Mark 1
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Mark 1:14-15, After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark is the Gospel that gets right to the point. There is no fluff in Mark; he simply tells it like it is. Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark doesn’t give a birth account of Jesus. He quickly covers the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, and his temptation by Satan. While those things are quite important, it’s obvious Mark wants to get right into the ministry of Jesus. By the middle of the first chapter, we are learning about Jesus’ purpose, witnessing his healing, and getting a feel for his prayer life.
In today’s focus verses, we find Jesus starting his ministry. He is still in Galilee, traveling around the towns there, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and preaching repentance. For today’s reflection, I thought it might be prudent to spend some time on the kingdom of God. Mark talks a lot about the kingdom and it’s important we all are on the same page.
In its simplest terms, the kingdom of God can be described as God’s work in the world at large. Although the Psalms tell us that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the kingdom of God exists in those places where God is honored as sovereign and where his values are at work.
Jesus frequently spoke of the kingdom and announced its coming. In all his teachings, his miracles, his interactions, through the cross and the resurrection, Jesus’ life embodied the kingdom of God, demonstrating this new way of doing life. For instance, sickness is not part of God’s kingdom, it’s the result of living in a fallen world, so Jesus healed. Hunger is not part of God’s kingdom so Jesus fed. Discrimination is not part of God’s kingdom so Jesus hung out with people who were ostracized by their community, such as prostitutes and tax collectors. In God’s kingdom, every single human life has value, so Jesus elevated the status of children, women, the disabled, and the poor.
Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom demonstrates that his ministry was not simply about individual salvation and the idea that you can go to heaven when you die. That was part of the good news but to leave it there would be incomplete. Rather, life in God’s kingdom means you can be reconciled to God right now. You can live under the reign of Christ and live life abundant. God’s kingdom is a place of justice, hope, mercy, righteousness, and true joy; it’s about creating heaven on earth. Jesus’ entire ministry, including his death on the cross and resurrection, pointed to God’s kingdom being ushered in on earth. Although the kingdom is meant to be realized in the here and now, there is a certain “not yet” quality about it. The kingdom is here, as Jesus proclaimed, but it will not be fully realized until he returns in final victory and makes all things new. We pray for God’s kingdom to come, to be made real in our midst, each week when we say the Lord’s Prayer. That seems like an appropriate way to close today…
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Nehemiah 13
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Nehemiah 13:14, Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.
Eventually, Nehemiah has to return to serve the king of Babylon. God had called him to Jerusalem for a season, he was obedient, and then he had to go back to his day job. But after some time (we don’t know how long but it must have been quite awhile), Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem. He finds that the people were not obeying the Law as they had promised to do. There were issues with the tithes and the temple, people were not obeying the Sabbath, and there was intermarriage with the pagan people who lived around them.
Nehemiah does his best to institute reforms once again so the people would be in alignment with God’s law. I’m guessing this wasn’t easy. The people had grown comfortable in their ways. After each set of reforms, Nehemiah asks God to remember what he has done and honor it.
Nehemiah was an honest and Godly man who simply wanted to serve God well and teach his people to do the same. Who are the Nehemiahs among us? Who are those men and women who seek to serve God and lovingly encourage others to do the same, even when it’s hard and even when the people don’t want to hear it?
Let’s pray…Lord, Send us more Nehemiahs. We need people who seek to serve you and boldly encourage others to do the same. God, may all we do be pleasing to you. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 12
New Hope Daily SOAP: Nehemiah 12
Pastor Vicki Harrison
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Nehemiah 12:44-45, At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites. They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the musicians and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon.
After the wall was dedicated, there was much joy among God’s people. But after the music and celebration ended, Nehemiah made sure the people understood the importance of tithing. As they were seeking to be in alignment with God’s Word, this was of vital importance. The first fruits and tithes of the people provided for the work of the priests and the Levites, as well as any other need associated with the worship of God and his work in the world.
Tithing is still of vital importance. Throughout Scripture, God calls his people to give 10% of their earnings to him. This isn’t because God needs our money. Rather, it is a matter of heart. All we have comes from God – everything! As an act of obedience, he then calls us to give part of our resources back to him for his work in the world.
