NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Jon Kim, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its college group. A graduate of New York University (BS), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Hearing Without Listening”

Luke 18:31-34

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” 34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

My wife and I moved a couple of weeks ago to a new home. While unpacking on Monday she very clearly told me, “Jon, this is where I am putting the stamps.” I nodded in acknowledgement and went on with my day. Come Wednesday, I needed the stamps to send an urgent piece of mail but threw a fit due to my wife’s hiding the stamps somewhere. I mutter to myself, “If only she would’ve told me where she put them beforehand!” I heard my wife’s instruction on Monday, but I didn’t truly listen and understand because it was not important to me until Wednesday.

In our passage today, we see Jesus foretelling His suffering and death for the third time in Luke’s Gospel. Even though Jesus had already told His disciples before, they still did not understand that to save the world, He would suffer and die. As a reader looking back on these stories, I am troubled by how the disciples just couldn’t get it! Especially in this passage, Christ’s language is pretty clear and straightforward: No imagery, no parables, just straight and literal foretelling of his suffering and death. As Christ’s disciples were living with the Messiah, and soaking in His teaching everyday, wouldn’t their hearts be eager and open to receive and understand these words? In addition, Jesus wasn’t even the first one to tell them about His death; the prophets’ message was consistent with Jesus’.

The message of Jesus’ suffering and death didn’t fit into what the disciples had in mind about the glorious Messiah who had come to save. Jesus gave them an important word, but it did not align with their agenda and expectations; the word essentially fell on deaf ears. Don’t we also do this often? We hear God’s Word, but we do not contemplate the Words that do not feel really relevant for us on Monday. Then we are left on Wednesday scrambling to catch up because His words on Monday didn’t really become a part of who we are, how we think, and how we act. For example, God has been speaking about injustice and race for thousands of years. Are we only now seeking to listen to His heart about these matters, perhaps because the world has put them at the forefront of our minds? What else is God speaking to you that seems irrelevant and unimportant? Will you brush them aside or will you contemplate, seek to understand and ask to be changed according to His Word?

The good news for me on Wednesday was that my wife still graciously told me where the stamps were stored. God will patiently teach us when He finally has your listening ear, when you finally realize the importance of every word that comes from His mouth. However, for the sake of a healthy marriage, and my own personal sanity, I should have listened on Monday.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess that many times You speak, but I do not listen. I often listen for the things that seem most relevant to me or are easiest to understand. I pray that You would help me to listen and contemplate the whole counsel of Your Word. I do not want to worship a God that only fits within my mind and my agendas, but I want to listen to and be changed by all that You say because Your Word is good and it is true. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 65

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Lunch Break Study 

Read John 10:1-15: “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Jesus contrast His sheep’s response to the shepherd/gatekeeper with their response to the stranger/thief/robber?
2. What are the different outcomes of following the thieves and robbers versus following Jesus?
3. How do the “hired hand” and the shepherd react differently to danger? What does this show about their different relationships to the sheep?
4. What other voices do you listen to and follow that are not the voice of your Good Shepherd?

Notes

1. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd and follow Him to safety. They do not recognize the voices of others and therefore run away from them.
2. The sheep that follow Jesus are led to peace, security, salvation and eternal life. Others come to steal, kill, and destroy.
3. The “hired hand” will run away to save his own life because he doesn’t care about the sheep. The good shepherd will lay down his life for the sheep because he knows them and they know him and he loves them.
4. Personal reflection.

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Evening Reflection

In reflection of this morning’s QT, disciples hear what they want to hear, and when they don’t hear what they want to hear, they hear nothing at all.  Just babble.  Stuff that doesn’t make sense.  Nonsense.  That’s why Jesus repeatedly said, “The one who has ears to hear, let them hear.”  It takes more than ears to really hear.

Learning the ways of faith in God is hard work that requires our devotion to understand and apply Truth.  The Good News is God never gives up on getting Truth to us.

It took courage for Jesus to go to Jerusalem, knowing that it wasn’t just a possibility that he would die but that it was a certainty.  And it takes courage for us to hear what he says and do what he says.

It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus. And really good hearing.

Are you sometimes tempted to give up the quest for more of God, because you feel uncertain in your thinking when reading the Word?

