Through the Bible – 4th Quarter

December

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |

| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

 

 

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December 1

Hosea 3-5, Revelation 1

Revelation is a wonderful book, but it is also a book that challenges and confounds at times. It falls into the genre of apocalyptic literature in scripture. Apocalyptic writing is typically filled with visions and symbolism that aims to make visible something that might previously have been understood to have been hidden.

Revelation is the largest piece of apocalyptic literature in our scripture. The Old Testament book of Daniel which we just finished reading within the past couple of weeks is another place to look for examples of apocalyptic in scripture.

A good commentary is always a good companion in digging into the depths of scripture. All commentaries are not created equal. Revelation is a place where you would want to be sure you have a solid commentary as there are many interpretations of this book that venture off into the speculative, the fanciful and the theologically irresponsible. There are many good books on Revelation, but one that I always like to point towards is Breaking The Code by Bruce Metzger. Metzger was as fine a Bible scholar as you could find and as far from as a sensationalist as you could get. If you are curious about unpacking more of the book of Revelation, Metzger is a great place to begin.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Holy God you have blessed us with your scriptures and with many companions to share the journey with us and, at times, help guide the way. Help us to listen for what you are saying to us as we engage your word. Grant us wise conversation partners as we do that listening. Amen.

 

 

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December 2

Hosea 6-8, Psalms 137-138

Psalm 137 is a poem of great beauty and a cautionary tale about where our feelings can take us. The first verse sets the scene perfectly:

"Alongside Babylon's streams,
there we sat down,
crying because we remembered Zion."

What seems to be an idyllic scene, the banks of the streams of Babylon, is not idyllic at all. The streams are in the wrong land, the thoughts of the exiles are on what they remember as the greater beauty of their homeland. They find themselves unable to sing the songs of their faith in this alien place. I remember one commentator pointing out that here we have a song about not being able to sing a song. Jerusalem, the Holy City, has become still more beautiful in their absence from it, and they are committed to keeping their hearts set on their home.

"Jerusalem! If I forget you,
let my strong right hand wither!
Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I don't remember you,
if I don't make Jerusalem my greatest joy." (137:5,6)

The cautionary tale comes in the final verses of this otherwise beautiful love song to Jerusalem. At the last, in verses 7-9, the poetry slips away and the pain comes pouring forth with prayers for violence born of bitterness, anger and the desire for revenge. Two things about this. First, it's ugly, but it's the feelings of the psalmist, and even in their ugliness it's a first step towards dealing with these feelings in a healthier manner by simply getting them on the table. It's not wrong to share our feelings with God.

Second, one benefit of pouring out our feelings could be that they help us to see what we do not want to become. In the midst of heartbreak and pain it is human to desire heartbreak and pain for those you blame for your present circumstances. However, it will not move us closer to resolving or moving on, or growing from our own places of hurt, to lash out in ways that hurt others, regardless of what they have done to us. This Psalm is yet another example of why keeping a journal of some sort can be such a helpful thing for us. It can be a place where we can be honest about what is going on in our lives, and in being honest begin to have some perspective not only about who we are now, but where we believe God is leading us in the future.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Holy God, I want to accept your invitation to honest conversation about what is going on in my life. Keep me truthful in good times, hard times, and times of great pain. Guide me away from bitterness and resentment and desire for revenge, and to paths of growth that lead towards your desired future. Amen.

 

 

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December 3

Hosea 9-10, Revelation 2

When things do not go our way in life, often our thoughts turn to God. We come to the realization that we are facing forces beyond our control, and we cry out to our Creator. God, we believe, is the resource of last resort – when there is no obvious plan to pursue, God becomes the plan.

The opposite can also be true. When life seems to be working out, when we are happy and healthy and whole, we run the danger of thinking of God as an accessory that is not essential. In the same way there is no need of a rain coat on a sunny day, it can feel like there is no need to dial up God when life is good. Hosea seems to have run into that in one of our earlier readings and again today.

"Since you have forgotten the Instruction
Of your God,
So also I will forget your children.
The more they increased,
The more they sinned against me;
They exchanged their glory for shame." (4:6-7)

"Israel is a growing vine
that yields its fruit.
The more his fruit increased,
the more altars he built;
The richer his land became,
the more he set up sacred standing stones." (10:1)

The message is similar in these two passages. Israel imagines itself to be healthy. It is increasing, experiencing growth and prosperity. Surely all is well. In chapter 4 great success doesn't produce gratitude; it instead creates a false sense of self assurance. In chapter 10 their hearts begin to wander as they dabble in altars to other gods.

How we handle adversity is important. The message here is that how we handle blessings and success is equally important. In all the seasons of life the one essential at the top of the list is our relationship with God.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Creator God, there is never a time when I do not need you. I offer thanks and gratitude for your constant presence and abiding love. Keep my heart humble and turned to you. Amen.

 

 

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December 4

Hosea 11-12, Revelation 3

Revelation 2 and 3 are individualized messages to seven churches, in most instances praising them for what is praiseworthy, and then calling them to faithfulness and repentance. One church, Laodicea (3:14-22) seems not to receive any praise, while two, Smyrna (2:8-11) and Philadelphia (3:7-13) are not called out as in need of correction.

The three churches in chapter 3 each provide food for thought as we walk with God individually and in community. Sardis is running off its reputation. Because it had been vibrant and alive they imagine themselves to still be vibrant and alive. They are called to take an honest look at themselves and return to their more faithful days. Philadelphia is described as having little power and yet they have remained faithful. (3:8)

We are never too small to be beyond God's notice. Our strength and ability to live faithful lives is not bound up in our size, our wealth, or our popularity. Laodicea is the most often cited church in this list. They are famously neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. (3:15) Our commitment to God cannot be of the "kind of" or "halfway" variety. If we sort of follow Jesus we will wind up entirely lost.

It is interesting to read of the lives of these ancient faith communities and to realize that as far away as they may be historically, they are near to us in the work of living our faith. The names and the specifics of the challenges may change over the years, but adversity has always been part of the human story. How we live out our faith, whatever the circumstances of our day, is always the challenge and the joyful task of being children of God.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Help me to learn from my siblings in the faith of long ago, Holy God. Help me to be honest about my need for you, to trust that you are at work in all people, and that your desire is that I commit myself fully to your will and your way. Amen.