In my experience as a pastor, people really struggle with this. This is an estimate but I would guess only about a fifth of our church truly tithes. Submitting 10% may feel hard at first but once you do it, it is actually quite freeing. You know you are in compliance with God’s Word and God always blesses that. For me, it is also an important acknowledgment that God is Lord of my life and I’m trusting him with my all.
Do you tithe? Why or why not?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, All we have is a gift from you. Thank you. Help us be in cheerful givers, open to your work in our lives, and filled with a spirit of generosity. You only are Lord of my life. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 11
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Nehemiah 11:1-2, Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem. The rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten of them to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. The people commended all who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is the capital and the holy city. It had the leaders and the temple employees but it needed real citizens to make it a defensible community. It wasn’t easy to live there. They still had the residents actively serving as guards. The gates are complete, the wall is done, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be opposition. They still haven’t let their guard down. To live in Jerusalem, at that time, meant to be a rotating security guard of sorts.
A number of people volunteered to form the nucleus of the city. We find their specific names listed in this chapter. These were real people with real families and responsibilities who volunteered to do whatever they could, even if it was a significant interruption to their lives, in order to make Jerusalem a functioning society.
Sometimes God asks us to interrupt our lives for his work in this world.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We love you and trust you. We know that you have called each of us to some part of your work in this world. For some of us, this will mean disruption and even interruption. Lord, give us the courage to forge ahead, to do what you have called us to do regardless, and peace that you’ve got this. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 10
Nehemiah 10
October 21, 2022
SOAP
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Nehemiah 10:28-29
28 “The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand— 29 all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.
What has been occurring? Repair and rebuilding. What is happening now? Reinforcement and obligations of the covenant.
To me, this is what the covenant was all about. The people promised to obey God’s law and swore a penalty on themselves if it was broken. Once you read past the names and get the gist there were many aspects mentioned specifically that the people agreed to do. Here, the people were bluntly honest about their shortcomings. They owned it and made a pledge to change it.
Covenants always cost something, and this was no different. Some of the costs to follow God would be personal. They always are.
What does a covenant or the cost mean in true discipleship?
I don’t want to be careless about this but I am. I am broken and a sinner. Just like the people in Nehemiah sealing this covenant with obligations. Like them, I know my shortcomings too and that it requires me to make changes. To come humbly before God trust his will, pray, listen and obey.
God was repairing and rebuilding the broken relationship the people had with him. This covenant was reinforcing his desire for them to be the people he intended them to be. I am so grateful he continues to do this with us still.
The same is true with us. God expects actions to follow our words and follow in all ways. His grace and love is unending and there is no doubt his expectations of us to change is also present.
Let’s pray….
Heavenly father, thank you for the blessings of this day. I am so grateful we can come into your presence and ask you to let your light shine in our hearts to strengthen us in times of need and trouble. I know through all the storms and distress of the world, we come to you in repentance and find total freedom and forgiveness! It’s in Your precious name we pray AMEN
Nehemiah 9
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Nehemiah 9:3, They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.
As God’s people stood and listened to the Book of the Law, they knew that things needed to change. After listening to God’s Word, they corporately spent time in confession and worship. And then, they began to move toward aligning themselves with the law. This was repentance.
We talked about repentance in worship last Sunday. It’s when we move away from sin and wrongdoing and move toward God. When we repent before God, we are saying that we will change. When we repent of our sin, we cannot go on consciously committing that sin without remorse. Repentance brings results that affect our behavior.
When we continue to live in sin, we are short-circuiting God’s power in our life. Lack of repentance can keep us from thriving and experiencing true awakening. Sin is like a millstone around our neck as individuals and as a church.
For what do you need to repent?
