BIBLE READING: Luke 11

“When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” (Luke 11.29)

Jesus always cut straight to the heart. As the crowds increased, most people were interested but insatiable. Much like he told another crowd, “You’re not here because you saw signs, but because you ate and were satisfied” (John 6.26, paraphrased). He had previously cast out a demon and people were still seeking a sign from him (Luke 11.16). He would not indulge their carnal curiosities (Luke 11.29); it was evil and wicked generation that needed to repent. His sharp remarks got their attention. They would get a sign, but it is one they had already seen: the sign of Jonah.

Jonah preached to a godless people. Even though Jonah lacked mercy for them, God saw fit to warn them of coming judgment and call them to repent. When he did, they not only listened by changed their lives (Jonah 3). Jesus calls this to witness against his listeners, along with another: The Queen of the South. She heard about the wisdom of Solomon, but did not believe it (2 Chronicles 9.6). So, she sought him out asked many hard questions (2 Chronicles 9.1). Ultimately, she could not deny the wisdom on display, and she gave glory to God (2 Chronicles 9.8). 

In the same way, Jesus came with a message of repentance (Matthew 4.17). People, amazed by his understanding and answers, flocked to Jesus with hard questions and to evaluate what had been told (Luke 2.47). But sadly, many still did not listen. They were intrigued but skeptical. They were caught up in their own wisdom and blinded by pride. They were an evil generation. 

I wonder if the same could be said for our generation. Many people would rather rewrite the past than learn from it. Many would rather trust their own wisdom than seek it out. Many want to be around Jesus but not actually follow him. 

We are given the same witness as Jesus’ listeners… but also something greater. We see with clarity the work of God through Christ. He is the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose to both judge the world and save it (John 3.16-18). Many of us have responded in faith, but are we sharing this message? Do we ourselves continue in obedient faith? Or do we desire another sign… a further confirmation… a surer revelation? Often, what we are looking for is confirmation that already exists.  

We must continue to look to God's signs in the past. His word bears witness to God’s faithfulness, both to bless and to judge. It enlightens us to the human condition that is prone to doubt and wander. This is why faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10.17). It recenters our attention on Jesus and empowers us to follow and imitate him. It’s ok to have questions, but we must “go onto maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6.1).

Our hearts are fickle. The world we live in is evil. Let us set our eyes upon Jesus. Let us consider the outcome of those who have gone before us. Let us not be foolish but understand and pursue the will of God in our lives. 

“…whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15.4)

BIBLE READING: Micah 3

“Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths.” (Micah 3.5)

What a difficult task Micah had. He had a message nobody wanted to hear. But worse, he had to “compete” with other prophets saying the exact opposite of him! These people gave the pretense of speaking for God; but really, they said whatever would offer them the most benefit (Micah 3.5).

For this reason, the people responded to Micah like you would imagine: “Be quiet! What you’re saying won’t happen” (Micah 2.6). We might be inclined to do the same with presence of other “prophets” offering a more palatable message. I imagine Micah must have been discouraged by these others, but it did not change his message. He knew it was from God and this empowered him to speak boldly to these people (Micah 3.8).

From our position, it is obvious the actions of the false prophets were unethical. But more importantly they were abhorrent to God. These prophets tainted the work of God’s true prophets and blasphemed his name; and God would bring special judgment them for it (Micah 3.6-7).

A couple of lessons we learn:

1. Don’t just hear what you want to hear. We are less inclined listen those who appear negative. We would rather listen to people who challenge us in ways that sound good to us. Let us heed the warning written to Timothy: “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth… as for you, always be sober-minded” (2 Timothy 4.3-5). Real change starts with an acceptance of reality. A terminal illness won’t go away just because you ignore it. It must be accepted and acted upon. In the same way, we must pay attention to those who challenge our paradigms and call us to change… their words might be lifesaving!
2. Don’t just speak to serve yourself. We are inclined to appease those who work for our interests. As ambassadors for Christ, we have a responsibility to represent him rightly. We must check our passions – our fears, wants, and desires – as we go about our walk of faith. We can easily deviate from God’s message or color our words to stay in the good graces of those around us. Remember what Jesus said: “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6.26).

Let us be bold like Micah and stand on what God says. Let us be humble enough to accept the calling of God and its demands on my life. Let us listen with care, speak with conviction, and live assured that God’s words are sure.

“…Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly?” (Micah 2.7b)

BIBLE READING: Luke 1-2

“And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” (Luke 1.19)

Luke 1 is dominated by the angel Gabriel who is sent to both Zechariah and Mary with a message from God. He tells Zechariah that he will have a son who will prepare the way for Jesus (Luke 1.13-17). He tells Mary, although she is a virgin, that she too will have a child and he will be the son of God (Luke 1.31-33).

Both messages troubled the hearers (Luke 1.12, 29). The sudden appearance of Gabriel, coupled with a message about coming events were both confusing and frightening. But there was no doubt this message was from God.

This appears to be a primary function of angels throughout scripture. They entered the world to execute divine judgment and communicate God’s will in definitive fashion (see Genesis 19.1-22; Numbers 22.22-35). Angels were not always overt in their mission (Hebrews 13.2), but in episodes when they revealed themselves, there was no doubt God was at work. Such was the case with Gabriel.

