you made room for God to prune the useless branches weighing you down? Branches of unfruitful faith, shallow faith, legalistic faith. Or perhaps branches of victim mentality, jealousy, regret, unforgiveness, bitterness, insecurity, pride. These branches distract us away from the real fruit of faith and victory in our relationship with God. 

When Scripture refers to the vinedresser, the writer speaks of an expert gardener. The vinedresser watches and cares for the garden year-round. This keeper of the garden makes sure that pests are removed and warded off, monitors adequate watering of the plants, hand-picks grapes at just the right times; and most importantly he prunes the plant to make room for new growth again. Without the vinedresser, the plant cannot survive for long. It’s incredible to see that from the blunt cuts on the hardened branches emerge new, tender shoots and fruit shortly thereafter. 

In the same way that a gardener strengthens and prepares a plant for harvest, we find that humility and weakness, brought to the hands of our vinedresser, produces lasting fruits. Henri Nouwen writes, “Fruits, however, come from weakness and vulnerability. And fruits are unique. A child is the fruit conceived in vulnerability, community is the fruit born through shared brokenness, and intimacy is the fruit that grows through touching one another’s wounds.” 

Just as new fruit is grown from a tender branch, we must live in humility—trusting that God is our source of joy and fruitful life. Where the LORD prunes, we can trust that it will be filled with new joy and life again.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being my vinedresser—for watching over me so carefully and lovingly. You see where I need to be strengthened and humbled. I trust You and place my life into Your hands. Prepare me for worship, prepare me to live a life of change, surround me in a community that grows in sharing our brokenness, and LORD, ready me for a harvest of joy and life in You in every season. I will abide in You, God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 2-3

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional—originally posted on May 24, 2019—is provided by Jennifer Kim, who faithfully served on staff at several AMI churches in years past.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Fairness of God”

Exodus 30:11-16

“Then the Lord said to Moses, 12 “When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the Lord a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them. 13 Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord. 14 All who cross over, those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to the Lord. 15 The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the Lord to atone for your lives. 16 Receive the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the tent of meeting. It will be a memorial for the Israelites before the Lord, making atonement for your lives.”

Serving at a church with about 100 children, I’ve noticed a common behavior in all children – an innate need for fairness.  Whether the fairness is exhibited by something as simple as getting the same number of gummy bears during snack time to something as big as getting treated equally as their peers, I’ve noticed that all children want equal treatment.  Any behavior that falls outside of this standard will usually be proceeded by a loud, “That’s not fair!”  At the heart of it, however, I recognize that these are the beginning seeds of justice.  We know that God is a just God, and if we are created in His image, then, all humans have some degree of desire to see justice in the world.

In today’s passage, we see for the first time in Israel’s history a census taking place.  During the census, God tells Moses that all who are counted must pay a ransom for their life.  However, Moses says that the rich must not give more than half a shekel and the poor must not give less than half a shekel (v.15).  In other words, God requires all to pay an equal amount regardless of their socioeconomic status.  “How is that fair?” you might wonder.  Why does the rich who live in abundance need to pay the same amount as the poor who are lacking and in need?  We certainly see this discussion constantly occurring in politics.  Well, it might surprise you to know that God does this precisely because He is a just and fair God.

Wealth and status did not matter in the eyes of God when he looked at each individual.  He required all to give the same amount because He see us equally – equally loved and equally in need of grace.  God’s desire was to restore all His people to right standing with Him and this meant everyone needed their sins atoned for.  Thus, all were required to give equally to the priest what was needed for their sins to be made right.  God sees all souls equally precious and there is no outward circumstance that can affect the state of our souls—as Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Let’s take some time today to reflect on whether we are living a life that seeks justice through worldly fairness or justice in the eyes of God.  Are you frustrated or grumbling about something of outward significance or are you fighting for the justice of people’s lives and souls?  True equality is when we see all of God’s people under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, I thank You that You do not look at merit or status, but You see us all equally.  Break my heart for what breaks Yours.  And help me to fight for the things that lead people to you.  In Jesus’ name. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 7:1-6: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Questions to Consider

• What does Jesus warn the people against?
• Why does Jesus give this warning?
• Jesus did not prohibit judgment, but he required fair judgment (Jn. 7:24)– that we would judge others by the same standard we judge ourselves.  Are there people or situations in your life where you are setting different standards than the ones you are living by?

