TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 12:27-47
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your
name, . . . to the music of the . . . lyre and the harp. - Psalm 92:1, 3
TODAY IN THE WORD
At the opening ceremonies of the 1984 summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the crowd in the stadium and television viewers were greeted by the sight of eighty-four grand pianos situated on various levels of a huge stage, with each instrument being played simultaneously. It was an amazing sight and one that the organizers of the games felt was a worthy tribute to the importance of the Olympics.

Ezra, Nehemiah, and Israel’s worship leaders produced a celebration of their own that must have been an amazing sight. It was time to dedicate the walls of Jerusalem that the people had rebuilt in just under two months, and no expression of verbal praise, sacrifice, or music was left out. Nehemiah was a person of worship as well as prayer, a leader who was deeply concerned about the continuity of the priestly service that had been established by God and organized into divisions by David. The list at the beginning of chapter 12 (vv. 1–26), records the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel nearly one hundred years earlier, and shows their line down to the days of Nehemiah.

The dedication service for the Jerusalem wall was carried out in a spectacular way–two choirs walked on the wall in opposite directions to the sounds of rejoicing and music. Tobiah had sneered that a fox could break down the wall the people were building (Neh. 4:3). But he was nowhere to be found as hundreds of worshipers marched along on top of the wall. Maybe the enemies of Israel could hear their worship, because no doubt the sound of it carried for a long way. No weapons of defense were needed by the people of God on this day.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Limiting our worship to an hour on Sunday is a mistake because the Bible calls us to do everything for God’s glory (1 Cor. 10:31). This makes our work, leisure, family time, and everything else we do a worship. When was the last time you went to work or came home in an attitude of praise and worship of God? Open your Bible to this great verse, and lay it wherever you will be sure to see it tomorrow. Then start the day asking God to help you worship Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 13:1-14
“Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. -
TODAY IN THE WORD
Playwright Horton Foote’s moving screenplay The Trip to Bountiful tells the story of an elderly Texas woman trapped in a small apartment in Houston with her son and his shrewish wife. The woman longs to return to her hometown of Bountiful in south Texas, just to see her family’s home once again and greet old friends before she dies. Forbidden to make the trip, she sneaks away and buys a bus ticket back to her old home, only to discover enroute that the last of her friends had just died and the town itself had disappeared, the victim of hard times. The woman’s childhood home was still standing, but it was abandoned and badly neglected.

We aren’t surprised if things go downhill when they are neglected over a period of decades. But the spiritual condition of Judah deteriorated to an incredible degree during the relatively short time that Nehemiah was away in Persia with King Artaxerxes (whom Nehemiah called the “king of Babylon” probably because the Persian empire included Babylon). Nehemiah was gone for about two years, and he couldn’t believe what he found on his return.

For one thing, Nehemiah discovered that the high priest Eliashib had allowed Israel’s deadly enemy Tobiah to move into the temple. That was bad enough, because Tobiah was an Ammonite, the people whom the Lord had decreed could not be admitted to the temple for worship, much less to live there! Nehemiah reacted angrily to this situation, which may have also been prompted by Tobiah’s marital connections in Judah.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the obvious lessons we can take with us from Ezra and Nehemiah is that if we would be more careful and diligent in disciplining ourselves, the Lord would not have to correct us as often or as severely. All of us have a particular area of our spiritual life that we tend to overlook or ignore. Do you know what is that area of weakness for you? Do you have some safeguards in place to make sure that this area is not neglected? If not, prayerfully seek to do so today, asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 13:15-31
Remember me . . . O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love. - Nehemiah 13:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Tough times demand tough measures and courageous faith. That’s another lesson we can take to heart from the example of Israel’s hard times when the exiles returned to the Holy Land after seventy years in captivity. Think about the situation that leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah faced. If you were standing amid the rubble of what used to be your nation’s capital city and glorious temple, and you knew full well why your people suffered this horrible judgment, as their leader you would certainly do anything necessary to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.

This helps explain Nehemiah’s startling reaction to the discovery that some men of Judah had married pagan women in clear violation of God’s Law (v. 25). Nehemiah’s distress and anger are understandable, because as we saw yesterday, much of the nation fell apart spiritually during his two-year return to report back to the king in Persia.

