Author: BJ Armstrong

Thank you for choosing to join us again at 2017.  This year, our goal is to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  One strategy is slowing down.  This means consuming fewer pages of scripture so that we can fully digest what we take in.  Sounds good, right?  As you have seen in our previous email, this begins today.  For the next few months, we are going to read through the Gospels.

Rather than dive right into Matthew 1, today we want to look at what the gospels are.  Have you ever wondered why there are four books in the Bible that say pretty much the same thing?  Or, maybe you are the one wondering why they don’t say the same thing.  Looking closer will give us a better picture.

First, the gospels, like the entire Bible, are intended to be a collection, standing together not separately.  Utilizing their own, unique perspective, each writer shares his perspective of  Jesus’ life.  But, that simplistic description leaves it short.  C.I. Scofield expounds, “the four Gospels, though designedly incomplete as a story, are divinely perfect as a revelation. We may not through them know everything that He did, but we may know the Doer. In four great characters, each of which completes the other three, we have Jesus Christ Himself. The Evangelists never describe Christ–they set Him forth. They tell us almost nothing of what they thought about Him, they let Him speak and act for himself.”  I find that statement remarkable.  When listening closely, we can detect the work of the Holy Spirit. It is He, working in us, through the gospel writers, enabling us to know the doer, Jesus.

So, we can conclude that these four accounts are an opportunity to share Jesus with the world.  That is a tall order.  Partly because people are separated and segregated by physical boundaries and cultural norms.  Every group operates with its own ideas, customs, and social behaviors. To fully communicate any message, a writer must know the cultural implications of that message.  It comes as no surprise then that God divinely appointed writers that were uniquely able to overcome these cultural barriers.  These writers are unique in their cultural perspectives, individual callings, and relational influences.  Consider how each of these four uniquely penetrates social groups:

• Matthew writes primarily to the Jewish nation. He focuses on the fulfillment of prophecy and the Mosaic law.  He successfully resets Jewish expectations of an earthly king, paving the way for the Holy Spirit.  Additionally, Matthew takes on the challenge of opening the Jewish people to acceptance of the Gentiles. We could classify Matthew’s testimony to be focused on our past beliefs and practices
• Mark, on the other hand, talks more to the Gentiles. One strategy he uses is talking about miracles.  In fact, he talks more about miracles than any other writer.  Because of the opposition and persecution that Christians faced from the Roman empire, he carefully explains how and why to be a Christ-follower in the midst of this opposition.  Additionally, Mark focuses on what Jesus did more than what he said.  He is also characterized by his often call to action, “immediately.” This leads us to the conclusion that Mark is also writing for our present lives.
• Luke provides us with more detail and style in his writing. It is known that he was thoroughly steeped in Greek culture which is highly focused on style and beauty.  Additionally, the Greeks were historians.  Luke, therefore includes eyewitness testimony to resolve any doubt of its accuracy.  Luke works diligently to present Jesus as the Savior of all men.  This leads us toward Luke focusing on our future selves.
• John does not follow the format or content of his fellow gospel writers. Therefore, his book is not included in what are called the “synoptic gospels.”  Instead, Mathew Henry explains that John gives us more of the mystery of Jesus while the others only give the history.  John, then, is building upon the foundation of the other writers.  He brings into focus the spirituality, specifically the divinity, of Jesus.  It is fitting to read what John writes in Revelation 12:1, when a loud voice from heaven says “come here.”  From this, we see that John is calling us toward eternity.

Admittedly, relative to the Gospel’s full message, this summary is embarrassingly small. Ironically, John understood this too.  He writes that the world could not contain all the book written about Jesus if they were written in detail (John 21:25).   Even so, I am excited to learn them each, a little better.  Each of them is, in fact, “good news.”  Even better, these writers are just as relevant today as they were nearly 2,000 years ago.  Prayerfully, over the next few months, we will experience the gospel writers’ message as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).”

