Month: September 2024

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In Medias Res — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Mark 1.1-8
1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way” —
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’ ”  

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Originally published on February 20, 2024, based on readings from Mark 1.1-8.

Readers’ Choice is here: There’s still time to tell us about your favorite, most meaningful posts of the year. If you shared it with someone, or it helped you, let us know via email, direct message, or filling out the linked form.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
Melissa, TX

Russell, Japan — This is especially good.

Brian, DC — I will be reflecting on how I met Jesus today…the beginning of how Jesus re-directed me…Thanks be to God.

Reflection: In Medias Res — Readers’ Choice
By John Tillman

The Latin literary term, in medias res, means “in the middle of things.” It refers to narratives beginning in the middle of the action. No exposition. No introduction. The action just starts.

Stephen King’s epic series The Dark Tower begins with, “The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed…” These nameless men, one running before, one following behind, lead us into the desert and the rest of the story. 

Vince Gilligan’s addictive show, Breaking Bad, opens with a man in his underwear crashing an RV as sirens sound in the desert. Then he steps out into the road holding a pistol to face the consequences of something we don’t fully understand yet.

Mark begins his story in the desert with a mysterious, strangely dressed man. Mark says John the Baptist “appeared” in the wilderness.

John’s backstory is fascinating. He is a miracle child, announced by an angel, born to a barren couple in their twilight years. John first met and responded to Jesus while still in the womb. Mark cuts those scenes. The only hint of backstory is the mention of a prophecy about a mysterious messenger who comes to announce a mighty king. This reference is just one more way Mark tells us we are beginning in the middle.

John appears in the desert, then Jesus appears in the water. In the middle of a line of sinners, he comes to John, submitting to a baptism of repentance.

When John baptized others, they repented from sin, exited the desert of temptation, and followed a righteous God. When John baptized Jesus, heaven was torn open. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus along with the loving approval of God the Father. Then Jesus, the sinless one, entered the desert of temptation to prove he was the righteous king John announced.

We all meet Jesus in medias res, in the middle of our lives, our troubles, our tragedies, our deserts. We might be fleeing something or chasing something. We might have made a wreck of our lives. There may be sirens sounding in the distance.

Jesus goes into the desert and to the cross to face our consequences and win our victory. He faces what we flee. He obtains what we pursue. He repairs what we wreck.

Because of Jesus, we have the chance to be one who goes before him, announcing the coming of the kingdom.

From John: The Divine Hours prayers will return in October. This month we will pray one scripture passage or verse each week.

Prayer:
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5.44-45

​Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 50 (Listen 8:42)
2 Corinthians 9 (Listen 2:26)

Read more about King on the Mountain, King on the Cross
Israel fell into sin in the desert. Jesus would resist sin in the desert. Everything that Israel had lost or failed to do, Jesus would accomplish.

King on the Mountain, King on the Cross

Read more about Visionaries Not Vigilantes
God calls Moses, not with a sword in his hand, but a staff. He doesn’t need vigilantes. He needs visionaries.

Visionaries Not Vigilantes
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Gods in Our Image — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Acts 14.11-17
11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Originally published on June 28, 2024, based on readings from Acts 14.11-17.

Readers’ Choice is here: There’s still time to tell us about your favorite, most meaningful posts of the year. If you shared it with someone, or it helped you, let us know via email, direct message, or filling out the linked form.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
Jason, TX — I find it interesting that our man-made “gods” are only more powerful and brutal, but never more moral or just.

Reflection: Gods in Our Image — Readers’ Choice
By John Tillman

When people say that humans create gods in our own image, I agree with them.

Human-created gods are easy to spot. They are like humans we know. There are strongman gods like Zeus, trickster gods like Hermes, and a host of other “types.” They mostly look like, think like, and act like us. They aren’t more holy, moral, or wise than humans. They are just more powerful. And with flaws and weaknesses like ours, they are more brutal. One slight brings destruction and curses. One slip-up brings unrelenting pain and suffering.

In Lystra, Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for Zeus and Hermes. Commentor, Conrad Gempf mentions a possible motivation for the crowd’s reaction. According to legend, a nearby town had failed to welcome Zeus and Hermes when they visited. Angered by this, the gods destroyed the offenders. With this story in the background, the cry, “The gods have come down to us in human form,” (Acts 14.11) seems less like a joyful announcement and more like a fearful warning. With gods like these, who needs monsters?

