TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 8:42-48
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. - Luke 4:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
My mood has become as hard as my surroundings and as lifeless and empty. It seems nothing can move me. . . . I realize the isolation, pain and heartache that must grip so many other women that live here—all of us seeing the same scene day after day. “Here” for poet Rhonda Leland is Valley State Prison for Women in central California, and her experience is shared by “many other women” who live imprisoned physically, spiritually, and socially.

We meet one such woman in Luke 8. She lived in a particular kind of prison, since she suffered from chronic bleeding for 12 years. In first-century Palestine, this meant that she was “unclean,” and like the leprous man from yesterday’s reading, she was cut off from society spiritually, socially, and economically.

Picture Jesus and His disciples walking through the streets of the town, surrounded by such a large crowd that Jesus was nearly crushed (v. 42). Luke points out one unnamed woman from among the multitude. Her condition elicits our compassion: continuous, incurable hemorrhaging (v. 43). Like the leprous man, she seemed to recognize Jesus’ power. Perhaps the news of Him had spread. Unlike the leprous man, the woman tried to remain incognito—but not for long. Her courageous touch of Jesus’ cloak healed her immediately, and Jesus knew power had left Him (vv. 44, 46).

Jesus is more than a magic healer. He is the long-awaited King and Savior of the whole world. By asking the woman to identify herself, Jesus invited her into a personal encounter with Himself. Though no one answered, and Peter thought the question wholly nonsensical, Jesus persisted. Compelled by fear and faith, the woman fell at Jesus’ feet and disclosed her identity and intentions (v. 47). Jesus’ response proclaimed freedom for the imprisoned woman (v. 48; Luke 4:18). The woman once unnamed is now called “Daughter.” Jesus not only healed her body, but He also brought her back into the community of God and into relationship with Him. He turns her “isolation, pain, and heartache” into true freedom and peace.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you have eyes like Peter or like Jesus? In the crowds surrounding you—family, coworkers, neighbors, church community, friends, and even strangers—there are people suffering in their own kinds of prisons. Ask God to open your eyes to see them. Invite the Holy Spirit to minister to them through you, to show you how to proclaim the freedom of Christ into their lives. One idea is to invite a friend to study the Gospel of Luke with you. The John MacArthur Luke Bible study guide is a great resource.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 13:10-17
He has sent me . . . to release the oppressed. - Luke 4:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus can be found in the places to worship God, whether temple or synagogue. In today’s passage, we see Him again teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath (v. 10). As we’ve seen the past few days, Jesus carried out His promise to release the oppressed and once more faced opposition.

The first person introduced in the congregation was likely the most marginalized: a disabled woman (v. 11). Her physical condition, “crippled,” also describes her social and spiritual position. Jesus saw this woman who was usually invisible to others; He invited her to Himself. As with the leprous man and the bleeding woman, Jesus’ touch brought healing.

Notice that Jesus said, “You are set free from your infirmity” (v. 12). Liberation is not the typical way to express physical healing. Yet Luke has already told us that the woman was “crippled by a spirit,” and Jesus confirmed that she was under satanic bondage (v. 16). Luke makes a connection between this instance of physical infirmity and the influence of Satan. For this woman, physical healing could not be separated from her spiritual freedom. When she was healed and set free, her physical and spiritual postures transformed instantly (v. 13).

