Listening to the Word

Judges 9-10; Psalms 49; 1 Corinthians 16 “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” 1 Corinthians 16:8, 9 With the opening of a great door for effective ministry, there is often significant spiritual warfare and opposition. This is why the Lord in his mercy does not open doors for us until we are ready for the spiritual battle and conflict that will come. In Ephesus, Paul fought “wild beasts” in spiritual battle, even as he called people to follow the “way of love” (1 Corinthians 15:32). Prominent members of the Ephesian society became Christ-followers including Erastus, the city’s director of public works. Alexander, the metal worker, led the guilds to riot in opposition to the message of the gospel in Ephesus. His opposition continued even as Paul left the city. However, Paul was clear that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil who work through peop...

Judges 8; Psalms 42; 1 Corinthians 15   “By this gospel you are saved…as of first importance that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living…” 1 Corinthians 15:2-6 At the heart of the gospel is the death of Christ for our sins and his resurrection from the dead. The importance of this resurrection being witnessed by the Twelve, the five hundred, and then many apostles, including Paul, is essential to the integrity of the gospel. However, Paul missed an essential part of the gospel in this letter. The first person to see the resurrected Christ was Mary Magdalene. For Paul, the order of Christ’s resurrection revelation is important. Before Peter, we have Mary. What does this resurrection revelation order mean for Christ’s a...

Judges 6-7; Psalms 52; 1 Corinthians 14   “The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’” Judges 6:14 Gideon’s acknowledged weakness and fear were not barriers to God using him. If Gideon had denied that he was weak and afraid, that would have presented a greater problem. The angel’s simple command to Gideon was to go in the strength that he had, and the Lord was with him. In our weakness, God’s strength and sufficiency are made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s grace is enough for us. When Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations”, he also says, “and I will be with you, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19, 20). Later, Gideon, being filled with the Holy Spirit, blew a trumpet mobilizing the tribes of Israel. Yet too many Israelites responded to the mobilization call and the Lord had to reduce their numbers.   Why? …because pride is our greatest enemy, even greater than fear. It was i...

Judges 4-5; Psalms 39,41; 1 Corinthians 13   “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude [does not dishonor others], it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 In the midst of the Church’s fascination with signs and wonders, well executed strategy, and leadership impact, it is love that never fails. Love that is patient and kind requires us to slow down and pay attention to people around us. When there is conflict, we don’t dishonor others, are not easily angered, and keep no record of wrongs. That kind of practical love in conflict is costly. The kind of strong, agape, covenant love Paul spoke about always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres in relationships. This is more than an emotion; it becomes a way of being. Our j...

Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 12   “But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years…” Judges 3:9-11 The Lord “sold” Israel into the hands of the Arameans because of their prostitution to idols and other gods. The way of deliverance began with Israel crying out to the Lord. It was God who then anointed Othniel with his Holy Spirit to lead Israel in deliverance. It was God who then gave the Aramean king into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. It was Israel’s relationship with God which was the key to their bondage and their deliverance. How do we respond when we, too, are enslaved by powers too strong for us? Do we try to fight the powers, addictions, and enslaving habits, or do ...

Joshua 23-24; Psalms 44; 1 Corinthians 11   “Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho…but I gave them into your hands. I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you – also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build…” Joshua 24:11-13 At the close of Joshua’s life and leadership-journey, he wanted to make it very clear to Israel that it was the presence of God that had provided their inheritance in Canaan. We, too, can forget who has given us our health, wealth, family, and opportunities for meaningful service. It was not Israel’s sword or bow which won the battles; it was the hand of God. Do we value the presence of God in our lives, or do we take this for granted? Are we fond of telling our stories, or God’s stories? Israel lived in cities they did not build and ate fruit from trees they did not plant. We, too, have been given an inheritance of faith and p...