The closing verses of Nehemiah record the other necessary reforms he made. The Israelites who had taken foreign brides needed to have “some of their hair pulled out” (v. 25). Ezra had confronted the same problem years earlier, and the restored exiles should have known that this was one of the sins that led to Israel’s downfall.

Nehemiah must have wondered what in the world it would take for these people to “get the picture,” as we would say today. And in case you think Nehemiah was too harsh with the offenders, read John 2:12–17 which tells how Jesus cleansed the temple. Even His disciples were surprised at the Lord’s angry reaction to those who desecrated His Father’s house.

The people of Nehemiah’s day were also failing to keep the Sabbath, another violation of the Law that invited God’s judgment. Nehemiah could have done what Jesus did when he saw God’s house being dishonored, especially by Gentile merchants selling fish on the Sabbath (v. 16). But Nehemiah decided to lock the dealers out instead of driving them out.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do any of the lessons for tough times from the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, that we have talked about, stand out in your mind? This would be a good day to turn back to those studies and review what God is teaching you from His Word. Also, are there any application suggestions from previous Today Along the Way sections that you meant to act on but didn’t? If this is the case, review those sections also and commit to a step of faith, obedience, or correction God may want you to take.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 46:1-3; Isaiah 46:9-13
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last November, Britain’s Prince Charles was greeting a group of children during a visit to Riga, Latvia, when a young woman reached out from the crowd and slapped the prince across the face with a flower. Charles flinched and pulled back as police grabbed his assailant and took her away. The prince was unhurt and continued along the street speaking to bystanders.

The reason for this assault provides a perfect illustration of the complex and disturbing times in which we live. The woman told police she attacked Prince Charles to protest Britain’s role in the U.S.-led bombing of Afghanistan following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Think about that international tangle for a minute. A young person in a Baltic country was protesting a Western European nation’s involvement in a war that was provoked in the United States and was being fought in Central Asia. Our world is not only a smaller place than ever before, but a more confusing and dangerous place than ever before.

We are definitely in the middle of hard times as a nation and as God’s people. You’ll recall how quickly and almost frantically various religious and political leaders took the stage after September 11 to assure us that Islam was a religion of peace, and that the terrorists did not represent the vast majority of their people. Trying to prevent revenge attacks on our Muslim neighbors is a worthy goal, but this action calls for us to ignore differences and to strive for religious unity that threatens the truth of the gospel. It will take courage for Christians to lovingly but firmly “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Look at the “declaration of dependence” the writer of Hebrews made. It is based on the promise quoted above: “So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’ ’’ (Heb. 13:6). The psalmist expressed a similar thought: “Therefore we will not fear” (Ps. 46:2). It’s understandable that moments of fear will come in your life. But if your confidence is in the Lord, you can rise above the fear and discover a new level of trust. Ask God to help you keep your heart fixed on Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 6:33-7:8
I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! - Mark 9:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many children (and not a few adults) are afraid of the dark—or what might be lurking in the darkness. One four-year-old informed his mother that he had outgrown this fear, announcing, “Sometimes the dark is just the dark.” That night, though, as his mom tucked him in, he declared that he still wanted his nightlight on: “That way, I'll know for sure that the dark is just the dark!”

Gideon understood this desire to be sure that what we believe is really true. God had promised to be with him and that he would be the instrument of deliverance. But Gideon wanted to double check. Graciously, God assented to Gideon's requests and miraculously demonstrated that He would be faithful to His word.

In relating this account, the writer of Judges draws our attention to the increased hesitation to obey what God has said. In chapter one we had examples of Judah and Acsah seizing initiative and being blessed. In chapter four, Barak resisted the command to fight unless Deborah went with him. Now in chapter six, Gideon is repeatedly testing God to confirm that the Lord won't back out of the deal. Note that Gideon wasn't ignorant of the history of God's deliverance (6:13). But his fledgling faith needed some props.

After reassuring Gideon, the very next thing that God does is weaken him. At least no human military strategy would involve reducing one's forces from 32,000 to 300 troops to take on a foe who was as numerous as “sand on the seashore” (7:12). Gideon had tested God twice; now God reduces Gideon's forces twice. It seems that Gideon's faith wasn't shaken by this, as he readily complied with the command to release thousands of men from battle duty.

