Author: jwm

 

We live in a country that allows the taking of lives of unborn children whose existence is inconvenient. Our state allows physician assisted suicide, and our legislature is considering loosening restrictions on the practice. We are involved in wars that have taken thousands of lives of those serving in our armed forces as well as many more in other countries. What does the Sixth Commandment, Exodus 20:13 say about this? How do God’s instructions after the flood (Genesis 6) underline the sacredness of human life? And what does Jesus tell you about this commandment (Matthew 5:21ff.)? Continue reading “The Sanctity of Life”

How do you respond to the news that the tomb is empty, that Jesus has risen? With joy? Why does Mark 16:1-8 emphasize fear? Do rejoice! But even so, don’t forget the element of fear he describes.

God reassures you that Jesus of Nazareth has risen! The tomb stands empty. The women were followers of Christ, who now were completing the burial process. They had witnessed Christ’s death and burial, Mark 15:40-47. Now, after the Sabbath, they had purchased spices and early Sunday, had come to anoint him. Their coming shows that they had forgotten Christ’s promised resurrection. As these first witnesses approach, they find the heavy stone rolled back and on entering the carved out tomb, see a young man dressed in white. Continue reading “For They Were Afraid”

 

Have you had someone refuse to speak with you–just keep silent, no matter what you say? Silence can be a powerful weapon. Isaiah 53:7 describes the Servant suffering silently in your place as he does his Father’s will. But in that silence hear judgment as well. And finally, listen to the words that are framed by that silence.

Remember that Christ suffered silently in your place. He is the sacrificial lamb. Isaiah 53:7-8 is the passage that puzzled the Ethiopian official until Philip explained it, Acts 8:26-40. This is the part of Christ’s work that the world cannot and will not, in its own wisdom, understand. The world can see something beautiful in the birth of the Baby in Bethlehem. It can see value in at least some of his teaching. It can admire the death of a martyr. But the silence of the Lamb of God is beyond its comprehension. The death of Christ, the foot of the cross, is a place full of mystery and awe. If Moses had to remove his sandals at the presence of the Lord in the mysterious burning bush, we need to stand before the cross in at least equal awe. Isaiah wrote of the Messiah who would suffer on behalf of his people. His work was to be vicarious. We are like sheep going astray—he is the sacrificial sheep offered in our place. He is the one John the Baptist proclaimed as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Continue reading “Silence!”

“Why is the grass green?” “Why do stars twinkle?” As they get older children start to ask, “Daddy, why do I have to obey you?” There is a better reason than “Just because!” “Because I’m bigger,” or, “Because I said so.” The Fifth Commandment, Exodus 20:12, is not just about telling children that they need to obey. To keep that commandment (whether as a child or a parent) you need to understand what it means to live in the light of God’s gracious promise.

Honor your parents in the Lord. Children, obey your parents! God is speaking directly to you here. You must obey your parents. This may be difficult at times. Parents are sometimes arbitrary. They do err (at least that is true of me!). They are sinners. Look at the example of your Lord, who, though he was sinless, had parents who were not, Luke 2:51. Obedience is difficult because we are sinners by nature, not fond of authority. We want to do our own thing. God requires whole-hearted obedience. Honor includes your attitude, Ephesians 6:1,2. Seek active ways to obey. Obey in the Lord. Your relationship to the Lord provides the motive for obedience. Perfect obedience is found only in Christ, who obeyed perfectly, Hebrews 5:7-10. His obedience and suffering were done in your place and for your benefit. He obeyed because you don’t always obey! Gracious family life means that you depend on God’s grace. Continue reading “Living with God’s Gracious Promise”

 

In an increasingly hectic and stressful world, you need rest. But that is not simply our idea—it is a goal that God planned for us, his creatures, made in his image. The Fourth Commandment, Exodus 20:8-11, the longest of the Commandments, points you to the gift of rest.

Look back at the Sabbath. Look back to creation rest. The Commandment begins with remember. Not only is that an exhortation to keep the instruction in your mind, but it also points back, all the way to creation. Don’t dismiss this Commandment as simply part of the ceremonial law for Israel, though there were ceremonial aspects. It is a creation ordinance. God worked in creating for six days. Notice that this Commandment also commands you to work. It gives dignity and meaning to labor. Then God rested—not because he was tired, but in order to celebrate his very good creation. And he entered his rest so that mankind could join him in that rest. Continue reading “Rest!”