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1)# ’She mourned for him.’

2 Samuel 11:26 (22-26)

Whether this was genuine sorrow or just regret because of the consequences, we do not know, but whichever it was, it was too late. The passion had lasted just a few moments, but the consequences were for a lifetime. The selfish actions of Bathsheba and King David had caused pain and death to innocent people. The mourning for Uriah was insufficient by itself. Repentance was needed and consequences had to be faced,  so that restoration could take place.

There may well be things in our past lives that cause us sorrow, pain, regret, but we don’t need to remain with these burdens. In 2 Cor 7:10, the Apostle Paul says that ’Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.’  Forgiveness isn’t cheap, but Christ has paid the price so that you and I can be forgiven and restored. The dark actions of Bathsheba and David are there not only as a warning, but also as reassurance that whatever we’ve done, there is a way back. It may be costly, it may be hard, but it will be worth it.


2)# ’You are now doing more than you did at first.’

Revelation 2:19 (18-23)

What a commendation this is from the Lord Jesus! This fellowship in Thyatira had been commended for their love, faith, service and perseverance as well as for their work-rate. It seems they were an enthusiastic church. But as we read on we see that this enthusiasm to do more, led to tolerating things that were not right. They were sacrificing quality of discipleship for quantity of deeds. The Lord was now calling them to account and judgement was pending - unless they repented and sorted things out.

Busyness within our lives and in our church fellowships can cause us to overlook things that need attention. Shortcuts are taken; integrity is compromised and relationships are spoiled. Physical activity must not result in spiritual neglect. It’s good to increase our productivity for the Kingdom of God, but not if it means letting unholy ways get a foothold. Regular checks on our own lives as well as on the life of our church fellowship can help to keep us right before the One who ‘searches hearts and minds’.


3)# ’Love covers over all wrongs.’

Proverbs 10:12 (9-14)

This is not saying that this love (affection) is blind or pretends that the wrong had never happened. No, this love acknowledges that wrong has been done, but it doesn’t stop there. The word for ‘cover over’ is speaking of filling in a hollow, like a pot-hole. It conveys the idea of wanting to repair the damage that has been caused by the wrong that has been done. For a repair to take place, the damage must be acknowledged and addressed. Instead of just pointing out the damage done, love wants to clean it out and make things right.

So many lives today are pot-holed as a result of all sorts of wrongs, done by them and to them, and many of those holes are simply getting bigger. How important it is for you and me to be those people who can help fill in those holes by demonstrating the love of Christ. Kindness, patience, grace, mercy, forgiveness, acceptance are all useful tools to do the job. So let’s be filling in holes today, with the love of Christ.


4)# ’I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.’

Ezekiel 34:16 (11-16)

These are the words of Jehovah Rohi - the Lord my Shepherd. The leaders of the Israelites, described as ‘sleek and strong’ (v16), who should have cared for the people, had instead cared for themselves. As a result the flock had been plundered (v7) and the sheep had been left wandering around, injured and weak. The consequences were severe, but the mercy of the Lord was greater and his heart went out to the lost sheep of Israel.
 
It’s the same today. Because he is eternal, the Lord’s love and compassion are as great today as they ever have been and however far you or I may wander away, he longs to bring us home. Some are lost because we, the Church, have not provided the help and support that was needed. Others have strayed because of false teaching or compromise with the ways of the world. Whether our wandering is deliberate or accidental, whether other people are aware of it or think everything is fine, the Lord comes to seek us out so that he might bring us back. Repentance precedes restoration, but it is the only way back to where we belong.


5)# ’Peter kept on knocking.’

Acts 12:16 (11-17)

Peter wasn’t expected to turn up at the prayer meeting where they were praying for his release.  But despite facing a closed door, Peter kept on knocking - until he was let in. Perhaps there’s an encouragement here for you and me.

Persistence is part of the Christian life, especially when faced with ‘closed doors’. When things don’t work out as planned, or when God’s will for our lives seems hard to find, let’s not give up. If people seem sceptical about what God has done in our lives, or make fun of our Christian faith, let’s not stop witnessing.

When faced with what appear to be ‘closed doors’, let’s not give up or walk away. Let’s keep on knocking, as it were, and as Christ promised in Luke 11:9, the way forward will open up. The area of service may change, but our commitment to serve the Lord Jesus and his purposes must remain resolute.


