King of Kings

December 21                                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read Revelation 19:11-16 and reflect on the passage.

A tiny, little baby born, entering the world without much fanfare, in a simple stable. No waiting room filled with excited grandparents and friends – only Mary, Joseph, and some animals were present. No balloons, banners, nor perfectly decorated nursery. The Son of Mary, no ordinary baby, He was born King of Kings! The song says:

“Mary, did you know that your baby Boy would one day walk on water? Would save our sons and daughters? Has come to make you new? This Child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Will calm the storm with his hand? Has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Would one day rule the nations? Is heaven's perfect Lamb? That sleeping Child you're holding is the great I AM.”

The King of Kings arrived…the world, and we, would never be the same!

Questions

“King of Kings” – no higher authority; His reign over all things is absolute. What in your life currently competes for that place of authority?

How does the text imagery make you feel? What difference does the promise of the King of Kings coming make in your everyday life?

Prayer

In this Advent season may we watch and wait with anticipation and hope to the promised and glorious coming of the King of Kings! Amen.

                                                                                                                                    Becki Bork

We have our moments

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14

Several years ago, my wife and I visited the Churchill Museum in the Westminster district of London.  It was a fascinating place and every bit as inspirational; we both agreed that our two hours there could easily have been four or more.  Yet more impressionable than all the facts and artifacts was a deeper appreciation of one person raised up and called to a momentous point in history.  No one could have been more ideally suited to lead the world against Germany’s Third Reich than England’s Winston Churchill. 

History has its cycles and patterns: civilizations come and go; wars are won and lost; leaders rise and fall.  As Solomon would say, there is nothing new under the sun.  To this, however, we might add an exception: Christ will never be crucified again.  He was born once for all mankind, he was crucified once for all time and he rose from the dead, never to taste death again. 

And chosen to usher in this singular pivot point in time was a young, unwed Middle-eastern girl, named Mary.  We don’t know much about her, but what we do know is enough: she was highly favored and the Lord was with her.  When called to bear the Anointed One foretold for millennia prior, she responded humbly, “I am the Lord's servant.  May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). 

So too have we been raised up, for a lifetime of “moments,” actually.  Who, for instance, is better suited to teach your children about Jesus than you?  Who is better positioned to introduce him to a trusting friend than you?  And haven’t we all seen “open doors” through which God has called us to step into just-in-time ministry, be it sharing Christ, telling others what he has done for us, or serving people in his name? 

Certainly each one of us are called to the “good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).  Will the history texts of tomorrow bear our names?  No, likely not.  But there is a place where we will read our names along with those of everyone who trusts in Christ, including those who believe through our testimony.  It’s called “the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).  And it stands as inspiration for us to step into all our moments with anticipation, confidence and joy. 

Lord, grace me to hear your call today and obey.  And be glorified through this servant of yours.  Amen. 

[Click here to see the daily reading in Isaiah 7:10-15.] 

I Can't Help But Admire Thomas

I am an amateur student of history, and I enjoy ancient and medieval history. In addition, perhaps because it is but a generation removed, I especially like to study World War II.

 

I am amazed that the German people let Hitler come to power and most did not try to stop him. I am astounded at the politics and what it took for the United States to enter the war.  I am also surprised at how easily the Nazis conquered Europe and sealed it off from the Western world.

 

The US and England needed to invade France, and they chose Omaha Beach in Normandy. Eighteen year old men travelled across the English Channel, waded in water from their amphibious vehicles to the beach, with German gunfire peppering their approach. Nearly 1 in 10 Allied Forces perished on June 6, 1944.

 

What went through the minds of these young men on that day? Did they think they were invincible? Did they not understand the danger? Or was their courage driven by the need to preserve freedom?

 

We can’t really say, but I can’t help but admire these heroes.

 

Today’s reading is John 11:1-16. Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, had died in Bethany. Word came to Jesus, who planned to travel through Jerusalem to Bethany to restore Lazarus to health.