Let’s confess our sin, repent of it, become cleansed and available for the Holy Spirit to fill us and use us.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Forgive us for the many ways in which we sin against you. Forgive us for apathy, complacency, cynicism, unforgiveness, laziness, not caring about the lost, gossip, arrogance, selfishness, materialism, and prayerlessness. Forgive us, Lord Jesus. Free us for joyful obedience. Free us and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Cleanse us, fill us, use us. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 8
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Nehemiah 8:9-10, Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
What an amazing chapter! Ezra the priest brings out the Book of the Law and begins to read it to all the people who could understand. Verse 3 of this chapter states, He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. I’ve been trying to visualize thousands of men, women, and children, listening to the reading of the law. Most likely, it had been years since they had heard God’s Word read out loud. Some may never have heard it. Remember, they had been in exile and then they moved to a very disheveled and chaotic Jerusalem, where survival was precarious. They had become disconnected from God’s Word for generations.
And they begin to weep. They were both distraught and heartbroken at how far away from God’s Law they had moved. But Nehemiah gets up and tells the people not to weep. Rather, this was a holy day of celebration. They don’t need to grieve because God is joyful at their newfound obedience. They need to rest in that and allow God’s joy to be their strength.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us stay grounded in your Word. Help us never be disconnected from who and whose we are. Help us grow, Lord. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 7
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Nehemiah 7:2-3, I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do. I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.”
Nehemiah knows that there are still dangers outside (and maybe even inside) the city. Thus, the leaders must be chosen carefully. Obviously, they needed to be competent. But more than anything else, they needed to have character and love the Lord. Those in charge of the city required more than professional skill; they required integrity.
That’s certainly just as important for us today. If we think of those who are in charge of our nation, our states, our cities, and even our churches, integrity matters. It isn’t just about voting record, we need to think of how these individuals actually live their lives. How have they treated their employees, their spouses, and their children? Are they honest? Are they respectable? What is their faith journey like? Integrity matters.
And then our focus verses deal with something about the times during which the city gates will be open. This may sound strange to us but it really makes perfect sense. Nehemiah is delegating some of the city protection tasks out to various trustworthy people in the community. They are to keep watch and keep the large city gates closed during the busy times of day and only open them during the hottest hours. During that time, the enemies and opponents are going to be less active; it is truly the safest time of day. The men watching the doors can let their guard down for just a moment. Basic commerce can occur and some people will be allowed in and out. But those chosen to guard should come from inside the city, particularly those who live close to the gate. These are people who have a vested interest in keeping that area safe.
Let’s pray…Lord, Help us be people of integrity and help us choose leaders with integrity, people who honor you. Give us wisdom as to who should lead and who should protect. We are grateful for those who risk their lives to protect us. Watch over them, Lord. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 6
New Hope Daily SOAP: Nehemiah 6
Pastor Vicki Harrison
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Nehemiah 6:15-16, So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.
I hope you read through the entire chapter today. What’s most interesting to me is that Nehemiah’s opponents, people like Sanballat and Tobiah, continued to do all they could to intimidate him. They schemed to take his life, they sent ugly letters, and they hired crooked prophets to prophecy against him. They didn’t let up. And yet, God’s work continued.
God had given Nehemiah wisdom. Nehemiah had to constantly be discerning what was safe and what wasn’t. He had to constantly listen to God rather than those around him. There must have been times in which he was scared or unsure. After all, he was only human. But he knew that God was bigger than his fear. God was bigger than these men who were plotting against him. God was bigger than whatever they threw at him. He knew this, he believed it, and he trusted it. As a result, the wall was completed. The enemies grew scared and everyone knew it was the work of the Lord.
As I write this, I’m thinking that there are some people who need to know that God is bigger than whatever you are going through. God is bigger than your diagnosis, God is bigger than your grief, God is bigger than your pain, God is bigger than your financial worries, God is bigger than whatever burdens or worries you carry. Can you know this, believe this, and trust this truth?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, You are God of all. You are Lord of the cosmos, Lord of this world, Lord of the church, and Lord over our lives. You are bigger than our worries, our anxieties, and our pain. Help us know that and trust that beyond a shadow of a doubt. We want to trust you, Lord. Amen.
Nehemiah 5
October 14, 2022 - Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah came to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city. City walls are, of course, designed to protect the inhabitants from outside threats. But what about threats from the inside?