Notes

• Jesus tells the people not to judge
• Jesus warns the people against passing judgment because when we do so we will be judged in a similar manner.
• Personal.

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Evening Reflection

Take some time to reflect on your day.  Did you encounter any unfairness or injustices throughout the day?  How did you respond?  Also, did you pass any unfair judgments on others?  Take some time in repentance and ask the Lord to help you see people the way God sees them and to respond to people the way Jesus would respond to them.

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on April 11, 2019, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“I am a Jealous God”

Exodus 20:4-6

“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

In Chinese, “jealousy” is a word that has different degrees of intensity, and each one is described by a different physiological effect. For example, a normal jealousy is described as “吃醋了 chi1 cu4 le,” which means to eat vinegar. However, a more intense jealousy is described as “妒火 du4 huo3,” which means jealousy that burns like fire.

In this passage, we see the Israelites who are set from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. After they encamp near Mount Sinai, the Lord makes a covenant with the Israelites by giving them the Ten Commandments. One way to honor this covenant is for the Israelites to not create an image of anything and then worship it. To warn them about violating the covenant, the Lord describes Himself as a jealous God. His jealousy is so intense that if anyone violates His law, He will not only punish the violators but their future generations as well. Yet, He assures the Israelites that if they obey His covenant, He will bless them for thousands of generations. 

Why does God associate Himself with emotion of jealous? Elsewhere, particularly in Isaiah, Hosea, and Ezekiel, God compares His relationship with Israel to a relationship between husband and wife. Of course, in context of a relationship, jealousy has a negative connotation; but it also reveals a person’s deep love and passion for the other. God’s love for Israel runs so deep that any violation of His love causes Him to react fiercely.

Through the story of the cross, we are able to witness God’s deep love and passion for us. We live in a world that is destined for death, yet God initiated a rescue plan for us. In His great love and mercy, He sacrificed His beloved Son so that we could be rescued from death!

This morning, take a moment to play a CD or an instrument, and spend time in His presence. Invite the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s deep love for us. 

Prayer: Thank you Father that, even in the Old Testament, You remind us of Your deep love for us. We are prone to forget you, and we turn to other gods to satisfy ourselves. As the church, we are Your bride, and You desire a faithful love from us. Thank You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 28

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John 4:7-16: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

Questions to Consider

• How does John define love in this passage? (v. 8-10)
• Why does John encourage us to love one another?
• What are three ways that we know that we are in God and God is in us?

Notes

• John defines love in two ways. First, he defines love as the person of Jesus. Second, he defines love through God’s love for us. God loved us and he sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for all of humanity.

• John encourages us to love one another because God first loved us. 
• First, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Second, when we testify that the Father has sent His Son. Third, when we acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God.

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Evening Reflection

This evening, spend a moment to reflect on if there are any other gods in your life that are stealing your affection. It could be comfort, children, work, marriage, or even ministry. As these idols are being revealed, spend some time in repentance. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional—originally posted on May 22, 2019—is provided by Jennifer Kim, who faithfully served on staff at several AMI churches in years past.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Consecration to Communion”

Exodus 29:26-46

Aaron’s sacred garments will belong to his descendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in them. 30 The son who succeeds him as priest and comes to the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to wear them seven days. 31 “Take the ram for the ordination and cook the meat in a sacred place. 32 At the entrance to the tent of meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. 33 They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat them, because they are sacred. 34 And if any of the meat of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morning, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred. 35 “Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. 36 Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. 37 For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy. 38 “This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. 39 Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight. 40 With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. 41 Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning—a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord. 42 “For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you; 43 there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. 44 “So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46 They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

Something I distinctly remember about my college experience was the continuous love and care that I felt by people who would open up their home to cook for others and myself.  As we would break bread, there would be a natural fellowship, comfort, and care that everybody in the room would feel.  It’s not a coincidence that much of the fellowship we see in Scripture is precisely through the sharing of a meal.  I realize now that my college leaders took the time to cook and eat with people to bring a sense of comfort and love the way Jesus brought people of different backgrounds together.  And it was this experience that drew me closer to the love of Christ as I was brought into deep community and fellowship with other believers.