6)# ’But Hannah had none.’

1 Samuel 1:2 (1-8)

This was so much more of an issue than just not having children. Hannah felt less than the wife she had hoped to be. She was vulnerable to ridicule and easily irritated. The love of her husband was difficult to accept when she could not bear him any children. It was made even worse by the fact that her rival, Peninnah, had many children and maybe an air of superiority. Every day was an effort and every family situation a struggle.  

Comparing ourselves with other people, can so often impact how we feel about ourselves, as well as how we feel towards other people. Social media is not helpful in this regard. We, like Hannah, may feel inadequate compared to other people, and this, in turn, can affect our service for the Lord. It was when Hannah turned to the Lord and offered herself and her situation to him, that not only did he bless her with a son, but through Samuel, the Lord blessed a whole nation. So let’s not hide away or be put off by what other people might have or do. Let’s offer ourselves afresh to the Lord, as we are, for him to use for his glory and for the good of his Church.


7)# ’When she heard about Jesus.’

Mark 5:27 (24-34)

Someone must have told her. There was no internet, social media, radios or televisions, just word of mouth, but that was enough for this lady to hear about Jesus. It may have been a throw-away comment or an overheard conversation. It may have been in the street or at work. Those who talked about Jesus are not mentioned, but the result of their chatter is recorded in the Bible and changed this woman’s life. Like the mother we read about last month in Mk 7, this lady responded to what she heard and received healing from Jesus.

This shows the value of ‘gossiping the gospel’. We never know who might be listening and how the Holy Spirit might use what you and I say. If, from our reading, those who spoke of Jesus had kept quiet, then this lady may never have heard and never have received healing. Yet how often you and I keep quiet either out of embarrassment or fear. Well, things can be different from now on. Let others listen in as we talk freely about Jesus.


8)# ’She painted her eyes, arranged her hair and looked out of the window.’

2 Kings 9:30 (30-33)

The detail given here reveals the stupidity and vanity of Queen Jezebel. Her self-infatuation had blinded her to the reality of life - and death. Painted eyes didn’t cover up her evil heart and her day of reckoning had come. The window Jezebel looked out of to be admired, became the window she was thrown from to her death.

Not much has changed. People are still so focussed on themselves and how they appear to other people, that they have little or no regard for how they are before a Holy and Almighty God. Social media has only emphasised our obsession with self. But creating an image doesn’t change our hearts. The satisfaction offered through the media window, turns out to be both transient and disappointing.

In contrast, there’s a lasting beauty that comes when the Holy Spirit lives in us, because he changes our hearts. Our attitudes, speech and actions are all affected as the beauty of Christ is seen in us. It’s a beauty that grows better with age - not worse. And it’s a beauty that makes us acceptable to the LORD God. The challenge for us is to let that beauty show and not to cover it up with impressive, but fading external appearances.


9)# ’The Lord disciplines those he loves.’

Proverbs 3:12 (11-18)

The word ‘discipline’ here and in Hebrews 12 where this phrase is quoted again, speaks of correction linked with training, and not many of us enjoy being corrected. Our pride may be hurt or we may feel embarrassed. But correction is necessary if we want to make what is wrong, right. Whether it’s taking a wrong turn, making a wrong choice or needing to learn how to do something, correction will save time and trouble. The Lord’s correction, his training, happens in different ways. Sometimes through an experience, sometimes through Biblical teaching, sometimes through the pricking of our conscience, sometimes through other people. But always for our good (Heb 12:10).

We’re told that the Lord loves those he corrects. In fact Hebrews goes as far as saying God’s discipline is a mark of our ‘true sonship’ and will allow us to ‘share in his holiness’. This correction may be uncomfortable, but it’s worth the benefit it brings - righteousness before God, peace with our heavenly Father and a place in his eternal kingdom. Let’s not despise or resist his discipline today.


10)# “Lord, don't you care? “

Luke 10:40 (38-42)

Of course he did, but he didn’t respond as Martha wanted. She had ‘opened her home to him’ then busied herself with all the preparations and got somewhat hot and bothered. In contrast, her sister Mary sat listening to Jesus, making the most of her time with him, which resulted in Martha’s outburst. Just like you and me?