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, is an updated version of his blog first posted on June 24, 2014.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“It’s Not About the Oxen but the One Who Feeds You Spiritually”

1 Timothy 5:17-18

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching”

Introduction: Since Charles is a pastor, he probably felt somewhat self-conscious having to talk about this matter; nevertheless, he explained it very soundly.  So, what is this matter?  Read on.

At this juncture of Paul’s letter to Timothy, the apostle moves seamlessly from the widows to the elders again; and this time, it is clear that his burden is for how the congregation is to treat their spiritual leaders. Perhaps it was budget time, and some in the congregation were murmuring over the pastor’s compensation.

Paul seems to assume that elders are to receive remuneration for their work, especially the elders who are particularly focused on the task of instruction. And those who teach must be properly compensated for their work. Paul compares those who labor in teaching to the oxen who should not be muzzled, thereby unable to eat some of the grain that is produced when their labor is used to separate the husk from the edible part of the wheat. Likewise, teaching elders should not have to go hungry when they do the work they have been given.

Oh, what a practical God we have! And what a fair and just God we have! He longs for His practicality and His fairness to be demonstrated in the relationship between a church and its shepherds. And should those men be found faithful, they are worthy, according to Paul, of double honor. They are worthy of our respect, of our obedience to biblical principles of correction, and of our honor. Double honor. We should follow a principle of honor from a God who alone is worthy to be honored above all.

The way in which we value goods or services is seen in the amount we are willing to pay for them. We have no qualms about spending money in order to get the best medical care or receive the best food in a restaurant. Why, then, are we too often unwilling to make sure that those who teach us the life-giving Word of God are able to make a decent living? The amount of time and money we give to the servants of the church reflects our valuing of their service.  What do you think?

Prayer: Lord, thank You that I can enjoy the things You have created. Teach me the difference between self-denial and denying self.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 64

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Questions to Consider

1. What are we commanded to do for “those who labor among” us?
2. What are you commanded to do in regard to your leaders?
3. Do you respect the people who are over you? Do you allow your leaders to admonish you without being easily hurt?

Notes

1. To respect them.
2. To esteem them highly in love and to have peace with them.
3. Respecting leaders is a matter of the heart. We often get hurt when they admonish us, but we must learn to be corrected from our leaders.

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Evening Reflection

Have you done anything lately to show your love and respect for your pastor or staff members of your church? If not, commit to showing generosity to them this week.

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Joel Park, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its administration. A graduate of New York University (BA) and Fordham Law School (J.D.), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Mission Rest-Possible”

Nehemiah 13:15-18 (ESV)

In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. [16] Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! [17] Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? [18] Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”

I recently felt a strong desire to watch some classic 90s action movies. Plenty of movies come to mind, but after having seen some videos of Tom Cruise’s stunt work I knew I had to watch the first Mission Impossible.  While it certainly isn’t as revolutionary as The Matrix, as gritty as Heat, or as funny as Rush Hour, it scratched the itch. After all, the idea of a super elite team of spies taking on impossible missions was strong enough to support five sequels! There’s something about striving for and achieving the impossible that strikes a chord.

Well, hacking the CIA definitely sets a high bar for what is “impossible”; but these days honoring the Sabbath can certainly approach that level of impossibility. As we work from home, work odd hours, or look for work, the idea of resting from our occupations, while nice, is a practical nightmare. Video conferencing and virtual messaging have provided easy pathways for work to flood into our lives at all times of the day and night. Work from home is simply work all the time. And if you’re unemployed during this season, then that pressure to find work is magnified all the more. How do we rest and obey God’s command in a moment like this?

Thankfully, this passage in the last chapter of Nehemiah addresses the Israelites struggle to fully understand the importance of the Sabbath commandment. Nehemiah points out two violations: treading and selling of wine, and the gathering and selling of groceries. Now the Bible is very clear on the holiness of the Sabbath—after all, it is the third commandment (Ex. 20:8-11). But for some reason, the Israelites historically disobeyed this command constantly. And the source of their disobedience? A fundamental misunderstanding of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath isn’t just about rest. We see in Ezekiel 20:12 that the Sabbath is also a sign. A sign? Yes, a sign that God is the one who sanctifies. You see, the Israelites were meant to observe the holy Sabbath day as a lifestyle declaration that God is the one who makes things holy. Because the Israelites are God’s holy and chosen people, they were meant to live it out by spending 1/7 of their life dedicated to observing the Sabbath as a faith statement. So when Nehemiah sees the people disobeying the Sabbath, he knows it’s not about rest, but about their hearts. That’s the reason why he goes to the nobles because it’s their greed and security in money that hinder the people from faith and obedience.

