God is in control – Be Still…

1 Peter 5:1-14 – Not Just For Elders

At first, if you’re not an “elder,” you may think this reading is not for you. That term doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with age; rather, it is believed that elders were chosen because of their mature faith and understanding of Christ’s teachings. It’s helpful to see how elders should handle the flock “God has entrusted” to them. I’m sure we’ve all seen people in positions of authority within the church body who have acted in contrary ways. Isn’t it good to know there is a Biblical direction to follow for those chosen by God?

This reading quickly shifts to include “all of you,” not just elders, in verse 5. Peter’s first letter concludes with an abundance of parting wisdom. What spoke to you and your faith journey? Was it Peter’s reference to humility or grace? What nearly jumped off the page for me was this. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Sounds simple, but it’s not easy. How do we finally let go of those worries without taking them back again? Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1-14 – Not Just For Elders”

Psalm 103 – Praise the Lord!

Read Psalm 103

Praise the Lord! What an uplifting tribute to God’s majesty, provision, and love. If ever you find yourself at a loss of words in prayer, lean into this truth of who God is. When we remember and call out God’s goodness, more and more examples just flood out of us. God loves to hear our praise.

The psalmist cries out, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.” That some sincere devotion. How many of us have ever been that “all-in” for God in our lives? We tell ourselves we have responsibilities, tasks, people counting on us, jobs, only 24 hours in a day. Yes, we have those things. But are they more important than God? Continue reading “Psalm 103 – Praise the Lord!”

Job 12:1-25 – God is in Control

Read Job 12:1-25

Their words may scoff and bite, but I haven’t heard any laughter myself. But Job calls it out when he says, “yet my friends laugh at me.” If there was some laughter, it would not have been the funny, “that’s a good joke” kind of laughter. It would have been mocking, smirking, disgusted kind of laughter.

Job does a great job of recovering from the blows of his friends. He didn’t have a far fall after he was already so low because of his great loss. Still, Job is thoughtful in his responses even if we can see his agony shining through. Continue reading “Job 12:1-25 – God is in Control”

Ezekiel 17:1-24 – A Riddle from God

Read Ezekiel 17:1-24

This reading contains a riddle combined with a parable. Without reading the explanation, I imagined a totally different meaning. So let’s reflect on the riddle and explanation together. Most of us like a good puzzle, but we all should take heed to the LORD’s message.

The Sovereign LORD wanted Israel to understand what was happening and uses this creative approach. The manner in which plants and animals interact as if they are human is entertaining and attention grabbing to be sure. The parable describes the events between when King Jehoiachin was taken into exile (597 BC), and the year Zedekiah revolted against Babylon, trusting in Egypt’s promise of help (588 BC). Continue reading “Ezekiel 17:1-24 – A Riddle from God”

Daniel 11:21-45 – When Time Runs Out

Read Daniel 11:21-45

Daniel’s vision continues here, but the end is still to come. However, for the tyrant king being described by the angel messenger, his time runs out. God will only allow the atrocities he brings for a given period of time.

The description of this despicable human fits historically with the Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He brought much disgrace and evil to God’s remnant people who had returned to Jerusalem after the exile. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah have told us all about the return from captivity. Daniel would have been left behind when those waves of people returned home. Continue reading “Daniel 11:21-45 – When Time Runs Out”