One job of the synagogue ruler was to maintain faithfulness to the Mosaic Law in the teaching and actions in the synagogue. According to this person, Jesus violated Deuteronomy 5:13. In front of the assembly, he challenged Jesus’ authority to heal. But Jesus is Lord, full of all power and authority in heaven and on earth (v. 15). In response to this charge, Jesus shamed His opponents and confirmed His authority to interpret the Law and fulfill God’s redemptive purposes (vv. 15-17). As He argued: If you can free an animal on the Sabbath, how much more a “daughter of Abraham”? Jesus emphasized her inclusion in the community of God. If you can liberate an animal bound for a few hours, how much more this woman bound by Satan for 18 years! Jesus made clear that God’s purposes are to release the oppressed, and it is a misinterpretation of the Law to deny salvation on the Sabbath.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus challenged the practices and power structures of His day. Like Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace; like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Corrie ten Boom who resisted Nazi decrees; like John Perkins who withstood segregation, throughout history God’s people have been known for courageously opposing laws, systems, and power brokers that did not comport with God’s purposes in the world. If you need encouragement to stand for the Lord in the face of injustice, read a biography of one of these brave Christians.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 25:31-46
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans 12:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Luke and Doris Musumba thumbed through the Schneider family guestbook, where the pages revealed their German hosts’ constant care for visitors. The Musumbas are Kenyan missionaries, and the Schneiders are friends who built a small apartment in their home to host Christian workers and allow them to restore their energies. Today we turn our attention toward the New Testament’s teaching on how generosity includes care for the vulnerable, a principle embodied in the Schneider family.

Jesus referred to Himself in our text today as “the Son of Man” (see Dan. 7:13-14). The connection with Daniel 7 is intentional: Jesus’ glory is mentioned twice; “all the nations” are gathered before Him; He sits on His throne as sovereign King with all authority as final judge (vv. 31-34).

As the King and Judge, Jesus separates the crowd into two groups. The first is called blessed by the Father, heirs of God, and righteous (vv. 34, 37). Jesus invites them to receive the kingdom prepared for them. “For” indicates the reason for this particular judgment: they provided food, drink, shelter, and clothing for Him, they cared for Him when He was sick, and they visited Him in prison (vv. 35-36). The people are perplexed (vv. 37-39), so Jesus explains clearly: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (v. 40).

Bible scholars suggest Jesus is not referring to care of the poor, sick, and imprisoned generally (though that care is consistent with broader biblical values). Rather, the “brothers” are Jesus’ disciples, messengers of His gospel (cf. Matt. 12:50; 28:10). His disciples faced great need for hospitality as they traveled to spread the good news. They experienced sickness (Phil. 2:27-30) and even imprisonment.

Gospel messengers are Jesus’ representatives. How they are received illustrates how Jesus is embraced (cf. 10:40). Jesus continued this logic toward those on His left (v. 45). Those who ignore or reject His messengers on this side of the Day of Judgment reject Him, with eternal consequences.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus’ messengers today include vocational ministers and missionaries. Many vocational “messengers” still depend on the hospitality and care of others. This month, learn more about the local and global missionaries that your church partners through prayer and financial support. Consider how you might serve them. Some ideas include hosting missionaries on furlough, meeting practical needs for their family or ministry, and sending them notes or e-mails of encouragement.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. - 2 Corinthians 9:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
First-century Corinth was known for its wealth, luxury, and multicultural life. Paul visited Corinth twice, staying 21 months (Acts 18:11, 20:3). He also wrote two letters to the Corinthian church recorded in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Paul instructed the church regarding the love offering for the poor believers in Jerusalem (cf. Rom. 15:25). In today’s reading, Paul raised the topic again.

He began by praising the generosity of the Macedonian churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (vv. 1-5). Their offering was a response to God’s grace. Like Christians in Jerusalem, the Macedonian believers faced persecution resulting in social and economic ostracism. Though they were persecuted and impoverished, Paul described them as overflowing with joy and their gift as abundant. They even begged for the privilege of giving toward the offering. The Corinthian church had also committed to contributing to the collection (vv. 6, 10-11). Paul wrote to encourage them to fulfill their promise—and to test their sincerity (v. 8).

Do not only emulate the Macedonian churches, Paul urged. Imitate Christ’s grace of giving (v. 9). Christ left the rich glory with the Father and became poor human flesh so that we might one day share in God’s glory. Christ gave Himself sacrificially and voluntarily. Paul wanted the Corinthians to do the same.