So like Ethan Hunt, for whom failure is not an option, Sabbath for us is not optional. We must conform our weekly activities as a declaration of faith and obedience to the God who makes us holy. We cannot let the Sabbath slide because of our circumstances.

Prayer: Father, I submit my work to You and declare that You are Lord over my work week. My identity as Your child matters more than my identity as an employee or job seeker. God, I ask that You meet me in my time of rest and remind me of Your love. Fill me up and renew me. Amen.

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Lunch Break Study

Read: Luke 6:1-4 (ESV): On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. [2] But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” [3] And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: [4] how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” [5] And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Questions to Consider

1. Jesus and the Pharisees obviously have different views on work and Sabbath. What are their views and how did the Pharisees get it so wrong?
2. What is the example of David supposed to imply about the application of the law and its impact to Sabbath rest?
3. If Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, how do we rest and observe the Sabbath to reflect Jesus’ lordship?

Notes

1. Sabbath law grew immensely during the intertestamental period. Several documents found dating back to the first and second century, show a rapid expansion of prohibited acts.
2. Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath are actually quite extensive, with this exact story also appearing in Mark 2 and Matthew 12. It is worth reading those versions to have a full picture of this teaching.
3. Personal response.

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Evening Reflection*

In view of the theme of Sabbath shared in the morning, we often forget the significance of Sabbath and wind up overlooking the primary purpose God had in mind in the first place: taking sufficient time to rest and relax; finding relief from the stress; pushing away from our computers; leaving the responsibilities of work; giving our bodies time to refuel; allowing our minds to be renewed; and letting our emotions be refreshed and restored.

Do you deliberately and regularly take time each week to rest?

When you’re taking time to relax, do you mentally release yourself from your responsibilities?

*Prepared by Pastor Bruce Yi, Lead Pastor of Remnant Westside Church

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., is an updated version of his blog originally posted on March 17, 2013.  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Newest Spiritual Vacuum Cleaner”

1 Tim. 1:14a

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly.

To the horror of on looking homemaker, the confident vacuum cleaner salesperson peppers the carpet with muddy dirt.  After telling her not to worry, the salesperson quickly vacuums the carpet to show how effective his machine is. 

A similar motive drove Jesus to share the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to the self-righteous lawyer in Luke 10, who, confident that he had kept all the laws asked, “Who is my neighbor?”  This parable, therefore, is intended to show how this man’s pride kept him from seeing his heart full of dirt.  Jesus does that by forcing him to admit that the true neighbor to the Jewish man, left for dead by the robbers and ignored by the priest and the Levite, is a Samaritan, a social and religious outcast whom the Jews (i.e., he) would not help.  Jesus, knowing that the lawyer would not recognize his need for a Savior unless he becomes aware of his baseless sense of self-righteousness, exposes his incorrect assumption by pointing out his sin.

Of course, the lawyers of today and the experts in the Law in Jesus’ days are not the same.  The latter were public secretaries whose reading and writing skills garnered them the title of “legal experts,” and because most of them were Pharisees, common people heeded their teachings.  Moreover, people simply assumed that these legal experts diligently kept the commandments, all 623 of them.  In such social and religious context, it would have been extremely hard for any expert in the Law to believe in Jesus because of its intimation that they too were sinners.  To be told that, as Jesus insinuated to this lawyer, would be like an off-duty police officer being ticketed for drunken driving.  Nevertheless, Jesus does that, offending him during the process, to show him that he needs the newest spiritual vacuum cleaner that can clean out sin: Jesus Christ.

