TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:6-12:19
Everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. - 2 Corinthians 12:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Essayists James and Kate Williams reflected on humor and Christians: “The best humor, seen among both believers and unbelievers, is redemptive in orientation. . . . In an argument, humor can gently or uproariously sweep away the sinful battlements built by pride, which desires always to be taken seriously.”

In our passage, Paul pleaded with the church in Corinth and used sarcasm and pointed humor to sweep away their foolish pride. We can identify parallels between Elijah’s taunts designed to provoke the Israelites to choose God and Paul’s sarcastic rhetoric intended to prod the Corinthians to identify with Christ.

First, just as Ahab had originally labeled Elijah as the troublemaker, the Corinthians had treated Paul as a fool. This church found itself enthralled by false apostles who used the latest and greatest rhetorical techniques to convince the Corinthians that they had a “new and improved” gospel. Paul was depicted as a bumpkin, in part because he didn’t demand a fee for his preaching services (see 2 Cor. 11:1-15).

Second, like Elijah had done with Ahab, Paul understood that his beloved church had inverted reality. To shock them into recognizing their dangerous error, he declared, “You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise!” (11:19)—and then proceeded to outline exactly what their so-called wisdom looked like: they embraced preachers who manipulated, abused, and exploited them! In contrast, Paul loved them.

The charge that Paul was an unworthy apostle because he had not taken their money sounds absurd: “I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!” (12:13). The pointed edge of Paul’s cry should have prompted the Corinthians to realize that they were wrong, not Paul.

Paul did not use sarcasm in this letter to score rhetorical points with the Corinthians or to demonstrate his superiority and put them in their place. Rather, he longed for the Corinthians to see the truth of their situation so that they would stand strong for Christ (see 12:20-21). By exposing their folly, he wanted to renew their faith.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes someone we love embraces a lie and declares that it is truth. Our study yesterday and today can help us think about how to respond. We might need to use sarcasm to puncture the delusion and to provoke a return to reality.

But more importantly, like both Elijah and Paul, we must be willing to humble ourselves before God, and then seek the restoration of our loved one (see 2 Cor. 12:9-10, 19).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:43-51
You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel. - John 1:49
TODAY IN THE WORD
American television shows are frequently exported to other countries with subtitled dialogue. Some hospital-based comedies have encountered difficulty; American medical jargon doesn’t always have an equivalent, which makes the subtitles confusing and therefore not funny.

We might have a similar reaction to our passage. We miss some of the puns present in the original language, and the context is foreign to us. When we dig into this story, however, we see how Jesus used humor and gentle sarcasm to reveal the truth to Nathanael.

When Nathanael first heard the news about Jesus, he was unimpressed, based on Jesus’ town of origin: “Can anything good come from there?” (v. 46). Jesus knew Nathanael’s dismissive prejudice and accompanying self-importance. His first statement to Nathanael contains several layers of humor. First, He illustrated that not only was Nathanael eager to criticize others, he was also equally ready to accept credit for himself. Jesus seemingly gave Nathanael a compliment, and Nathanael responded, “How do you know me?” (v. 48)—in other words, Yep, that’s me, an upstanding Israelite!

The compliment itself contains a subtle sarcasm that doesn’t translate in English. It’s a play on the name of Jacob, or Israel. Jacob means, “deceiver,” and Jesus was saying in effect: “Here comes the first honest son of Deceit!” Jesus revealed the reality of Nathanael’s own origin and misplaced self-importance.