Verses 10 through 12 portray three characteristics of the grace of giving: willingness, follow-through, and giving according to one’s means. As Christianity grew beyond Jerusalem, Paul urged the same kind of sharing and caring for one another’s needs exemplified in the early Jerusalem church (Acts 2:42-47) and among God’s people in the wilderness (Ex. 16:18). Throughout the discussion of grace and giving that pervade today’s passage, ultimately, it is God’s grace that gives way to the church’s act of grace in giving toward fellow believers.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Often we are uncomfortable when Christian workers talk about money, perhaps because we think about money and giving in ways incongruent with God’s grace. Paul teaches that we can give generously precisely because God gives generously (vv. 1, 9) and He provides abundantly for all our needs (2 Cor. 9:8; Phil. 4:20). When we see giving as an opportunity to join God’s ministry locally and globally (2 Cor. 8:4; cf. Phil. 1:5, 4:15), we will beg for this privilege like the Macedonian Christians did.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 5:1-6
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. - 1 Corinthians 10:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
The description “fair trade” indicates that workers have not been deprived of fair wages, safe working conditions, or economic opportunity. Many people associate fair trade with coffee, but other fair trade initiatives include items like chocolate, tea, sugar, flowers, rice, handcrafted goods, and sports balls. Did you know that Christians initiated the fair trade movement in 1946? Edna Ruth Byler, a Christian in business, was moved by the poverty and injustice she encountered in Puerto Rico and decided to reflect God’s heart through her business practices. Other Christians joined Ms. Byler, and the practice of fair trade began. We’ve already seen that God cares about fair wages from Deuteronomy 24, Isaiah 58, and Jeremiah 22. Today’s passage confirms that this is not simply an Old Testament value.

This text is a harsh rebuke of affluent people who misuse and abuse their wealth and power. Although it is a misinterpretation to apply James’s message to all wealthy people, this sobering lesson about money, possessions, and love for our neighbor should provoke all of us to evaluate ourselves in light of Scripture. Verse 1 announces impending judgment. Verses 2 and 3 expose the fleeting worth of money and possessions. The bulk of James’ message discloses reasons for such severe condemnation.

The “rich people” are criticized for amassing wealth and storing it up (v. 3; cf. Luke 12:13-21). We are expected to live in light of Jesus’ imminent return. The Landowners are accused of withholding wages from their employees (v. 4). They weren’t paying their farmers fair wages. God heard the cries of these exploited workers, and His judgment followed.

The wealthy are further condemned for their self-indulgent, excessive lifestyles. The “day of slaughter” is an expression for the Day of Judgment (v. 5). James moved from “the last days” to judgment day. The self-indulgent lifestyle has prepared the rich for judgment, much like a cow is fattened up for slaughter. Without fair wages, workers are condemned to poverty and death. Thus, the final indictment is injustice and murder of innocent people (v. 6).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Through our consumer choices, we all contribute to the wages people are paid all over the world. Perhaps you know little or are misinformed about fair trade practices. This month, take time to learn more. All of us also hear the world’s daily messages about money: you need more, more, more, all targeted toward your own comfort, security, entertainment, or status. Without God’s Word, we are devoid of His vision and values for our lives. Commit to letting God’s Word guide your stewardship of money.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 3:16-17
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
To celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2010, one church in Chicago is giving sacrificially to meet the needs of people in their community. They are sending 25 adults back to college, rescuing 25 families out of foreclosure, and liberating the needy among them from $2.5 million of oppressive debt. According to today’s reading, these are examples of working out of God’s love.

John first establishes that the supreme revelation of love is Jesus Christ laying down His life for us (v. 16). God’s love in Christ is not simply something to admire. Before verse 16 ends, John says we ought also to imitate Christ by laying down our lives for our brothers and sisters. This month we have learned that we seek to live righteously because God is righteous; we fight for justice because God is just; and most fundamentally, we love because God first loved us, and our love ought to imitate God’s love (cf. 1 John 4:19).