If an angel appeared to you in dramatic fashion, no doubt you would stop to consider what they were saying. As the author of Hebrews would write, “[their] message proved to be reliable” both for blessing and retribution (Hebrews 2.2). But how does he continue? Jesus is superior to the angels, in power and prominence (Hebrews 1.4-14) – “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking to you” (Hebrews 12.25).

As important and trustworthy as Gabriel proved to be, he was the preface to the incarnation of Jesus. In fact, Luke goes on to include other witnesses to this important event. The Holy Spirit enlightens Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah to the fulfillment of prophesied events (Luke 1.35, 41-45, 67-79). Another angel appears to some shepherds who share what they had been told about Jesus (Luke 2.8-20). The prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna both exalt in Jesus as the Christ (Luke 2.22-38).

All this is intended to center our attention on the person of Jesus. God communicated with beings both great and small, so the world was aware of what he was doing. As powerful and profound as Gabriel’s moment was in Luke 1, Jesus is the one we’re supposed to see. In fact, everything God ever communicated is intended to bring us to this point (2 Corinthians 1.20; Hebrews 1.1-4). So, whatever Jesus says or does is the final word from God. His words possess authority (Mark 1.22, 27). His judgments are definitive (John 5.22). His promises are sure (Hebrews 6.18-20). We must not refuse anything that he says.

“For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2.2-3)

BIBLE READING: Micah 1

“Hear, you peoples, all of you; pay attention, O earth, and all that is in it, and let the Lord GOD be a witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.” (Micah 1.2)

Almost daily, I say to my kids, “Are you listening to me?” The question is essentially rhetorical. I’m asking because they’re obviously not doing something I’ve told them to do. The older they get, the harder it seems to be for them to hear me. They’re busy doing something they want to do and don’t understand the importance of my words and the value it can bring to their lives.

God begins every prophetic discourse with a call to listen for the same reason parents do: his children aren’t listening. He revealed himself to them in many ways. Powerful signs and deliverance from Egypt. Providence in the wilderness. He showed his presence on the mountain. He gave them written commands and expectations. He made it clear that he could be trusted, he should be feared, and that his words always came true. What more did his people need?

Scripture reveals the natural tendency of God’s people to become hard-hearted and dull of hearing over time. “Were I to write for him my laws by the ten thousands, they would be regarded as a strange thing.” (Hosea 8.12). Like children, there is a natural bend to challenge his words in the context of other thoughts and ideas. Over time this manifests as indifference, pride and disobedience.

God is long-suffering with this immaturity but will not endure it forever. God expects to be heard because he speaks intentionally. Everything he says will come to pass (Numbers 23.19) and he does nothing without revealing it through his messengers (Amos 3.7).

As we know, in the fullness of time “the word became flesh and dwelt among us” in a definitive period of communication for the salvation of the world (Galatians 4.4; John 1.14; 3.16-18). And yet many religious people still failed to listen. They had eyes that did not see and ears that did not hear (Matthew 13.15, cf. Isaiah 6.10; Jeremiah 5.21). Not because it wasn’t evident but because they did not want to hear or see.

The critical lesson we learn from the prophets is to listen to God the first time. He has graciously preserved his written word and sent prophets throughout history. Although largely ignored, God suffered long according to his steadfast love and faithfulness. But the advent of Jesus was a communication we cannot ignore (Hebrews 1.1-4; 12.25). His presence in this world is something we must not take lightly. God came down, not in judgment as he did in the days of the prophets (Micah 1.3, 12) but in hope of reconciliation.

Let’s open our ears, humble our hearts, listen to God’s communication and let it lead our life today.

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son… see that you do not refuse him who is speaking to you.” (Hebrews 1.1-2; 12.25)

BIBLE READING: Revelation 13-14

Revelation depicts the dichotomy of good and evil. There is no gray area where some ride the fence and swing their loyalty just enough at the end. Those who realize victory and vindication from Jesus are those who have committed themselves to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus (12.17; 14.1-5). They have struggled against Satan and his forces, even to death (6.9-11). Everyone else, whether deliberate or deceived, will incur the wrath of God (11.10; 13.4, 14; 14.9-11).

The stark contrast represents true reality. The world will say truth is subjective and enlightenment comes through many paths. Philosophy and psychology always seem to come up with new explanations for what life is about and how to do it right. Like the early believers John wrote to, we are influenced by cultural bias and sometimes become lax or discouraged in our faith. John’s vivid language is intended to wake us up to reality and prompt urgency. In fact, John makes a point to step aside from his apocalyptic language to offer clear calls to action:

“Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints… “those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” (Revelation 13.10b; 14.12)

“This calls for a mind with wisdom…” (Revelation 13.18; 17.9)

Some of these calls are for the immediate readers, as they would soon experience these things (Revelation 13.9-10). But these are also for believers of all time. We too will be confronted by a world that is still subject to the power and deception of Satan. Until Christ returns, Satan’s focus is to destroy those loyal to Jesus. What this means is Revelation must be considered and acted upon. Its goal is to motivate faithfulness, in our lives, until the very end (Revelation 14.13).

Trials cause frustration and distress. Life causes apathy and discouragement. Some of this is the nature of the world, but some of these are Satan’s tactics to distract our loyalty to Jesus. Here is a call for endurance. We need to make the best use of our time and commit ourselves to Jesus in every way. In our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. In our relationships, work, and families. Following Jesus is all in, all the time. We must be sober minded about this reality and live today with purpose and conviction.

“…you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10.36)

""...blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" (Revelation 14.13)