 

Resources and References:

Matthew Henry’s Commentary.  http://biblehub.com/summary/luke/1.htm

(2010-08-10). The MacArthur Study Bible (Kindle Location 226693). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

Scofield References Notes (Old Scofield 1917 Edition)

Stob, William S. (2015-06-17). The Four Gospels: A Guide to Their Historical Background, Characteristic Differences, and Timeless Significance (Kindle Locations 4590-4592). Ambassador International. Kindle Edition.

Guide to the Four Gospels.  http://overviewbible.com/four-gospels/

Why Are There Four Gospels? A.W. Pink.  http://www.jesus.org/is-jesus-god/the-gospels/why-are-there-four-gospels.html

Looking toward 2017, we must also ask ourselves if it is over.  Should we now stop, reverting to our old routines?  The answer, of course, is no.  So, what do we do?  If you are like us here at BibleJournal, another 1-year reading feels a little monotonous.  In fact, our evaluation of 2016 has revealed that we are all longing for a deeper consideration of Scripture.  It would be valuable to spend much more time on specific scriptures.  We are, therefore, bringing a new approach to BibleJournal.  You will still receive a daily scripture reading, along with a thoughtful journal entry from one of our writers, but it will be much more focused.  Starting on January 1, 2017, up to 14 different writers will be diving deep into the Gospels.  The daily reading will consist of one chapter and a personal response from the writer.  It is our hope and prayer that the time we spent reading four chapters can now be revised to include reading, meditation, and prayer.  Our journal entries will reflect this new focus.

I hope that you will continue with us.  I also hope that you will find an opportunity to comment or engage our daily posts.  We would love to hear from you in the comments section, on Facebook, or by a private email.  Additionally, if you know someone that would benefit from participating, please share a link or a post.

Thanks again for joining us in 2016.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us next.

 

Today’s Reading

If you have ever watched Days, or any soap opera, you know that it never changes.  In fact, that show has played since 1965!  And, you know what?  Nothing has changed.  Nothing!  The characters are the same.  They experience the same problems and display the same ridiculous behavior.  It’s as if they never learn anything.  Their lives never improve.  They are doomed.  One could argue that our lives are no different.  We need to look no farther than Chronicles 1 and Chronicles 2.  Seriously, I was talking with Jennifer this morning after our daily reading.  I mentioned that I’m tired of Chronicles.  I feel like I am reading the same thing over and over.  She said, “I know, it’s like watching Days of Our Lives.”  She’s right.

Thankfully, the days of our lives don’t have to be meaningless repetition.  There is an end to the drama, if we choose it.  It is the result of Jesus’ death.  He declares it in John 19:30.  “It is finished.”  Jesus death literally marks the end of an age.  He brings a permanent solution to the pain and suffering that is a result of our bad choices.  Redemption is just the beginning of his plan for us.  And, the only requirement for the hope and freedom that He promises is that we choose it. He makes that easy too.  We are saved when we declare with our mouth and believe with our heart that He is our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).

2 Chronicles 26; Revelation 13; Zechariah 9; John 12

I detest the idea of zombies.  Even so, our culture is so enamored with them, that they are unavoidable.  Our TV’s and iPads are filled with images of them creeping and slinking their way to our front door.  Unfortunately, this reality influences the way that I interpret scripture.  It became clear to me as I read about Lazarus today in John 12. If you will recall, yesterday, we read that Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead.   How do you interpret that?  For me, Lazarus is undead.  Just like a zombie.

In John 11, we learn about Lazarus walking out of the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths.  We hear Jesus instructing Martha and her sister, to “unbind him, and let him go.”  Do you hear zombie?  I do.  My full picture of Lazarus is less than human.  I imagine him pale and sickly, weakened by death.  A shadow of his old life.  He probably staggers as he walks and talks with a slur.  This, after all, is what zombies do.  But, I reason, since Jesus was involved, Lazarus was a good zombie. So, what does a good zombie do?  He follows Jesus around like a puppy dog, catering to his every whim and enjoying the scraps from his table.  Can’t you just hear Jesus, his owner, as they walk down a crowded street?  “Lazarus, come on, what are you sniffing at back there?!”