 

 

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December 5

Hosea 13-14, Revelation 4

John's vision takes flight in Revelation 4. Following the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3, the text turns to John's vision of the heavenly throne. John reports that he "looked and there was a door that had been opened in heaven." (4:1). N. T. Wright, in his Revelation commentary begins with a focus on that door.

Wright says that for a long time he'd thought of that door being off in a distant place with John being somehow drawn to it and the vision that follows. Over the course of his years of studying the New Testament, his picture of the door had changed.

"'Heaven', God's sphere of reality, is right here, close beside us, intersecting with our ordinary reality. It is not so much like a door opening up on high up in the sky, far away. It is much more like a door opening right in front of us where before we could only see this room, this field, this street. Suddenly there is an opening leading into a different world – and an invitation to 'come up' and see what's going on." [N.T. Wright, Revelation For Everyone, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, 2011, pages 42-43.]

This is wonderfully consistent with the way God comes to us everyday throughout our lives. We are going about our day and we catch a glimpse of something ordinary, but in that moment it becomes more, beautiful – an experience of God. God is not far away. God is ever and always close by, available to us when we have the eyes to see. God is not in hiding from us. The journey of faith, and the practices of discipleship, are ways we intentionally aim to develop the vision to see the doorways to God that are all around us.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Holy God, you are around us and with us at all times. You are at work in your world and you are at work in us and through our communities of faith. Energize us and give us the vision to more and more recognize your presence in our midst as you show us your will and the path you would have us walk. Amen.

 

 

 

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December 6

Joel 1-2, Psalm 139

I stopped at a convenience store for gas late one night on the way home from staying with a family member who was going through an extended hospital stay. There were maybe three people in the store along with the clerk. We all reached the checkout counter at the same time.

The first person stepped to the register and within moments the clerk and the customer were laughing. They seemed to know each other. I thought that person must be a regular. The clerk must know him. The next person's turn came. The first person had been an older gentleman, the second person much younger, close to the clerk's age. Soon they were talking and laughing. I must be the only one who is not a regular I thought to myself.

Then it was my turn. The pleasant clerk made a comment about the t-shirt I was wearing, light-hearted, good-natured. I responded. Soon we were talking and laughing. As I walked to the car I realized that everyone was a regular to that clerk. His gift was seeing the person in front of him and engaging them and making an ordinary moment – paying for gas – seem like a special encounter between friends.

The psalmist speaks in Psalm 139 of the deep way that God knows every one of us. God doesn't look past anyone. God isn't too busy for anyone. God's care, love and compassion are for everyone. Wherever we go God is there. Imagine a place and God is there. Life can seem like it is rushing past at times. It can feel like no one notices what we are going through. In those moments, know that God sees us. God sees me and God sees you. Celebrate the joy of sharing the journey with God.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Thank you for seeing me and for caring for me Holy God. Help me to be more intentional in seeing the people you place in my path each day. Help me extend your love, compassion and care into the world. Amen.

 

 

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December 7

Joel 3, Revelation 5

My favorite Christmas recording is Andrew Peterson's masterful "Behold The Lamb Of God." Peterson moves through Old Testament history in a few songs and then transitions to the New Testament and specifically to the Christmas story. As the story reaches its crescendo the angels sing their alleluias and the Christ child is born. Peterson sings "Behold the Lamb of God who comes to take away our sin."

It's a clear tying together of the Passover lamb and the baby born in Bethlehem who will grow up and die on a cross for us. The lamb of God who takes away our sin indeed.

Revelation 5 gives us a glimpse of the Lamb of God, not as sacrificial lamb, but reigning in glory. It's a scene of praise that encompasses all of creation.

"And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea" praising God – I heard everything everywhere say,
     'Blessing, honor, glory and power
     belong to the one seated on the throne
     and to the Lamb
     forever and always.'" (5:13)

What a remarkable vision and what a powerful word of hope to the early Christian community, persevering in the face of Roman persecution. It continues to be a strong vision of hope for us in the present day. Whatever this moment looks like, the future belongs to God – to the Lamb who is worthy.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Our todays sometimes cause us to wonder if good is even possible. Hearts are broken. Bad actions are rewarded. We are sometimes hurt by the actions of others, and other times surprised and dismayed by our own capacity to hurt. Thank you for the hope we have that you hold the future and for the promise that in that future our voices will be united in praise. Amen.

 

 

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December 8

Amos 1-2, Revelation 6

Following the time of David and Solomon, the unified kingdom of Israel split in two. The northern kingdom was Israel, the southern kingdom, with Jerusalem in its borders was Judah. Amos, my favorite of the prophets, hails from Tekoa in the southern kingdom, but his prophecy is delivered in the north.

The book begins with a series of oracles that would have delighted the people in the north who would have been hearing them. Beginning with Damascus, one nation after another that surrounded Israel was the target of God's judgment that would not be revoked. You can imagine the nodding of approval as the crimes were detailed and the judgment announced. Perhaps things began to feel a little close when there was an oracle against Judah, but maybe that was well received as well. Maybe the people looked at Amos, who hailed from Judah in the south, and thought his willingness to pronounce judgment even against his own nation gave him credibility.

If this was the case, they were likely about to change their mind and most certainly not be thrilled when he reached the culmination of this series of oracles – a word of judgment on Israel. It was a word skillfully delivered by the prophet; lulling the people into a false sense of security before turning the word of judgment on them.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Gracious God, the truth I most need to hear is the truth about myself. Help me to listen when you correct me and to know that I will grow most when I am listening with humility and clarity your call for me to do better. Amen.

 

 

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December 9

Amos 3-4, Psalms 140-141

Here in Psalm 141 is a much earlier voice chiming in alongside of James in the New Testament about the power of the words that come out of our mouth.

"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
keep close watch over the door
that is my lips.
Don't let my heart turn aside to evil things
so that I don't do wicked things
with evil doers,
so I don't taste their delicacies." (141:3-4)

Notice that the psalmist makes the same point about the origin of our struggles that Jesus makes in Mark 7:15 where he says, "Nothing outside of a person can enter and contaminate a person in God's sight; rather, the things that come out of a person contaminate the person." The psalmist wants a guard on his mouth, but the mouth is only acting on the intentions of the heart, hence the request to keep the heart from turning to evil things.