In today’s passage, after Aaron and his family go through the long consecration and anointing process, they are instructed to eat the food that was given as an offering.  It is important to note that the eating came after the washing, clothing, and atonement process.  The reason is because the eating was to signify the continuing relationship of the priest with God.  However, God does not stop there in His pursuit for relationship.  At the end of Exodus 29, God tells Aaron and his sons to offer a continual burnt offering throughout the generations.  He promises that through this offering God would once again meet with His chosen people and speak to them in order that “they shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them” (Ex. 29:45-46).  God’s purpose in all the elaborate sacrifices we read throughout this chapter was for this very reason – that God would once again commune with His chosen people that they would know He is their God.

I received my call to ministry my junior year in college after experiencing incredible healing and love through the community that God had brought in my life.  I credit the many people who cooked for me, broke bread with me, and offered their time, resources, and energy to reveal the love of Christ that I may ultimately commune with God myself.  Let’s reflect today on some of the ways that we can extend hospitality to others that others may be pointed to Christ.  God’s desire is that all may know He is their God, and we have the amazing privilege to partner with Him in bringing others to the presence of God.  May our lives be one that brings people to encounter this amazing God who desires to commune with everyone.

Prayer: God I thank You for your love that continuously pursues a relationship with me.  And thank You for the people that You brought in my life to demonstrate this love that I may draw closer to You.  Help me to be agent of this love to others that they may encounter you as well. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 27

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Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 14:15-24: When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 
17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ 23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

Questions to Consider 

• Many were invited to the great banquet, but many made excuses. What do these excuses signify? (v.18-20)
• What was the master’s response to the excuses? (v.21)
• Are there any excuses you are making in your life right now that is preventing you from joining the great banquet?

Notes

• These excuses reveal they were more interested in their personal/worldly endeavors than feasting in the kingdom of God (v.15).
• The master became angry and ordered the servant to go into the streets and alleys to bring the poor, crippled, bind, and lame.
• Personal.

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Evening Reflection

This morning we discussed the ultimate purpose for the sacrifices that God called Aaron and his sons to perform – to restore people back to a relationship with God.  This afternoon we read about God’s invitation for people to join in on his great banquet – the kingdom of God – however, many made excuses.  Reflect on the day.   Did your life extend hospitality to others that they would commune with God?  Or did you make excuses because of busyness or personal desires?  Take some time to reflect on ways you can join in on God’s work and lead others to communion with God.

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was originally posted on February 14, 2019.  Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Potential of God”

Exodus 3:10-12

Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

When my daughter Audrey was an infant, some people jokingly called me a “tiger dad” because I kept trying to make her do things she obviously could not do yet, like trying to get her to lift her head when she was a week old. I really wanted her to be more advanced for her age, a feeling many first-time parents experience. Unfortunately for my new son Benji, I have swung the opposite direction and just figure he’ll learn to do things eventually. I guess my tiger dad days are over.

In our passage for today, God asked Moses to do something that he thought he could absolutely not do. God had a plan to rescue the Israelites from Egypt and He was inviting Moses to be a part of it. Specifically, God was calling Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him to free the Israelites. To this request, Moses said, “No way! You’ve got the wrong guy. Send someone else!” This seemed impossible to Moses. But what was God’s response? “I will be with you.”

Fear is a huge barrier to doing the work of God. Many of us have a fear of failure, a fear of not being good enough, of looking foolish. Yet, when that is our attitude, we are being self-centered because we are putting the focus on ourselves. Moses was being very self-centered – His response was “I cannot do that. I am not the right person.” But it’s not about being the right person; our God is the right God and whoever He calls is the right person for His work. Why? Because God goes with whoever He calls. He enables them to do the task.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the early church did not run around trying to do things that Jesus did. They prayed and waited. Eventually, at Pentecost, they were all filled with the Spirit and empowered to do the work of growing the church. God was with them. Though it seemed impossible, God enabled them to do something that seemed impossible. In the same way, perhaps God is calling you to do something. Remember that you have the potential of God within you. He will enable you to do whatever He calls you to do.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You send Your Spirit upon me to do Your will. On my own, I would fail, but with Your Spirit I have Your potential within me. May I never fear failure knowing that You will carry me through Your purposes.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 26

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Exodus 31:1-4: The Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.