We busy ourselves with doing things, whilst other people just sit around chatting. We pat ourselves on the back for doing all the work, whilst feeling resentment towards those who seem not to lift a finger. We sadly forget the main purpose of having time with people - which is to have time with people. Yes, the practical things may need to be done, but let’s not allow them to get in the way or cause upset. After all, the relationships we build with other people, which Christ can use, will last well after the party’s over. It’s a hard, but important distinction to recognise and put into practise.


11)# ’Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?’

2 Kings 5:12 (9-14)

Naaman was willing to comply, but on his terms. If he had to dip in a river to be cured from leprosy, then he wanted to choose the river he washed in. But instead, he had to learn humility and be obedient to what the God of Israel commanded through Elisha. For some people today, they’re willing to be identified as a Christian, but on their terms. They want to pick and choose what aspects of ‘Christian teaching' apply for them. Even for those of us who are committed to living for Jesus, there are some aspects of discipleship that we find challenging or would rather avoid altogether.

As you and I know only too well, being cleansed from sin is not just a one-off event, but an on-going need. Allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us, especially from the deep-seated bad habits, is serious stuff and alternative ‘rivers’ may sound more appealing. But if we truly want the life that Christ alone can give, then we have to humble ourselves before the Lord, address those issues that need to be dealt with and live in obedience to Christ and his word.


12)# ’Now I know.’

2 Kings 5:15 (13-16)

This was not just head knowledge. Naaman hadn’t been reading books about healing or watching others doing it. His ‘knowledge’ came out of an experience of the Lord Jehovah working in his life. He’d learned humility and obedience without a text book being opened. He’d discovered that an invisible God could make a visible difference and change his life forever. He’d heard the Lord speak wisdom through lowly servants and he’d come to know the only true God.

Quite often the Lord uses the varied experiences of life to reveal himself to you and me. We may prefer to do things our way, like Naaman, but we have to submit to God’s ways of working in our lives. We might not always find God’s ways easy to understand or follow, but allowing his Holy Spirit to work in us will give us a knowledge, an experience of him as Almighty God, that cannot be gained any other way.


13)# ’Offer the parts of your body to him.’

Romans 6:13 (11-14)

The Apostle Paul is encouraging holy living. He is emphasising the connection between a new nature and renewed behaviour. What we do and say should reflect our life in Christ. The Apostle James writes about the tongue as ‘a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person...’ We all know how damaging words can be and once spoken, they can’t be taken back. James also makes the point that ‘out of the same mouth come praise and cursing’ and then says, ‘this should not be.’ What applies to our tongue also applies to the rest of our body. In 1 Cor 6:19 Paul states that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, ‘Therefore honour God with your body.’

In these verses Paul speaks of our being ‘dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus …Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.’ (Rom 6:11). Our salvation is to be lived out and that is done through our bodies. So it is crucial that we offer our bodies, to Christ - ‘as instruments of righteousness.’ (Rom 6:13). In Romans 12, Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices as an act of worship. The Holy Spirit enables us (1 Cor 12) and protects us (Eph 6), but we need to make that offering of ourselves on a daily basis in order that the Holy Spirit can minister to other people through us in both word and deed.


14)# ’But he stood his ground.’

2 Samuel 23:10 (8-12)

When the other Israelites retreated, Eleazar stood his ground and as a result the Lord ‘brought about a great victory that day.’ The same was true for Shammah who also took his stand against the Philistines (v12). It’s difficult to win a battle if you run away, and you and I can face all sorts of battles on a daily basis. Weapons and protective equipment become an encumbrance when you run away, but are a huge help when you stand your ground.

In Ephesians 6 we’re encouraged to ‘stand firm’ clothed in the armour of God the Holy Spirit, but we only prove it's worth when we stand our ground in the face of the enemy. Satan knows where we are vulnerable and we cannot stand against him in our own strength. But our weaknesses, bad habits, pre-meditated wrongs can be overcome when we face up to them with the Lord’s help. Protection is provided; victory is assured when we stand in the strength of the Lord. Let’s be ready and stand our ground today.


15)# ’And he brought him to Jesus.’

John 1:42 (35-42)

Peter needed the same personal encounter with Christ that his brother Andrew had had. It wasn’t enough for Peter to be told that his brother had ‘found the Messiah’. Peter needed to meet him too, as did Philip and Nathaniel (v43-51).