There is a lot of practical wisdom here. How many times have I spoken something that I immediately wanted to take back. And how many times have I had to learn the truth that some bells cannot be unrung. Why do I say things that I regret the moment they are spoken. Both Jesus and the psalmist seem to suggest that what I need to do is examine my heart and give a close look at what motivations are taking root inside of me. Yes, our mouths may need to pause before engaging, but beyond that we are being called to look inward to the source of the damage our words can cause.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Creator God, set a guard over my mouth and turn my heart from selfishness, hurtful thoughts towards other, and all manner of wickedness. Amen.

 

 

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December 10

Amos 5-6, Revelation 7

Amos is masterful in his use of language. There are places where the text soars to the level of poetry and places where the very format of the oracle supports the meaning of the words. Case in point of the latter is the beginning Amos 5.

I can remember my Old Testament professor at Berea College, Dr. Robert Suder, explaining the brilliance of this passage. The word of judgment here is delivered as a funeral dirge. The prophetic word is presented as a dirge for the nation of Israel. Dr. Suder read the passage aloud to us, not in the way that we would typically think of scripture being read, but evocatively in the way one would think of a funeral poem.

"Fallen, no more to rise,
is virgin Israel,
deserted on her land,
with no one to raise her up." (5:2)

Each comma received a healthy pause, each phrase read with sadness and allowed to settle before continuing. Keep in mind that this prophetic word is being delivered to a people who believe that everything is pretty much okay. The northern kingdom did not imagine themselves to be anywhere close to their final days. For them, Amos was an outsider, an interloper from the south who brought them news that they were all too ready to dismiss. What could Amos know about them? He wasn't from around there.

You can see Amos' craftsmanship at work further along in the parallel beginnings of verses 5:14 and 15.

"Seek good and not evil,
that you may live…(14)
Hate evil, love good
and establish justice at the city gate…."(15)

This is a regular feature of Hebrew poetry, stating something, and then, with slight alteration, basically restating what's already been said. Clearly good is to be sought after and evil is to be avoided. To do so will bring life and justice.

One further quote that is often lifted out of chapter 5 is found in verse 24.

"But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness
Like an ever-flowing stream."

Dr. Martin Luther King invoked these words often in his work, notably in his "Letter From A Birmingham Jail" and again in his "I Have A Dream" speech delivered on the national mall in Washington D.C. Just as Amos had spoken these words to the powerful of his day, so Dr. King challenged the powerful of more recent times with the inevitability of God's justice. This serves to remind us that God's desire for justice moves ever forward with us. Because it is God's concern it must also be our concern. A question to keep before us is how is our faith moving us to seek the justice God desires in our world today.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

God of truth and might, you promise that justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Help us to know what impact we can have for a tomorrow that is more just than today for all of your children. Amen.

 

 

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December 11

Amos 7-8, Revelation 8

Amos 7 features an interruption of the prophecy of Amos with a narrative featuring a confrontation between the prophet and the priest of Bethel, Amaziah. It's a classic insider/outsider match-up. Amaziah has the ear of the northern king, Jereboam. Amaziah oversees the religious life of the northern kingdom of Israel. Into his domain has come this prophet from Judah. Amaziah reports to Jereboam that Amos has prophesied the death of the king and the fall of Israel. (7:11)

Amaziah confronts Amos, telling him, in short, to go home. He's from Judah, not Israel and he should take himself and his negative words back where he came from. Amos does not back down.

"'I am not a prophet, nor am I a prophet's son; but I am a shepherd, and a trimmer of sycamore trees. But the Lord took me from shepherding the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go prophesy to my people Israel.'" (7:14-15)

Amos embraces the role of outsider. Not only is he from Judah, but he says he is not even a prophet. Just a shepherd/farmer with a message from God. This is another window into the identity of the prophet in ancient Israel. Kings have the power of the kingdom. The religious hierarchy, priests and prophets on the payroll of the king, have conflicted interests at best. The biblical prophets, like Amos, are independent operators. God speaks to them and they speak God's truth to the people and to power. The same dynamic holds true today. It is often important to listen closely for voices from beyond the halls of power to hear the concerns for the poor, the oppressed and those who are on the margins of society.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for those you send who speak truth to power and hold us accountable for living in accord with your will. Help us to listen for the prophetic voices in our midst today who challenge us to value all of your people and creation in the way we go about our lives. Amen.

 

 

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December 12

Amos 9, Revelation 9

"The rest of humankind, who weren't killed by these plagues, didn't change their hearts and lives and turn from their handiwork." -Revelation 9:20

There is a lot in Revelation that is mysterious to me. Some folks really enjoy chasing after each image and symbol to mine the meaning of these passages. There are times when I find that interesting and enjoy reading such explorations. Ultimately, I think the verse above gets at a core message that rises up from all that surrounds it: people have a hard time changing their hearts and lives, even when it's abundantly clear that it's in their best interest.

It appears to be a timeless theme. As we close out the book of Amos we find the prophet pronouncing judgment on people who have been called time and again to faithfulness, and who have experienced the difference between living in alignment with God's will and not doing so, and who still choose not to. When we consider that this happened in the time of the Old Testament prophets and continued right on into the days of the New Testament church and the culture it was situated in, our next thought might be to examine ourselves. How often do I make choices that I know are not faithful choices or are questionable at best, but find some way to justify my actions or, worse, just refuse to consider the consequences. The biblical witness invites each of us to aim for faithfulness and building a right relationship with God.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

I say things I should not say. I act in ways that are not consistent with your will. I am selfish when I should consider the needs of others. Thank you for the biblical witness which calls me to turn away from that which is not life-giving and to turn to you, the One who created me and gives me life. Amen.

 

 

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December 13

Obadiah 1, Psalms 142-143

If you ever feel like you need permission to bring urgency to demanding God's attention, Psalm 142 and 143 are handy to keep close at hand. The psalmist is feeling lost and not seen, perhaps even not seen by God.

