Upcoming series for January 2017 (weekdays): Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor) will present a series of blogs, dealing with various issues raised in the recent election that showed a deep divide, impacting both society at large and the church (especially many AMI churches that minister to university students and young professionals in the city).  The thoughts presented are processed through the standpoint of the Radical-Middle (both/and), personal narratives, and pastoral concerns.  I welcome your “rational” feedback. 

Devotional Thought for Today

Jude 1:17-23

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

As we come to the last day of 2016, we look back to a year of which people’s opinions are very much divided. With the passing of many prominent figures who have shaped and challenged our culture, an election that pulled back the mask of a divided country, a refugee crisis that seems to have no end in sight, let alone all the personal battles, the list goes on of the various challenges that we have faced throughout this year. And one of the most interesting things that have developed throughout this year is how the church has responded (or has not responded) to a world that is spiraling out of control.

“In the last time,” writes Jude, speaking as if he is writing to us today, he says that this is to be expected. And he goes on to clearly distinguish between those who are of Christ and those who are not, in the midst of difficult circumstances.

 

Ungodly	Godly
•   scoffers •   ungodly passions •   divisive •   worldly-minded •   devoid of the Spirit	•   beloved •   holy faith •   pray in the Spirit •   in the love of God •   looking forward to Christ’s return

The concern is that the church is losing its distinction from the world: just looking at how divided the response of the church to the various events of this year shows how our perspective is more like the world than it should be. The truth is that those in Christ are called to be people who are not just dissimilar to the world, but categorically different in their thinking, their actions, and their demeanor. Jude reminds the church that because of Christ, we are set apart from the world.

The call that follows to those who are beloved, who are building up their holy faith, who are praying in the Spirit and are in the love of God, and who are looking forward to Christ’s return—is to show mercy. This mercy is radically different from the kind of mercy this world shows. It is a mercy displayed to all, even those opposed to church. It is mercy that condemns sin but shows mercy to the sinner. It is a kind of mercy that is not of this world.

As you end this year and look forward to a new year, may you be reminded of the call of Christ for us to “shine like stars in the world,” “in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation” (Phil. 2:14-16). May you not shy away from distinguishing yourself from others, not for the sake of standing out, but in obedience to the Lord. Even to the last moments of this year, may you actively show mercy onto others. And in the same manner, begin this new year.

Prayer: Father, thank You for this past year. It was not the easiest of years, but through it, I saw how faithful and never-changing You truly are. Even to the last moments of this year, and as I begin a new year, I want to walk in a manner worthy of Your calling, because I know Your calling is an invitation to life and life abundant. Thank You for this gift. Thank you for Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 19

 

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 26-January 1 are provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland.  Joshua, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).  He was recently married to Christina.

Devotional Thought for Today

Jude 12-13, 16

 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever… 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

This passage describes the character of these false teachers who have infiltrated the church: “shepherds feeding themselves,” “following their own sinful desires,” and even “showing favoritism to gain advantage”—revealing how they are driven by self-promotion and benefit. Such people lack substance and are useless to the community. They are ungrateful people, grumbling and not content with what they have been given.  The church is called to contend on behalf of the faith against such people.

But in reality, this description can sometimes describe us. How many times have we grumbled because we thought that we deserved something we can’t have?  How can we have so much yet feel so discontented about what we don’t have? In fact, there is a picture on the internet that comes around every Thanksgiving that reads:

I think what is incredible about the Scripture here is that it does two things with one passage: In one sense, the passage warns us of why these false teachers must be addressed, revealing the true nature of these bad characters, thus helping the church to recognize them for who they truly are. But at the same time, this passage puts our grumbling, our discontentment, our lack of thanksgiving, our using of other people for our own benefit into perspective. It shows us how these things in our hearts reveal the true evil intent of our character.