Sometimes, we need a reminder, like what happened to me during my recent transcontinental flight, to not rely on our own righteousness.  As I waited for some time to enter the bathroom while brushing my teeth, suddenly this “funny-looking” middle-aged woman came out of nowhere and began motioning that I should let her go before me.  Rolling my eyes, I just went in the bathroom without responding.  A few days later, a thought occurred during my prayer: if that had that been an attractive woman, would I have done the same thing?  Probably not.  That would place me right next to this lawyer, being reminded once again of my own inadequacy, but also marveling at how God continues to embrace me despite of me.  Because of such amazing grace, I may be more loving to others regardless of who is asking me for a favor the next time.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your grace through which arrogant sinners like me are forgiven. Strengthen me by the Spirit, therefore, to live a life of humility and love to honor You and what You did for me.  I praise You, Lord.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 62

 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., is an updated version of his blog originally posted on March 16, 2013.  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Tale of Two Lawyers Separated by 2,000 Years”

Romans 3:20^a

No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law.

Leonard W. Rothchild Jr., having become a successful lawyer and CPA by the age of 28, was highly regarded by his colleagues as an expert in international and corporate tax issues.  A dozen journals printed his articles on taxation and several European firms solicited his service.  He was also a devoted father to four children.  Nevertheless, one morning, Rothchild, after hoisting himself on the rail of the Golden Gate Bridge, fell 220 feet to his death.  He was only 46 years of age at the time.  After learning of the suicide, one baffled colleague said, “It’s a mind-blower to those of us who knew him,” while another said, “It was the biggest shock of my life and I’ve been around death a lot.”

Some 2,000 years ago in Canaan, an expert in the law (like Rothchild), asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk. 10:25).  Who would ask that type of a question if not someone who felt the futility of life crouching at the door?  Instead of a direct reply, Jesus asked him, “What is written in the Law.  How do you read it?”   He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul’ . . . and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  However, Jesus’ ensuing reply, “You have answered correctly . . . do this and you will live” did not sit well with this lawyer since it implied that he hadn’t kept it very well, when he thought he did.  Wanting to justify himself, he asked, “Who is my neighbor?”   

These two lawyers, separated by 2,000 years, were quite similar: amid their professional success, instead of enjoying its perks, they were greatly disappointed by how insignificant it made them feel.  At this point, the two men took different paths: whereas Rothchild never went to Jesus, the ancient lawyer did.   And it is here that Jesus can help us to see the root of our despair and hopelessness.

This man came to Jesus thinking that he had impeccably kept all the laws.  As we will find out tomorrow, Jesus proceeded to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan to show that he was a lawbreaker like all the rest.  How was that going to help him obtain eternal life?  Without being conscious of sin through the law, we will not look for a Savior (Rom. 3:20); thus, here Jesus is about to show him that truth.  As long as we feel self-righteous about how well we have lived, we won’t look to Christ.

But unlike Rothchild, at least this Jew came to Jesus and ended up receiving a correct diagnosis of his spiritual problem. Perhaps, you too have never really gone to Jesus. Why not make an effort to go to him today and ask, “Lord, what must I do to inherit eternal life.”  Then, follow his instruction.  Find him today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You once again for intervening in my life—with the gospel through the Spirit—to keep me from entering hell.  I am forever grateful to You for what was done for me through your Son Jesus. Please help me to live a life worthy of his atoning sacrifice.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 60-61

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of his blog first posted on May 29, 2014.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Justice First, Then Social Justice”

Jude 1:12-16

These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”  16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Introduction: We hear a lot about social justice these days.  Without taking anything away from that worthy pursuit, let’s not forget about God’s justice: “the righteous requirements of the law” (Rom. 8:4) that the wages of sin be paid in the form of death (Rom. 6:23).  And it wasn’t us who paid for it with our own death but Christ Jesus; he took our place so that we are made righteous through his atoning sacrifice. Keep that in mind as you read this morning’s devotional.

Using metaphor upon metaphor, Jude depicts a grim picture of those who have become totally darkened and without any regard for God. It’s frightening to think how any person can become so hardened; and Jude compares him to a despicable shepherd who feeds only himself. What’s worse is that in the end, only judgment awaits those who have pursued such ungodliness.

