Salvation

December 31, 2024

It seems to me that most of the time when we think of what Jesus does for us, we think in solely temporal terms; he is our healer, our guide, our comfort and strength, etc. We often forget that his purpose in coming to us was far more than that. Before he made his appearance in Bethlehem that night so long ago, It was foretold that 

“she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”” —Matthew 1:21 

He will save us from our sins. Not just the consequences of them, but from the very sins themselves. Jesus came to set us free from the hold sin has upon us by not only forgiving us, but by changing our thinking. When we change how we think, we change the whole trajectory of our lives, but even that isn’t Jesus’ ultimate goal.

Someone once said it like this: “By his death and resurrection, Jesus saved us from the penalty of sin, is saving us from the power of sin, and one day will save us from the very presence of sin.” That is his ultimate goal; to eternally rescue us from that which is destroying us, even if we don’t recognize it as sin. The best thing we can do then, is to agree with Jesus’ perspective on sin and salvation so we don’t lose out on the present benefits of salvation: freedom from guilt and shame, joy-filled life, the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of the saints…to name just a few. Ultimately however, his goal is to eternally separate us from our sins.

Think!

 December 30, 2024

“While he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”                                            —Matthew 1:20-21 

I’ve known people who believe you have to cash in your brains to become a Christian. They’re unaware that some of the greatest minds in history have claimed Jesus as Savior. These include scientists, philosophers, politicians, and educators.

The sad fact is, there are people who come to Christ unthinking, and remain so afterward. Their religion is more feeling than faith, which doesn’t work when trouble comes. And trouble always comes. 

Luke tells us that when the shepherds came telling their story, Mary pondered these things in her heart. Matthew tells us here that Joseph was a thinking man. They were both poor, possibly uneducated. But one’s education doesn’t make one a thinker. The world is full of ignorant educated people who quit thinking when they graduated.

If you want to hear from God, like Joseph, you must be a thinker. Read your Bible, but don’t do it with a blank mind. Think about what you read; turn it over and over in your mind till you hear God speaking.

Dreams

 12/29/24

What do you dream about? If your dreams in the night should come true, what would that look like? I for one, wouldn’t want to live in the crazy, weird world of my dreams. I don’t think you’d want to be there, either. If dreams are as Freud believed, our unconscious selves manifesting, I must be a real psychological mess!

The Jewish people are people of dreams. Dreams were a major way God spoke to his people. Matthew tells us about Joseph’s dreams, without which he would have abandoned Mary

“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

—Matthew 1:20-21 

I’ve only had a couple dreams in my entire life where I knew God was speaking. It was so clear to me that I can tell you nearly 20 years later the details of the dream and what I knew God to be telling me. Not every dream is a message from God, but those that are, are worth listening to. Have you ever had God speak to you in a dream? If so, what was he telling you? If not, don't be alarmed, but pay attention; your next dream may be God calling.

An Honorable Man

 December 28, 2024

We’ve worked our way through Luke 2, that part of the Christmas story that gets read and pantomimed at countless children’s programs. Today we begin considering the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used to say. (If you don’t know who Paul Harvey is, look him up; he was pretty good).

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” —Matthew 1:18-19 

If you read the genealogy in Matthew 1, you’ll learn that Matthew records the genealogy of Joseph, not Mary. Matthew is concerned to present to a Jewish audience Jesus as the Messiah, King of the Jews. Immediately, we run into a problem: Joseph is not the biological father of Jesus. No wonder Joseph decided to divorce Mary. The amazing part is that he wanted to do it quietly. Though his heart must have been breaking at what he would have thought was the ultimate betrayal, he had no desire to bring undue shame upon Mary.

While Matthew is careful to tell us that Mary’s pregnancy is the work of the Holy Spirit, he doesn’t give us any clues as to how that actually happened. What he does tell us is that Joseph was an honorable man. 

Men, be like Joseph—faithful, honorable, kind. Ask God for his wisdom and strength to be that kind of man. Women, look for such a man. Do not settle for less. Good looks fade, money is cold and heartless, but a man who loves God and is faithful, honorable, and kind is worth his weight in gold…and more.

Rise and Fall

 December 27, 2024

Although much more could be said, this will be the last of our musings in Luke 2, with Simeon’s blessing of the baby Jesus and his mother. Tomorrow we will begin considering the birth narrative in Matthew.

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” —Luke 2:34-35 

Simeon calls Jesus “the cause for “the rising and fall of many,” and a sign which shall be spoken against.” In case you hadn’t noticed it, these words have come true over and over again. People rise or fall at the name of Jesus. He will be the Rock upon which you build your life, or the Rock over which you stumble and fall. 

“Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you  who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.” —I Peter 2:6-8 

You can talk about God all day long, and hardly anyone notices, but speak the name of Jesus and suddenly you’re a fanatic. That Name attracts controversy, animosity, ridicule, and persecution as no other. Even so, his is the only Name “under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,” so speak the Name clearly and consistently. Someone’s eternal salvation depends upon it.