Yes, we are called to contend for the faith and to guard and fight for the purity of the church. But we also must take the words of Jesus Christ seriously: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8.7)—it is both/and.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your word that is indeed sharper than a double-edged sword. We thank You that through the power of the Holy Spirit, You correct our often skewed perspectives, which ultimately shows our wrong view of You. We want to yield to Your truth carefully so that we do not unnecessarily harm others or harm ourselves in the process. Teach us Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 19

Lunch Break Study

Read Numbers 16:1-11 (This is one of the accounts that Jude refers to in this passage): Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent[a] 2 and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. 3 They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” 4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. 5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers: “In the morning the Lord will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him. 6 You, Korah, and all your followers are to do this: Take censers 7 and tomorrow put burning coals and incense in them before the Lord. The man the Lord chooses will be the one who is holy. You Levites have gone too far!”8 Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you Levites! 9 Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the Lord’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? 10 He has brought you and all your fellow Levites near himself, but now you are trying to get the priesthood too. 11 It is against the Lord that you and all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?”

Questions to Consider

1. Take a moment to summarize what’s going on in the passage. Why was Korah, Dathan, and Abiram so upset with Moses and Aaron?
2. What do we learn about the reality of our grumbling and complaining?
3. Take a moment to read verses 31-35. How serious does God take this offense? How is God wanting to address your heart at this moment?

Notes

1. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rise up with 250 men amongst the people to rebel against Moses and Aaron. Korah grumbles at the fact that Moses is in a position of power over the congregation. Korah, himself being a Levite, had special duties (see v. 9-10) and yet didn’t see how his own calling was special as well.
2. In v. 11, we learn that our complaints and grumblings are ultimately directed towards God who is in control of all things.
3. Personal response. Note the severity of God’s response to Korah—meaning, God takes our grumbling and complaining very seriously.

Evening Reflection

As you have reflected on how often we grumble and are discontented, I pray that it has led you to recognize that we are actually directing these complaints against God. Let us be reminded of all the ways that God has provided for us and has orchestrated our life. What are some of these things that you are grateful for? Take a moment to jot down these things, and pray a prayer of thanksgiving over them.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 26-January 1 are provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland.  Joshua, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).  He was recently married to Christina.

Devotional Thought for Today

Jude 1-4

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I recently took a class with a professor who was a staff sergeant in the Vietnam War. At the youthful age of 20, he quickly found himself in the swamps of Vietnam with the burden of leading a group of men into war. As he recounted many of the horrific things he had experienced in the war, he taught us the importance of training disciples in the church. He believed that the term “disciple” isn’t just reserved for those who are in positions of leadership or are well equipped, but rather, anyone who has come to Jesus for salvation and surrendered their lives to His Lordship. In other words, all Christians are disciples. And he challenged a classroom of around thirty future leaders and pastors of churches to take this calling seriously. As he quickly learned in Vietnam, a squad is only as strong as its weakest member.

Despite the brevity of Jude’s letter, you’ll notice that Jude wastes no time getting to the heart of the matter. Even though he is “very eager” to write to them about their salvation, he sees that there is another urgent matter at hand. He addresses the rise of false teachers (much like in 2 Peter) within the church who are “perverting” the message of God’s grace.

If something like this were to happen in your church, it would be very natural for us to quickly rely on the church leadership to deal with the situation. But take a look at who is being addressed: “those who are called.” In other words, this letter is written to all those within the church, since this calling applies to everyone who believes in Jesus.

The call to “contend for the faith” is given to all saints, not just the leaders or pastors. You, dear brother and sister, are called to defend the faith and fight for the purity of the church. You are called to fight for the unity of the church, to not let falsehoods or sin remain within the church. You are called.

Members of a church are not spectators—we are participants. We are not just consumers—we are workers and builders. Every member of the body is called to get into the grit of life so that as a whole body, we may be pure before the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for engrafting me into the family of God through Your blood. I realize that this invitation is not just an invitation to consume or observe, but to get involved and build up. Forgive me for the ways I’ve stood by passively. Help me to be one who speaks and acts in truth for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 18

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 3:13-7: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Questions to Consider

1. What is Peter exhorting the church to do?
2. What is the implication of this passage? Why should we be ready to “make a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for our hope”?
3. In what ways are you pushing aside the challenges of people who are questioning your faith? In what ways are you avoiding making a defense? Remember, the sin of omission is just as sinful as the sin of commission. How is God challenging you to respond?