Just as God’s love is revealed to us in the concrete sacrifice of Christ, so too God’s love in us is demonstrated in concrete ways. John offers one such example in verse 17. “Material possessions” refer to the “ordinary things of life,” as one Bible scholar explains. John’s message is not for the wealthy alone, but for any Christian who has enough to live on. The needy “brother” is arguably a fellow Christian, since family imagery is only used to describe the community of God in the New Testament. If you have sufficient provision in life and encounter a disadvantaged brother or sister, and your heart is unmoved by compassion and mercy, John challenges whether the reality of God’s love is in you.

The rhetorical question can be turned into a positive statement: If God’s love is truly in you, then you will be moved with pity when you see a fellow Christian in need. In light of verse 16, this “pity” is God’s love, and it will result in us laying down our lives for the needy brother or sister. Like God’s love in Christ, we will love sacrificially and abundantly.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage teaches that God’s love in us ought to be active. One tangible expression is sacrificial giving to serve fellow Christians in need. A beautiful picture of this attitude is the early church described in Acts 2:42-47. Often our lives are too full or isolated to truly know the needs of our brothers and sisters. The application of this Word today begins with knowing people well enough to know their needs. If you already know someone’s need, ask God to guide you in ways to love them sacrificially.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. - Matthew 5:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
We have spent the last few days considering what God’s justice and mercy look like in terms of caring for the vulnerable and extending generosity, specifically among our needy brothers and sisters. Now we turn our attention for the remainder of the month to God’s justice and mercy as seen through pictures of reconciliation and new creation in the New Testament.

Paul asserts that Christ’s love drives and controls gospel ministry (vv. 11-14). Christ’s love compels because of the certainty of the transforming power of His death and resurrection. “Us” and “we” occur 14 times in our reading for today. For today’s readers, these pronouns refer to all who put their faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection and so “no longer live for themselves but for Him” (v. 15).

Jesus’ death and resurrection transforms us. Now we are reconciled to God (v. 18); now we enter His new creation (v. 17); now we see with spiritual eyes (v. 16); and now we are Christ’s ambassadors, entrusted with the ministry and message of reconciliation (vv. 18-19). How did this transformation happen? While humanity was alienated and estranged from God—as His enemies—God initiated forgiveness that completely restored our relationship with Him. This is called “reconciliation,” and it’s made possible because our sin was dealt with once for all on the cross (vv. 18-19, 21; cf. Rom. 5:10).

Reconciliation as a noun or verb appears 5 times (vv. 18-20), indicating that it is the central theme. As one New Testament scholar puts it, reconciliation is God’s “cosmic restoration” project to make new all that is chaotic and distorted in the world, beginning with His relationship with humanity. God is the first Reconciler. As with His justice, righteousness, and love, we are also called to bear His image as reconcilers. Reconciliation is more than a message; it is a ministry. It is the work of forgiveness and peacemaking and of healing broken relationships, beginning with our relationship with God and extending throughout the whole world. Reconciliation is the pathway to new creation.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The picture of new creation is astonishing: “The old has gone, the new has come” (v. 16). This is God’s mission in the world through Christ—making all things new. As Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice put it, reconciliation, justice, and new creation are not things we strive toward, but gifts of God that we accept. To delve deeper into today’s passage and the message and ministry of reconciliation, work through Katongole and Rice’s book Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace, and Healing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37
Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. - Deuteronomy 15:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Christian “intentional communities” have sprung up in cities all across the United States in recent years. One of the best-known, Jesus People USA in Chicago, has been in existence since 1972; other intentional communities have formed in places as diverse as Philadelphia, Tampa, Durham, and San Francisco. These Christians are characterized by sharing property, living simply, worshiping together, and ministering in challenging neighborhoods. They strive to embody the description of the church in our reading.

Approximately 120 believers gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:15). By the Spirit’s power after Pentecost, another 3,000 decided to follow the resurrected Christ (2:41). This miraculous conversion of new believers is followed by an equally incredible description of their life together (2:42-47).