Nehemiah found that no matter how strong the walls on the outside were, if the people inside the walls weren't protected from their leaders and those in power, then they would never be safe. He challenged those with power to give back what they had taken and make a promise to not do it again.
As we look inside our homes and our church, are we spending too much effort building walls to protect us from outsiders, and not enough effort looking to threats that are already inside our walls. Those threats can be spiritual, political, or financially motivated. But we must not fight among ourselves so that when the real threats come, we are not distracted and can see them coming.
Lord, help me to do my part to not contribute to the internal strife and conflict inside my own family and inside my church at New Hope. Help me to be a good steward of the resources you've entrusted to me as a staff member and a church member, and to utilize my time, talents, gifts, and witness the way you would have me use them. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Nehemiah 4
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Nehemiah 4:21-23, So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.
When we are doing God’s work, there will always be opposition! Here we have Nehemiah and the residents of Jerusalem working day and night to rebuild the wall. This would provide fortification for the city, the residents could prosper, and the city could flourish. God’s city could flourish. Of course, the evil one doesn’t want that.
But while obstacles should be expected, we should also expect that God will provide the answers. Nehemiah prays to God and God gives him the wisdom to fight against the enemies. They would guard the walls day and night. They would work with their weapons. They would never let their guard down. God gave them the plan, the strength, and the courage, they needed to persevere. As a result, the enemies eventually backed down.
How has God called you to do his work? Have you experienced obstacles? Please trust God to give you the plan, courage, and strength to finish the work. Don’t be discouraged! God is with you. The same God who was with Nehemiah is with you.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We want to do your work and do it well. Give us the courage and wisdom to overcome obstacles and persevere! We trust that you walk with us. Help us see you at work. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 3
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Nehemiah 3:1-7, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.
The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.[a]
The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah—Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth—places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates.
In this chapter, we find God’s people getting to work rebuilding the wall around the city of Jerusalem. What’s fascinating to me about this text is the detail. I only listed the first seven verses (please read the whole text to get the full picture) but we can see how individual people are given credit for their contribution to this important work. This wall they were rebuilding would protect the city and its inhabitants from invaders and those who opposed them. Before anyone could sleep well at night or prosper at all, they needed protection. These men of God ensured that happened.
And the author lists the names. I love this! Each contribution was important. These were real people who stopped their lives for a period of time to do God’s work. They didn’t work on the wall to get famous (I’m guessing they had no idea their name would show up in the best-selling book of all time!) They did what they felt God calling them to do – the humble but necessary work.
Think of all those people who have gone before us, who did the humble and necessary work, to invest in our lives, our Christian journeys, and this church. As I think about my last 26 years at New Hope, many faces and names come to mind, people who led my Bible studies, prayed for me, invested in me, fed me, led this church, took care of my children in the nursery, and basically created a way for me to learn, grow, and prosper in my faith. These were real people who made what may have seemed like humble or simple contributions but yet changed the course of my Christian walk.
What about you? Who are those people who made the humble and necessary contributions which led you to where you are right now? Take a moment, name them, and give thanks for their lives. If possible, reach out and tell them the difference they made. If that isn’t possible, just give a prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving, giving glory to the God who created them and placed them in your life.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Thank you for the humble servants who cared for me, invested in me, and did the little and big things to help me grow in my Christian walk. How grateful I am! Lord, help me be part of the humble and necessary work of your Kingdom. I love you, Jesus!!! Amen.
Nehemiah 2
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Nehemiah 2:4-5, The king said to me, “What is it you want?”
Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
Nehemiah must have been truly admired by the king. The king actually notices because Nehemiah looks distressed and he asks Nehemiah what’s going on. Nehemiah could have just said, “I’m fine.” After all, he feared the king. The Scripture actually says that Nehemiah was very much afraid. Keep in mind, the Persian king had absolute power and literally held Nehemiah’s life in his hands.
But here we see a turning point in Nehemiah. Rather than give into his fear, he speaks up. He prays to God, listens to God, and speaks up. He is honest and tells the king what’s going on in Jerusalem. He asks if the king would allow him to take a leave of absence (of sorts) from his job as cup bearer to help his Jewish brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.