Notes

1. Peter is calling the church to do good despite what the physical/worldly consequences may be. Peter calls the church to always be ready, in speech, in manner, in action, and in thought. It is a call for the church to be above reproach, and in times of defending the faith, no one can bring any opposition against them.
2. The implication here is that the church will face opposition even if they are doing good. Even when the church acts in good conscience, there will be those who bring charges against them. There will be a time of questioning. And it is the duty of the church to be ready to honor Christ.
3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

How have you thought differently about your part in the church today? Has anything changed about your commitment to the church body? How might you live/act differently starting tomorrow? Take a few moments to journal your thoughts and commit them to the Lord in prayer.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 26-January 1 are provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland.  Joshua, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).  He was recently married to Christina.

Devotional Thought for Today

2 Peter 3:14-18

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Having been involved with college ministry for close to 12 years, I have since transitioned and have seen many peers and students switch into working life. I’ve witnessed many people find jobs right out of college while other struggle for months, if not years, to find a vocation. Many know right off the bat what they want to do with their lives, while others are in a season of waiting and discovery of what career path God is calling them to pursue.

Yesterday we spent time reflecting on God’s perfect timing. And in some sense, what kind of job to seek seems so minor when compared to things like the second coming of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promised new heavens and new earth. But what is common to both of these sorts of things is the kind of posture we are to have during seasons of waiting.

I’ve known many people who spend their days waiting for that “perfect job.” They often turn down or don’t pursue other opportunities because it isn’t that “perfect job.” For whatever reason, I have seen people who are unemployed for several years just waiting for it, while in the meantime they are racking up debt and burdening relationships.

What we read in today’s passage speaks of the kind of posture believers are to have during seasons of waiting. Peter writes, “Be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” We often tie diligence with a certain goal in mind, and so if we are in a season of waiting for directions, how are we to be diligent? How can we be diligent if we don’t know what we are to be diligent concerning? Peter redirects our attention here. He uses the words “without spot or blemish,” words often associated with holiness and sin. And if we understand sin not just as violating an impersonal set of rules but as a relational offense, we come to understand this passage as a call to “diligently” work on our relationship with God.

Even in seasons of uncertainty or waiting, the passage today calls us to be diligent toward a right relationship with God. He calls us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” And when we focus our lives on this, the promise found in Scripture is that “all these things will be added onto us.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You that despite whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, You are always in control. You do not call us to try and fix the problems ourselves; rather, You call us into a deeper, love relationship with You. Help me to focus on what is most important, especially in times of waiting. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 17

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 11.25-30: At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Questions to Consider

1. What does Jesus establish prior to His invitation?
2. Oftentimes we think of “rest” as not doing anything. What does this passage teach us about true rest?
3. What causes your life to be “heavy laden?” In light of this passage, what causes us to become tired and weary? What is Jesus calling you to do?

Notes

1. Before Jesus’ invitation, He establishes that all things have been “handed over to Him by the Father.” He establishes that He has the authority to secure our rest. These things are for those who have childlike faith and not the wise.
2. True rest is found in relationship with the right Master. Jesus invites us to the kind of rest that is being yoked with Him, a Master who is “gentle and lowly in heart.” There is still work to be done, but how we go about that work, how we learn to do that work is what makes all the difference.
3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

As ones awaiting the true rest that will come when Jesus returns, how has the Holy Spirit challenged you of the manner in which you are awaiting His return? Take a moment to journal your thoughts. How might you live differently starting tomorrow? How might your perspective of life change?

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 26-January 1 are provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland.  Joshua, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).  He was recently married to Christina.