 

There was a problem. The Jews had recently attempted to stone Jesus and he fled with his disciples. His disciples thought travelling back through Jerusalem was not a good idea, since it clearly was not safe for Jesus.

 

After Jesus and some disciples had their discussion, Thomas chimed in, “Let us also go, that we may die with him [Jesus].”

 

On the one hand, you have to admire Thomas. He believed that following Jesus in this instance meant sure death. Yet, he was willing to go.

 

On the other hand, you have to question Thomas. Did he not know who Jesus is? Did he not believe Jesus when he implied he would make it to Bethany? Thomas did not yet “get it.”

 

Thomas’ understanding was weak, but he did have a strong faith!

 

Like the WWII heroes, I can’t help but admire Thomas!

Luke 2: 21-40

Bucket List 

We don't think of people in Jesus time as having bucket lists, but they certainly did. They likely did not have a term for what we now refer to as a bucket list, but they were people just as we are, with desires, hopes, dreams, and plans.

Simeon, righteous and devout, was told by the Holy Spirit he would not die before seeing the Lord Christ. For many yeas he waited and prayed for the comfort Israel would know once the Messiah arrived.

On the day Joseph and Mary delivered Jesus to the Temple to be consecrated to the Lord according to the Law of the Lord (Exodus 13: 2, 12) Simeon was moved by the Spirit to go to the Temple Courts. We have all been in situations when we did something or went somewhere because we had a feeling or felt lead in a special way. As Simeon viewed Mary and Joseph approaching with the baby Jesus in their arms, we can only imagine the joy and relief he felt in his heart knowing he was right where he was supposed to be at that moment. Simeon greeted them knowing exactly who Jesus was and why he was there. He took the baby into his arms and praised God.

Simeon identified Jesus as the promise and proclaimed the salvation of the world as he dismissed himself from the world in peace as a servant of the Lord.

An honorable man indeed, to be offered such a privilege. As we think about our bucket list, and/or the things we hope to experience or accomplish before meeting our maker they cannot in any way compare. Once accomplished Simeon was able to leave this world peacefully knowing the Messiah had arrived and the salvation of the world was at hand.

How will we leave this world?

Read/Listen to Luke 2: 21-40

Matthew 1: 18-25 and 2:13-23

The Birth of Jesus

I have the privilege of working with an honorable man of God facilitating a youth group on Friday afternoons in our public school. We are blessed to be working within a district that values faith and allows us to gather in the name of God. We are also cautious and prayerful regarding our ability to continue this valuable ministry for our youth. I am a teacher and he is a counselor. Our group is called FROGS (Fully Rely On God). Friday we visited the scripture we address today.
Matthew 1:18-25 “The Birth of Jesus.”

It was very encouraging to hear the comments and questions of our young people, with a heart for God, and a yearning to understand this complicated world through scripture. Some of the young teens had a great deal of biblical background and others very little. Questions were posed by young hearts eager to understand, and their classmates jumped in to respond with passion for scripture and wisdom beyond their years….so cool!

“So why did God send his son here? If God can do anything why didn't he just fix things instead of going through all that with Mary and Joseph and everything?” asked one newcomer. A confident 8^th grade young man couldn't hold back blurting out; “He came to save us all from our sins!” A great deal of conversation ensued from there, and we sat back with confidence, observing the teens go back and forth.

Every year it is different. We do not always have students so well versed and confident in scripture they can share with their peers in such a comfortable manner, but when they can, it is a beautiful thing because teens appeal to each other more effectively than we can as adults, and in turn make a difference out there in the hallways, lunch rooms, and classrooms.

We must continue to teach our youth the realities of then and now. Mary was a teen herself. It is never too early to share the truth of Jesus’ time here as being much, much more than simply a reason to celebrate Christmas. That baby in the manger has such significance it is impossible to put into words… but we must continue to try. The evening in the stable was merely the beginning of “The greatest story on earth” and it affects the heart and soul of each one of us.