While we do not like to think about consequences and judgment, Jesus did not hesitate to talk about hell. He warned and preached for repentance from sins so that his listeners might have life rather than eternal judgment.  Ultimately, Jesus gave his own life as a ransom for our sins so that through Him, we might have life. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, so that we might receive forgiveness rather than judgment for our sins.  This is God’s justice; only then can we truly pursue social justice rooted in divine justice.

There are people around us whose final destination is eternal judgment. Without placing faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, some of our friends, family members and co-workers are heading toward a day of judgment. Yet there is one hope to avoid that dreadful day:  to hear and believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let’s remember to pray for those who are still far from God. Let’s pray earnestly, so that their hearts will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Along our prayers, let’s look for opportunities to share the gospel with them.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for _______________ (name) to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I ask that You soften his/her heart to the gospel. I pray that You will also provide me with an opportunity to share the good news with him/her. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 59

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Romans 10:13-15: for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Questions to Consider

1. What are the conditions that can lead a person to salvation?
2. How does God describe those who bring good news to others?
3. Do you sometimes assume that those around you already know what the Bible says about salvation?

Notes

1. The four conditions Paul writes are: (a) Someone is sent, (b) someone preaches, (c) they hear, and (d) they believe
2. Paul quotes from Isaiah 52:7 to describe one who brings good news as having beautiful (nahad) feet. The Hebrew word, nahad, means “befitting, becoming, perfectly appropriate, perfectly fitting.”  It is what God had in mind for our feet.  Your feet are designed to go places.  When they go into the world of men and women with the message of good news and peace with God, God calls them beautiful. 
3. As the society we live in has become increasingly secular and post-truth, people have less knowledge of what the Scriptures actually teach about salvation. When appropriate, ask an unsaved person what he/she thinks the Bible says about salvation; you just might be able to share some really “good news” with that person.

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Evening Reflection

How often do you find yourself praying for people around you who still do not believe in Jesus Christ? Spend some time tonight interceding on their behalf.

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Joel Park, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its administration. A graduate of New York University (BA) and Fordham Law School (J.D.), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Hope Rooted in God’s Promises”

Ezra 1:1-4 (ESV)

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: [2] “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. [3] Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. [4] And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”

My apartment has a package delivery problem. For some reason, about a quarter of anything that gets shipped to my building either goes missing or is delayed. Some of it, I’m sure is due to package theft, but that doesn’t account for everything. I’m sure you can relate to this frustration—at its root it’s the frustration felt from a broken promise, an unmet expectation.

On a more serious note, so far 2020 feels like a year of broken promises and unmet expectations. The hopefulness in January that comes with New Year’s resolutions and spiritual convictions has most certainly changed or has disappeared altogether. While our journey so far has only lasted six months, there are some connections to be made with the exiled Israelites who spent years living out their own 2020s and worse.

It is commonly held that king Cyrus’ proclamation took place in 538 BC. A complete 70 years after the first deportation in 608 BC, which tracks with Jeremiah 29:10’s promise. In fact, all of Jeremiah’s prophecies from verses 10-14 find their fulfillment here in Ezra! Certainly, God fulfilling prophecy isn’t new. But the staggering thing about this passage is the magnitude of the prophecy. The exile was the penultimate punishment for Israel—the result of decades of sin and rebellion. Yet the promise of restoration is wholly fulfilled here. What an incredible display of faithfulness!

If God is faithful to His promises about exile and restoration (going so far as to use a pagan king to fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy), how much more then will God keep His promises to us? Like the exiled Israelites, we have the greatest of assurances—the Word. Our hope in this moment doesn’t come from our circumstances, political movements, or vaccines. It comes from God Himself, delivered through his Word, and experienced through the Spirit. Hopelessness is a choice we make by putting our trust in the fallible and not in the divine. We choose to hold on to God’s promises because the Word is our guarantee; and that hasn’t changed this year.

So, what are some of the promises and hopes you had back in January? Let’s reflect on some of those promises and ground them upon the truth found in the Word. Let that be your hope this morning because our God is a promise keeper.