I hope you hear my sarcasm.   None of that is true of Lazarus!  How do I know?  There are two ways.  First, we know that Jesus does not give life half-heartedly.  He gives it to the “full” (John 10:10).  Truly, my degradation of Lazarus’ new life is about self-preservation.  Just like the Pharisees, I’m afraid that if I clearly see Lazarus alive, I will see that I am the fool, not Lazarus.  Let me say that another way.  I’m afraid that I will see that Lazarus was truly living and I am merely undead.  Second Lazarus’ actions prove that he is not undead, but fully living.  Based on John 12, he was out, among the people, presenting himself in a way that was irresistible.  I picture him bounding through the streets, singing, dancing and rejoicing.  Filled with life!  How do we know that?  Because “many people came to Jesus because of him” (John 12:11).  Now, would these people have been attracted to a zombie?  No, people are not attracted to the undead, they want to be like the living.

What about us?  Unfortunately, too many of us are living the “Christian life.”   We are shadows of our former selves, unable to have fun, take risks and engage the world.  Jesus has become our ticket to heaven, our get out of jail free card.  That is not living.  It is undead.  Jesus invites us to die, just like Lazarus.  His invitation is not focused on death, but rebirth.  Done faithfully, Jesus transforms us into His glory, His likeness.  Irresistible.  Just like Lazarus.

 

2 Chronicles 17; Revelation 6; Zechariah 2; John 5

We have arrived at that magical time of year when we begin evaluating our year.  We ask, was it worth it?  Did we accomplish all that we set out to do?  Unfortunately, few of us will bother to accurately answer those questions.  Worse yet, even fewer will bother to make a change in 2017 which means that next year, the answers to the same questions will be unremarkably similar to today.  This is all the evidence I need to see that our lives are not very different from the man at the well in John 5.  He, along with a multitude of others, had a tough year.  He dreamt of a better life.  He even had an idea of where to get it.  He always found it out of reach.  Year after year passed and nothing changed.  He’s was promised hope and empowerment.  So have we.

Do you think that the man at the well gave up hope?  Seriously, after 38 years of the same thing, how could he possibly think that anything better would come his way?  As I look back on the days and years of my life, I can see how it happens.  There are all kinds of things that get in the way of the life that you and I were created for.  Maybe it’s a shortage of money, bad health or even abuse.  There is a multitude of seemingly valid issues that keep us exactly where we are.  Satan makes sure of it.  He will dissolve every grain of hope in our lives with complaining, distrust, fear, and accusations.   In the end, we pretend to be living a life of hope, but it feels an awful lot like despair.  Just like the man at the pool.

There is a way out.  God wants us to live a life of hope and empowerment.  That is why he created us.  In fact, he has great plans for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)  The catch is, that we have to choose it, which is why he asks the man “do you want to be healed?”  (John 5:6)   For myself, I hear this question two ways.  First, it prompts “are you ready to do what it takes?”  If I am going to pursue the life that Jesus promises, it is likely that I need to make some sort of lifestyle change.  I need to be ready to leave my old behaviors behind.  Second, is a question of trust.  Do I really believe that Jesus will honor my obedience and surrender with a “full life?”  (John 10:10)  If either of these are missing.  Forget it.  Next year, you will get exactly what you got this year.

Just like the man at the pool, Jesus is telling us “get up, take up your bed and walk.”  The man responded with obedience and trust.  Will you?

2 Chronicles 8; 3 John 1; Habakkuk 3; Luke 22

Parents often feel compelled to bring souvenirs home for the kids.  As a kid, I always hoped for something awesome, but I came to expect the last-minute purchase from the airport. Once in a while, however, we would get something specific and relevant to the country where they traveled.  For example, my parents traveled to the Promised Land in Israel when I was young. They passed out several gifts upon their return. When I received mine, I remember my father’s proud face as he handed it to me. It was a small package, not bigger than a handful and heavy for its size. The simple paper wrapping pulled away easily revealing a polished stone. It had clearly been broken off something, as one side was unfinished with jagged edges.  I am sure that my bewilderment prompted my father to explain, “now BJ, that is really special. That piece of marble that you are holding is a piece of Solomon’s temple.” What, seriously?!  My response was something like, “no way, dad, you got ripped off!”