Thank you Lord for Mary, and for youth everywhere. They are the future of this world and the world to come..... with YOU.

Read/Listen to Matthew 1:18-25 

                        Matthew 2:13-23

Luke 1:39-56

Mary

In this scripture reading, Mary visits Elizabeth who is expecting a child as she is. Elizabeth’s son will be John the Baptist, and hers, Jesus. Two blessed women given the gift of life for the world.

“Mary’s Song” in Like 1, is one of glorifying the Lord and rejoicing in the Savior. Mary humbles herself as a servant of God, and speaks of His mercy extending from generation to generation. Mary’s incredible journey is unfolding. She understands her role and her humanness. 

The heart of a mother is strong yet tender, and the love for her child reaches great depths. We mothers will endure great pain for our child. Knowing the arms of our Lord are wrapped around us is sometimes the only way we get through. 

Thank you Lord, for always remaining with us through our deepest pain. For giving us the strength and courage to carry out your will in faith and love. 

Please view a unique representation of:  Mary’s Journey

Saying "yes" to blessings

Again, the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”  But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test."  Then Isaiah said, "Hear now ... Is it not enough to try the patience of men?  Will you try the patience of my God, also?”  Isaiah 7:10-13

So let me get this straight, Ahaz.  God hands you an open invitation to name a sign – any sign! – and you said what?  Come here, knucklehead ... that calls for a few “what were you thinking” noogies.

Truth be told, we’re altogether a conflicted lot, aren’t we?  We decline God’s calls to sacrifice, knowing him to be forgiving.  Then we turn around and refuse his blessings, knowing ourselves to be undeserving.  (No wonder we are “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses”!  Who doesn’t enjoy a good Keystone Kops routine?!?)

When it comes down to it, commands and blessings share this in common: both require from us a response of faith – a complete entrustment of our entire selves to God.  When God tells us to do something, we must trust him with the outcomes of our obedience.  Likewise, God’s blessings carry with them a call to believe that he loves us, that he delights in us, that he wants to bless us ... even though we don’t deserve it.

So through Isaiah, God responded to Ahaz’s refusal of blessing ... with another promise of blessing!  “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)”

Cue Mary.  For when told by the angel centuries later that she would be the vessel through whom this ancient prophecy would be fulfilled – that she would bear Immanuel, “God with us” – her response was a faith example for the ages: “I am the Lord's servant.  May it be to me as you have said. (Luke 1:28)”

Has the "Ahaz" in you been rejecting God's blessings?  Perhaps by not accepting someone's sincere affirmation or expression of friendship?  Maybe by thinking yourself unlovable when people all around you are trying to show otherwise?  Questioning whether God's grace exceeds your unworthiness?

Personally, I'm trying to get better at receiving blessings and the love of God behind them. I'm making up my mind to be a little less like Ahaz and a little more like Mary in that way. Care to join me?

[To see the daily reading in Isaiah 7:10-15, click here.]

[To read “The Magnificat,” Mary’s continued expression of faith and gratitude in Luke 1:46-55, click here.]

A leap through time

“When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 1:41

When the ark of the covenant was carried back to Jerusalem, King David leaped and danced before it with all his might. This chest of wood, overlaid and adorned with gold, contained reminders of God’s promises and commands: manna – bread from heaven delivered daily on a just-in-time basis to a rebellious and wandering people; Aaron’s rod, which, though dead, yet budded, blossomed and brought forth almonds; and the Ten Commandments, stipulations of the old covenant etched in stone. And in this procession of God’s truth and faithfulness, David’s joy overflowed, neither contrived nor restrained.