Next, Jesus informed Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree, often associated with a place where Jews would sit to study and reflect on Scripture. Nathanael, who just moments before had dismissed anyone from Nazareth, now enthusiastically declared, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (v. 49). Jesus’ words and tone convey the sense of, “Is that all it took to convince you—that I saw you under a tree? It’s going to get a lot more impressive than that!” Now Jesus revealed the truth about His own divine power and important mission ahead (v. 51).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Before his encounter with Jesus, Nathanael had a rigid view of who was good and who was not. Part of the grace Jesus extended to him was seeing who was truly good—Jesus, the Son of God. Do you suffer from the same problem as Nathanael? Do you write off people because they’re from the wrong side of the tracks, wrong denomination, or wrong age group? Do you eagerly take credit for your own piety? Ask the Lord to adjust your perspective so that your focus is on His goodness and grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philemon 1-25
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever heard anyone start off a complaint: “I’m not going to complain, but . . .”? Or deliver a piece of news about someone by saying, “I’m not naming names, but . . .”? In our passage, Paul deploys a similar rhetorical technique in his comments to Philemon. Paul used this gentle sarcasm in order to restore a fractured relationship and highlight that spiritual obligations trump legal ones.

Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who had run away (vv. 1-2, 15-16). Onesimus had encountered Paul and embraced the gospel. Paul was now sending him back to fulfill his obligation to Philemon, and Paul wrote this letter to help explain the situation to Philemon and also to smooth possible tensions.

While Paul believed that Onesimus had a responsibility to return, he also subtly undermined the master-slave dynamic. First, he noted his wish that Onesimus could stay with him, for he had been helpful and Paul loved him (vv. 11-13). Paul hinted that perhaps as a favor to him, Philemon would release Onesimus to return to Paul, freed from his slave obligations (v. 14). Second, Paul acknowledged the legal reality of master-slave relationships but noted that Onesimus had become “better than a slave—as a dear brother” (v. 16). He appealed to Philemon’s own status in Christ to position Onesimus as a “brother in the Lord.” The spiritual relationship was more important than the legal one.

Third, Paul knew that financial restitution might be in order, and he asked Philemon to send any bill to him. In case Philemon was tempted to be too angry or harsh in reclaiming his debt, Paul gently reminded Philemon of his own spiritual debt to Paul. He said in effect, “I won’t even mention the fact that you owe me your entire life!” (v. 19). Note the number of requests that Paul made of Philemon in verses 20 through 22. Philemon might have had a legal claim over Onesimus, but Paul had a spiritual claim over him in the Lord—a much stronger basis for his decision about treating his slave and new brother in Christ.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you identify with Onesimus, struggling with a difficult boss or shirking a responsibility. As a follower of Jesus, your responsibility is to render honest service and make restitution as necessary. Perhaps you identify with Philemon, demanding your rights and repayment without regard for the spiritual reality and relationships. As a believer, our spiritual obligations trump our legal privileges. Our Savior has provided us with the ultimate generosity, grace, and forgiveness; and His Spirit empowers us to offer that to others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Job 38:1-21; 42:1-3
Who are you, O man, to talk back to God? - Romans 9:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
As a young teenager, Ashley believed she was fat, ugly, and worthless, and she developed anorexia. She recorded in her journal, “Has God given up on me? . . . Why did God make me like this?” At a Christian camp, a counselor told Ashley how to view herself as wonderfully made by God, and she embraced Christ and began to submit her eating to the Lord. Instead of questioning God, she now praises Him for His work in her life.

We all have moments when our hearts cry out, “Why, God? What are You doing?” Jesus himself cried on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46; cf. Ps. 22:1). The book of Job provides one of God’s longest answers to this plea.

Our passage follows Job’s suffering and the vastly unhelpful speeches of his friends. In chapter 9, Job acknowledged the challenge of bringing his complaint before God: “Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing. He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason” (9:16-17; see Job 9:1-10:22).

God did respond, and in Job 38 through 41, He referred back to Job’s earlier laments (see 9:9; 38:31), demonstrating that He had heard Job’s cries. Ultimately, though, God answered Job by saying, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (38:4). Or, When you create your own world, get back to me with your questions! In comparison to the eternal Creator of the world, Job didn’t have much life experience, as God sarcastically noted: “Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!” (38:21).