The best we can hope for from pagan gods is a balance of blessing and suffering—some light in the dark. “Perhaps good will hold evil at bay for a season. Perhaps, if we are vigilant, we can avoid offense or quickly make amends.”

Paul and Barnabas deny that they are gods and announce the true God, who is different than any the people know, yet has cared for them all this time. Jesus is a God-man unlike any in mythology. When sharing the gospel, beware of copying mythological ideas.

Jesus did not pretend to be human. He was. He was not a pseudo-human trickster god, conning the Father into loving humans. God does love humans. We are made in his image, not the other way around. The gospel reveals and resurrects this nature in us.

We need to share the gospel by emphasizing the “otherness” of Jesus. Our God is not like humans or easy to understand. He is merciful and gracious, yet punishes the guilty. Our best sacrifices do not appease. Our greatest arguments cannot overcome his wisdom. His gospel promises something completely different.

Jesus does not “restore balance,” or “hold evil at bay.” He completely destroys evil and, in the end, his light will banish all darkness. He will do this ultimately in the universe, but he will start in our hearts.

From John: The Divine Hours prayers will return in October. This month we will pray one scripture passage or verse each week.

Prayer:
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.  — Nehemiah 1.11

​Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 47 (Listen 1:21)
2 Corinthians 6 (Listen 2:31)

This Weekend’s Readings
Jeremiah 48 (Listen 7:31), 2 Corinthians 7 (Listen 2:58)
Jeremiah 49 (Listen 7:15), 2 Corinthians 8 (Listen 3:25)

Read more about Praising Christ’s Righteousness
Imagine hanging our hopes on a great leader, only to watch him or her fall…Most of us don’t have to imagine it. It has happened.

Praising Christ’s Righteousness

Read more about Gods of Ruin and Ridicule
Our greatest temptation today is to worship the false gods of power, wealth, pleasure, and narcissism.

Gods of Ruin and Ridicule
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Calluses Aren’t Forever — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Acts 28.23-28
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 
26 “ ‘Go to this people and say, 
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; 
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; 
they hardly hear with their ears, 
and they have closed their eyes. 
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, 
hear with their ears, 
understand with their hearts 
and turn, and I would heal them.’  
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

Originally published on July 12, 2024, based on readings from Acts 28.23-28.

Readers’ Choice is here: There’s still time to tell us about your favorite, most meaningful posts of the year. If you shared it with someone, or it helped you, let us know via email, direct message, or filling out the linked form.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
GT, TX — We all know someone with a callus or two.

Barbara, TN — Thank you for this graphic word!

Brian, DC — Thanks for sharing about calluses of the hand and calluses of the ears, heart, mind and souls…such beautiful truth!

Reflection: Calluses Aren’t Forever — Readers’ Choice
By John Tillman

Calluses develop. We aren’t born with them.

Frequent friction forms calluses that are intended to protect us and, in some cases, help us. I have not played guitar in a long time, but my left hand used to have callus-tipped fingers. Even without a guitar in my hand, calluses marked me as an instrumentalist. If I nervously drummed my fingers on a table or desk, the tell-tale percussive taps of my calloused left hand were louder and sharper than the muted taps from my right.

Before the calluses formed, my tender fingertips could not stand to practice long without severe pain from the pressure and friction of the tiny metal strings. Once formed, the calluses, helped me play longer. (But not much better, unfortunately.)

The calloused hands of manual laborers testify to the hard work they regularly do. You don’t get calloused hands doing yard work once a week. You get them changing tires, or replacing roofs, or landscaping for long hours daily.

Physical calluses are badges of honor for hard work, frequently done. They indicate, in most cases, dedication and strength. The Bible speaks of calluses that are non-physical. We can have calloused ears that don’t hear, calloused hearts that don’t feel, calloused minds that refuse gospel arguments, and calloused souls that reject God.