Verse 42 explains that the Christian community was devoted to four practices. The first was teaching. Signs and wonders accompanied the apostles’ teaching, confirming their authority (v. 43). The temple was also associated with teaching, they met there daily (v. 46). Second, sharing their possessions with one another was another prominent characteristic of their fellowship (vv. 44-46). Third, “breaking of bread” refers to shared meals and the hospitality of opening their homes to one another (v. 46). Finally, prayer included the daily temple gatherings and “praising God” (vv. 46-47). Their life in community gained the respect of those who were not Christians, and people “were being saved” every day (v. 47).

Peter and John continued to preach the gospel and were imprisoned (3:1-4:30). The believers were not deterred by this opposition. In fact, 5,000 more believed in Christ (4:4) and were further emboldened by the Holy Spirit (4:31). Acts 4:32-37 confirms that the Christians’ vibrant community life continued and strengthened. They remained unified and remarkably generous with one another. Luke repeats: “There were no needy persons among them” (4:34).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The early church shared more than common beliefs and core values. They shared their whole lives—including their material possessions. Passages like Deuteronomy 15:1-18 and Leviticus 25 share astonishing similarities with today’s readings. “There shall be no poor among you . . . do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs” (Deut. 15:4, 7-8). Are our hearts hard or our fists closed to our brothers and sisters in need?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 10:1-23
Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too. - Romans 3:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Maggy Barankitse grew up in Burundi, which shares a border with Rwanda. There, 600,000 people were massacred during ethnic violence between Hutus and Tutsis. After Maggy witnessed the murder of 72 friends and coworkers in 1993, God gave her the vision for Maison Shalom (House of Peace) where Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa people would build a new community together, reconciled to one another through God’s love. Maison Shalom embodies God’s deep healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation between enemies.

Yesterday we learned about God’s initiative to reconcile humanity to Himself. Today we encounter His desire for reconciliation between people who are alienated from one another. At the beginning of Acts 10, we meet Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile who received a vision from God and obeys immediately (vv. 1-8). Little does Cornelius know that Peter also experienced a vision from God. While praying, Peter saw a sheet containing all kinds of unclean animals and birds. A voice commanded him three times to kill and eat and proclaims, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (vv. 11-16). Nothing could shock Peter more! How can religious distinctions between clean and unclean be abolished? Before Peter discerned the meaning of the vision, Cornelius’ men arrived at his house (vv. 17-19).

The Spirit instructed Peter to greet the Gentile visitors and accompany them without hesitation (v. 20). In the original language of the New Testament, the word translated as hesitate means to evaluate, discriminate, or mistrust. Jews were prohibited from mingling with “unclean” Gentiles. Here, however, the Spirit commanded a righteous Jew not to discriminate with respect to Gentiles.

Like Cornelius, Peter obeyed immediately. He even invited the “unclean” visitors to be his guests (v. 23). The message of Peter’s vision becomes clear; He removed the distinction between clean and unclean foods, and even destroys the barriers between Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 2:11-22).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you experienced a ruptured relationship? Have you determined that “things will never change” with a person or group? Maybe you have heard God’s call to pursue reconciliation, but your first response was like Peter’s: “Surely not, Lord!” (v. 14). Forgiveness and peacemaking is work. The journey to reconciliation for God first took Jesus to the cross before He ascended into glory. As you pursue God’s reconciliation in your relationships, ask God for strength for the difficult road ahead and to relinquish your discriminations.

[Soldier4Christ]

Thursday, July 29, 2010
Read: Acts 10:24-48; 11:15-18
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Since television shows have started making entire seasons available on DVD, some people have sat down intending to watch just one episode—only to find themselves hooked to find out what happens next with the characters and plot lines. Hours later, they’re still eagerly watching one episode after another.

Acts is better than that show “you just can’t miss,” and yesterday’s reading left us in suspense. In the middle of the story of Peter and Cornelius, we were left wondering if Peter will fully obey God’s command not to discriminate against Gentiles. Will God’s reconciliation be worked out, or will these two groups remain separate and alienated from one another? Today we’ll discover the outcome.