Questions to Consider

• What did God call Bezalel to do?
• How did God enable Bezalel to do this?
• Is the Lord calling you to do something right now?

Notes

• God called Bezalel “to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.” God was planning to build the tabernacle which was basically a tent that the Israelites would carry with them as their place of worship, and it also was God’s symbolic presence with His people.
• Verse 2-3 tells us that “[God has] called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and [He has] filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship.” Was Bezalel a skilled craftsman before God called him? We don’t know, but he likely was not good enough to do what God called him to do. If you have read these chapters in Exodus, you know that the design of the tabernacle was very intricate. Bezalel needed the power of God through the Spirit to do this. God called Bezalel and gave him the ability to do the task.
• Take time to reflect on this question. Invite the Spirit to speak to you and give you confidence that God will equip you for all the work He wants to do through you.

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Evening Reflection

As you get ready for bed tonight, consecrate tomorrow to God. Say to Him, “God, I want to do what You want me to do tomorrow. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may do it by Your strength.” Imagine praying that prayer every night; God would certainly use you in mighty ways!

REPOST Todays’ AMI Quiet Time, originally posted on January 2, 2019, is provided by Pastor Ryun.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Real Issue Looming over Sexual Identity and Gender Identity Roles” 

Genesis 1:27

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” 

Psalms 139:14

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Meet French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir (1908–86), a pioneer of modern feminism, who once declared, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” Her outlook served as a forerunner to modern conceptions of gender, including Harvard’s own policy on identity: “We understand that gender identity can be expressed in a variety of ways.” The unmistakable message is this: since “sexual identity is determined not by biology but by cultural condition” (Colson), one may choose one’s own sex or gender.

This, however, is not the central issue in modern feminism, except for the relatively few—roughly 0.1% of the population—who experience gender dysphoria. So when the political smoke clears, several questions about the nature of sex and gender still remain.

1. Is sexual identity fixed or fluid?

This question arises largely because the terms sex and gender are treated as synonymous—a point on which both progressives and conservatives often agree. I would argue that while the two are certainly related, they do not refer to the same thing. Sex is the biological distinction between male and female and is therefore fixed. Gender refers primarily to traits and roles culturally attributed to the sexes—precisely the realm Beauvoir considers fluid.

When the two terms are fused, the fluidity associated with gender roles is transferred to biological sex, which is then viewed as equally malleable. But while gender roles may be fluid, no cultural condition can alter basic biological realities: first, the 23rd chromosome pair is typically XY for males and XX for females (with rare exceptions that affect a small number of individuals who nonetheless still identify with their biological sex); second, females have ovaries while males have testes; third, females have higher estrogen levels and males higher testosterone levels. And that is only the beginning—numerous physiological differences between the sexes are widely acknowledged. Thus, when Scripture declares that God created “male and female” (Gen. 1:27), it affirms, among other things, that the two sexes are biologically distinct.

2. Do physiological differences produce distinct psychological traits?

The answer is yes. A 2012 Psychology Today article, citing a study of more than 10,000 participants, states: “Women scored much higher than men in Sensitivity, Warmth, and Apprehension, while men scored higher than women in Emotional Stability, Dominance, Rule-Consciousness, and Vigilance.” This is why Beauvoir herself notes, “Women should not be judged to be equal only insofar as they are like men… Women and men are different.”

3. Do biological and psychological differences mandate fixed gender roles?

This brings us to the final—and central—question: Can gender roles at home and in the workplace change over time despite the real differences between the sexes? Put differently, do these differences require certain roles?

For example:

• Are women inherently better suited to raising children, thus making stay-at-home motherhood the natural norm?
• Can men fulfill that role just as effectively?
• Can women serve in combat roles and perform, on average, at the same level as men?
• Can men serve as military nurses as effectively as women? (Men were only readmitted as military nurses in 1955.)
• In the church, can women preach to men despite passages that appear to restrict this (1 Tim. 2:11–12; 1 Cor. 14:34–35)?