What do we make of this response to Job’s pain? First, God didn’t give Job an explanation, but He did provide a context for prayer: God is God, and we are not. But though He is the all-powerful Creator, He also has compassion. Unlike Job’s assumption, God did not crush him or multiply his wounds. Rather, He restored his wealth and relationships. Even in the darkest trial, He is still full of compassion (see Lam. 3:22).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We cannot command God to stoop to our demands and give an account of Himself. But we can bring our pain and problems before Him in submission to His perfect plan. God doesn’t promise us answers, but He does promise His unending love, compassion, faithfulness, and salvation. To remind yourself of our great and good God, sing the beautiful hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” as part of your devotional time. Even in our darkest sorrow, “morning by morning, new mercies” we see from His loving hand.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 22:1-35
God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. - 1 Corinthians 1:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
The popular 1960s television show, Mister Ed, featured a horse who could talk. But Mister Ed would only talk to his owner, often putting the long-suffering Wilbur in embarrassing situations. A talking animal in Scripture also embarrassed her owner. The story of Balaam and his donkey will begin several days of looking at comic characters in the Bible.

The Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, and their numbers threatened the Moabites. Their king sent emissaries to Balaam to ask him to cast an evil spell on Israel. Balaam was a spiritual hired gun—willing to bless or curse for a fee. And Balak was offering quite a hefty payment! (v. 17).

Balaam had access to hear a word from God, but he was unwilling to obey what he had heard. His repeated attempts to “find out what else the Lord” would say—after God had clearly told him not to go with Balak’s men—angered God (vv. 19, 22). Balaam knew that his power was constrained by God, but he really wanted to find out a way to get the wealth offered by the Moabite king (see 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11).

Balaam wouldn’t listen to God, so the Lord put him in the position of listening to a donkey. First, his donkey charged off into a field, then she crushed him against a wall, and finally she just lay down in the middle of the path. Balaam, the powerful sorcerer, was being completely humiliated by this animal (v. 29)! And then, the donkey opened her mouth and spoke to Balaam; her words of truth challenged his actions and attitude. In case he had any doubt about who was actually in the right, he or his donkey, the angel of the Lord made it perfectly clear (v. 33).

Balaam thought he was wise; his donkey proved him a fool. He wanted great wealth; he received the wages of sin (see Josh. 13:22). He was willing to curse Israel; God turned his words into blessing (see Numbers 23-24).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Each of us has access to hear the word of the Lord today, through reading and studying Scripture. For us, like Balaam, the question is whether we will obey what we have heard. What distractions or temptations challenge your obedience? For Balaam it was a love of money; for us it might be a desire for an inappropriate relationship, a selfish use of our time, or reluctance to give up a habit. Rather than acting like spiritual fools, let’s resolve to obey the word the Lord has given.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 3:12-30
You, O Lord, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations. - Psalm 59:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Alfred North Whitehead declared that the Old Testament didn’t contain anything funny: “The total absence of humour from the Bible is one of the most singular things in all of literature.” Given our story today, one doubts that Whitehead read much of the book of Judges!

Our passage opens with Israel again doing evil and the Lord delivering them into the hands of Eglon, the king of Moab. After eighteen years, God provided a deliverer, Ehud from the tribe of Benjamin (see 20:16). God wasn’t satisfied with just a boring, ho-hum mode of deliverance. Instead, He used Ehud for one of the funniest overthrows of an oppressor recorded in Scripture.

The plot to assassinate Eglon included Ehud leading a group to bring tribute to the king. Presumably the Moabite guards checked the Israelites for weapons, but since Ehud had strapped his sword to the right thigh instead of the customary left, it went undetected. After the presentation of tribute, Ehud offered a secret message to Eglon. The Hebrew word for “message” here, dvar, can refer either to a word or a thing. Ehud had a secret dvar from God for Eglon, all right—only it was message by sword (cf. Heb. 4:12).

The story contains details that demonstrate God’s mockery of Eglon and his power. His name means “young bull,” but instead, he became like a fatted calf slaughtered to deliver Israel. His immense girth became instrumental in his demise (v. 22).