"I cry out loud for help from the Lord.
I beg out loud for mercy from the Lord,
I pour out my concerns before God;
I announce my distress to him." (142:1)

"Listen to my prayer, Lord!" (143:1)

This is for those times when the need is raw and urgent. God is not expecting that we will always have perfectly chosen words. God does not desire that we wait till we are in a better frame of mind to seek God's face. God invites us to come as we are. When we are joyous, God wants to celebrate with us. When we have questions, God wants to guide us in our pondering. When we are hurting, aching, desperate, and exasperated, God's will is that we bring it all to the conversation that is prayer.

Christians view God through the lens of incarnation. God came to us as Jesus, fully God, fully human. Passages like these two Psalms remind us that it is not only in the humanity of Christ that we can find biblical portrayals of God who is ready to relate to our human particularities of pain and suffering, our times of being lost and needing to be drawn close. Whatever is on your mind, whatever is in your heart today, God is ready to listen.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

When I cry out in pain you do not turn away. When I am angry and not my best self, you are still up for conversation. When I celebrate and give thanks, you rejoice with me. Holy God, I am ever grateful for the open door. Amen.

 

 

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December 14

Jonah 1-2, Revelation10

Jonah is summoned by God to go to Nineveh and pronounce judgment on the people. Jonah gets up and goes the opposite direction. He wants no part of a mission of any sort to Nineveh. He finds a ship and sets sail for Tarshish. Probably less for Tarshish and more for anywhere else besides Nineveh

Jonah is a memorable story with a lot of teachable moments. I can easily see myself in Jonah at different times in my life. In high school I would do anything to avoid an oral presentation to the class. If you offered me a choice between a five minute presentation and a twenty page paper I would take the paper every time. When I became aware that I felt God calling me to ministry I had a clear line in the sand with God. I would try to follow the call, but I did not want to preach which obviously involves standing in front of a room of people and talking.

Eventually I felt called to a small church in Eastern Kentucky. I would be the solo pastor. It would be necessary to preach. Every week. I was hesitant, but can still remember the peace that settled over me upon becoming the pastor in Prestonsburg. Ten years there have been followed by what is now sixteen years at Hebron. What I've learned is that God knew better than I did what I would find life-giving. I love many things about being a pastor, but among the things I love best is the thing I thought I didn't want to do at all – preaching.

Jonah's life featured a great lack of peace when he resisted God's direction. We'll see whether that improved entirely after Jonah changed his mind and went to Nineveh (spoiler alert: not so much), but the fundamental point remains true: a strategy of resisting God's call is one that is problematic at best.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Holy God, you made me and know me better than I know myself. Help me to listen attentively when you call. Grant me a teachable heart that does not assume that I always know what is best for me. Let thy will, not mine, become the guiding force in my life. Amen.

 

 

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December 15

Jonah 3-4, Revelation 11

Not that we necessarily ever thought it was a good idea, but Jonah 3 and 4 are more evidence of what a great thing it is that you and I are not God. There is a question that often floats around Sunday Schools and Bible studies. It has to do with why bad things are allowed to happen. "Why doesn't God do something about that?" is a question that will arise in one form or another.

Jonah knew that God was gracious and merciful. Jonah didn't have mercy and compassion for the people of Nineveh. He explicitly tells God that he went to Tarshish to avoid prophesying to the Ninevites because he anticipated that God would forgive them. From Jonah's perspective it was not forgiveness that Nineveh needed. It was punishment.

It is important for us to really grapple with God's grace. We celebrate it when we experience it in our lives, but we can be grudging with it when we see it unfolding elsewhere. God's grace is available to everyone. God loves everyone. God doesn't love us until something causes God to stop loving us. God's love endures. Jonah was unable to see past his limited, human perspective, and his personal thoughts and feelings about Nineveh. He was never going to believe that forgiveness and new opportunities for Nineveh would be a good idea. Who are we convinced is beyond redemption? Where do we believe God should be demonstrating judgment? How much does our understanding of God's grace, mercy and love need to grow and expand?

Keys For Today…

Prayer

God of grace, mercy, love and forgiveness, we are blessed that your ways are not our ways. Your ways can be so far beyond our understanding, but help us. Help us to love more deeply, care beyond our own friends and families, have compassion even for those we disagree with and who have hurt us. When you want us to go to Nineveh, help us not to run for Tarshish. Amen.

 

 

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December 16

Micah 1-3, Psalm 144

Both the Micah and the Psalm reading this morning are focused on leadership and its impact on the people of God. Micah is a forceful denunciation of the failures of the leadership of God's people. They are charged with planning evil before they ever get up in the morning. (2:1). They try to silence any voice of dissent (2:6). They knowingly abuse their position of leadership and then announce that all is well. (3:1-5)

The Psalm is the flip side of the Micah passage. It is a Psalm largely of praise, attributed to David. It is words of praise for God from the heart of David. It recognizes the grandeur of God, celebrating the gift of God reaching out and caring for the people. There is a recognition that any blessing or abundance that the people know begins with God.

These two views of leadership are important to us even though we are not kings or leaders in ancient Israel. There are still leaders, political and religious in our times, and we are called to hold them to a high standard. The sins outlined by Micah are still temptations faced by leaders to this day. The humility expressed by David and the recognition of complete reliance on God for everything still holds true.

Finally, in one way or another, we are all leaders in some aspect of our lives. These are not directives that apply only to kings, presidents, and important, well-known religious figures. They apply to parents, to people in the work place, to any situation where someone is in a position to provide guidance, support and encouragement to others. We are all at various points in our lives tasked with leadership. These words of challenge and hope are for all of us.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Holy God, you are the Good Shepherd and I am grateful to be a sheep in your flock. Keep me mindful that wherever I am called to lead, my ultimate identity is as your follower. Amen.

 

 

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December 17

Micah 4-5, Revelation 12

If it happens that you are reading this on December 17 then you find yourself in the midst of the season of Advent. As we make our way through the prophetic books, it is inevitable that Christians will hear the occasional prophecy that puts us in the mind of Advent. The advent of Jesus, God incarnate as a baby around two thousand years ago and in some instances the second advent of Christ to which Christians still look.

In today's scripture we run into a familiar prophetic word that points us towards a place so out of the way that even a prophet pointing in that direction didn't save Jesus from a fairly anonymous beginning.