“The next day,” Peter took his first big steps toward reconciliation: he traveled to Cornelius’ house and entered into Gentile space. God had transformed Peter’s prior understanding; Peter declared it himself (v. 28). The good news is that through Jesus, God reconciles all people to Himself, Jews and Gentiles (v. 35). This is why Peter calls Jesus “Lord of all” (v. 36). Peter’s conversion of understanding occurs, and then Cornelius’ conversion to faith.

While Peter continued to tell about Jesus, he was interrupted by the Holy Spirit. Echoes of Pentecost resound, but this time, to the astonishment of Peter and his companions, the Spirit anointed Gentiles, who began “speaking in tongues and praising God” (vv. 44-46). If the message wasn’t clear before, the Holy Spirit certainly sealed the deal: God “accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (v. 35; 11:17).

He is not God of one people group, but God of the whole world. Therefore, all who trust in Jesus Christ are members of one family, brothers and sisters despite all diversity and difference and barriers of hostility the world erects. Peter and Cornelius represent all Jews and Gentiles respectively. Reconciled first to God, now they must be reconciled with one another.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Immediately after his visit to Cornelius’ house, Peter traveled to Jerusalem where he recounted the entire episode to the Jewish Christians there (Acts 11:1-18). The story of reconciliation and the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit is so astonishing that Luke records it twice. It is important for us to hear and tell stories of reconciliation. They remind us of the truth, power, and hope of the gospel. If Maggy Barankitse can extend forgiveness and reconciliation, surely through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit we can, too.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:11-22
For [Christ] himself is our peace . . . and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. - Ephesians 2:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Since the Asian Holocaust, enmity toward the Japanese remains integral to Korean identity. An estimated 30 million Koreans and other Asians were victims of Japanese aggression between 1910 and 1945. In 2009, a Korean missionary to Japan, Michael Oh, testified to the gospel’s power to end hostility: “Because God reconciled us to Himself while we were still His enemies, my enemy has become my family. I am loved by God, so I can love my enemies.” Michael humbly asked the Japanese people to forgive his past self-righteousness and anger. Nothing but the cross can transform the human hatred and distinctions we maintain between “us” and “them.” This is the message of today’s passage.

Reconciliation and inclusion were the most pressing concerns of the Gentile Christians. Did Jesus’ death and resurrection change the “us v. them”? Could Gentiles and Jews fellowship together as God’s new community? Paul vividly recalled the ethnic tensions between these two groups, mentioning the derogatory expression, “uncircumcised,” and reminding the Gentiles of their historical status, excluded from the promises and presence of God (vv. 11-12). Verse 13 interjects powerfully: that was then, “but now,” through Christ, your status has changed. You have been brought near to God and to one another (vv. 13-14).

Paul clarified what Christ accomplished through His death (vv. 15-18). Jesus brought peace by dissolving the laws that prevented fellowship between Jews and Gentiles. There is no more “clean” and “unclean” because all are made clean through Christ’s shed blood. Both Jew and Gentile receive salvation and reconciliation as a gift from God.

Paul announced the Gentiles’ new identity with two metaphors (vv. 19-22). Gentiles are no longer “outsiders.” They are “fellow citizens,” reconciled to Jews with equal access to God. They are also God’s children, reconciled to Him and “members of [His] household.”

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have erected dividing walls of hostility between “us” and “them,” whether based on ethnicity, religious, political, or economic views, class, citizenship status, gender, culture, job position, or something else. We marginalize others, and we are marginalized based on these barriers. Jesus establishes a new community of people reconciled to God and to one another; He tears down these walls. With what groups is God calling you to be reconciled? How can you embrace this truth and testify to the power of the cross?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 21:1-7
I am making everything new! - Revelation 21:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
We began this month overwhelmed with oppression, injustice, and death (Ps. 10:1). Then we encountered God’s righteousness and justice, His love and care for the afflicted, marginalized, and victimized. We heard His call “to act justly and to love mercy” (Micah 6:8), although His people were unfaithful. So God sent His only Son “to preach good news to the poor . . . to proclaim freedom for the prisoners” through His death and resurrection (Luke 4:18). Consequently, we learned that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” and shares Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:17-18). We end this month with a vision of new creation—the ultimate end of injustice, suffering, and death.