As attendants waited, the stench of Eglon’s eviscerated intestines wafted out. Assuming that the king must be relieving himself, his servants stayed outside the door to give him privacy. Not only was it embarrassing that the king was engaged in his toilet . . . but it was taking a really long time (v. 25). Not content to simply remove King Eglon from the scene, God allowed him to suffer humiliation even in the eyes of his own attendants. While Eglon lay dead, Ehud escaped and rallied the Israelite troops. God had defeated Eglon, and now it was their turn to flush the Moabite troops from stronghold into subjection (vv. 28-30).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God is not impressed by the power of petty dictators, the clout of criminals, or the strongholds of Satan. He will have the final victory and exercise judgment—sometimes with a hilarious dose of humiliation—over all of them. Do we cower when we should rally? Do we give evil more credit than it deserves? The story of Eglon should remind us that our Father is in control, and He laughs at evildoers. No matter what we are going through, God can provide deliverance.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 3:9-4:17
I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I am has sent me to you. - Exodus 3:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
The phrase, It’s not you—it’s me, has been used to end countless relationships. Today we’ll see God repeat, It’s not about you—it’s about Me, to start a relationship with Moses.

As the story begins, we know three facts: Moses identified with his people (see 2:11); he knew about God (3:6); and God shared his concern about Egyptian oppression of the Israelites (3:7). Here God dramatically and miraculously revealed Himself to Moses. God had a mission: rescue the people of Israel. He had an end: lead them to a wonderful land. He had a means: Moses.

This should have been exactly what Moses wanted! But he was less than enthusiastic. And thus began a dialogue between Moses and God: “Who am I?” (v. 11). God replied, “I will be with you”; in other words, It’s not about you, Moses. It’s about Me. Moses asked, “What if they ask me for your name?” God replied, “I am has sent you”; It’s not about you, Moses. It’s about Me. God connected His name with His promises and His very character, and He even added signs to provide additional assurance (vv. 14-22).

It’s like the Lord Almighty leading a pep rally for the greatest deliverance in history—and the star player still refuses to take the field. Moses protested, “What if they don’t believe me?” God gave him three signs to verify the mission and messenger. Undeterred, Moses complained, “I can’t speak!” God reminded him, “I made your mouth, and I will help you”; It’s not about you, Moses! It’s about Me! Surely Moses had run out of excuses! And he had. He finally got to the truth: “Please send someone else.” Moses had the opportunity to be the spokesman for Creator God, to overthrow the yoke of the most powerful ruler in the world, to lead his people to a beautiful land. And he didn’t want it.

God had patiently met each objection, but finally He was angry. If Moses was unwilling to let God be enough, then he could deal with his brother.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Bible teacher Beth Moore has said, “God is going to do things His way, or He’ll do things His way! The question is how much time we want to waste kicking and screaming in between.” It’s not about our objections or our limitations. It’s all about God. It’s His call, His provision, His goal, His assurance, His promises, and His character. How foolish to resist an offer to participate in any mission with such a God. If He is for us, who can be against us?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 32:1-35
I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf. - Exodus 32:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
When called to come for dinner, three-year-old Cole immediately declared, “I can’t! I don’t have a mouth!” Four-year-old Drew was told to pick up his toys. Without missing a beat he noted: “But the dinosaur in the toy box will eat me!” When preschoolers tell a big whopper of a lie, it can be a humorous attempt to avoid mealtime or chores. They need to be taught that such extravagant excuses don’t exempt them from the consequences of disobedience.

In our passage today, Aaron—a grown man!—delivers an even bigger lie. This story, while containing some of the funniest moments in Scripture, also reveals the deadly consequences of defying divine instructions.

While Moses was on the mountain meeting with the Lord, the Israelites grew tired of waiting. They asked Aaron to make some gods to lead them, since “as for this fellow Moses . . . we don’t know what has happened to him” (v. 1). There’s no record that Aaron made the slightest protest at this demand. Instead, he gathered their gold and shaped it into a calf; Scripture notes the care and intentional craftsmanship of Aaron (v. 4). Then he declared that this idol had delivered Israel from Egypt, he built an altar, and he initiated a festival of worship and celebration of the golden calf!