"As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
though you are the least significant
of Judah's forces,
one who is to be a ruler in Israel
on my behalf will come out from you.
His origin is from remote times,
From ancient days." (5:2)

Bethlehem is described here as the least of Judah's forces. It seems that by the time of the gospels not much had changed about Bethlehem's profile on the region's stage. A small hamlet in the shadow of the holy city, Jerusalem. Surely something truly important would come from Jerusalem. And yet here is Micah, suggesting an important role for Bethlehem. It's possible to imagine someone paraphrasing Nathaniel in the first chapter of John's gospel when he asks if anything good can come out of Nazareth. It could, it seems, also be asked, could anything important come out of Bethlehem? To which our answer would be yes and yes.

We also encounter another familiar passage which connects up with an Advent theme.

"They will beat their swords into iron plows
and their spears into pruning tools.
Nation will not take up sword against nation;
they will no longer learn how to make war." (4:3)

Peace was yearned for in the time of the prophet, at the time of Christ, and still today it is one of our heart's desires. Here the prophet speaks of taking weapons of war and refashioning them into farm implements. Nations will have no further interest in conflict. That probably seemed a long way off when Micah said it and it feels a long way off to me now. But I still believe it to be true. I have faith in it even when that faith stretches very thin and so much evidence seems to suggest we'll never get there. Something good did come from Nazareth. Bethlehem was worth keeping an eye on. And one day we will be so finished with our weapons of war that we'll make a whole sculpture garden of stuff out of them.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

In this season of waiting, fill us with expectation of your grand and glorious future. When the present is not what we know you want for your world and for us, help us to keep your vision before us and to live towards it day by day. Amen.

 

 

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December 18

Micah 6-7, Revelation 13

I was at a youth event once where around five thousand young people sang Micah 6:8 as a round. The question kept being asked, "What does the Lord require of you?" The answer kept coming back, "Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God." The simplicity of the message was irresistible as the words kept echoing round the room. For a moment it seemed possible that not only did we know what God wanted from us, but we believed for a moment that we could get there.

There is this frustrating truth that we keep running up against in the prophets. The things that God desires are not complicated or hard to understand. The challenge is they can be so hard to do, so difficult to live out in our daily lives. Revelation, in all its complexities, perhaps gives us a good way of understanding why the life God desires for us is so hard.

At least in part it is because there is so much that is actively opposed to it. Behind all the apocalyptic language of Revelation there is the Christian community trying to live out their faith and the Roman Empire consistently and systemically pushing them in the opposite direction. It appears that Rome has the power. Caesar has the power. The authorities applying Roman rule have the power. Yes, the church has God, but God's promises are hard to trust in the face of all that opposition power.

"This calls for endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints." (13:10)

Revelation is intended to encourage. It is intended to lift up the oppressed and let them know that things are not ultimately the way they appear to be in the moment. Endurance and faithfulness are not foolish. Beyond the beasts and monsters the world can summon, Revelation points to the Lamb. As we make our way forward today there is still a need for endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints. Trusting God, and working through justice, kindness and humility to do what God requires.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Justice. Kindness. Humility. Your requirements keep me busy Lord. Help me to focus on you in all my actions and keep me from wandering. Grant me strength when it all seems too much. Celebrate with me when I experience the joy of life as you mean for it to be lived. Amen.

 

 

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December 19

Nahum 1-3, Revelation 14

Christian faith in this present life is practiced between the now and the not yet. There is always a tension in this. On the one hand is the cross and the resurrection - here we believe Jesus once and for all won the victory over death. On the other hand is the present reality we live in each day. Wars. Natural disasters. Personal heartbreaks. It often does not feel terribly victorious.

Revelation is a letter written to the church in its infancy. Christians faced persecution because of their beliefs and because they sometimes found themselves at odds with the demands of the worldly power of their time, specifically, the Roman Empire. Their daily reality might well have felt like they were in constant peril of a final defeat (death) while the source of their oppression just grew stronger, wealthier, and more powerful over time.

Revelation 14 is an example of how the letter aims to encourage the struggling Christians by giving a glimpse of a future where the tables will have turned and the true nature of things will be revealed - a revelation! The faithful are promised that their endurance will be rewarded as the truth of God’s plan plays out. These promises continue to be spoken regularly at funeral gatherings to this day as the saints pass from this life to the next.

“Ashes to ashes,
dust to dust,
blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,
they rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

These are words I have spoken at numerous gravesides that find their origin in Revelation 14:13. They are meant to commend the lives of those who have died, and to encourage each of us to persevere in the faith, trusting that whatever today looks like, the victory has indeed been won, and we can look with confidence towards God’s bright future.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Holy God, who made yourself known to us in the resurrected Christ, help us to each day trust in the certainty of what we know and believe. With Christians of all times and places we draw our strength and our hope from you. Amen.

 

 

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December 20

Habakkuk 1-3, Psalm 145

The Sundays of Advent always have a special energy in worship. The sanctuary is decorated for the season. We are lighting the candles of the Advent wreath, each week adding one and taking a step closer to the Christ candle which we light on Christmas Eve. The story of how God came to us at Christmas is one that fills our hearts with joy and the season encourages us to remember that we look ahead to the time when Christ will return bringing the joy of God’s kingdom in its fulfillment.

And of course there is the delight of the children who are soaking all this in, learning the traditions of generations past and looking forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus, and yes, Christmas presents. Psalm 145 gets at the beauty of sharing faith from one generation to the next.

“One generation will praise
your works to the next one,
proclaiming your mighty acts.
They will talk all about the glorious
splendor of your majesty;
I will contemplate your wondrous works.” (145:4-5)

Yesterday in worship our children sang with the adult choir on two pieces during worship. One of the songs was Away In A Manger. An elementary age girl, Regan, brought her keyboard from home - she has been taking lessons and is happy to share her talents. She played the song through once, then the children sang a verse with her playing, and, finally, the children and adults sang the carol all the way through accompanied by the organ.

It was a glorious moment. Multiple generations singing together, praising God’s works and proclaiming God’s mighty act that took place long ago in a manger in Bethlehem. For the adults the story takes on a new and deeper meaning when we experience it through the smiles and voices of the children. For the children it’s among the first of what will be a lifetime of visits to the stable to celebrate the Christ child. Moments like this reveal the glorious splendor of God’s majesty and fill us with memories to contemplate God’s wondrous works for years to come.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Holy God, you reached out to us in love and sent us Jesus. As we read through your scripture and find the story of the Christ child and so many other gifts, fill us with thanksgiving. Nurture our desire to share your good news with generations to come, just as they have been shared with us. Amen.