Maybe it was the audacity of my dad’s claim, that earned small, polished and broken rock a piece of real estate on my desk for the last 30 years. Seeing it gives me pause, prompting me to think about the Temple that Solomon built. Based on the last several day’s reading, the Temple’s size and opulence were second to none.  Far beyond what I can imagine.  When I try, I wonder where this particular chunk of marble was.  Perhaps my rock was part of the many great columns, or maybe the flooring, or even a toilet. Could it have been more important to the Temple’s purpose near the altar? It may have been any of these things, but it doesn’t matter. Solomon’s temple is irrelevant. It’s gone. Time and men reduced all of that work and splendor to this small, broken and useless rock.

This small rock also serves to remind me of the temporal nature of this world. Nothing we build or accomplish, no matter how noble the purpose, will last.  Yet, there is hope.  Today, Luke 22 begins to document the origin of our hope.  No longer do we need an opulent temple to sacrifice countless animals so that we can get close to God.  Jesus is doing that work instead.  Jesus, now arrested, goes willingly.  Jesus goes because of his great love for each of us.  He goes to pour his life out so that we can live ours.  It is not temporary, it is eternal.

 

1 Chronicles 29; 2 Peter 3; Micah 6; Luke 15

Micah 6 seems a strange place to land with all the great scripture reading today.  On the heels of Thanksgiving, however, Micah’s question is a good one. He asks, “What shall I come before the Lord with?” (Micah 6:6) He asks this question right after recalling how the Lord had delivered and redeemed them.  It is his gratitude that compels him to offer something in return. But, what could be good enough? What could be honoring enough? Micah considers offering 1000 rams.   Or, he contemplates, maybe burnt offerings would be better. Perhaps 1-year-old calves? What will please the Lord? He is even willing to offer up his first-born son! Anything!! Micah quickly realizes that none of these are good enough for God. No, our material possessions, our children, or the work of our hands are not good enough for God. God requires the most precious thing about us. Our heart, our soul. That is what God wants. So, what is the best response to him? Micah echoes God’s call from Deuteronomy 12, which says, “to but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

To better understand these offerings of justice, mercy, and humility, we need to look to the Cross. First, justice was served through the punishment and suffering of Jesus.  Second, God grants us mercy, washing our records clean through the shed blood of His own son. Finally, Jesus clothed himself in humility. Instead of claiming his birthright as the son of God, Jesus takes on humanity, subjecting himself to death, even death on a cross. I love the way Andrew Murray describes humility.  He describes humility as “the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all.” Clearly, Jesus is the perfect example.

Murray, Andrew; Christian Book Series (2003-10-17). Humility (Optimized for Kindle) (p. 47). . Kindle Edition.

1 Chronicles 19–20; 1 Peter 1; Jonah 3; Luke 8

What are you thankful for? It is likely that someone will ask you that question today. I can recall several Thanksgiving’s where each person around the table was asked to recite their gratitude to the group. I can also remember times when I had to dig really deep to produce an answer. Think back on the last 24 hours. Next, look back a little farther to include the last week. What do you think about first?

As I complete the exercise, I have to admit that gratitude is not my first reaction. You see, I have encountered many problems in the last 24 hours. To be real, the last seven days have not gone exactly as I planned either. It’s troubles, not gratitude that shows up first in my mind. Apparently, I am not alone. Peter encountered Christ followers that were missing the pure joy of Christ. He left us some simple advice that will help us when we are feeling less than grateful.

To start, Peter reminds us to be careful, in our troubles, not to revert back to who we were before we met Jesus.  Yes, it would be easier to live like a pagan, only pursuing what feels good. But, Peter explains, since we know the truth of Christ, we must choose him again. He elaborates by showing us how choosing Christ means to “set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This makes sense to me. Practically speaking, when I set aside my quest for success and prominence, I begin to see Jesus clearly again. And, I find rest for my soul.