Devotional Thought for Today

2 Peter 3.8-10

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Like many Asian males, I grew up I taking taekwondo lessons. It was all part of my parent’s effort to get me to be more active and build up my confidence. My dad would pick me up from school, drive 30 minutes to my lesson, and then pick me up afterwards, which would end around 4:30PM. After a “hard day at the gym,” I would be so hungry that I would beg my dad to take me to Burger King, since dinner felt like a thousand years from then.  But my dad would always say, “Be patient Josh, mom’s got something better waiting for you at home.”

I think about the ways my parents taught me patience and endurance. It really comes down to the idea of if I trusted my parents. But this trust comes in two different ways. Sometimes waiting to get home was better because my mom would cook something I loved to eat; other times, I would have preferred to eat Burger King. But my parents ultimately knew what was best for me, and I would learn to trust that.

Here, in today’s passage, is the Bible saying that God can change time in such a way that one day is like a thousand years and vice versa? I’m sure He could, but that’s not necessarily what this passage is saying. What Peter is teaching the church here is that God’s concept of time is entirely different from how we perceive time. He is temporal, that is, beyond time. He does not experience the same kind of restrictions of temporality that we do, and thus, does not experience delay or hurry like we do. His timing is perfect; He is in full control.

It isn’t hard to see that we are surely in the end times. Much like the church in today’s passage, we experience the harsh realities of life; and in a world of brokenness that seems to break even more every minute, the church can’t help but cry out, “Come!” as it says in Revelation. But in what seems like delay, what we learn from today’s passage is that this “delay” is an expression of God’s patience… God’s mercy upon this world. The ultimate question comes down to this: Do you trust God? Do you trust that what He has in store for you is ultimately not only the best for you but the best for the world?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I praise You for You are eternal and all-knowing! I praise You because Your perfect plan in Your perfect timing is what’s ultimately the best for me. Lord, help me to trust in You, especially during times of waiting. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 16

Lunch Break Study

Read Isaiah 55:6-9: Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
⁷ let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Questions to Consider

1. In the passage, what is the implication for those who do not forsake his ways or his thoughts? What happens to those who forsake their ways?
2. What is the picture of God’s character you get from this passage?
3. How are you responding to this passage? What are some practical ways that the Holy Spirit is calling you to respond?

Notes

1. The call of this passage is for the wicked to forsake his ways and the unrighteous his thoughts. The implication is that those who do not are wicked and unrighteous. It’s not just ignorance. But for those who forsake their ways, they receive the compassion and pardon of God.
2. Responses may vary, but generally, it’s a picture of a transcendent God who is beyond not only our wisdom but the wisdom of this world. It is a picture of a God who is not only wiser than man but is categorically separate and on a different level than us.
3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

As you have spent the day reflecting on the perfect timing of God, what are some of the things that come to your mind? These may be areas where you are struggling in trusting God’s timing. Take some time to jot them down in a journal. As you write them down, surrender each of these things to the perfect wisdom and timing of God.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 26-January 1 are provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland.  Joshua, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).  He was recently married to Christina.

Devotional Thought for Today

2 Peter 3:1-7

This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

My wife and I just celebrated our first anniversary. Time flies, doesn’t it? It seems just like yesterday that I experienced the rude awakening of ring shopping. Because neither of us knew anything about engagement rings, we went to one of those big-name jewelry shops to get educated. The man who helped us was a genteel, old man with a faint British accent. Sensing our ignorance, he proceeded to school us in the 4 C’s of diamond shopping: carat, cut, clarity, and color. He showed us two diamonds, both seemingly nice and shiny. But it was bewildering to find out that one diamond cost $1000 more than the other. The reason? The purity of the diamond. Details that the naked eye could not see made all the difference. When you look closely, you see the impurities, the discoloration, the nitty-gritty details that change the valuation of the diamonds.