When Moses returned to the camp, he angrily confronted his brother: “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?” (v. 21). Aaron recounted what happened, and all the details were correct . . . until he announced that he threw the gold into the fire and—vóila! Out came this calf! God had already told Moses what had happened, but Aaron still didn’t admit his full complicity in the idolatry (v. 8).

Note God’s reaction to this sin. He angrily called them “your people” and offered to destroy them and start over to make a great nation from Moses (v. 10). But Moses had learned the lesson from the burning bush: he knew it was really all about God. The people were a laughingstock (v. 25)—but they were God’s people. His character and reputation and promises were at stake.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
None of us enjoy being confronted about our sin. Aaron illustrates the wrong way to respond; excuses or outright lies make us look absurd. Besides, God knows the truth anyway. Instead, when brought face to face with our sin, we should follow the example of David (see 2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51). Acknowledge the truth about our transgression, repent before God, and seek a restored relationship. God doesn’t promise to spare us from consequences, but He does promise forgiveness. He will not violate His own character.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 6:11-40
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. - Zechariah 4:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
In November 2006, a 9-year-old girl in Las Vegas ran out into a busy boulevard and was hit by a Cadillac. A group of homeless men were sitting and drinking across the street when one of them, a one-eyed alcoholic named Stanford, saw the little girl trapped under the car. The men ran over and miraculously lifted the 5,000-pound car, saving the girl’s life. Even the police spokesman called the rescue “incredible.”

From what we know about Gideon, his selection to be the deliverer of Israel was equally incredible. In his first appearance in Scripture, he was hiding in a winepress to keep his wheat a secret from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord appeared and addressed him as a “mighty warrior”—hardly the address we would expect given Gideon’s location and actions (v. 12).

Gideon’s response didn’t sound very mighty. Essentially he asked, “Where is God?” Given the situation of God’s people, there didn’t seem to be much evidence of God’s presence. The Lord responded to both issues implied in the question. First, He was selecting Gideon to deliver the people. Second, as to His whereabouts, He was right there, present with Gideon (v. 14). But Gideon was locked into his defeated viewpoint. He didn’t even recognize the Lord, complaining, “I can’t do it! My clan is weak! I’m weak!” Notice that this wasn’t untrue from a human perspective. But God was offering Gideon a divine perspective.

Gideon did finally recognize, worship, and obey God—but he was still plagued by fear (vv. 22, 24, 27). When the men of the town threatened him for destroying their idolatrous altars, Gideon’s father defended him—and included a subtle mockery of Baal (v. 31). Gideon had obeyed, however tentatively, and God’s Spirit came upon him to empower him for his calling (v. 34). The Lord remained patient with Gideon as he requested yet additional confirmation that God’s promised deliverance would come. Whether Gideon believed it himself, God would use him to be a mighty warrior in a legendary defeat of Midian.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What do you believe as truth about yourself? Do you think too highly of yourself, falling into the trap of the Pharisees? Or do you think you’re too weak, too young or old, or too limited in some way to be effective? God determines the truth about us. Begin with the truth about your creation in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). Then remember your identity in Christ as a redeemed, loved child of God (Rom. 1:7). And finally, remember that the Holy Spirit fills and equips us for what He has called us to do (Eph. 2:10).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jonah 3:1-4:10
The Lord replied, “Have you any right to be angry?” - Jonah 4:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Assyrian empire was one of the most brutal regimes in human history. As one scholar catalogued their cruelty, the Assyrians made pyramids of human heads, left bodies to rot and be ravaged by dogs outside the city gates, and impaled women and children around the city walls when they conquered an area. They were perhaps best known for showing no mercy to their opponents, whether king or infant. The Assyrians had oppressed Israel for decades, finally causing the defeat of the Northern Kingdom in 722 B.C. (see 2 Kings 15-19). Nineveh was their capital, and Jonah had been sent by God to preach there.