The key to this account is found in verse 2, as God says, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands.” This deliverance isn't about Israel's battle savvy, or the skill of the remaining 300 men, or even the faith of Gideon. It is all about God's work on their behalf. He uses weak, doubting instruments precisely to demonstrate His gracious strength.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have ever struggled with doubt, you are not alone. If you feel too weak to attempt any great acts of faith, you are not the first. We serve the same God who understood Gideon's desire for miraculous confirmation. He is the same Savior who accomplishes our deliverance from sin when we are helpless (see Eph. 2:8-9). The Lord told Paul, “My power is made perfect in weakness.” These words found in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 can encourage you in times of doubt and testing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Our citizenship is in heaven. - Philippians 3:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Biblical images of journeys and portraits of sojourners illustrate the life of faith, trust and dependence that has been an abiding feature of the people of God. This biblical motif captures important aspects of Israel’s earliest origins and disposition toward the world and serves as a basic paradigm for Christian existence.”

These words, from the entry for “Journey” in the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery,introduce our theme. This month we’ll be considering the journey of the Christian life–the theme of pilgrimage. Our purpose is to see our life’s big picture and to gain a sense of forward progress within God’s sovereign plan.

We’ll spend this first week looking at the nature of pilgrimage--its meanings and contexts. During the middle part of the month, which includes many biblical travel narratives, we’ll move on to specifics, including salvation and various struggles and joys of the journey. In the month’s final week, we’ll walk with Christ on His road to the Cross, and consider how we can follow in His steps.

Today’s reading develops a contrast that’s key for living as pilgrims. We are to live not as citizens of this world, but as citizens of heaven. The metaphor of citizenship had a special significance for the Philippians. They held Roman citizenship because their city was a Roman colony, even though it was actually in the province of Macedonia.

In the same way, believers live in the “City of Man” but are also citizens of the “City of God,” to use the words of Augustine. Unlike others, we’re friends of the Cross and should bear our own crosses gladly (cf. Luke 9:23–24). Our destiny lies in heaven, thanks to our glorious salvation in Christ. The center of our life is God, not self or our own desires. We seek His glory and live governed by His holiness. Our minds are set on things above (cf. Col. 3:1–3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To help launch your study of this month’s topic, we suggest that during your personal worship time today you sing several hymns. Find classic tunes on the theme of pilgrimage or the Christian journey, such as “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” and “Day by Day.”

Hymns like these reinforce Scriptural truths and prepare our hearts to receive them. As you sing, ask God to show you what He wants you to learn this month. You’re on a journey, and He is with you!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:8-16
They admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. - Hebrews 11:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
To continue setting the tone for our month’s study, consider what the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery says about “Pilgrimage”:

“[T]he image is a major one, encompassing some of the deepest meanings of what it means to be a follower and worshiper of God. . . . In both Testaments pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for the shape of the earthly life of anyone who is headed toward a heaven beyond this world. In all instances the image implies a journey to a sacred place, and both facets are important–the pilgrim is always a traveler, but a fixed and glorious goal is always the final destination that motivates the journey.”

Someone on a journey is just passing through. That’s why Scripture describes believers as “aliens and strangers on earth.” As we can see from today’s reading, the idea of being “aliens and strangers” is certainly central to the life of faith.

The term alienwould have resonated with the Jewish readers of this epistle, not only because the patriarchs had been sojourners in the Promised Land, but also because the door had always been open for aliens to worship with the covenant people (see Lev. 19:34). The related term exile references both Israel’s history and humanity’s Fall in the Garden of Eden.

What does it mean to be an alien or exile? Like Abraham, we live in “tents,” knowing that our permanent dwelling still lies ahead. With the eyes of faith, we’re looking for a “country of our own.” God Himself is designing and building a city for us (vv. 10, 16; cf. John 14:2).

If we wanted to turn back and pursue selfish desires, we could. But since we don’t belong to the world, we shouldn’t invest our lives in sinful things (cf. 1 Peter 2:11). They can never give us purpose or genuine joy. Instead, we should determine to live in a way that acknowledges our Creator and proclaims that we were made to be with Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To follow up on yesterday’s application, and as another way to dig into this month’s topic, today we recommend that you seek out more contemporary songs that speak of journey or pilgrimage. If you listen to Christian music, you may already have several ideas about where to start. If you’re not sure, two good songs are “Joy in the Journey” by Michael Card and “Road to Zion” by Petra. Through the years, committed Christians have always known they were on a journey to their true home!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10
We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. - 2 Corinthians 5:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a sermon given near the end of his life, D. L. Moody exulted in the hope of heaven:

“We say this is the land of the living! It is not. It is the land of the dying. What is our life here but a vapor? . . . But look at the other world. No death, no pain, no sorrow, no old age, no sickness, no bending forms, no dimmed eyes, no tears. But joy, peace, love, happiness. No gray hair. People all young. River of life for the healing of the nations, and everlasting life. Think of it! Life! Life! Life without end!”