Prayer: God, I declare that You are faithful to Your promises and Word. I declare that my hope is not in anything this world offers, but in You alone. All of the promises and hopes I had, I choose to root them in your Word. I ask for strength, humility, and grace as I continue to trust in You and Your Word.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 58

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Lunch Break Study

Read: Luke 4:16-20 (ESV): And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. [17] And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. [21] And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Questions to Consider

1. Are the hopes and desires you have actually biblical? If so, what are some of the reasons why you occasionally lose hope in their fulfillment?
2. According to Isaiah, what are the promises Christ is supposed to fulfill? Do we see these things happening? Why or why not?
3. If Scripture is living and active, do we see it being fulfilled in our lives now?

Notes

1. The scene described in the above passage takes place right after Jesus is tempted and officially begins his ministry. While the people of Nazareth are initially impressed with Jesus, they quickly turn on him—highlighting the difference between how we might want God to fulfill promises vs. how God actually fulfills those promises.
2. Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 61:1:2a. The Israelites back in Isaiah’s time and up to this moment would have had a different perspective of this prophecy’s fulfillment. Jesus does not negate Isaiah, but proclaims he is the ultimate fulfillment. That is to say, Christ embodies the ultimate promises of God and their fulfillment. A relationship with and a correct understanding of Christ is required.
3. Personal response.

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Evening Reflection*

Why do we often act and feel as though God is not sovereign?  Like Ezra’s life, our lives will be fruitful if we take time to read and meditate on God’s Word.  And when we obey the Word, as Ezra did, we’ll enjoy a closer relationship with God. And when we know and love the God who has promised to never forsake us, we’ll have the same courage that Ezra had to commit himself to God’s Word.

Dwell on that thought as we offer up a prayer to the Lord before turning in for the night.

*Prepared by Pastor Bruce Yi, Lead Pastor of Remnant Westside Church

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Jon Kim, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its college group. A graduate of New York University (BS), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thought for Today

“The Faith That God Commends: It’s Not What You Think”

Hebrews 11:32-40

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

During this season of increasing awareness of our nation’s racism, God has led me to check my own racial bias. During this process, I have also been led to check my bias in other areas of life. What do I value in myself and in others that is not aligned with God’s values?

This morning’s passage is part of the famous “Hall of Faith” chapter. (I’d encourage you to read it in full when you get a chance.) When we read this chapter, we are inspired and convicted to live by faith. We are reminded of the great victories and deliverances that were experienced “by faith”.  It was through faith that these men and women acted in accordance to the great promises of God. What an inspiration they are to the Church today!

However, we often stop short of verses 36b-38. In these verses we are reminded of the suffering and persecution experienced by other people of faith. Now, the author doesn’t give the names of these people, meaning they are not remembered or honored in the same way as the likes of David, Abraham, Noah and Sarah; they are seemingly forgotten.  Nevertheless, verse 39 tells us that “these were all commended for their faith”—referring to unnamed saints whose stories of heroic faith we will never know in detail.  But we know this much about their faith: They experienced victory and breakthrough as well as death and persecution.

Applying this finding to today’s world, these unknown and under-appreciated believers in Hebrews 11 are like the black brothers and sisters in the Lord whose heroic faith the history never recorded; that is to say, their voices were never heard.  Regardless, all of these people are part of the “Hall of Faith”.

So, do you attribute hardships and suffering to a lack of faith? Sure, your suffering could be a consequence of your sin and poor decisions, but not always; your suffering could, in fact, be due to living by faith.  Answer this question: Who are you drawn to “commend” for their faith? Do you commend only those who experience triumph and flourishing? Do you overlook those who are suffering for their faith? Perhaps we are conditioned by American Christianity to celebrate, as the heroes of faith, only those who lead megachurches and have written many books, or who have the most Tweetable quotes. Let us discern whether this is the kind of faith that God or the world commends.  In the meantime, let us pursue that faith—though unrecognized and beset with suffering—which the Lord commends!

Prayer: Dear Lord, would You give me the grace to live a life of faith. In times of suffering may I remember the saints who have gone before me; those whom the world may not remember, but whose faith You have commended. If I am discouraged when my life looks unimpressive, remind me that my life is only to please You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 57

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Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13: When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

Context: This is when The Lord commands Samuel to anoint a new king of Israel.