Each of these men met Jesus for themselves. It wasn’t enough for them to simply know about him, They needed to know him personally. The same is true for people today. You and I can talk about Jesus to other people and tell them about things that he’s done in our lives. But let’s not leave it there. Let’s do our best, like Andrew, to bring them to meet Jesus, one to one. Sometimes this can happen in a church service, but often it happens in the everyday situation, just like for these men. Andrew brought Peter, Philip brought Nathaniel to meet Jesus during a normal working day and that’s where Jesus can meet with people today. Let’s look to introduce someone to Jesus wherever and whenever we have the opportunity - even today.


16)# ’And the sound was heard far away.’

Ezra 3:13 (10-13)

The work of rebuilding Jerusalem, its temple and walls was not just physical, but also highly emotional. What had been destroyed was now being restored. Some Israelites were weeping, some were shouting, as a mixture of relief, joy, gratitude, praise and thanks swept over God’s people. What God was doing meant so much to the Israelites that they couldn’t keep quiet. Their outburst of praise stirred up opposition, but it was testimony to God’s goodness.

In a similar way, the Lord Jesus is building his Church, the New Jerusalem, even in the face of opposition and sometimes we should follow the Israelites’ example and make a bit more noise about what the Lord has done and is doing for us as his people. After all, the victory in Christ is already assured, a new heaven and earth awaits, so why stay quiet? Let’s make some noise to God’s praise and glory, even today.


17)# ’He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.’
 
2 Corinthians 5:19 (16-21)

Our role within God’s plan is made clear here. Whilst God may use other means to make himself known, his primary means is through you and me. So let’s see what’s involved.

Firstly he has ‘committed to us’ - this is no temporary loan or let’s see how it goes; God has fully entrusted to us the work that Christ began. He has handed responsibility over to us. If we don’t tell, then who will?

Secondly we have ‘the message’ - not a paraphrase of the Bible, but the good news of Jesus - God reconciling the world to himself in Christ. This is a clear and direct message that must be shared. Sadly we often complicate it and disguise it, dressing it up to make it more acceptable, but end up hiding it from view.

Thirdly there is ‘reconciliation’ - peace with God. Sins can be forgiven, relationships can be restored, life can have purpose and direction now, and a future beyond the grave. Worth having. Worth sharing. It’s up to us. Let’s get out there and fulfil our commission, today.


18)# ’He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.’

Proverbs 11:25 (23-28)

The word ‘refresh’, speaks of watering or slating thirst. It speaks of providing for the needs of other people. There are many in this world who are spiritually dry and physically thirsty, who need help. Human nature is to look after ourselves first and then offer help to other people from whatever is left over. But in the Kingdom of God, things are different. A generous heart and open hands reflect a generous God.

In Phil 2:4, Paul encourages us to look after the interests of other people. In Luke 6:38 Jesus said, ‘Give and it will be given to you … for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’ As this passage puts it, ‘a generous man will prosper.’

The challenge is that from whatever we receive, we have to give to other people first. Refreshing other people is costly and sacrificial, but brings its own rewards. Whether in word or deed, we can all provide refreshment for other people today and know the blessing that comes with it. If done out of love for the Lord, we won’t be left short.


19)# ’Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land.’

Zephaniah 2:3 (1-3)

Some ornithologists will travel far and wide to get a sighting of a particular species of bird - only to find that it has flown away! But this is not how it is with the Lord. He is not ‘flighty’, but will be found by all who truly seek him. Humility is mentioned because the ‘seeking’ spoken of here is not with the eyes, but with a humble heart. Our very existence depends on the mercy and grace of God, just like in Zephaniah’s day.

Seeking shows intent. It’s more than a cursory glance or a momentary sighting. Determination is implied, indicating the value of the One who is sought. It is also active; you can’t seek passively. Seeking the Lord is a choice, not an accident. It requires our will and also our time, so we mustn’t grow weary or give up. Then it has a goal in sight - obedience, righteousness and humility (v3). There’s a longing to know God and to live in fellowship with him. The promise is that all who seek will find. So let’s seek the Lord again today and enjoy the shelter that he provides (v3).


20)# ’You will find rest for your souls.’

Matthew 11:29 (25-30)

A restless soul can often result in a restless body. But simply dealing with the physical symptoms will not necessarily solve the underlying problem. Many ‘restless souls’ turn to the doctor or psychiatrist for help, when what they most need is help from Jesus. The pressures of life are very real and we all struggle to cope at different times. Sickness, unemployment, broken relationships, future uncertainty and much more can make us restless. But Christ’s invitation to come to him for rest is not just empty words, as he will provide peace and reassurance for all who have troubled hearts.