 

 

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December 21

Zephaniah 1-3, Revelation 15

I’ve been participating in a weekly spiritual formation group for the past year and we presently are working our way through what the folks at Renovare call the “word-centered” life. In this section they have been unpacking what it means to speak of the “Word of God.” They point out that historically when Christians speak of God’s Word it points to scripture and more. Jesus is identified as the Word who became flesh in the first chapter of John’s gospel. In worship we speak of the Word read - the scripture reading - and proclaimed, the sermon.

I have this on my mind as I’m reading about the Cushites, the Moabites, and the people in the city of Nineveh. I’m pondering this as I consider fantastic visions of heavenly singers holding harps while singing songs of Moses and the Lamb, and angels toting plagues. This is the word of God, at least in part, for today. Somehow.

This is the place where this conversation about God’s Word turns. It’s all God’s Word. We believe these stories didn’t reach an expiration point when the Cushites and Moabites left the scene. We believe that the apocalyptic language of plagues and bowls of anger begins with a message for ancient Christians, but doesn’t stop there.

But hear this as well - everything will not speak to everyone every time you encounter it. Many days the scripture will be uncanny in the way an ancient text can speak truth into your life in this very moment. But some days it may not be so obvious how it is happening. We read and we pray that God will help us to see what we need to see as we engage the Word in scripture. For instance, as I finish the Revelation passage today I notice that both Zephaniah in chapter 3 and Revelation towards the beginning of chapter 15 offer words of hope. In both the judgment of the prophet and the often turbulent vision of John of Patmos the mercy, grace and hope of God shine through. We are in the final stretch of our journey. Keep listening each day for what God is saying through God’s Word to you.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

As I open your Word this day I am grateful for the way you speak to me through what I will find in its pages. Thank you for speaking words of truth, hope, mercy and love into our lives each day. Amen.

 

 

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December 22

Haggai 1-2, Revelation 16

The opening of Haggai lets us know the situation of the people and the circumstances being addressed by the prophet. We are told that it is the “second year of King Darius,” which is important because Darius is a Persian king. We are in the time of the exile. Some of the people have returned to Jerusalem and Darius has allowed them to have a Governor and a High Priest from among their own people. They are trying to return to some sense of normalcy.

They began to rebuild the temple, and then stall on their effort. Haggai critiques them for putting their energy into their own homes and giving up on the Lord’s home. Haggai’s prophetic work reignites the peoples' effort to rebuild. These events place Haggai around the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.

The basic issue here I think is not so much about God having a particular building, but about God being the priority of the people. Their willingness to let the effort to rebuild the temple languish and turn to their own affairs was a turn inwards, away from God and away from community. The prophet asserts that to fail to prioritize God will result in any other efforts failing as well. For life to flourish for the exiles who returned home, God must be at the center of their lives, individually and communally. The temple is the symbol of that commitment.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

God, you are the Lord of our lives. All of our lives. Help us to keep that truth ever before us. Our fulfillment in life will be found in keeping you at the center of all that we do. Amen.

 

 

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December 23

Zechariah 1-2, Psalm 146-147

The song “Away In A Manger” includes the words, “the stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.” With Christmas two days away, I think of those stars as I read Psalm 147:

“God counts the stars by number,
Giving each one a name.
Our Lord is great and so strong!
God’s knowledge can’t be grasped.” (147:3-4)

I think of the stars in the sky. The stars that did look down on the stable in Bethlehem. The stars in the sky that were surrounded by angels bringing greetings to shepherds. The star that some Persian magi noticed that drew them to come and bear witness to one born to be king. Stars bring grandeur and majesty to the story. Stars elevate the story, reminding us that this is no earthbound story, this is a story that needs the largest stage possible.

“God’s knowledge can’t be grasped.” I feel this is the Christmas story as well. It’s all so unlikely. Who chooses Mary and Joseph? Who chooses Bethlehem? Who chooses shepherds? Who decides to make the most important entrance into human history with so little flourish? Who would imagine such a plan? We would not - it’s beyond uncertain; far too many long shots need to fall for it to have any chance. But that’s our knowledge talking, at Christmas we attune ourselves to learn from God’s knowledge.

From the words of praise the psalmist offers, to the words of joy and restoration in Zechariah, to the mention of stars that draw me to the story of the advent of God that is very much on my mind at present, it’s all the revelation of God’s knowledge and marvelous plan. Thanks be to God.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

When I am downcast, O God, lift my eyes from the ground to the stars. Help me to trust your plan is in place and moving ever forward. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.

 

 

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December 24

Zechariah 3-4, Revelation 17

Reading again today through the lens of someone in the final days of Advent and preparing to celebrate Christmas. Traditionally one of the great themes of Advent is the call to keep awake, to stay alert for the second coming. The idea is that it can become so comfortable to look back and remember what God has done, and on occasion so overwhelming simply to do what needs to be done in the present that we can fail to be looking forward with expectation.

Such a general description might well have applied to the people receiving the word of Zechariah. They look back with longing to the days of former glory, to the temple prior to its destruction at the hands of the Babylonians. They are covered over with the work of forging a new life in Jerusalem - the glory they remembered is not the place they have found upon their return. It is taking everything they have to make a way for themselves - it is hard to find the capacity within themselves to rebuild the temple.

In the midst of that malaise, chapter four begins with a word to the prophet that may describe the desired effects of the prophet’s word on the people and God’s word on us:

“The messenger speaking with me returned and woke me like one who awakens someone who is asleep.” (4:1)

The prophet was brought to attention by the messenger. It was though he had been asleep and was waking up. Advent is a time of encouragement to evaluate our relationship with God and to hear the call to not fall into a passive slumber as we live out our days. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell us the people responded faithfully and built the new temple. They were inspired by God’s vision of what was possible, and discovered they were capable of more than they knew when they lived with an eye towards the future.

Advent keeps us looking forward to the vision of the glorious future that God has in mind. The best piece of all is that we are being nudged to keep awake and realize that it’s not a future that will happen to us, but a future that God invites us to participate in creating. If the temptation is to sleepwalk our way through our days, Zechariah and the message of Advent both invite us to set aside slumber and keep awake.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Lord, you hold before us a vision of a beautiful future. A place where justice, righteousness and love will carry the day. Help us not to be too busy or too sleepy to live towards your future today. Help us to keep awake and to stay hopeful. Amen.