Calluses of ears, hearts, minds, and souls don’t develop, as physical ones do, from hard work and frequent use. They develop from avoiding hard things and refusing to listen. When Paul addressed the Jewish community in Rome, “some were convinced…but others would not believe.” Paul quoted a warning from Isaiah to these individuals that they would become calloused. (Isaiah 6.9-10) Jesus also referred to this warning. (Matthew 13.13-16) 

After his warning, Isaiah asked, “How long, Lord?” (Isaiah 6.11) The Lord’s answer included suffering and destruction, but also hope. God told Isaiah that the calloused hearts, ears, and eyes were temporary. Jesus and Paul knew this too. Calluses aren’t forever.Do you know people with gospel-resistant calluses? Do they stop their ears? Do they refuse to listen? (Acts 7.51-52) Don’t give up on them. Pray that they will stop resisting.

I no longer play guitar and today my left hand is as soft and sensitive as my right. Stay sensitive to those with calloused hearts. Reducing friction allows calluses to soften. Paul spoke “all day long” and some believed. Have patience and don’t be ashamed to share the gospel with the calloused.

From John: The Divine Hours prayers will return in October. This month we will pray one scripture passage or verse each week.

Prayer:
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.  — Nehemiah 1.11

​Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 45-46 (Listen 5:51)
2 Corinthians 5 (Listen 3:14)

Read more about Types of Blindness
Even those who already believe can be blinded…There are many types of blindness. Jesus heals them all.

Types of Blindness

Readers’ Choice is here!
This month, we are thankful to share your favorite posts from the past year. There’s still time to tell us your faves via email, direct message, or the linked form, so we can repost them.

#ReadersChoice #YearsBest

https://forms.gle/9vyYwVxa1kZZn7AKA

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Counting Waves — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Psalm 3.5
5 I lie down and sleep;
     I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

Psalm 4.8
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
     for you alone, Lord,
     make me dwell in safety.

Originally published on September 20, 2023, based on readings from Psalms 3.5, and 4.8.

Readers’ Choice is here: There’s still time to tell us about your favorite, most meaningful posts of the year. If you shared it with someone, or it helped you, let us know via email, direct message, or filling out the linked form.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
Marisa, AZ — I really love this. I read this right after waking from a rough night of sleep. Thank you for this reminder and the peace it brings.

Reflection: Counting Waves — Readers’ Choice
By Erin Newton

As a child prone to nightmares, I learned that a sleepful night was a dreamless night. As an adult, those sleepful nights were interrupted by crying babies or nagging thoughts about the day.

Restful sleep is a luxury. In our fast-paced world, our tragedy-filled world, our stress-inducing world—sleep is often minimal, fitful, or both. When was the last time I laid down in peace and slept?

Psalm 3 is a call for deliverance. Pleading for God to arise and deliver, the psalmist recounts the number of enemies and their mocking voices. Psalm 4 asks God for deliverance from distress. Calling for relief and mercy, the psalmist seeks the ear and attention of God. The world around them is not at peace.

I lie down and sleep.

In peace, I will lie down and sleep.

It is not the circumstances of life that lead the psalmist to close his eyes without fear or anxiety. God is a shield for his people. God is an open receiver for his people. God is the sustainer of his people. These two psalms can boast of a good night’s rest because God stands ready amidst their turbulent lives.

Turbulence usually keeps us awake. We toss and turn, thinking about how we will pay our next mortgage, how we will tell our kids about cancer, how lonely we are, how much we have messed up—and more. We fret well; we don’t sleep well.

One day, many centuries ago, Jesus got in a boat with his friends. The group set sail upon the winds of the Galilean Sea. The journey was underway, the day had been long, and Jesus laid down in peace to sleep. Suddenly, the winds shifted, and the waves tossed. A storm came over the sea; the boat was swamped with waves. But Jesus remained asleep within the boat.

The disciples urged Jesus to awake, their voices strained with fear. “Teacher, do you not care if we drown?” Their world was not at peace. Their hearts were not at peace.

But Jesus did care. He stood ready amidst the turbulent waves. And the waves were still. Jesus knew that God protects, God hears, and God sustains.

As we lay down, may our minds drift to thoughts of our Lord speaking over the waves—speaking over the lie that he doesn’t care if we drown: Hush, hush, be still.  

He cares.

From John: The Divine Hours prayers will return in October. This month we will pray one scripture passage or verse each week.

Prayer:
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.  — Nehemiah 1.11

​Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 44 (Listen 6:10)
2 Corinthians 4 (Listen 3:02)

Read more about State of Our Souls
Reflecting on the work of Christ in our lives is something we must repeat…an anchor in these storm-tossed waves of life.