Peter also encourages us to be obedient. Reminding us that it is our obedience during tough times strengthens and purifies our faith. In order to do so, we must “prepare our minds for action, be sober minded and set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13). Our obedience, therefore, strengthened by our tested faith produces “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:8).

At this very moment, I am grateful for Thanksgiving. I hope that you too will have an opportunity to stop and remember why we choose to follow Jesus. Peter sums it up wonderfully for us in 1 Peter 1:3-4. He reminds us, that Jesus “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  Give Thanks!

 

1 Chronicles 9–10; Hebrews 12; Amos 6; Luke 1:39–80

Why is it that vacation, Halloween, and Thanksgiving always roll around when I am trying to be “good” about what I eat? Seriously, I have maintained a really good diet for several months. It stopped quickly with my vacation. You know how it is, great dinners are part of the deal.  Right? For me, a great dinner includes dessert. But, I remind myself that it is ok. This is a short-term thing. A week of splurging won’t matter.  After all, I’m on vacation! The brief interruption of my diet has now been exacerbated by Halloween. It turns out that I am a sucker for Snickers and Milky Way’s and Almond Joy’s and Butterfingers, and pretty much anything that gets dumped out of that bag. (Actually, I am not a fan of Whoppers, but I eat them anyway). The best part of Halloween candy is that everything is bite-size. I mean, it’s not like I’m eating an entire candy bar. As I consume multiple pieces, I remind myself that there are only a handful of pieces left. Once they are gone, all will be well and I’ll get back to my normal diet. Except for the fact that next week is Thanksgiving. It’s not likely that I am going to take it easy on homemade rolls, or extra gravy. And, pecan pie is awesome (especially with ice cream) so I’m definitely looking forward to that and since the Thanksgiving tradition requires we eat pumpkin pie I’ll go ahead and try that too. My mother-in-law makes a mad coconut cream pie that occasionally makes its way to the table and really, its one of my favorites so I’ll try that too. Hey, don’t forget, it’s just one day. For dinner, I’m looking forward to lying low. My mom makes grandma’s angel food cake and I’d hate to dishonor her legacy by passing it up. Besides, angel food is pretty light.

Healthy lifestyles are not limited to food.  In fact, our relationship with God is the most important component.  Just like my diet, I often make choices that circumvent its full realization.  For example, consider this list of activities that hinder my progress.  In no particular order; wine, work, swearing, laziness, Xbox, YouTube, Television, internet, telephone, text messages, facebook, Pinterest, election coverage, books, bourbon, course language, impure thoughts, Amazon, movies, napping, 

If you are like me, you connected with at least one item.  I’m guessing that not only did you connect with it, but you justified it just as I have justified my poisonous diet.  Take a few minutes today to consider how you might, “lay aside this weight,” (Hebrews 12:1) and acknowledge the reality that it is preventing you from finishing the race successfully.

2 Kings 23; Hebrews 5; Joel 2; Psalm 142

How often are we told to focus on our strengths? There are, in fact, countless tools that help us identify and live from them. While I do not disagree with the strategy, focusing only on our strengths masks the reality of our lives. You see, we are all born into a fallen world, subject to sin.  Relative to God, we are weak.  Hebrews 5:2 says that we are “beset with weakness.” The risk, therefore, in living from our strengths is that we become fully reliant on our flesh. The results of which are well documented in the Bible.

• Self-Glory
• Admiration of others
• Subject to error
• Subject to death

Contrast living from our strengths with embracing our weakness.  Jesus, for example, chose the latter.  Rather than embracing achievement and soliciting the praises of man, he embraced his weakness.  We find the evidence in his prayers.  He “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him” (Hebrews 5:7). The result? God heard him “because of his reverence” (v7).  God, therefore, bestowed upon Jesus perfection.  In perfection, Jesus would no longer be subject to error or death.

Jesus submission to God was so perfect, that he also became our eternal source of salvation. He is the ultimate proof that weakness is not something to run from. Instead, we are to offer our weakness to God “with prayers, supplications, and with loud cries to him who is able to save us.” Just as God honored Jesus reverence, Jesus showers our weakness with grace.  Not just any grace, but a grace that is so powerful that it conquers death.