Does your heart leap at these words? It’s because we’re longing for our true home: heaven. This is another of the foundational truths of pilgrimage.

The physical or temporal is mortal. Decay is the so-called “law of nature.” By contrast, what is spiritual is eternal. On the one hand, every day means another step closer to death, but on the other hand, we’re being renewed daily, so every day means another step closer to eternal life (4:16–18).

Our physical body is only an “earthly tent.” But our spiritual body will be a “building from God, an eternal house in heaven . . . a heavenly dwelling.” If you’ve picked up the idea that bodies are evil, it’s time to get rid of that notion! We’ll be spending eternity in a body, albeit a new and better one (cf. Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:42–44).

In the meantime, we groan, longing for our new bodies and a home in glory. Between the burdens of this life and our yearning for the next, we can hardly stand it. To be “at home in the body” means to be away from the Lord–and thus not to be at home at all! This is the way we should feel, for God made us for this very purpose (2 Cor. 5:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The sense of longing for a true. better home can also be seen in good Christian fiction, for example, The Last Battle, by C. S. Lewis. Consider reading (or re-reading) this novel sometime soon. It’s the conclusion of the seven-book Chronicles of Narnia series that describes how that world came to an end. But even as Narnia ends, the main characters find a new beginning and a higher reality. To find out more, read the book!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
American Olympic sprinter Wilma Rudolph was called “the fastest woman the world had ever seen,” but she didn’t start out that way. Born prematurely, she suffered as a child from numerous diseases, including scarlet fever and polio. At one point, doctors predicted that she would never walk again.

Rudolph overcame these childhood handicaps and captured three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. She won the 100- and 200-meter races--setting a new Olympic record in the first–as well as anchoring the victorious 4x100-meter relay team.

Wilma Rudolph would have understood perfectly the metaphor used by Paul in today’s reading. Faith is a race, a picture that captures the urgency of our Christian lives. We’re not to be sitting on our hands, running out the clock and waiting for heaven. Not at all! God has given us work to do. Like a race, pilgrimage is an all-out endeavor, requiring total surrender and commitment (cf. Heb. 12:1–3).

In his life and ministry, Paul focused on this essential truth, and consequently had the attitude that he would do whatever it took to attract others to the gospel of Christ. “Strict training” for the believer means that we should likewise discipline and direct our energy and efforts to pursuing godly goals in godly ways. It may be a sports cliché, but it’s still true--victory takes sacrifice.

Paul added a boxing metaphor to strengthen his point. A fighter aims to defeat his opponent–shadow-boxing is useless. In the same way, everything Paul did was calculated to win the race and to win others to Christ. He disciplined his body to serve spiritual ends.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As the comments on the Isthmian Games demonstrate, a knowledge of biblical culture and history enriches our reading of God’s Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 14:1-11
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most enduringly popular works of Christian literature in history has been The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan. This book has been translated into well over one hundred languages!

In the story, the main character, Christian, travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters people and places who symbolize dimensions and experiences of the Christian life. These include spots such as the Valley of Humiliation and Vanity Fair, and individuals such as Mr. Worldly Wiseman, the Giant Despair, Faithful, and Hopeful.

Bunyan’s allegory successfully portrays key features of the Christian life of pilgrimage, many of which are found in this month’s study.

Perhaps the most important truth about pilgrimage is that Jesus Himself is the way. Alongside talk of a strenuous race and a distant home, we read also His comforting words: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:30). Today’s reading begins: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (v. 1).

Interestingly, Jesus’ famous “I am the way” statement came in the context of a promise about heaven. He had been trying to explain to His disciples about His imminent death and resurrection, but they didn’t understand. When He mentioned the place He was going–meaning heaven–Thomas asked how to get there.