Friends, that took courage. I think I should reiterate: Nehemiah was fearful BUT he prays to God, he listens to God, he trusts God, and he speaks up. Let that sink in. How often do we give in to fear and not speak OR we speak too quickly before praying and listening to God?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us pray, listen, trust, and then speak, in that order. Give us courage to stand up for you at just the right time. In Your Name, Amen.
Nehemiah 1
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Nehemiah 1:3-4, They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.
The way that Nehemiah came to be a leader of his people was by the influence exerted on him by a fellow Jew named Hanani, who is mentioned at the beginning of this book. Hanani came to Nehemiah with a report that the Jews in Jerusalem were struggling and experiencing great distress. The year was 445 B.C. By this point, it had been 90 years since Cyrus allowed the Jews to leave Babylon and begin to rebuild in Jerusalem and it had been 70 years since the completion of the temple. The Persian Empire was at its height but the small Jewish community in Jerusalem was hurting badly; survival was precarious.
Nehemiah was a faithful Jew who knew and studied the Law. But he was also the cup bearer for the king. He lived well. He could have ignored the report from Hanani but he didn’t. He was grieved by the distress of his fellow Jews and he decides to do something about it, regardless of the consequences. He begins to pray and fast and trusts that God will provide both direction and provisions.
He is grieved, he prays and fasts, and he trusts that God will show him the way.
How often are we deeply moved by something in the world – homelessness, human trafficking, the war in Ukraine, families in crisis, suicide – and we do nothing because we just aren’t sure what to do. It’s complicated to care. We spend a few moments distressed by the topic and we move on.
What would have happened to the fledgling Jewish community in Jerusalem if Nehemiah had simply been distressed but then moved on? History may have been different. God used Nehemiah.
God wants to use us too. He has called us to live out his mission in this world. If God lays something on our heart, there is a reason for that. He doesn’t want us to move on but to get moving, praying, fasting, and listening.
What has God put on your heart? Even if it’s a complicated problem, God can and will make a way.
Let’s pray…God, Use us to expand your Kingdom. Help us be light in a dark world. Help us be the change agents you have called us to be. We love you. More of you and less of me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Matthew 28
Hey New Hope, welcome to the Daily SOAP. My name is Zach Alexander, and I’m the worship director. Today we’re going through Matthew 28, verses 16-20.
Matthew 28:16-20 – Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
This passage is commonly referred to as the Great Commission, Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples before ascending into heaven. We are called to make disciples; it’s even part of our mission here at New Hope.
Sometimes it’s hard to live up to this calling, but think about this for a minute: who was it that first shared the gospel with you? Can you imagine if that person that day decided to ignore this calling? I challenge you today to 2 things. First, thank that person, if you can, for sharing the most important news that can ever be shared. Second, share it today. The world needs this good news, and it’s up to us to get it to them. And remember, there is nothing to fear for he is always with us.
Let’s pray – Lord, give us the courage and the boldness we need to share your gospel with the world around us today and every day. Help us to know you are always near and to depend on you always, in your name, Amen.
Matthew 27
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Matthew 27:3-5, When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Today’s narrative about Judas’ suicide is found only in Matthew.
Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. I’m not sure what Judas thought would happen when he accepted the bribe. Maybe Jewish independence? Maybe some extra favors? Maybe some sense of satisfaction? But when Judas actually sees that Jesus is arrested and condemned, a man he knew was totally innocent, Judas is filled with remorse. He sees the consequences of his decision.
In his anguish, Judas brings the silver back to the religious leaders. Maybe he was looking for some kind of reassurance or guidance but they gave him none. They were, after all, simply using him to get what they wanted. When Judas realizes this, he appears to be consumed by both remorse and anger and hurls the silver into the temple.
It’s then that he kills himself. It seems that Judas was overcome with remorse. If you think about it, remorse produces extreme sorrow and grief. The goal is that remorse will lead to repentance and life change. This happened for Peter. He denied Jesus three times, a very significant betrayal. He must have felt incredible sorrow after what he did but he didn’t stay there. He allowed God to move him to repentance. But Judas, for whatever reason, could not get past the grief. Maybe he was overcome with fear about what his life would be like when people discovered it was him. Maybe he didn’t think he would be forgiven or he thought he would lose social position. Whatever it was, he couldn’t get past it.