Ordinary Life

December 26, 2024

The gifts are all opened, the wrapping paper gathered up. I trust the Christmas glow hasn’t completely faded with the rising sun. Maybe you have a week’s vacation, but for most, it’s back to work and ordinary life. Just like Jesus.

“And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” —Luke 2:21-22 

Mary and Joseph did what all good Jewish parents did: brought their baby to the temple for circumcision, thus marking on his body the faith of his family for generations. We Christians often forget that Jesus was a Jew from birth to death. He lived and taught as a Jew, upholding the Law, but also fulfilling it in himself. Because he did so, obeying even from birth, and then suffering the Law’s punishment for sin, he is qualified, and the only one qualified to be our Savior. It began way back here, culminated as he hung on a cross and rose from the dead. 

If the story hadn’t played out as it did, we wouldn’t have celebrated yesterday. In fact, we never would even have heard this story. So be thankful today that from the very beginning, Jesus lived ordinary life as a Jew. Which means you can live ordinary life as a Christian.

 

Christmas

 December 25, 2024

Merry Christmas!

“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” —Luke 2:19-20 

Two very different responses to the birth of Jesus: Mary quietly thought about what had just happened to her, while the shepherds went back to work praising God and telling everyone they met what they had heard and seen.

Some people would try to tell you what the proper response is to the wonderful Gift we have been given. They would have everyone be an evangelist. Others think it is shallow and unthinking to just go off spouting about what you’ve experienced. But the record tells us that either response is acceptable. 

You may be quiet and contemplative, meditating and turning things over and over in your mind. You may be extrovertive, excitedly talking to everyone you meet. There is a danger here that many fall into: looking down your nose at the person who responds differently than you, or envying the other’s personality instead of accepting your own as a gift from God. 

Today on this Day of all days, consider the Gift of Christ, or tell others, or perhaps both—but whichever fits you, give thanks and worship.

To have Christ

December 24, 2024

 “So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.”

—Luke 2:15-17 

It must have been quite a night for those shepherds! It began as countless other nights had begun, but ended as no other had ever ended. What strikes me about these verses is their urgency. They hurried to the place where Jesus was, and when they had seen him, they quickly scattered, telling everyone they met. Here’s where it gets interesting: They didn’t tell everyone what they had experienced; they told what had been told them by the angels. This is important. 

Your experience is not without validity, but it is your experience, not mine, nor anyone else’s. What you have experienced of Jesus is important, but not as important as the message about him—that he is the Savior, Christ the Lord. Tell others what you have experienced of Jesus, but don’t forget to also tell them who he is and why he came. Others can’t have your experience, but they can have your Christ.

Sing!

 December 23, 2024

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””                                         —Luke 2:13-14 

“And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.””                                                  —Revelation 5:9-10 

“Why bring Revelation into the Christmas story,” you ask? Because it reveals a detail often overlooked when people read the Bible. Charles Wesley penned the words, “Hark, the herald angels sing…” apparently oblivious to this Biblical detail. It’s this: In the Bible (and here in Luke’s narrative), angels never sing. They shout praises to God, but they don’t sing.

“Why not,” you ask? Because they don’t have anything to sing about. They praise God for his Gift, but they themselves know nothing of the glory of salvation. The Revelation passage has the Elders (representatives of the Church) singing the new song of redemption, but though angels can shout God’s praise, they cannot sing the song of redemption.

But you can. So SING!

To You

 December 22, 2024

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”” —Luke 2:8-12 

Pay attention to how often the word “you” appears in these four verses. Jesus didn’t come to somehow generically save mankind. He came to save YOU. You are important enough for the Eternal Author of all creation to reach down and give his Son for you. And if that weren’t enough, he posted a road-sign so you would know where to find him. God doesn’t want you to miss his gift.

So if you’re feeling a bit unworthy or unimportant, remember God sent Jesus to YOU. And he gave a sign so you wouldn’t miss him: He is found in unlikely places, in the lowliest of situations, so even in your lowest of lows, he is there.

Why Me?

 December 21, 2024

Tonight I want to add to yesterday’s musings. 

“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” —Luke 1:38 

As I thought about God choosing Mary and Bethlehem, I got to thinking how often I have felt unimportant and inadequate. As you may know, I’ve begun a partnership with Standing Stone Ministries, coming alongside pastors in need, whether it be crisis or just loneliness. I’ve often thought, “What do I have to offer? I’m not a great teacher of theology or Biblical history. I’m not a great counselor. I was a pastor of a mid-sized church in a small-sized village. I haven’t had a breadth of experience; I’m pretty ordinary and unexceptional, etc. etc.” 

I wonder if Mary felt the same way—“Why me?” But God chooses the unlikely, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians:

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

—I Corinthians 1:26-29 

God isn’t bothered if you don’t have a special talent, he’s not deterred by your shortcomings or failures. Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message was, “Let it be according to your word.” In other words, “Not my will, but thine be done.” 

