Take a Risk

Scripture: Neh 2:1-5 (NIV) 1 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before; 2 so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" 4 The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 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 fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."

Background: Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the King. This was a position of trust, for one of the easiest ways to dispose of a King in the ancient world was to poison him. At this time in world history--the Persian Empire was second to none and the word of the King was absolute. It was in the court of the most powerful man in the world that Nehemiah made a request to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. This is a remarkable request when you consider that the inhabitants of Jerusalem would have been considered former enemies of the Persian Kingdom.

Observations: Are you willing to take a risk? Sometimes, in order to accomplish something important we have to take a risk. Unlike Nehemiah, our lives are not usually on the line when we take a risk; however we do face the possibility of rejection and the fear of rejection is too often the deterrent that keeps us from trying. But, what if taking a risk is necessary?

When it comes to our Christian values we often talk about the role of encouragement. "Encouragement" is literally speaking words that build up the courage that is resident in our hearts. Courage is necessary if we are going to take a risk. Courage takes a look at risk with a huge dose of hope; therefore, we step out of our comfort zone and put ourselves in harm's way, because we are hoping to accomplish something that could not have been done without some risk.

In Nehemiah's case, he risked his life to bring his request before the King of Persia and he was rewarded with favor.

Prayer: "Dear Father, You are the creator of heaven and earth, and all power, glory and honor belongs to You. You are the reason I have hope. You are the reason that I believe that all things are possible. You are the reason I can reach out beyond my comfort zone. Thank you for the gift of courage. In those times that I shy away from the leading of Your Spirit--bring a fresh wave of courage so that I can accomplish the works that You have prepared for me to do."

Do You Care?

Scripture: Neh 1:1-4 (NIV) 1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 3 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." 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

Background: The kingdom of Israel divided into two separate nations shortly after Solomon's death. This made both nations (Israel and Judah) vulnerable to their enemies, which were numerous. Eventually both Israel and Judah were conquered. The Babylonians completed the destruction of Jerusalem and the best of Israel's young generation were taken from their homeland to serve in the Babylonian Kingdom. Babylon was eventually swallowed up by the Persian Empire and the exiles of Israel served in that Kingdom. Under the direction of Ezra and Nehemiah, the exiles began to return home. They returned as a remnant of broken people--returning to a broken homeland.

Observations: When Nehemiah heard of the condition of Jerusalem--that the walls and gates were broken and burned, he felt something emotionally. Scripture states that he wept, and for several days he mourned and fasted.

In our time, the church (at least the church of America) has been called apathetic. Is it true? Why is it true? I think that perhaps we are too comfortable. When we hear of people living in the streets--when we hear of children starving on the other side of the world--when we hear of Christians facing persecution or that they are being martyred for their faith--or the thought that we live next to people that are without Christ--DO WE CARE? Do these things break our hearts? Do they cause us to mourn--to fast--to take action? In Nehemiah's case, he took action.

Prayer: "Dear Father, do what you must do to change my heart. I don't want my heart to be heartless when it comes to the things in life that are really important. I don't want to be apathetic, indifferent or inactive. I pray that Your cause will become my cause. Awaken Your church, and start with me this day. May my life be lived in such a way as to bring You glory."

No Prejudice

Scripture: John 4:4-9 (NIV) ⁴ Now he had to go through Samaria. ⁵ So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. ⁶ Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. ⁷ When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" ⁸ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) ⁹ The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans)

Background: Jesus left Judea and started the journey back to His hometown. In order to get home, Jesus had to pass through Samaria. He stopped in the town of Sychar at around noontime and sat down by the well. He had been walking the dusty roads for hours and it was most likely sweltering under the heat of the Palestinian sun. Jesus was tired and thirsty. A Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well and Jesus engaged her in a conversation. This was surprising to the woman, because Jews did not generally talk or acknowledge their Samaritan cousins. (The Samaritans were not considered pure Israelites, because they had been assimilated by the Assyrians) Obviously, Jesus did not let the popular prejudice of His day keep Him from loving and reaching out to others.