There’s only one way to heaven: Jesus Christ. Christianity is not one road among many equally valid ways. Believers in other religions are also on spiritual journeys, but those journeys are headed in wrong directions. They believe lies rather than truth. Sadly, these are not popular words in our age of tolerance and pluralism.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s devotion began with a mention of the Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan. Why not begin reading or re-reading this famous work? Inexpensive paperback editions are available at almost any bookstore, and the entire text can even be found as a free download at many Internet sites. Adaptations have also been written for younger readers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 139:1-24
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. - Psalm 139:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
After Jacob had deceived his father Isaac and stolen the birthright from his twin brother Esau, he had to flee for his life. Esau harbored murderous thoughts, so their mother Rebekah concocted a scheme in which Jacob was supposedly sent to look for a wife. But the fact was that he was on the run, lonely and probably frightened.

One night, on the road and sleeping out in the open, Jacob had a dream. He saw a stairway reaching from heaven to earth, with angels going up and down, and God above all. The Lord promised him: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go” (Gen. 28:10-22).

At Bethel, Jacob discovered an encouraging truth of pilgrimage: God is always there. Wherever we go, whether on or off the path of godliness, He is there and He is sovereign!

What does God know about us? Everything–our thoughts, words, and actions. Where can we hide? Nowhere. As Psalm 139 opens, this complete, intimate knowledge of us may seem a little overwhelming, even a little threatening. David couldn’t comprehend it either. But he warmed to the idea of God’s omnipresence as he went along, for it guaranteed constant guidance and protection (v. 10).

Omnipresence is a truth as vast as the universe, but also as private as a mother’s womb. Just as God is everywhere in space, so He’s everywhere in time (cf. Jer. 23:24). He was personally involved in David’s creation, and had written the story of his life before one day of it had come to be (v. 16). He’s done the same for each one of us! No wonder David finally called this attribute of God “precious.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You can create a greeting card using verses 9–10 in today’s Scripture reading: “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientists working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado, recently created the world’s most accurate clock. Called an “optical atomic clock,” it’s made of an oscillating laser, a mechanism called a “comb” that counts oscillations, with a single mercury atom as the point of reference.

The optical atomic clock “ticks” one quadrillion times per second. Research is ongoing, but this type of clock could be up to one thousand times more accurate than current atomic clocks. Such precise timekeeping might be applied in navigation, communication technology, and deep space exploration.

Time, no matter how it’s measured, is one of the inescapable realities of life. God ordained seasons in nature; He built them into the rhythm of life. There are seasons in our lives as well, and in God’s plan for history (cf. Dan. 2:21; Titus 1:2–3; 1 Peter 1:3–5).

Beginning with this simple observation, later on this month we’ll be exploring specific aspects of pilgrimage. We’ve given an overview and outlined key themes--now we’ll look at the journey of the Christian life in more detail.

The observation about times and seasons may be simple, but it’s important for keeping a sense of balance. Today’s reading sets forth a principle, then fleshes it out with contrasts. Some events are pivotal, such as birth and death, war and peace. Others describe basic emotions, such as love and hate, weeping and laughter. Still others highlight fundamental patterns of action, such as speaking or keeping silent, searching or giving up. These events, emotions, and actions are the stuff and substance of life, the threads of which it’s woven.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Getting hold of the truth that life has times and seasons can be one of the keys to inner peace and contentment.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 2:1-12
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. - Proverbs 8:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In T. S. Eliot’s poem, “Journey of the Magi,” one of the wise men recounts the difficult quest for the newborn king. It was winter, the villages they passed through were unfriendly and expensive, and many people thought their journey was foolish.

They persisted, however, and found the Christ-child. After their return, they realized that their journey had been spiritual as well as physical. Somehow, they had sensed Jesus’ future and His mission: “This Birth was / Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.” After this they didn’t feel at home in their own country: “We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, / But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, / With an alien people clutching their gods.”

For those who encounter Christ, the journey of life is transformed. This is where pilgrimage begins. Those who seek find, and those who find are forever changed.

The journey of the Magi is an archetypal quest story. Who were they? Probably Gentile scholars from Persia or even Babylon. What were they looking for? Their information was surprisingly specific. They knew the nation (Israel), the event (a birth), and its significance (a king). How did they know? They may have had access to Jewish books. By their own testimony, they’d read the news in the stars.