State of Our Souls

Read more about Bearing Cursing
Rather than lashing out, may we seek consolation in God and humbly endure insults in the name of Jesus.

Bearing Cursing

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A Broken Rebel’s Prayer — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Psalm 90
A prayer of Moses the man of God. 
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place 
throughout all generations. 
2 Before the mountains were born 
or you brought forth the whole world, 
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 
3 You turn people back to dust, 
saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” 
4 A thousand years in your sight 
are like a day that has just gone by, 
or like a watch in the night. 
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— 
they are like the new grass of the morning: 
6 In the morning it springs up new, 
but by evening it is dry and withered. 
7 We are consumed by your anger 
and terrified by your indignation. 
8 You have set our iniquities before you, 
our secret sins in the light of your presence. 
9 All our days pass away under your wrath; 
we finish our years with a moan. 
10 Our days may come to seventy years, 
or eighty, if our strength endures; 
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, 
for they quickly pass, and we fly away. 
11 If only we knew the power of your anger! 
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. 
12 Teach us to number our days, 
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 
13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be? 
Have compassion on your servants. 
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, 
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, 
for as many years as we have seen trouble. 
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, 
your splendor to their children. 
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; 
establish the work of our hands for us— 
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Originally published on June 3, 2024, based on readings from Psalm 90.

Readers’ Choice is here: There’s still time to tell us about your favorite, most meaningful posts of the year. If you shared it with someone, or it helped you, let us know via email, direct message, or filling out the linked form.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
Casey, LA — So beautiful. So encouraging.

Brian, DC — Thanks for the gift of this reflection…I sent it to my brother. He is going through a hard time. This reflection will help him endure.

Reflection: A Broken Rebel’s Prayer — Readers’ Choice
By John Tillman

Psalm 90, the prayer of Moses, is the prayer of a broken rebel, humbled and wise, relying on God.

Moses was a rebel from the beginning. Born illegally, the state condemned him to death from birth. Secreted into the wicked king’s palace as a child, he grew up like a sleeper agent. His family did this for his safety but also must have hoped that their little rebel, like a well-slung stone, might take down the oppressive giant.

Instead, he fails miserably. Commits murder. Gets caught. Flees for his life. Marries foreigners. Has uncircumcised children. He stutters. He hesitates. He hides. Yet, God speaks directly to him and does wonders before his eyes. But, despite the burning bush and the voice of God and all those miracles, Moses still says, “Please send someone else.”

Who better to emulate in prayer than a man this broken, purposeless, ashamed, and fearful? Through prayer, Moses became a different kind of man. He became a man used for God’s purposes, breaking the might of a national superpower. He became a man of humility instead of shame. He became a man who stood his ground in faith rather than fleeing in fear.

A Broken Rebel’s Prayer
Lord, whether in a precariously floating basket, a gleaming palace, or a desert lit by burning bushes, you are the source of our life.

All our strivings are pointless before you.
You are the better dwelling place we long for.
Everything we hope for is in you.
We dwell enslaved to our brokenness, our shame, and our fear.
We return to the dust with you as our only hope.

Lord, you see thousands of years like a day and our lives like a blink of an eye.
Help us live our brief lives wisely, with your righteous wrath and merciful love before our eyes.

Have compassion on us, Lord, weak as we are.
Help us praise you with our faltering voices,
Raise our unworthy hands to see you win what our rebellions never could.

Let us pursue your power for your purposes.
Let us release our shame and stand before you in humility.
Let us stand our ground defending the weak with faith that seas will part and armies will fall without striking a blow against us.

Establish your work through our hands and speak your words through our voices.

From John: The Divine Hours prayers will return in October. This month we will pray one scripture passage or verse each week.

Prayer:
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.  — Nehemiah 1.11

​Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 43 (Listen 2:34)
2 Corinthians 3 (Listen 2:25)

Read more about Outward-Focused Rhythms
Instead of focusing mostly on activities that are forms of self-investment, practicing daily rhythms that are rooted in Christ can take us beyond ourselves.

Outward-Focused Rhythms

Read more about Offal Leaders
God smeared their faces with offal, but some keep trying to wipe it off and pretend nothing is wrong.

Offal Leaders