4. What would Beauvoir say?

First, she does not deny biological or psychological distinctions between men and women. To believe otherwise is to ignore the warning of Proverbs 22:28: “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” One commentator notes that the landmark represents “the inviolability of the sacred order established by God.” When a society disregards God’s basic order by asserting that sexual identity is fluid—calling a boy “she” and vice versa—it distorts the minds of the vulnerable and risks long-term harm that outweighs any short-term relief for some.

What Beauvoir does argue is that cultural conditions discourage women from assuming sociopolitical roles traditionally held by men. This is a legitimate question—one that deserves careful consideration without mangling English grammar. So can cultural conditions shape gender roles despite biological and psychological differences? If a girl is given a gun, will she become more assertive and thus more inclined toward leadership? If a boy is given a doll, will he become more passive and pliant?

5. Nature and nurture

Ultimately, we return to the classic nature-versus-nurture debate. A sensible answer involves both. My specific conclusions, developed more fully in later posts, are these:

a. Women should be encouraged to pursue whatever vocations they deem fitting, and society should remove unjust barriers. If this suggests that workplace gender roles are fluid and culturally conditioned, that is correct.

b. While many social roles are mutually accessible to both sexes, men and women do not always perform at the same level in certain tasks, due to differences in physicality and, to a lesser extent, psychology. This should not be ignored.

c. In the church, women must navigate with grace between two schools of thought: 

• Complementarianism, which upholds distinct yet complementary roles for men and women.
• Egalitarianism, which sees their roles as equal, including in preaching and teaching.

Meanwhile, we should “be sympathetic” (1 Pet. 3:8 NIV) toward those who genuinely struggle with looking one way while feeling another. But rather than calling a boy “she” or viceversa, I would greet such a person by saying, “Hello, you who are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Ps. 139:14). How are you?” And from there, I would find a gracious yet honest way to navigate pronouns.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of life and for the many undeserved privileges men and women enjoy simply by living in the West. Before I think of myself as a woman or a man, remind me that I am first and foremost Your child in Christ. Help me not only to live this new life in Christ, but also to share it with the men and women who still live without the hope found in Him. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 25

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Lunch Break Study

Read Judges 21:25: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” 

1 Kings 12:25-31:“Then Jeroboam [the first king of Northern Kingdom—Samaria being its capital] built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one. 31 He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites.” 

1 Kings 17:6: “In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.

Questions to Consider

1. Many people in our world are doing what is right in their own eyes; those who advocate that sexual identity is determined by cultural condition certainly are doing that. Now look at what Jeroboam did—in what ways he also did what was right in his own eyes?

2. What is the ulterior motive that drove this king to completely ignore God’s sacred order?

3. What became of the Northern Kingdom? That is to say, what is the final outcome of a society that defies God’s inviolable order, whether spiritual or sociocultural?

Note

• King Jeroboam committed two actions that radically altered the sacred order God established for temple worship—an order essential for sustaining Israel’s covenant relationship with Him. First, he shifted the center of worship from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan. Second, although God had decreed that only Levites could serve as priests, Jeroboam appointed anyone he deemed suitable in his own eyes.
• His motive for breaking God’s sacred order is clear: he feared that if his citizens traveled to Jerusalem (the capital of the Southern Kingdom) to fulfill their temple obligations, their loyalty might shift to his rival kingdom. In other words, Jeroboam altered God’s design to safeguard his own personal and political interests.
• The Northern Kingdom was ultimately destroyed by the Assyrian Empire in 722 B.C., after only about 150 years of existence. History shows that all empires eventually fall—and the more swiftly they defy God’s sacred order, the more swiftly their demise comes. As Psalm 9:17 declares, “The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.”

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Evening Reflection

We began the day by talking about the biological and psychological differences between males and females. It seems fitting to end with this question: Men, how do you view women? Is your default posture to objectify them? They are not objects but human beings who bear God’s wonderful image.

Women, how do you view men? Is your default outlook to see them as chauvinistic, insensitive, even predatorial humans? The MeToo movement has sadly exposed that some men are still behaving very badly. The next time you witness such actions or someone defending them, tell them, “Stop, in the name of Jesus; I will not allow you to demean a child of God like this.”  If you have been a victim, then I would pray that you find healing in Christ and strength to forgive the perpetrator at some point. At the same, please do not be given to think that all men are looking to take advantage of women—many of us follow Christ who admonishes husbands to “love their wives as their own bodies” (Eph. 5:28^a).  