In this final chapter of Peter’s letter, we see the reason why Peter has written his two letters to the church: I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder… The word sincere here is the same word we get the word pure, a word used to describe the kind of purity found even under the examination of sunlight. Because of the work of grace in our lives, God has gifted us with a pure faith.  However, this pure faith can become covered, distorted, and even complicated. As we learned from earlier QTs (link: https://amiquiettimes.com/2016/12/21/december-21-wednesday/), this church had faced persecution from outside the church as well as false teachers from within that led many astray. Oftentimes, trials and inaccurate teachings cause us to lose sight of the simple, pure gospel truth. It is this sincere mind that Peter seeks to stir up in the church so that their pure faith may not succumb to trials or false teachings. He does this by reminding them of all the things that have come to understand in the Lord. Peter reminds them of God’s promises that they already know at the core of their faith, the place of sincere mind.

Who speaks these reminders in your life? In times of trial and tribulation, how are you reminded of God’s truth? The reality is that whether through personal devotion and prayer, through a friend or mentor, through worship or through preaching, we serve a God that is constantly speaking and reminding you of His promises. The question is, are we listening?

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You still speak to us. Whether through scripture, prayer, or perhaps a friend, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we believe that You speak to us. Give us a heart and ears that are open to be reminded of the incredible truths that You have spoken to us—truths that provide peace and direction in this crazy world. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 15

Lunch Break Study

Read John 14.25-27 (NIV): “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Questions to Consider

1. Take a moment to skim through the rest of this passage. What is the context of this passage?
2. What is one of the primary functions of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives?
3. How can you avail yourself more to the reminding of the Holy Spirit throughout your life?

Notes

1. This passage falls in the middle of Jesus’ final night with the disciples. He is preparing a group of followers who still have not realized what is to come. But before He leaves them, He promises that though He is not going to be with them anymore, He will send the Helper, the Holy Spirit.
2. The primary function described in this passage is that the Holy Spirit will teach and bring to remembrance all that Jesus has spoken to us. The result of this is a kind of peace that the world cannot offer.
3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

In what ways has God spoken to you today? Think back about the ways He spoke to you. What did He use? Who did He use? How did you notice these things? As you end your day, reflect upon these things; let us give thanks for the ways that God reminds us of His truth. Finish your time by praying for His grace to be sensitive and attentive to these reminders.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 19-25 are written by Pastor Andrew Kim at Tapestry Church.  Andrew, a graduate of Eternity Bible College, is currently attending Fuller Theological Seminary.  He and Jessie were married in 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”

Recently, I noticed while reading through my Facebook feed that many were calling 2016 one of the worst years in recent memory. And once you begin reflecting back, it’s not surprising that many have come to this conclusion: police brutality, racial divide, Aleppo, numerous shootings/bombings around the world, and the election (to half of the nation). Yes, it’s been a terrible year for many. In light of this, many of the comments expressed confusion. Others offered their own well-intentioned solutions in the form of new political policies and strategies. But most were resigned to a loss of hope. What can be done when the issues seem so much bigger than us?

It was a similar situation around the time of the birth of Christ. The people of Israel had been in exile for many years and even as they returned to the promised land, they were met by Grecian, Ptolemaic, Seleucid and Roman oppressions. They had become foreigners in their own land. As a result, many Jews attempted to resolve the situation by means of violent revolution or by colluding with the Roman authorities for more power. But none of it brought the liberation they had been longing for, which led to a profound sense of hopelessness. But little did they know, that true freedom had come in the form of a baby, who was called Immanuel, “God with us.” This baby would go on to bring about a type of liberation that they could have never imagined; one that gave them freedom from their greatest oppressor: the power of sin.