Friends, I don’t know what you are dealing with right now, but there is ALWAYS hope. Things can be really, really bad. Life can feel totally dark. But God is light. With God, there is always hope for a better day. For some reason, Judas didn’t think so but he was wrong. Jesus would have forgiven him and loved him, just as he did Peter.
Jesus loves you. Jesus will always forgive you. Your life is valuable. If you ever get to the point where the darkness feels all-consuming, reach out immediately. Reach out to me or to a friend. And God is always there, just waiting, ready to listen and comfort. You are never alone.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Thank you for how you love us no matter what. Help us never forget that. In Your Name, Amen.
Matthew 26
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Matthew 26:6-13, While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
This chapter is the beginning of the passion narrative. These are longer chapters but they are certainly worth reading carefully. I’ve chosen for our focus verses some parts of the texts on which we typically don’t focus.
In today’s focus verses, we find Jesus being anointed for burial but certainly not in the typical way. It would have been fairly normal, in first century Jewish society, to anoint a guest with oil when they came to your home for a meal or gathering. It was an act of respect. The host would typically use an inexpensive oil but in this narrative, we find the woman (other Gospels name her as Mary) uses a highly valued perfume. She obviously saw Jesus as a very, very special guest worthy of only the best. Remember, the word messiah means “anointed one” so there is symbolism going on here too.
The woman’s act of devotion is lost on the disciples. They are rude and indignant. “Why this waste?” they ask. Giving the disciples the benefit of the doubt, we have to remember that they were very poor men. It also gave them a chance to sound pious, “This should have been given to the poor!” But Jesus knew all about the poor; he had been caring for the poorest of the poor throughout his ministry. The disciples weren’t telling him anything he didn’t already know.
But there is something going on here that goes much deeper than the disciples can even fathom. Jesus rebukes the men and says that what she did for him was beautiful; she was preparing him for burial. Of course, this is lost on them too. While it’s possible that Mary had some insight into the danger that lie ahead for Jesus, it’s clear that the disciples still do not understand what is to come. Mary’s act was one of honor and devotion. Rather than being practical, she was extravagant toward her Lord and Savior.
How often do we act extravagantly toward Jesus OR are we more likely to simply be practical?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help me love you and serve you with extravagance. Help me worry less about practicalities and more about going above and beyond for your Kingdom. In Your Name, Amen.
Matthew 25
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Matthew 25:19-26, “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant…”
In this chapter, Jesus gives us a deeper look into the Kingdom of God through three parables that demonstrate the need to be ready for his return.
Our specific focus verses today are part of the parable of the bags of gold. Other translations call this the parable of the talents. A wealthy land owner goes on a journey and entrusts his servants with some talents. A talent was actually a measure of weight rather than an amount of money. It was approximately 130 lbs. so whether or not it was a talent of silver or gold, it would have been very valuable. Even one talent of silver would have been more than an average person would have made in a year. I read several places that one talent in today’s money would be roughly one million dollars. This Master had entrusted one servant with 5 talents, one with 2, and another with 1, all significant sums. The talents and the servants belonged to the Master and the crowd that Jesus was speaking to would have known that.
The first servant who was given five talents doubles his money. The second servant who was given two talents doubles his money. The third servant, however, basically just hid his head in the sand and hoped the whole thing would go away. After praising the first two servants for their resourcefulness, the master says to the third one, “You wicked and lazy servant.” He had really harsh words for him. At first glance, we might be taken aback by such hard words. But think about it, the master bought these bondservants or slaves to make a profit for him. He would never have bought them if he thought they would make him lose money. Their purpose was to earn a profit for the master.
God expects to see a profit from us. He isn’t harsh. He doesn’t require that we do the impossible – he has given us abundant resources. However, he does require us to use our God-given talents and resources to produce a spiritual profit for His Kingdom. God created us with the intention that we would use our money, our resources, and our talents and skills to produce a profit for him…spiritual profit.