If you are married, pray with your spouse right now. For the rest, pray for members of the opposite sex whether at home, work or church.  

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on February 10, 2019, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato. Jason is serving in Japan as an AMI missionary.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“God of All Comfort”

Exodus 2:23–25 (ESV)

“During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. [24] And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. [25] God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.”

We tend to do everything we can to avoid suffering and risk.  And though we may invest a great deal in protecting ourselves and those we love, we fight a losing battle because we live in a world ruined by sin.  We know this but we are still tempted to believe in our own strength and ability to control our lives. So when suffering and grief inevitably come, we are caught off guard.  In our confusion, grief can be so severe that we find ourselves unable to even put our experience into words.  We can only groan before God and weep.

In our passage this morning, the people of Israel are enslaved in Egypt.  They suffer for 400 hundred years and they groan because of their slavery.  Certainly they pray to Yahweh, but their suffering is such that they cry aloud indiscriminately, pleading that someone—anyone—might save them.  And as Israel despairs under their oppression—God remembers, sees, and knows.

God remembers His covenant, the commitments that He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  He remembers His promise to make them into a great nation, to bless them, and to bless all the families of the earth through them.

God sees His people.  He is the Almighty God of galaxies but His people are always on His heart and mind.  He is constantly concerned and at work for their welfare.

God not only sees, but He knows their suffering.  Jesus is a high priest who sympathizes with His people.

Following a particularly difficult season of ministry, I was thankful that God gave me strength to get through it, but I had a lingering fear that He would bring me into something even more challenging and painful for my good.  I saw God as helpful, but not very compassionate.  Some time later, God spoke to me in prayer.  He invited me to acknowledge how hard that season had been for me, and more importantly, He assured me that He was there and that He saw me and understood my pain.

If you are going through a difficult season, you are not alone.  Your Father remembers His promises to you and He is fulfilling them.  Your Father sees you.  He has not forgotten you.  Your Father knows the depth of your suffering.  His heart is filled with compassion for you and He works for your future joy.  Go quickly to the God of all comfort.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are more than a dispassionate engineer in my life, worried only about the mechanics and results.  You are my Father, who loves me.  Give me not only strength, but comfort as well that I may put all my trust in You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 24

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on Decem 29, 2018, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“No Slackers Please”

Ephesians 6:5-8

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”

My wife used to work for a major pediatric hospital that saw over a million patients last year.  To run such a gigantic organization, this hospital employs more than 10,000 people in all their branches and associated network offices.  Of course, with over 10,000 employees, there are bound to be a few slackers here and there, which is why, according to my wife, the employee handbook specifically states that employees are not allowed to use more than 10 percent of their working hours surfing the Internet.  To put it another way, as an employee of this hospital you are allowed to use up to 10 percent of your time to goof off and check your fantasy football, or go shopping, or explore whatever the www has for you.  Now, let’s be honest: Most, if not all of us have used company time to browse the Internet; so let’s not pretend that we always work like the fabled ant (Prov. 6:6-8).  I just find it both funny and kind of sad that a major organization would admit defeat and formalize a policy that limits their losses. 

I know the slave-master relationships does not perfectly parallel the employee-boss relationship (though sometimes it feels that way).  I also know that it’s Saturday and the last thing you want to be thinking about is work (unless of course you must work today), but there are some principles we can glean from today’s passage when it comes to work ethic.  When it comes to our jobs, or really anything in life—like serving in church or volunteering—do we work/serve as if we are serving Christ himself?  Can we be trusted that when the boss’ back is turned, we will do our jobs faithfully as if he is standing right behind us?  Might I go as far as to ask if we do our jobs with a certain amount of joy, because we believe we are ultimately serving our Lord Jesus.  Hopefully that is the case, though getting joy might be a goal that we are working toward in the distant future.  For now, how about this: Today, God is going to give you an opportunity to serve either your company or a person.  So make it a goal to do that well. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to approach this day with the understanding that in all things, whether I eat or drink or work, I can do it in a manner that glorifies you (1 Cor. 10:31).  Thank you for my job.  Thank you for people whom I can serve.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 22-23