As we go about our Christmas, let us rejoice in the hope found only in Jesus, who is Immanuel. He is the embodied presence of God. He is the true hope of the world. In the midst of darkness and pain, both globally and personally, He is the only answer. This Christmas morning, let us be reminded that our ultimate hope does not lay in politics or human ingenuity but in a baby named Jesus.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 2

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 19-25 are written by Pastor Andrew Kim at Tapestry Church.  Andrew, a graduate of Eternity Bible College, is currently attending Fuller Theological Seminary.  He and Jessie were married in 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

Luke 2:8-20

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. [10] And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” [16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

In order to fully understand the meaning of Christmas, we have to become familiar with Israel’s story. Around the time of Jesus’ birth, the people of Israel had been in a posture of waiting for some time—looking forward to the day when God would liberate them from pagan oppression through a show of military might. It would be a time where sinners would be judged and the righteous saved. To put it in another way, they were expecting God to usher in a kingdom characterized by judgment and power. But what the story of Christmas teaches us is that these expectations needed to be reshaped and realigned.

Here in our passage, we read a story that we usually glance over without giving it a second thought. But if read carefully, we find something profound happening here. Isn’t it interesting that the news of the coming Messiah is given to a group of shepherds and not the religious leaders? You see, shepherds were people of ill-repute who were known as thieves who belonged at the bottom of society’s totem pole. For this reason, they were extremely despised by others. And yet, they are the first ones, outside of Jesus’ family, to receive the good news about Jesus from the angel. Think about this for a second.  This is like Jesus coming back into our world and sending angels first to a brothel or the slums before going to your church. This was entirely unexpected and shocking!

But this story tells us something very important about God and the type of kingdom He was ushering in through the birth of Jesus. It was not a kingdom only reserved for the righteous or the morally upright, but a kingdom that came for people just like the shepherds—those who were lowly and readily aware of their brokenness and sin. And this is undeniable. We see Jesus running after these types of people all throughout His ministry—prostitutes, tax collectors, every type of sinner you can imagine. You see, it was a kingdom of grace and mercy—not one of military might and condemnation. This is precisely why the angels announced the coming of Christ to the shepherds. God sent His Son for people just like them.  Today, as we wait for Christmas morning, let us reflect on this truth and thank God that He has shown mercy to sinners like us!

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are full of mercy and grace. Help me to gain a deeper understanding of Your grace in my life and to rejoice in that I am loved despite my brokenness and sins. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 1-2

 

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 19-25 are written by Pastor Andrew Kim at Tapestry Church.  Andrew, a graduate of Eternity Bible College, is currently attending Fuller Theological Seminary.  He and Jessie were married in 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

2 Peter 2:19

They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

What is true freedom? Freedom is often associated with the absence of rules and restrictions. Our culture has defined it as being given free reign to do whatever our hearts desire. But is freedom about having no constraints at all? Are rules and boundaries in opposition to freedom? I would say no. As Tim Keller puts it, “A fish, because it absorbs oxygen from water rather than air, is only free if it is restricted and limited to water. If we put it out on the grass, its freedom to move and even live is not enhanced, but destroyed. The fish dies if we do not honor the reality of its nature.” In other words, freedom is not the total absence of limits but rather finding the right ones that allow us to flourish and thrive as people.

It seems that the false teachers had been luring away believers by promising them freedom—the freedom to let their lustful passions run wild as they pleased. They argued that the gospel had brought them freedom and it was at their discretion to use as they pleased. And in one sense, the false teachers were correct. Freedom is at the heart of the gospel. However, it is not the freedom to do whatever we want. It’s being freed from the power of sin and death and having to fulfill the law on our own. In other words, we are freed from sin to be slaves to Christ—not so that we can do whatever we want.

Oftentimes, many of us find the rules of Scripture to be stifling and burdensome. But I want to remind you that they were placed in our lives for our good. God is our Creator and knows us inside out. He understands what we need and the desires of our hearts. And the boundaries prescribed to us are not to suppress us but for us to flourish and live lives of true freedom and joy. For this reason, take delight in His word. It is for our ultimate good!

Prayer: Father, help me to delight in Your word and commands. At times my heart feels burdened by it. However, help me to feel a sense of freedom and joy in following Your commands and give me the strength to do so! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 14

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 119:97-104: Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98  Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100  I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102  I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103  How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104  Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Questions to Consider

1. Why does the psalmist delight in the words of God?
2. What steps can you take to cultivate this type of posture towards God’s commands?