 

 

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December 25

Zechariah 5-6, Revelation 18

We need Christmas. We need the promise of Christmas. We need the reminder of the life Christmas has given us the opportunity to live. Revelation 18 gives a vision of how things fall apart when built on the unstable, unreliable, and uncertain foundation of all the world holds valuable. There is a lengthy list of items of value in verses 11-13; over these things, we are told, merchants will weep.

“The fruit your whole being craved has gone from you. All your glitter and glamour are lost to you, never ever to be found again.” (18:14)

A cartoon I saw recently in the days leading up to Christmas showed two children surrounded by packages ripped open and toys revealed. They were nearly covered over, but their heads still were visible above the debris. Their faces were thrown back in despair as together they exclaimed, “Is that all?!?”

I am no Scrooge and I don’t mean to throw cold water on the warm feelings of gift-giving. What I do think is that this cartoon is a fairly accurate portrayal of what the Revelation passage is saying. We have an emptiness within ourselves. There are a variety of ways in which we can try to fill that emptiness. One way is to acquire as much as possible, to get things and hold on to things and then to get some more. If we pause in that project we will find ourselves with the same words in our mouths.

Is that all?

Christmas is the reminder that, no, that is not all. That in fact is not really it at all. All is our God who came to us in love, sending his son in the humblest of circumstances. All is the scripture which speaks to us the stories of God, among them the majestic story of a child born in Bethlehem and announced to shepherds. We are into the final week of our journey through scripture. Merry Christmas. The blessings of God, made known to us by the infant whose birth we celebrate, be with you today and always.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Christmas is a day of gifts because it is the day we received your most profoundly perfect gift to us, Jesus. Hear us as our hearts, filled with gratitude, sing your praises this day. Help us to guard against craving for that which is nothing more than glitter and glamour. Renew each day our gratitude for your love incarnate in Christ. Amen.

 

 

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December 26

Zechariah 7-8, Revelation 19

Perhaps you can remember a moment in the the life of a friend where things had just completely fallen apart. Not only had things completely fallen apart, but it was no mystery as to why. It was choices and the behaviors that resulted from those choices. They may have been unclear at the time, but looking back from the end result to where the carnage began, it becomes evident that better choices would have produced better results and the reason for those poor choices is often short-sightedness, selfishness and a lack of compassion.

For Zechariah, that is where the people of God find themselves at the end of chapter 7. Verses 9 through 11 outline how the people had been instructed to live their lives, but we are told that they “steeled their hearts against hearing the instruction.” (7:12). The end result is this sad and forlorn description:

“The land was devastated behind them, with no one leaving or returning.
They turned a delightful land into a wasteland.” (7:14)

However, it turns out that this is not in fact the end result at all. This is the good news for us. This is the good news the prophet brings. This is good news that sounds very much like Jesus in the gospels. When the people arrive at the place where despair seems the only option and they can imagine no way forward, the problem isn’t that there is no way, the problem is they have not yet recognized that there is no heartbreak that God cannot overcome.

“Even though it may seem to be a miracle for the few remaining among this people in these days, should it seem to be a miracle for me? Says the Lord of heavenly forces.” (8:6)

It is no accident that this sounds very much like Jesus in Matthew 19 when he aims to offer a word of encouragement to his followers, telling them that, “…all things are possible for God.” (19:26) When we reach the edge of despair and begin to question how things can ever improve; when we are filled with regret over choices made and what appear to be dead ends; remember the promise of restoration God made to the people through the prophet Zechariah.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

God of all times and places, I am often reminded of my limitations. I make poor choices and I must live with difficult consequences. Even in hard places though, you walk with me and with you a better future is always possible, both today and in your future kingdom. Amen.

 

 

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December 27

Zechariah 9-10, Psalm 148

Zechariah, likely a work of the sixth century BC, is another prophetic word delivered to a people in exile. Zechariah 9 begins with oracles against nations beyond the land of Israel and then in verse 9 becomes a promise of a new king to come to Jerusalem. For Christians this passage becomes important in understanding the portrayal of Jesus in the gospels, and of why Jesus was viewed as such a potential problem by the political and religious leadership of his time.

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion,
Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem.
Look, your king will come to you.
He is righteous and victorious.
He is humble and riding on an ass,
on a colt, the offspring of a donkey.

When Jesus sends his followers to search out a donkey for him to ride into Jerusalem it is clear Jesus is not just looking for a mode of transportation. He knows the prophets - he knows Zechariah. To make it crystal clear, in their rendition of the Palm Sunday story, both Matthew 21:5 and John 12:14-15 reference Zechariah. This symbolism would have been recognized, and when the people start to call out “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) they are quoting Psalm 118:26 as they see the words of Zechariah play out in front of them.

The entry into Jerusalem is clearly a significant moment when taken at face value. Layers of meaning are added to the event when we explore the Old Testament references. This is a strong indicator of why it is important to value the totality of the Old and New Testaments and embrace all of the Bible as the rich interweaving of the timeless story of God.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

In these days following Christmas, we are fully focused on God come to us and with us. We pray that as we engage scripture we will be led to a fuller understanding of your self-revelation in Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

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December 28

Zechariah 11-12, Revelation 20

A few pieces to explore today. First, following in the same vein as yesterday, when something you read in one piece of scripture calls to mind what you have read or remember from another part of scripture, pay attention and explore the connection. Here in Zechariah 11 the prophetic oracle indicates that God’s work had been valued by the people at thirty shekels of silver, which is to say, not much. Those thirty shekels of silver may remind you of the price that was paid to Judas to betray Jesus. That amount was still not a great sum. In both instances the amount points to the failure of people to recognize the importance of God. We are to not only recognize this as a historical problem, but also to ask ourselves what our lives, our choices and actions, say about the way we value our relationship with the One who gave us breath.