The rabbis that Herod consulted gave the wise men the last piece of the puzzle–the specific destination of Bethlehem. But none went with them to see if the promise of a Messiah had indeed been fulfilled. Only these dedicated foreigners followed the star to the house where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were. Their two-year search had finally come to an end!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To find the Christ-child, the Magi in Matthew’s Gospel followed a “star.” What was that star? If you’re curious, do some research today. Theologians and astronomers have proposed numerous theories, including a comet, a conjunction of planets, and a supernatural light. Check out sources at your local public or church library or on the Internet to reach your own conclusions. What would a scientist with a telescope have seen? Do you think the Magi were the only ones aware of the star’s significance? Why or why not?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 3:1-18
I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. - John 3:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Humanity has long dreamed of immortality. Scientist and science fiction writer Dr. Ben Bova argued in a recent book that we may be on the verge of achieving it.

Bova claims that advances in medicine and technology will greatly extend people’s lives: “There are men and women alive today who may well be able to live for centuries, perhaps even extend their lifespans indefinitely. For them, death will not be inevitable.” Accidents and other risk factors will still be around, but given a moderate lifestyle and scientific progress, Bova has great faith that death from old age “will become a thing of the past, a dark memory of primitive days.”

How pathetic. Dreaming of immortality, some people put their faith in that which can never satisfy. Only Christ gives to all who believe the gift of genuine eternal life. How does it begin? With spiritual rebirth.

The metaphor of being “born again” or “born from above” expresses the idea of total transformation. Salvation is not just a course correction, but a radical remaking (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). Being spiritually reborn and growing up in Christ (cf. Heb. 5:13–14) is a metaphor that parallels our month’s theme of journey or pilgrimage.

Though the Pharisees opposed Jesus, His message was getting through to some of them. Nicodemus believed that Jesus was from God because of His miracles, but he also wondered who this rabbi was (v. 2). Bet-ween the lines lay the question, “Has the kingdom of God arrived?”

Jesus cut straight to the chase, announcing that it had come and outlining the condition for entrance (v. 3). The rest of the passage mostly develops or explains the metaphor of rebirth, and one central point emerges. “Like” gives birth to “like”--spiritual life requires spiritual rebirth. Only the Holy Spirit can bring about such a miracle. We cannot do this for ourselves, any more than a baby can conceive itself. We need the Spirit’s wind to blow from outside (vv. 5–8)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The notion of being “born again,” of getting new life from Christ, is key to our understanding of God’s saving work.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 12:31-42; Psalm 106:6-12
He saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known. - Psalm 106:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
In March, 1849, Henry “Box” Brown mailed himself to freedom.

Born into slavery in Virginia, Brown was brought to Richmond to work in a tobacco factory. After his wife and children were sold to another owner and sent south, he vowed to escape. A friendly white shoemaker helped devise a plan to put him in a packing crate and mail him to a free state.

Brown entered the box with a little food and water, and a tool for boring air holes. Twenty-seven hours later, the “shipment” arrived at the Philadelphia office of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society and was unpacked by abolitionists. Brown is said to have emerged from the crate singing! Free at last!

As they left behind slavery in Egypt, the Israelites no doubt were also singing, “Free at last!” Their journey from slavery to freedom is one of the great journeys in all of Scripture, as well as a thematic parallel to salvation and the background of the Christian journey. After all, Christ came to set the captives free (cf. Isa. 42:6–7; 61:1; Rom. 8:21; Gal. 5:1).

God exercised His power against a mighty nation to liberate His people. Against all odds, they walked away from bondage, their arms filled with Egyptian plunder. God personally guided them with a pillar of cloud and fire. But don’t mistake

an epic beginning for a finished journey. The Israelites had a long way to go–even further spiritually than physically. Despite the miraculous start, they fell into idolatry, complaining, and faithlessness on many occasions. We can relate.

Psalm 106 surveys Jewish history, confessing national rebelliousness and praying for God’s mercy (v. 47). Liberating them from slavery and opening the Red Sea, God had shown His power and goodness. Israel’s mistake was to forget or ignore what they’d seen and known. Nonetheless, God had a plan for His name to be glorified and made known among the nations, so He’d faithfully rescued and guided them.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To augment both today’s topic and our month’s theme, we suggest that you read and meditate on Psalm 78 or 105, or the entirety of Psalm 106. These psalms praise God by reviewing the history of Israel. The writers looked back and saw the gracious, powerful hand of God working through past events. The nation was on an extended journey, and God was guiding their national destiny as surely and lovingly as He guides our own journeys down our individual roads.