Notes

1. He finds true understanding and wisdom in the words of God, more so than his enemies who seem to be looking elsewhere. This implies that by following God’s word, it is leading him to a life of goodness, away from evil and every false way. It has not only given him more wisdom but has tangibly affected his life in a real practical way.
2. Personal.

Evening Reflection

We live in a culture where we are constantly bombarded by the media. Our minds are constantly being filled with various messages and ideas. It has become increasingly more difficult to slow down and meditate on the word of God. Let us make sure that we create time and space in our days to quiet our worlds and meditate on God’s word. Take some time tonight to do so.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from December 19-25 are written by Pastor Andrew Kim at Tapestry Church.  Andrew, a graduate of Eternity Bible College, is currently attending Fuller Theological Seminary.  He and Jessie were married in 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

2 Peter 2:4-10

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; [5] if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; [6] if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; [7] and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked [8] (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); [9] then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, [10] and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

One of my favorite quotes (used by almost every pastor as a sermon illustration) is from C.S. Lewis’ novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In response to the character Susan’s question about the safety of meeting the mysterious Aslan the Lion, Mr. Beaver replies, “Who said anything about being safe? Course He isn’t safe. But He’s good. He’s the king.” I like this quote because I find Mr. Beaver’s response to be an apt description of God. He’s good but He isn’t safe.

I wonder how many of us hold both descriptors in tension when it comes to our view of God. It seems that many have opted for a God who is good but also safe, maybe even domesticated—and understandably so. It’s easy to focus on His love and grace at the expense of His less popular attributes such as His wrath and judgment. But upon surveying the biblical narrative, one cannot walk away without a profound realization that God isn’t safe.

In our passage for today, we see the apostle Peter bringing these two descriptors of God into focus. As false teachers have infiltrated the church, Peter warns that those who are led astray by false teaching will indeed be judged. The apostle makes his point by giving them a brief survey of Scripture and highlighting moments in biblical history where the judgment and wrath of God were powerfully displayed. In essence, he is making the point that God does not only know how to save, but He is also the righteous judge. To put it simply, God will not overlook sin and immorality. There will surely be judgment in the last days, and for this reason, Peter exhorts the church not to deviate from the way of Christ.

How should we respond to this passage? I want to offer two ways: First, we must take our sins seriously because God deems it a serious matter. We shouldn’t grow lax or apathetic in our fight against sin. Instead, we must make every effort to pursue holiness. Second, it should create in us a sense of urgency to share the gospel with those who don’t know Christ. The final judgment is a reality that is sure to come. In the limited time that we have, we should do what we can in sharing the good news of the gospel with those whom we love. I want to encourage you to take some time today to pray for those who have not accepted Christ. It is imperative that we do so.

Prayer: Father, I pray for those who do not know You. I ask that You would open up their hearts to the good news of Your gospel. Give me opportunities to share about You and the courage to do so. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 1:18-23: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. [19] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. [21] For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Claiming to be wise, they became fools, [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the essence of sin according to this passage?
2. Can a person who never had access to the Bible claim total ignorance of God’s laws?
3. How would you describe your posture toward sin?

Notes

1. Paul writes in verse 22 that the essence of sin is to exchange the glory of the immortal God for images resembling creation—that is, choosing to worship the creation rather than the Sin at its fundamental level is idolatry.
2. No, since by way of God’s general revelation (i.e., that which is knowable about God apart from Scripture but through creation and God’s law written on human hearts [Rom. 2:14-5]), men have access to adequate knowledge of God’s divine nature and laws.
3. Personal.

Evening Reflection

As you wind down and reflect on your day, did you have a sense of urgency for those who don’t know Christ? Were you able to see and act on different opportunities to share the gospel as you went about your day? Take some time to pray for unbelievers you regularly interact with; ask God for more opportunities tomorrow to share and demonstrate the love of Christ.