Next, we have in Zechariah 11 another use of shepherd as a way of understanding God’s guidance of the people, and the role that leaders are expected to play. Those entrusted with leadership are to place the lives of the sheep as their priority. The sheep are not there, when shepherding is used symbolically in biblical texts, to be manipulated and used by the shepherd. The shepherds should offer their best effort on behalf of their sheep. There are many references to shepherds in the prophetic books we have been going through. All of this should add depth to our understanding of Jesus, particularly in John 10 when he uses the language of the “good shepherd.”

Finally a quick thought on Revelation. Revelation is thick with numbers. Lots of numbers, such as seven, which are understood to have a symbolic value. As we come to the end of the book we find the reference to the one thousand year reign of Christ. Of the many things John may have had in mind in this vision, I do not imagine him thinking in terms of a literal thousand year time period. Something is being depicted here, but an exact literal timeline of the end times doesn’t seem likely to me to be the point. These texts should be read alongside of the admonitions of Jesus to his friends that they should not be anxious over when the precise time of the final days will come. Instead Jesus suggests, as in Matthew 25, that what we most should be concerned with is not how long our days will be, but how we are going about living whatever days we have.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Loving Shepherd, keep me ever grateful for your care and guidance. As I make decisions about what will receive priority in my daily life, help me not to lose sight of you and all that you have done for me. Amen.

 

 

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December 29

Zechariah 13-14, Revelation 21

Revelation’s word to the early church is meant to recognize the oppressive persecution they are living with each day, alongside the hope they have in Jesus. Hope in the face of persecution can be hard to hold. We don’t have to be ancient Christians to recognize that truth. In chapter 21 a comforting and inspiring vision of the future is offered to all who read these verses; in whatever century we find our way to them. The new Jerusalem descends from the heavens and God comes to live with God’s people.

“‘God himself with be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ Then the one seated on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making all things new.’” (21:4-5)

This is a timeless vision of great power. Every tear taken away. Death a thing of the past. In seasons of loss, regret, pain caused and pain felt - whenever we are keenly aware that who we are at present is not yet full who God has created us to be, this vision call us forward.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Help me to live each day with anticipation and expectation of the day when every tear will be wiped away and death will be no more. Until that day help me to hold and to share your promises. Amen.

 

 

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December 30

Malachi 1-2, Psalms 149-150

People love their favorite hymns. The problem is people may not love another person’s favorite hymn. Also people are not in love with new hymns - until they are. As a pastor this can make picking hymns for Sunday morning a challenging experience. Every week every hymn cannot be “Amazing Grace.” We do our best to rotate in the favorites of as many folks as possible and to work in the occasional new piece. And yes, there are times when the pastor chooses a clunker.

Hymns are a vital, essential, irreplaceable part of our worship. Music speaks to a part of our being that nothing else can reach. It is not uncommon to look into the congregation on what otherwise seems to be a fairly normal, uneventful Sunday morning and see someone moved to tears by a hymn. Perhaps the words impacted the person right then in the moment. Maybe the tears come because the music brings the individual to another place, another time, somewhere meaningful to the core of their being. Music can do that.

The call at the beginning of Psalm 149 is to always be adding in new verses to our musical memory.

“Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
sing God’s praise
in the assembly of the faithful.” (149:1)

New music, new songs, new lyrics, remind us that the God we know from the mighty actions of the past, is the God who continues to be made known in the new verses being created today. Let us sing with gusto the great songs of past generations that inspire and propel us forward, and let us sing with expectation the new songs that are born of our each new day.

Keys For Today…

Prayer

Today, let me sing another line in the song my life is writing to you, O God, my Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

 

 

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December 31

Malachi 3-4, Revelation 22

It’s taken three years to read through the Bible in a year. Sort of. This project began in 2019 and I made my way from January 1 to the early days of September. I finished out the reading, but the writing piece stalled at that point. In 2020, the pandemic arrived - forcefully for us in the United States in March. I kept writing, but my focus was elsewhere. My intention and my goal was to return to the “Through The Bible” project and complete it, and that return finally happened in September of 2021. So here I am today on December 31, 2021 three full years and more than one hundred thousand words later, writing the final of these three hundred and sixty-five devotionals that will hopefully walk with others who embark on the same journey in the future. If you make it to this last devotional, perhaps you too have finished the journey of reading through the Bible. Maybe you did it in a year. Maybe it took longer. Whatever the journey was like, I pray that you found engaging scripture to be challenging, eye-opening, life-changing, inspiring and so much more.

“See whether I do not open all the windows
of the heavens for you
and empty out a blessing
until there is enough.” (Malachi 3:10)

To be clear, I do not believe in any sort of prosperity gospel. I don’t believe this text is saying that we should hit the marks of some rules-based faith and God will bless us with more stuff than we can imagine. I believe it’s a much better promise than that. I believe it promises us that when we engage with God, when we pray and read scripture, when we seek God with intention and humility in spite of our sinfulness, our shortcomings and the brokenness of life, God will indeed bless us. God will not only walk with us, we’ll know it’s happening. This is one of the reasons I’m such a strong believer in regular scripture reading, like this project we're wrapping up today. It will always be a blessing to come to scripture each day. It will always increase the possibility of our catching glimpses of God at work in our lives and in our world. God’s promise here and elsewhere in this glorious book is not too much. God’s promise is enough. Enough for the moment, enough to see us through, enough for the day. Everything in this grand story points us towards this truth:

“Look! I’m coming soon.” (Revelation 22:12)

Revelation was written some two thousand years ago. The church of Jesus Christ and the people who follow Jesus have been holding fast to that promise all these years. At times it perhaps has felt like it’s been a long time. I’ve thought that. Two thousand years is a long time for me. As we’ve read through the Bible we’ve seen the vast cosmic dimensions of God’s story. Two thousand years is not a long time for God. Jesus says, “I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (22:13) I can’t explain the specifics of that to you, but it fills me with awe - it means that all of history is surrounded with Jesus.

I like to do my devotionals in the morning.

“I’m the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (22:16)

When Jesus says this it resonates deeply with me and I hope it does with you as well. We are not by ourselves. We are not left alone. Jesus is our bright morning star every day of our lives and each of those days is a step closer to the advent of our Lord.

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” (22:20-21)

Keys For Today…

Prayer

For the blessings of each new day, help me to be thankful. For the promise of Christ’s coming, help me to be expectant. As you have walked with us in the past, walk with us into the future, our Bright Morning Star, our Alpha and Omega. Amen.