Our passage today starts after Jonah’s famous encounter with the great fish. God told Jonah again, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you” (3:2). Jonah finally obeyed, and his worst nightmare came true: his mission was successful. Nineveh repented, and God relented. Jonah was furious (4:1). His complaint was rooted in the very gracious and loving character of God. The irony is that Jonah had experienced God’s mercy firsthand when he was delivered from the fish, but he was unwilling for his enemies to participate in redemption.

So Jonah pouted. His huffing and puffing is comical in itself, and it’s even more ridiculous given the situation. God gave Jonah an object lesson in compassion, first providing him with a vine for shade and then taking it away. Upon the loss of the vine, Jonah declared that he wanted to die (v. 8). For the second time, God challenged Jonah’s right to be angry, noting that Jonah had more concern about the life of a vine than about an entire city of people created by God. Ultimately, Jonah was concerned only for himself.

Jonah thought that God’s mercy toward the Assyrians was foolish, though he himself had benefited from God’s deliverance. God revealed that Jonah’s resistance to grace demonstrated true foolishness and that His abundant, lavish, incomprehensible love could pour out on anyone who would call on His name.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In his book, And God Created Laughter, Conrad Hyers observes: “When we look at the figure of Jonah, his self-centeredness and narrow-mindedness, his extreme behavior, his self-contradictions, we laugh at him, and, as we laugh, realize that we are laughing at ourselves.” Jonah challenges us to follow Christ’s command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44). Will we rejoice when a sinner comes to salvation? Or will we pout when our enemies enjoy God’s redemption and blessing?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7
God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. - Genesis 21:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
The highlight of the Hudson family reunion in North Carolina occurs after the casseroles and pies have been eaten. That’s when the older generation of cousins pull out worn photo albums and sit telling stories about their childhood in the rural foothills. Lots of laughter and knee-slapping ensues as they tell about the time six-year-old Ida wanted to baptize the cats, when little Clyde tried to scare away his older sister’s boyfriend, or when Uncle Elmer would organize all the kids to play baseball.

In our reading today, Sarah understood the bond of laughter in a more profound way than most people. The Lord had promised Abraham that he would become a great nation, but thus far all that had happened was Sarah’s ill-fated plan for Abraham to have a son with her servant Hagar. At this point, Sarah and Abraham were both old and “worn out” (18:12). When she heard the Lord say that within a year she would have a son, Sarah laughed at the preposterous notion.

Her laughter didn’t go unchallenged by the Lord. Although she denied it, He knew both that she did laugh and why she laughed. In response, He repeated the promise that she would bear a son within the year—for “is anything too hard for the Lord?” (18:13). God was gracious and faithful and true; He “did for Sarah what he had promised” (21:1). He always fulfills His promises in His way and at His time.

Abraham named his son Isaac, which means “laughter.” What a perfect name for this child! When his impending conception was announced, his mother laughed at the hilarious impossibility of the idea. Later, as she held her infant, Sarah could testify, “God has brought me laughter”—meaning both her son Isaac, who was “laughter,” and the laughter of great joy—“and everyone who hears this will laugh with me” (21:6). The birth of this child was a reason to laugh: laughing with delight at the mystery and power of God’s ways, laughing with remembrance of Sarah’s doubt, and laughing with joy at the presence of a baby boy.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sharing laughter with our family and friends is a great way to remember how God has worked in our lives. Spend some time with loved ones exchanging stories about the funny things your kids did when they were little. Have coffee with a friend and laugh together about the funny outfits you used to wear years ago. Share with your Sunday school class or Bible study group a way that God worked in your life that filled you with amazement and delight. Let’s laugh together as we rejoice in what God has done!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 8:1-15
I am the Lord, and there is no other. - Isaiah 45:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
On November 30, 2009, a man in Kingsport, Tennessee, went to Krispy Kreme and ordered a doughnut for $1.49—which he paid for with a $100 bill. Suspicious employees called the police, who confirmed that the bill was counterfeit and arrested the man. As it turned out, his wife had been arrested the week before for the same crime.