Here’s what is significant about Mary’s attitude: I wonder whether Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane wasn’t something he had heard his mother pray over and over as he was growing up. Mary herself was inconsequential; her trust in the Lord and willingness to yield to his will was of great consequence. She became the model for his submission to the Father; submission that led to our salvation.

Bethlehem itself was nothing. But God chose unlikely ordinary people to travel to an unlikely and ordinary place to accomplish something so extraordinary that the world would never be the same. So be your ordinary self, but be ready to say with Mary and with Jesus, “Not my will, but thine be done.” It could lead to someone’s salvation.

Love, 

Beepa

Lowly

 December 20, 2024

“She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” —Luke 2:7 

Have you ever wondered why this detail is in the Bible? To the best of my knowledge, there were no prophecies pointing to the Messiah being laid in a manger or that there would be no decent place for Mary and Joseph to stay that night of Jesus’ birth. His suffering and death are prefigured in Isaiah 53, but about his birth, only silence. So why is this recorded here? 

It’s always dangerous to speculate, but I’ll do so anyway. I think it’s so no one has to feel left out. No matter how lowly your situation, no matter how bleak your beginnings, God isn’t ashamed of you, nor is he unwilling to get his hands dirty, so to speak. Our God doesn’t hide away in some distant heavenly mansion, untouched and unknowable. He stooped to the lowliest of people and places. 

You may feel you have sunk to such levels that God wouldn’t want to have anything to do with. You. You may feel you have been trapped in some obscure place (like Sinclairville) where you will remain forgotten and forsaken, but none of that is true. God came down to the most unlikely place, to the most unlikely people…for you.

Difficulties

 December 19, 2024

You know the story:

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” —Luke 2:1-7 

Again, this is more than I usually like to give for our meditations, but once more, there is a reason for it. Joseph was living in Nazareth, but the prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be from Bethlehem. So at just the right time, God arranged for the emperor, the most powerful man in the world, to order a census requiring everyone to go to their ancestral city to be registered.

It was a great inconvenience for Mary. We like to think God will move heaven and earth to accomplish his plans just like he did here, but we must remember that our convenience is one of those earthly things that may get moved. 

So when difficulties come your way, don’t assume they are an attack from the Enemy. They may be God doing what he does—moving heaven and earth…and you…to fulfill his plans.

What We Do Not See

December 18, 2024

 “Mary responded, 

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 

For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, 

and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 

For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 

He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 

His mighty arm has done tremendous things! 

He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 

He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 

He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 

He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 

For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.””

—Luke 1:46-55 

This is a longer text than I usually like to consider all at once, but there is something going on here that you’ll miss if we only take it a verse at a time. I’ve divided it into two sections so you can see clearly what is happening. In the first section, Mary praises God for what he has done for her and for future generations.

In the second section, she praises God for what he has not yet done, but what she expects he will do, based on what she has already experienced. She speaks as if the future blessings were already accomplished. That is what the Bible means when it says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Are you trusting God so completely that you can praise him, speaking of things not yet accomplished as if they already were? 

Too often when we pray, we speak our fears based on what we see all around us, instead of speaking out our faith in what we do not see, but nonetheless expect from our faithful and loving Heavenly Father. Don’t look around you at what you’re seeing right now. Instead, remember what he has already done for you, and look to what he has promised.

Genuine worship

 December 17, 2024

“Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.” —Luke 1:46-49 

Yesterday I said we need to pay attention to the grammar in Mary’s statement. Did you catch it? Her soul magnifies the Lord, but only after her spirit has rejoiced in God her savior. The “has rejoiced” is clear indication that she did so prior to magnifying the Lord. Before we can genuinely worship, we must from the deepest part of us rejoice in the salvation God gives us. If you try to magnify God without first rejoicing in his salvation, your worship is only a caricature of genuine worship because worship is a product of the salvation God brings through Christ.

Next Sunday as you present yourself to the Lord, make sure that deep in your spirit you have already acknowledged and given thanks for the forgiveness and new life Jesus has given you through his incarnation, death, and resurrection.

Make God Bigger

 December 16, 2024

“Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.” —Luke 1:46-49 

Mary’s song, called the Magnificat, reveals something about genuine worship that we often miss. Pay attention to the grammar; it’s important. But first we need to understand the meaning of a particular word: magnify. When we magnify something, we don’t change it in any way; all we do is change how we see it. Magnifying the Lord doesn’t make him bigger; it only makes him look bigger to us. 

One of our problems in this life is that though God is magnificent, and as Mary said, “has done great things,” we have too small an understanding of him. In our sight, God is small, so we only ask and expect small things from him. Magnifying him is critical if we are to worship him as he deserves. But how do we do that? Psalm 34 can help us here.

“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” (V. 3)

If you’re having a hard time believing God is big enough for your problem, you may need to magnify him. If you’re having a hard time magnifying the Lord, seeing him for who he truly is, gather some believers around you. Worship together. Let them encourage you. That’s one of the reasons we gather together (Hebrews 10:25). They can help you see God as he really is.