The new heaven and new earth are the culmination of God’s promise to renew all things (Isa. 65:17-18). Everything that has been distorted and marred since the fall of Adam and Eve is finally and fully restored. Most importantly, Revelation 21 reverses Adam and Eve’s exile from God’s presence in the Garden (v. 3). God eternally guarantees the covenant He made with His people: “They will be my people, and I will be their God” (Jer. 32:38). The result is the end of suffering, grieving, and death. Do you hear the echo of 2 Corinthians 5:17? The King declares once for all, “The old has gone, the new has come” (vv. 4-5). Today’s passage pictures God satisfying all human need—nourishment, relationships, and peace—and dwelling among His people on the eternal throne.

As one missionary describes, what “begins in a garden, ends in a city.” We might be surprised to see the new heaven and earth look more like bustling Chicago than barren Alaska. Revelation was written to urban churches facing persecution and death, longing for Christ’s return and the redemption of all things. Only those who overcome will inherit all this (v. 7). To overcome is to be steadfast in the face of persecution (2:10), uncompromising toward worldly values (2:14, 20), and to resist self-reliance (3:17).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The vision of new creation in today’s reading gives us hope. These are God’s promises, and they are “trustworthy and true” (v. 5). Remember when we asked: “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Ps. 10:1). Now we have unwavering hope in the midst of suffering and injustice surrounding us. God cares and acts; God calls us to care and act; and God is making all things new. Praise Him and re-commit to join His new creation mission!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
In October 2009, a spate of articles in publications like the New York Times and The New Republic as well as on numerous parenting blogs all debated the same question: Is shouting the “new” spanking? As the practice of spanking children has declined in segments of the American population, parents admitted that they resorted to yelling and shouting instead. Now they wondered if that was really better than corporal punishment. When children misbehaved or exasperated them, was it okay to scream at them?

Every parent can relate to the occasional frustration caused by their child’s actions and attitude—and as a spiritual father, Paul felt this toward his beloved church in Corinth (4:14,15). Yet in this letter to the Corinthians, which we’ll study this month, Paul sent a message that is paternal and firm but never harsh or screeching. There was just cause for a tongue-lashing. The problems in the Corinthian church—including disunity, pride, misuse of spiritual gifts, and abuse of the Lord’s Supper—were serious indeed.

In the opening portion of this letter Paul remains realistic in his appraisal of the Corinthians’ spiritual life and practice, but he does not play the part of the scolding father. In fact, his tone is confident and expectant, because his hope for the Corinthians is rooted firmly in the unwavering faithfulness of God. Despite all their problems, Paul knows that in the end, they will be declared blameless on the day of Jesus’ return. In these opening lines, he has full confidence that God has given the Corinthians a sure calling and hope, an enriching of their mouths and minds, and spiritual gifts for every need and occasion.

Exuberance abounds in the “every” and “all” of verse five. These words are only possible for those who call on the name of Jesus. In Christ, everything depends on grace, not on human performance. No one then, not even this strife-torn first-century church, falls beyond the reach of grace. God’s rescue of salvation is evidence that He is committed to saving us and changing us.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Like the Corinthians, we are followers of Jesus who sometimes struggle to get along with each other. Their problems, as we’ll see throughout the month, aren’t unlike ours. Divisions have grown up in the church, and the community is fractured and broken. A place to begin when broken fellowship seems irreparable is the unfailing grace of God: He never gives up on us. He has declared what we should be (saints), and He is determined to make our holiness a reality. If God doesn’t give up on us, can we give up on one another?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree. - 1 Corinthians 1:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
In an article in Sports Illustrated, sportswriter Rick Reilly dryly mocks today’s self-esteem generation: “I know what all these NPR-listening, Starbucks-guzzling parents want. They want their Ambers and their Alexanders to grow up in a cozy womb of noncompetition where everybody shares tofu, and Little Red Riding Hood and the big bad wolf set up a commune. Then their kids will stumble out into the bright light of the real world and find out that, yes, there’s weak and there’s strong and teams and sides and winning and losing.”