We might understand the impulse to counterfeit money, even though it’s illegal. In today’s story, however, we see Pharaoh’s magicians duplicating something unpleasant, which served only to magnify the plagues God had sent upon them. Like a classic screwball comedy, the magicians thought they were standing up to Moses and his God, when in fact they were only hurting the Egyptians and making themselves look foolish.

Today’s passage introduces the third attempt by the sorcerers of Egypt to replicate a miraculous plague from God. In chapter 7, they turned their staffs into snakes—which were promptly devoured by Aaron’s staff-turned-snake. They also turned water into blood, as the Lord had done. A week later, Moses again confronted Pharaoh with an ultimatum from God: “Let my people go. . . . If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs” (vv. 1-2).

Pharaoh refused. God sent frogs. To be sure we understand how completely the frogs overran Egypt, Scripture paints the picture of frogs on the bed and frogs in the oven. The frogs even jumped into their food while they tried to cook (v. 3). From Pharaoh to peasant, the land and the people were covered with frogs.

The sorcerers of Egypt appeared. And to prove their power they brought still more frogs on the land (v. 7)—the last thing Egypt needed at that moment! Even Pharaoh seemed to understand the limited helpfulness of his own magicians; when he asked for relief from the plague of frogs, he beseeched Moses and Aaron to intercede before God rather than request the magic of Egypt. The sorcerers could only produce counterfeit power. They could not deliver the land from the plague.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do we ever settle for a spiritual counterfeit rather than seek the blessing and power of God? Spiritual counterfeits include trusting in your own goodness rather than the person and work of Jesus Christ, seeking an emotional experience rather than a spiritual transformation, or focusing on the good gifts rather than on God the Giver. “There is no one like the Lord our God” (v. 10)—we should trust, worship, and praise Him alone!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 5:1-12
You shall have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
The ark of the covenant was the most sacred part of Israel’s identity. It had been crafted according to the precise instructions given by God (see Ex. 25:1-22; 37:1-9), and the glory of God’s presence rested above the atonement cover (see Lev. 16:2; Num. 7:89). Through His presence over the ark, God led His people; it represented His power, protection, guidance, and holiness. Most importantly, it embodied Israel’s relationship to God, their identity as His people.

But by the time of our passage, the Israelites had come to view the ark as little more than a lucky charm, a totem they could trot on to the battlefield whenever they wanted success (1 Sam. 4:1-11). God’s power and presence can never be treated like a rabbit’s foot. The Israelites were routed in battle, and the Philistines captured the ark.

This hardly seems like the setup for a funny story! But in the middle of these dark days for Israel, God had a joke to play on the false gods of the Philistines and a lesson to teach about divine power. Pleased with their victory, the Philistines installed the ark of God in the temple of their god, Dagon. Capturing an enemy’s god was considered proof that the god of the victorious nation was superior.

But the next morning, Dagon—supposedly triumphant on the battlefield—was found lying facedown before the ark! Scripture makes sure we don’t miss the humorous fact that Dagon couldn’t even pick himself back up—his priests had to stand him in his place. The next day things got worse for Dagon. The idol was found facedown before the ark, with his head and hands broken off.