Now turn the clock forward one thousand years to the dawning of a new day. There were no crowds this time, no trumpets, no gold ... just a young woman, Mary, visiting her aged relative, Elizabeth, each expecting her first child. In time, John, the son of the older woman, would herald Jesus, the son of the younger, as the long-promised Messiah. For Jesus himself would be our manna, new bread from heaven for an eternity of endless todays. Like Aaron’s rod, he would die, yet live and bring forth life. And he would perfectly fulfill for us the otherwise impossible demands of the law.

And as, in her womb, Mary carried this new covenant into his presence that day, John leaped for joy before him. His also was a joy neither contrived nor restrained.

No matter our circumstances, joy is ours when we rest in who God is and in the truth of his promises. His truth brings peace, and his peace brings joy. When we are poor, when we are hungry, when we weep, even when we are hated, excluded, insulted and rejected for our life in Christ, Jesus says, “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven (Luke 6:23).”

Ours is a simple, honest and liberating joy, one we can not contrive and need not restrain.

Luke 10:38-42

Are we so busy doing things for Jesus that we aren't spending any time with Jesus?  Do we struggle with the Yes monster, unable to discern and set boundaries?  When asked to take on a new ministry or lead small group do we jump right in with a resounding YES when we really need to say no?  There is nothing wrong to saying no when your own life is getting too complicated by busyness.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
The scripture words today talk to me of priorities.  The saying, "life is short," plays in this as well.  I am thinking of missed opportunities and times when I looked back wishing I had acted on a prompting.  Martha is concerned with being the proper hostess and Mary wants to sit at the Master's feet.  Both are good things but Martha is feeling pressure to perform and Mary is content to soak in the moment.

Life is full of missed opportunities and my goal is now is to recognize those moments and snatch them up before they are only a regret.  "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Read the text here.  Listen to an audio recording of the text here.

Luke 1: 26-38 The First Christmas Mother

"The Birth of Jesus Foretold" is the name of this section in my bible. Chills surged throughout my body as I read again, of this incredible moment in Mary's life when Angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth with the most important message of all time! "Do not be afraid. Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High......." Can you imagine?!

As a mother, I have been on my knees many times thanking God for the undeserved blessings of my children. Words cannot express the incredible gift that dwells within that tiny being when born, or the deep, deep love that walks down the aisle with them, arm in arm on their wedding day. It is an intense love that only a mother can know. Thank you once again my God, for giving me the opportunity to serve you through motherhood. I am honored.

We experience joy, strife, happiness, uncertainty, great excitement and even greater pain when raising children. The intensity of those emotions while being a mother to the Son of God must have been overwhelming to say the least. I can see Mary overflowing with pride when Jesus healed, fed the masses, and gently carried out the Lord's plan to save the world. I can only imagine the anguish and total misery her heart ached with, as he carried that cross. Even when we know that in the long run things will be better because of an experience our children have, it still hurts us incredibly to see them suffer. Praise God for the gift of our sons and Daughters, and for the best Christmas present of all, Jesus, the son of Mary.
Jesus the Son of God!

Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem - Luke 2:1-7

Everyone had to go to their own town to register for the census as decreed by the Emperor Augustus. Because Joseph was descended from the house and family of David he went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem. Joseph took Mary. They were engaged and she was expecting a child. While they were there she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger. There was no place for them in the inn. The innkeeper wasn’t mean or inhospitable; he simply had no room left. The town was overcrowded because of the census.

Joseph and Mary were alone. They were completely dependent upon God’s care. There was no room in the inn, but God provided a place for them.

Do we make room in our lives for Jesus? Do we say, “no room,” maybe some other day. I’m too busy, I don’t need Him today. God doesn’t call ahead for a reservation. We can’t plan on when He will come. We can’t anticipate when He may call on us to do something or when we need Him as life’s troubles overrun us.

Christ wants to be welcomed, to have a place in our hearts forever. He wants to be generous with His loving care. He doesn’t want us to wait for some more convenient time. He will show up today right where we are in our lives. If you haven't invited Him in, now is the time!

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