As the spiritual father of the Corinthian church, Paul struck a balance between coddling and competition, for he knew that either extreme was unhealthy spiritually. He was not afraid to talk to his spiritual children about where they were weak and where improvement was needed. His letter began with gracious words of encouragement, but he turned quickly to address the problems. Serious disunity plagued this church, producing quarrels and factions. The Christians in Corinth had divided themselves according to different allegiances and loyalties: “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” and even “I follow Christ.”

We aren’t told the reasons for these factions. Apollos was an eloquent teacher of the Scriptures and may have been favored for his rhetorical talents (cf. Acts 18:24-28). Peter, or Cephas, was of course a prominent member of Jesus’ original twelve disciples. Paul himself founded the church at Corinth. No doubt each faction argued why their guy was the best.

Notice that what is at stake here was more than the Corinthians simply not getting along or someone’s hurt feelings. The disunity threatened the integrity of the gospel and the message of the Cross. The Cross of Christ wields the power to bring wildly diverse people into agreement of mind and thought. The Cross exchanges ethnic and cultural identities for the name, Christian. At the Cross, forgiveness is freely offered to all, and together the people of God are baptized into one name: Jesus Christ. When disunity prevails, it makes a mockery of the Cross.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The church of Jesus Christ has yet to fully live into and claim the power of the gospel for which Paul fights fiercely in his letter. The gospel does not simply give us the capacity to be nice to people unlike us; far more than just niceness, it teaches us to work toward common goals and perspectives with people of different skin color, different social status, and different cultural backgrounds. Do you need to “reach across the aisle” in your church and community in the name of Jesus Christ?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things . . . so that no one may boast before him. - 1 Corinthians 1:28, 29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Aesop’s fables give keen insight into the human condition; they expose the folly of human vanity and pride, laziness and trickery. A lesser-known fable, that of the olive tree and fig tree, warns against boasting due to the possibility of reversals of fortune: the olive tree taunts the fig tree for having lost all her leaves in the winter. She brags of her own year-round beauty. As she boasts, a thunderbolt strikes her and burns her to ashes, while the fig tree stands safe and sound.

The Bible is full of reversals of fortune like the one suffered by the olive tree. The story of Jesus Christ is the most powerful of all. God the King is born as a baby in a dirty stable into a carpenter’s family. He enjoys no superior privilege, position, or education. He chooses ordinary fishermen and despised tax collectors to follow Him and preach His message. And eventually, He dies a criminal’s death. The resurrection and exaltation of Jesus is the ultimate reversal in all of history. The good news of this God-Man’s story subverts everything that the world esteems.

The culture of Corinth is similar to our culture today. They loved power and status, and in such a culture, a crucified Savior is absurd. How could the power and wisdom of God be executed on a cross with nails in His hands and feet? This portrait compels only those who believe. The Jews demanded a grand celestial display of God’s power; the Greeks demanded carefully conceived and persuasively argued ideas. But the God-Man died without miraculous rescue from God and without eloquent philosophical treatises.

The purpose of God’s plan is clear: He reserves all glory for Himself. Not one person deserves to boast in His presence. Man’s abilities and achievements do not impress Him. This is a sobering message for the Corinthian church, whom Paul indicts for their boasting here and in later points in the letter (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18, 21; 2:7, 18; 5:2, 6). There’s no room at the Cross for pride.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The gospel, as we’ve seen from our reading today, tells us about the heart of God but also the methods of God. They aren’t pragmatic, or necessarily clever and compelling. In fact, it seems that God wants to make sport of what matters most to foolish human beings, things like achievement, success, power, and influence. It’s a sobering reminder to us as we “build” our churches today. Do we do so according to the foolishness of the world or the wisdom of Christ?