The Lord wasn’t done making his point about the powerlessness of idols. The Philistines became afflicted with tumors, sometimes translated as tumors in the groin. The location is significant—Dagon was a Baal or fertility god. These tumors were a further demonstration of Dagon’s complete failure as a god. The Philistines now couldn’t wait to send the ark of the Lord back to Israel.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Israelites believed that God was powerful but thought they could manipulate that power in whatever way they chose. The Philistines believed God was powerless and thought they could make Him subservient to their own idolatrous agenda. Ultimately, both thought they could dictate terms to God. We who have access to the throne of grace must never presume to manipulate or minimize God. He is our loving Father and also the Holy Judge, the almighty Creator, and the Alpha and Omega.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. - Luke 1:68
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bill Lear, founder of the Lear Jet Corporation, named his daughter Shanda. The actor Rob Morrow gave his daughter the name Tu. And the daughter of the former governor of Texas had the name Ima Hogg. Our passage today includes questions about what to name a baby. This beautiful, humorous story also underscores God’s great work of provision and delight.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were from the priestly line of Aaron, and they were obedient to God (v. 6). Yet they had both grown old without the blessing of children. As Zechariah fulfilled his priestly duty (likely the only time in his life that he would have been selected to offer incense), the angel Gabriel appeared to him with a promise.

Look at God’s tenderness revealed in this extended announcement: Zechariah and Elizabeth were to have a son, and he would be a joy and delight to them. But not just to them—many would rejoice because of him. Notice all the specifics Zechariah is told about his life and ministry (vv. 14-17). Elizabeth and Zechariah were old and unlikely to see their son’s adulthood, so God gave them the comfort of knowing their son’s future even before he was born.

After this, Zechariah replied, “How can I be sure?” After all, Lord, we’re really old! Gabriel’s response says, You just heard a message directly from Gabriel, an angel from the presence of God—and you still want a sign? Zechariah got a sign—he was struck mute.

God was faithful to His promise; Elizabeth had a son, and her friends and relatives were overjoyed for her (v. 58). One can imagine the well-meaning family members, so confident that tradition would be followed and the infant would be given a family name. Elizabeth announced that the name would in fact be John. When the family protested, they asked Zechariah, who wrote clearly: “His name is John” (v. 63). Immediately he regained his speech, and his first words after months of silence were filled with praise to God.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How do we respond to God’s promises in our lives? Do we detail all the problems and objections? Or do we give Him praise and glory? In your prayer time today, pray through the words of Zechariah in verses 68 through 79. As you pray, note all the attributes of God’s character and work that are praised. You might even want to keep a list of these attributes and compose your own prayers of praise. This also provides a helpful pattern for praising God for His works of mercy and provision in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 12:1-19
O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? - Psalm 71:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Waiting for Godot, the play by Samuel Beckett, two characters wait for Godot to arrive. Day after day, they anticipate his coming, and day after day he does not appear. The play ends with frustrated anticipation—they will return the next day, but the audience has the distinct unease that Godot will not show up.

In contrast, our story today depicts a group who hopes for someone to show up, but when he does, they don’t believe it’s really him!

King Herod realized that his popularity rating went up when he persecuted the followers of Jesus. He had executed James and intended to kill Peter after Passover. In response, “the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (v. 5). The night before the trial, an angel of God appeared to Peter and miraculously delivered him from Herod’s maximum-security prison.

We’ve seen dramatic announcements by the Lord or an angelic messenger several times in our study this month. Unlike others, though, Peter didn’t question or object. He first thought he was having a vision; when he was outside the prison walls alone, he realized that his body—not just his mind—had been freed (v. 11). He immediately went to the house of Mary, where he knew the church would be gathered to pray.

What follows is one of the great comic moments in the book of Acts. The servant girl, Rhoda, recognized Peter’s voice—but was so excited that she forgot to open the door! When she told the believers that their prayers were answered, they first accused her of being delusional and then concluded that perhaps Peter’s ghost was there following his execution.

Peter, who had just escaped from Herod’s prison, can’t get anyone to let him into Mary’s house! He continued knocking, and finally those assembled must have decided that either a ghost wouldn’t knock that loudly or that they couldn’t all be hearing things. They opened the door to find Peter standing there, their prayers answered in a way they had barely believed possible.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Zechariah prayed for years before God granted his request. Today we saw the church praying for Peter’s release, and their request was granted before their prayer meeting had even finished. We don’t know when God will resolve our requests or grant our petitions. We do know that His timing is perfect. He loves His people, and He hears the prayers of the righteous. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6; see Eph. 6:18).