Observations: We often think of prejudice in terms of the racism that is a part of American history, but prejudice can develop over other issues as well. The cause can be tribal, linguistic, cultural, bloodlines, religious, political or any other issue that creates conflict between identifiable groups of people. Throughout the ministry of Jesus, He continually reached beyond the common comfort zone of most of the other Rabbis of Israel. Over and over the gospels give witness to the loving attitude of Jesus. On this journey to His home town Jesus had a remarkable conversation with a woman from one of those groups that good Jews simply didn’t associate with—it was a clear sign that the scope of Jesus’ ministry and atoning work was going to be for all people.

Prayers: Father, I thank you for your grace and mercy. I will forever be grateful for salvation. I pray that you would cause me to see people through your eyes. Your eyes of love and forgiveness—your eyes that see without prejudice—your eyes that are able to see past the skin of man and see the heart. Lord, use my life to reach people that are outside of my comfort zone. I long to see the people of this planet—people of every tribe, tongue and nation come to know You.

A Picture of Humility

Scripture: John 4:1-3 (NIV) 1 The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

Background: As Jesus spent time in Jerusalem He was becoming popular. Both the Pharisees and the followers of John the Baptist realized that Jesus was becoming more popular than John the Baptist, causing a good deal of anxiety in both groups. When Jesus learned that this was happening He did the exact opposite of what most contemporary politicians would do--He left town immediately. There is another interesting fact listed in this passage of scripture--Jesus was not baptizing anyone. Jesus' disciples were the actual persons responsible for baptizing the people that were becoming followers of Jesus. This tells us a couple of things about Jesus: 1) He wasn't interested in becoming famous. (He obviously cared more about the message that He was declaring and the lives of those that He was reaching more than His personal popularity) 2) He allowed others to participate in meaningful ministry with Him. (He didn't perform all the clergy-like tasks on His own)

Observations: When it comes to spiritual leadership we have two problems that must always be taken into account: Firstly, there are many people who still want to follow a "King." (Most of us like to follow strong, authoritative leaders who will tackle life's tough situations for us) Secondly, there are many spiritual leaders who want to be the king. (Leaders who want power are often dangerous) Jesus--was and is the King of Kings and yet He wasn't hungry for power or for popularity. He was proficient at ministry and yet He included others in "His" ministry. He authorized and empowered His followers to carry on the work of the ministry. Most of us consider the ceremony of baptizing someone into the church as a sacred, clergy-only ministry--and yet, Jesus turned this over to His disciples. If nothing else, we should learn from Christ's example and seek to emulate His true humility.

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending Your Son to rescue me from my sins and to give me a clear understanding of what it means to walk in humility. Words cannot begin to express how impressed I am by my King, Jesus Christ--who was God in the flesh and yet did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped. May my life be marked by moments of humility. May humility take hold in my spirit and cause me to promote the worship of God rather than the exaltation of "me".

Darkness Gathers

Scripture: John 3:18-21 (NIV) 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Background: Jesus is sounding like C.S. Lewis as He examines the thinking and the patterns of logic as to why a person would rather not be "saved." People love spiritual darkness, because they are addicted to sin. John Calvin referred to this problem as the total depravity of man. Everyone knows someone who loves the darkness, because there is a little bit of that nature in all of us. We used to have a little Yorkshire Terrier that would come home from being bathed, brushed and clipped--and as soon as she went outside she would find the smelliest, grossest, dirtiest thing that she could roll in. (One time it was a dead bird filled with maggots) Does that sound like us?