Questions to Consider

1. Why did Samuel believe Eliab was the Lord’s anointed and why did the Lord say he was wrong?
2. Why was David overlooked?
3. Why did the Lord choose David? (See 1 Samuel 13:14.)
4. In what ways do you wrongly judge yourself, others, or even the gospel message itself— similar to how Samuel misjudged?

Notes

1. Samuel assumed Eliab was the Lord’s anointed because of his impressive appearance and stature. The Lord tells Samuel that what he cares about is the heart, not outward appearance.
2. David was the youngest, and likely did not have a strong physical stature like the others did.
3. David was a man after God’s own heart.
4. Personal reflection

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Evening Reflection*

Considering this morning’s quiet time, when you experience “light affliction”, do you grumble, or do you joyfully trust God?  Some trust and obey God and He grant spectacular results; others trust and obey the same mighty God and He allows them to endure horrific trials—but in His strength. The difference is not in the people or in their faith, but in God’s sovereign purpose in each situation.

We, who live in the New Testament era, know the same God whom these Old Testament saints knew.  Actually, we know Him better because we know Christ personally, for Jesus said, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well” (Jn. 14:7a).  Therefore, and more so, we should trust God the Father as they did in the Old Testament.  Pray to that end before going to sleep.    

* Prepared by Pastor Bruce Yi, Lead Pastor of Remnant Westside Church

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on May 8, 2014.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Telling Sign of Someone Who Truly Knows God”

Titus 1:15-16

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [16] They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”

1 John 2:4-5

“Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. [5] But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them . . .”

What does it mean to claim to know God but deny Him by one’s actions?  How can our actions reflect whether we truly know someone?

One common theme among romantic comedies today has become the “fake marriage” or “contract relationship.”  Two people pretend to be in a relationship for mutually beneficial purposes, and a point of suspense for the rest of the movie becomes, “Will they be found out?”  The relationship is tested in various ways, often revolving around the question of how well these two people really know each other.  A girl claiming to be in love with the lead singer of a band (and therefore presumably his biggest fan), for example, begins to be suspected when she doesn’t seem to know the lyrics of one of his most popular songs.  Her actions belied her confession.

With us and God, the test of whether we really know Him may not come down to whether we know His favorite color (preferences) or have His number in our cell phones (communicate frequently), but the Bible does say there is a way to tell: our obedience.  But would obeying someone and knowing someone be connected?

Two thoughts come to mind: 1) I would obey someone if I knew that person was in a position to reward or punish me based on my actions, and if I trusted that person to judge fairly.  2) I would obey someone if I knew that person loved me and knew that whenever that person asked me to do something, it was with my best interests at heart.

God, in being perfectly righteous and perfectly loving, is all of these things and more, yet why is it that we still disobey Him?  Although we know those things about Him, perhaps there is a part of us that doesn’t really experientially know Him as this kind of God.

If we are having trouble obeying God, feeling frustrated in a struggle with a particular sin, could it be that the solution is not more willpower but more time with God, trying simply to truly know Him more?

Prayer: Lord, I want to know you more / Deep within my heart, I want to know you / Oh, I want to know you and / I would give my final breath / To know you in your death and resurrection / Lord, I want to know you more / Lord, I want to know you more  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 58

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Lunch Break Study

Read Titus 1:1: “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—”

Titus 1:16: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him . . .”

Titus 2:1-9: “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. [2] Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect . . . [3] Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live . . . [4] Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children . . . [6] Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled . . . [9] Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them . . .”

Questions to Consider

1. Titus 1:1 and 1:16 serve as bookends for this first chapter.  What common theme do you see? What should Christian “knowing” lead to?
2. In chapter two, what does Paul go on to talk about?  Look again for the running theme.  What do you think is the relationship between the “sound doctrine” he mentions in 2:1 and what follows in 2:2-9?
3. How do the above observations challenge you in terms of your own godliness?  How seriously do we try to apply the things we learn on Sundays, during Bible studies, or in our own quiet times?

Notes

1. When we know the truth, it should affect the way we live.  Knowledge of the truth should lead to godliness; knowing God should lead to obedience.
2. In chapter two, Paul expands on the theme he has introduced in chapter one by giving specific examples.  Sound doctrine is the “knowledge of the truth” from 1:1, and the specific instructions on living that follow are examples of the “godliness” that the sound doctrine should effect in people.
3. See number 1 above.