One of my seminary professors used to say, “We don’t serve a mush God.” Our God is not all mushy love, rainbows, and unicorns. Yes, he is loving but he still has expectations for us. There are standards and accountability. And this is one of those areas. God doesn’t expect us just to sit and soak up all the love and wonderfulness of faith. He actually expects us to do something about it, to earn a spiritual profit. And he is serious about it.
What does this look like for us? Interestingly, Jesus answers this for us later in the chapter with another parable about separating the sheep and the goats. If you haven’t read through the entire parable, take a moment and do so. Bottom line: Whenever we use our resources and talents to help alleviate the suffering of the poor or oppressed, it’s like we are doing it for Jesus himself. Friends, we were created to fulfill a bigger purpose, God’s purpose. As Christ-followers, we are expected to extend the boundaries of the Kingdom of God, bringing some of this spiritual profit, into this world to alleviate suffering and pain, to share the love of Christ, to be ambassadors for Jesus. What we do in this place is to be a preview of heaven. How are we doing?
Let’s pray…Lord, All we have is yours. We belong to you. Help us fully submit our lives to you. I want to earn a spiritual profit for your Kingdom. Guide me in that, Lord. Help me focus more on others and less on myself. More of you and less of me, Jesus. Amen.
Matthew 24
New Hope Daily SOAP: Matthew 24
Pastor Vicki Harrison
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Matthew 24:42-44, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
This chapter begins with Jesus walking away from the temple and predicting its destruction. As mentioned on Friday, the entire temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. So, as we read this chapter, some of the statements are clearly referring to the coming judgment on Jerusalem and others are referring to judgment at the end of the age. And to make it just slightly more confusing, there is overlap in these judgments as well.
Certain groups of Christians have focused a great deal on the coming judgment and the end times. I think what we find in this chapter is that there is more that we don’t know than what we do know. For thousands of years, people have predicted Jesus’ return and the coming judgment and each and every time, they were wrong. I’m always a bit skeptical of anyone who makes predictions like these. I mean, the Scripture says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” If Jesus doesn’t know, then why should we?
I think our focus verses are the most critical part of this text. Keep watch. Be ready. We don’t need to worry about the coming judgment because we know Jesus. But we do need to be actively living as a follower. We need to sharing the Good News with others. We need to be genuine, loving, and truthful in how we do life. Do your neighbors know that you love Jesus? Do your coworkers know that you follow Jesus? Is your faith obvious and real? Why or why not?
Let’s take this Scripture seriously, friends.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us be ready for you. Help us be a church ready for you. May we represent you well everywhere we go, genuinely loving others and sharing the Good News. In Your Name, Amen.
Matthew 23
New Hope Daily SOAP: Matthew 23
Pastor Vicki Harrison
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Matthew 23:37-39, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’
Throughout most of this chapter, we see Jesus strongly denounce the Pharisees. Their system of rules and regulations was originally designed to help people seek godliness but their extremism only harmed people. The rules had become an end in themselves and the teachers of the law were much more concerned with following the letter of the law than they were about the people themselves. This gives the appearance of godliness but it is all a facade. The heart is still far from God.
Jesus’ final words in this chapter about Jerusalem are quite sad. Jesus loves Jerusalem and had longed for the people to love him back. He wanted to gather the people under his protective wings and offer them true solace and hope. Remember, this was the holy city where the temple of God resided. And yet, over and over again, the people of Jerusalem had rejected God’s efforts to care for them. It was no different with Jesus.
Jesus’ words were also prophetic. When he says…”Look, your house is left to you desolate,” we understand from history that it isn’t long before the Romans totally destroyed the city in AD 70. But besides the physical desolation of the city, there is this tone in the text that suggests God had forsaken it as well. And, of course, when Jesus states that they will not see him again, we know that he is indeed heading to the cross. His earthly ministry has come to a close until God does a new thing.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, So often we behave like Jerusalem and reject your care and love. Help us fully embrace your protection. Help us love you as you desire us to do. More and you and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.