Observations: The question needs to be asked, is a life entrenched in darkness better than a life living in the light? You would think that the answer to this question would be an emphatic, elf-evident "yes." However, for some people--people that we all know and care about--they are addicted to the works of the flesh and have not yet come to their senses. In the story commonly called the Prodigal Son, the son left home in search of excitement. He lived life in the fast lane until he ran out of money. He spiraled lower and lower until he was destitute and had the the job of feeding slop to the pigs. When the pig slop started to look good to him, he came to his senses and returned home. This is our hope, that those lost in darkness will come to their senses and head towards the better life that is found living in the light.

Prayer: Father, I will forever be grateful that You saved me and brought me out of the darkness into Your wonderful light. I know that life with You is better than it ever was before I knew You. I am convinced that one day in your courts is better than thousands elsewhere. Use me this day to love someone that doesn't know you. Use me this day to shine Your light. Use me this day to encourage the heart of someone who needs You. Where I lack love and passion for those that don't know You, cause me to be poor in spirit that I might love more.

Why So Simple?

Scripture: John 3:16-17 (NIV) 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Background: John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in all of scripture. It lays out the plan of salvation in terms that almost anyone could easily understand. It is religion that makes salvation difficult. So difficult, that many non-believers are convinced that they could never achieve or "live up" to salvation. The matter of salvation according to John 3:16 is based on one simple premise, "Whoever Believes in Him." Salvation does not then come through good works--good living--or by being good. Can you imagine what this must have sounded like to the religious ears of Nicodemus? We don't know if Nicodemus was a part of the crowd that called for Jesus' crucification, but the problem with the religious leaders may have started right here. Religious people truly want a salvation that is more complicated.

Observations: It takes God living in a person's life in order for that person to change. That is why God designed a plan that made it simple for Him to come into a person's heart. When we believe in Jesus, God enters our lives by way of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit works in us, our minds begin the process of being transformed. Over time a Believer in Christ begins to change--this change is possible, because the power of God is living in the Believer and changing them from the inside-out.

Prayer: Father, I submit myself to the changes that You desire to make in my life. I am thankful and grateful for what You have already accomplished and I am thankful that You are not through with me yet. Lord, make me aware of the danger when I begin to think about the things that would lead me away from You and cause me to be preoccupied with loving and serving You. I long to be free from the influence of the world and the "pull" of my flesh--please replace those things with a renewed passion for You and for the things that You care about. Your will be done in my life today.

A Foreshadowing of the Cross

Scripture: John 3:9-15 (NIV) 9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. 10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

Background: Nicodemus once again asked a question exposing the fact that he did not have a clue as to what Jesus was trying to communicate to him. This is a foreshadowing of things to come, for even those that were closest to Jesus did not understand the work that Jesus was sent to accomplish until well after the resurrection. In these verses, Jesus, for the first time, talks about the specific mission that the Father sent Him to accomplish. This demonstrates that even in the earliest days of His public ministry, Jesus understood that He would eventually and inevitably face the cross.

Observations: Are you familiar with the story of bronze serpent? Israel was under the judgment of God for their continual disobedience and complaining; so God sent a plague of poisonous snakes into their camp. Talk about getting your attention--and I have problems when a scorpion invades my home. Anyway, God told Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole and to raise that pole into the sky so that the camp of Israel could see it. Here is the miracle...anyone that looked upon the bronze serpent was healed from their snake bite. Have you ever been bitten by a poisonous snake? Trust me, it's not fun.

God's solution to Israel's problem was brilliantly simple. Look at the bronze serpent and live. It was a foreshadowing of the powerful work of salvation that Christ accomplished on the cross. God has simplified the remedy to our sin. We simply "look" to Jesus and we are "saved." Jesus specifically said, "That everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."

Prayer: Father, I come into Your presence with a grateful heart. Thank you for sending Jesus to deliver me from my sin. Cause me to be grateful. Grateful for the cross...grateful for Your love...grateful for Your ability to keep me...May I forever be grateful. I cannot repay your kindness, but I once again submit myself to Your purposes. Dear Lord--I desire to walk in the center of Your will for me this day--fortify my life with Your power, Your integrity and Your love. Amen.