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Evening Reflection

How were my actions today?  Did they reflect a denial of God or an acknowledgment of Him?  On a scale of 1-10, how obedient was I today?

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Matt Ro who formerly pastored Journey Church in Atlanta, is an updated version (in collaboration with Pastor Ryun) of his blog originally posted on May 6, 2013.  Matt is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What a True Worship Really Looks Like”

Psalm 50:9-13 (ESV)

I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.  For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.  If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.  Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

Ritual is not bad in itself.  But the problem comes from seeing rituals as a way of feeling right with God.  Formalism easily leads to hardening of the heart and its cure, according to the Psalmist, is a good dose of spiritual reality: God doesn’t need anything from us. To suppose that our worship contributes anything to God or meets some needs He has is absurd.  We need to see that to avoid taking ourselves too seriously.  But we also need to recognize the positive side, namely that, God delights in our worship rendered in a thankful heart and attitude.

Although God instituted the sacrificial system, He was not pleased when the Israelites offered sacrifices without the right attitude.  Formalism without a right heart makes the sacrifices, which are otherwise good in themselves, detestable.  And Micah 6:6-7 is one Scripture that clearly declares this truth: “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

So, let’s eschew formalism; instead, let us worship God from our hearts “in truth and in spirit” (Jn. 4:24).  And when we do that consistently, we naturally move to the next phase of worshipping God, which Micah puts it like this following the above passage: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micha 6:8).  This is what God requires from those who truly worship Him: Justice.  Kindness.  Humility.

Presently, there is a lot of talk on the urgent need to bring forth justice!  Yes, we, as believers, should heed the call and stand with those who have been marginalized for too long.  Nevertheless, let us not forget that all that we do, including striving for justice here on earth, should be an extension of our worship of God; therefore, as we seek justice, let us also be kind and humble.       

Prayer:  Father, I acknowledge that You are self-sufficient.  You don’t need anything from me.  I pray that You would receive my worship and sacrifice from a thankful heart.  Help me to do things not out of formalism, but from a heart of fresh worship.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Isaiah 57

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Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 2:7-10 (ESV): . . . so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Questions to Consider

1. What role does human works play in our salvation according to vv. 8-9?
2. What role does human works play in our lives in Christ according to v. 10?
3. How we to understand ourselves as God’s “workmanship”?
4. What is the confidence that we can have in terms of the good works that God has given to us?

Notes

1. Paul puts works in its rightful place.  We don’t obtain anything (salvation or any other blessing) from God by working for it; rather, through works (i.e., observing the law), we become conscious of sin (Rom. 3:20) since no one keeps the law perfectly (Jam. 2:10), and ultimately, it will lead to judgment.  That is to say, if God were to give us what we truly deserve, then, we’d all end up in hell; instead, we have received His grace and kindness through Christ Jesus.  Paul makes it clear that salvation is a gift of God, so that no one may boast.
2. The result of being in Christ should be bearing good works.  Once we are in a relationship with God, we are designed to produce good works.  All of this is a marvelous manifestation of God’s ability.
3. The literal meaning of the word “workmanship” in the original is poem.  We are his poem!  Perhaps it would be better rendered as, “We are his masterpiece.”  God is declaring and working out in our lives an exhibition of His love, power, wisdom, and character.  He applies the paint in exactly the right places at the right time, in order that we might be put on display for His marvelous glory.  Thus, we are to bear many good works: kindness, love, mercy, compassion, etc.   
4. Paul says that God has prepared these works beforehand. Not only that but in Christ, we are given the “will”, the desire to do good works.  I recall how our mission team once ended up getting lost in the Peruvian Andes Mountains for 4 hours!  On the brink of exhaustion and discouragement, we made our way to a clearing and found an unreached village that had never heard the gospel before.  We were able to share the gospel and lead a few of the villagers to Christ that day!  Little did we know that God had prepared this “good work” well beforehand.  All we did was step into it.

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Evening Reflection

Often, we feel quite insignificant, believing that we don’t have much to offer to the Lord through service.  Have there been “unexpected” times where God has used you to bless others?  Write these memories down and thank God for these “good works” prepared beforehand for us.