He who ‘lived for a while amongst us’ in a body, lived long enough to experience the same pressures that we face - and worse. ‘We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ (Heb 4:15-16)

So with this reassurance, let us come to Christ with open hands and an open heart and receive the deep and refreshing rest and healing that he alone can give.


21)# ’I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.’

Ezekiel 34:16 (11-16)

Many of us can be injured or left weak by life’s experiences. A harsh word or misunderstanding can leave pain between family members or friends. The actions or decisions of other people can leave us deeply wounded, even when nothing shows on the outside. The stresses and strains of everyday life, take their toll and leave us weak - mentally, physically and spiritually.

Well, hear these words of Jehovah Rohi, the Lord my Shepherd and Jehovah Ropheca, the Lord who Heals. He deliberately goes looking for the lost and the lame. Sheep that other people would write off, discard. He heals the hurts, however deep, and strengthens the soul, however weak. His work is not dependent on other people and his help enables us to keep going even with the pressures of life. The healing he gives is something we can share with other people as we walk alongside those who have also been injured and are weak. Whether it’s for ourselves or for other people, let’s seek the help of Jesus, the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11).


22)# ’The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’

Mark 2:27 (23-27)

It’s important to get things the right way round. Change things around and you can end up enslaved by rules and regulations, just like these religious leaders had done. They had classified work as any activity, more of less. So they were accusing the disciples of working (picking grain) on the Sabbath. They were looking for any excuse to have a go at Jesus, however petty. But Jesus takes the opportunity to make a point that we would do well to consider.

The Hebrew word ‘shabbat’ means ‘rest (from work)’, just as God did on the seventh day of creation. It’s in sharp contrast with what had been done on the other six days of creation and was passed on to us as a gift. What we do as ‘work’ will vary, but the need to have time off from work won’t. As with the disciples, it’s time to walk and talk, to eat together and relax, time to enjoy the creation God made, to worship and praise him. Time out from the pressures of the rest of the week, time to be refreshed. Once we start focussing on the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’t’s’, of what ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ be done on the sabbath, then we lose sight of the reason God gave us ‘shabbat’ and we’ll miss out on the refreshment that he intended.


23)# ’Despised … rejected … man of sorrows familiar with suffering.’

Isaiah 53:3 (1-5)

The Son of God knew what lay ahead of him even before he became the Son of Man. These words were spoken by the prophet Isaiah, nearly 700 years before Christ became incarnate. In his humanity, Christ identifies with us, in our weakness and frailty.

No-one can say to Christ,‘You don’t know what it’s like!’, because he does. For 33 years Jesus lived amongst us and experienced the good, bad and ugly of life here on earth. As you and I move into another day, whatever burdens we may carry, whatever challenges we may face, the One who comes with us has been there before us. ‘Familiar with suffering’, he has overcome, so that he can help and restore those who come to him in faith. Let’s ask him to walk with us through this day, to give us the strength for whatever lies ahead.


24)# ’I will awaken the dawn.’

Psalm 108:2 (1-5)

The psalmist declares his determination to start each day by praising the Lord. He calls on the harp and lyre to accompany him in praise and may be joining with the ‘dawn chorus’ of creation - or maybe he’s up even before the birds! The point is that David recognises that praise of the Lord should not be dependant on our feelings or circumstances. ‘I will sing and make music...’, however I feel, whatever my situation. Why? ‘For great is your love … your faithfulness ...’

It’s relatively easy for us to praise God when things are going well - but what are we like when things are not going our way?  Our attitude towards God and even our understanding of him, can often be influenced by our situation. But God doesn’t change, even when our circumstances do. His love and faithfulness remain constant. It’s because of God’s unchanging nature, that the psalmist wills himself to praise the Lord, from break of day to setting sun - and so should you and I! Praising God will lift us up, deepen our relationship with the Lord and bless other people. So let’s not neglect to praise the Lord today, whatever our situation.


25)# ’Mattaniah…who led in thanksgiving and prayer.’

Nehemiah 11:17 (1-2 & 15-17)

It’s surprising what gems are hidden in amongst these lists of names! How we need people like Mattaniah today! Those who can lead God’s people in thanksgiving and prayer. This is more than a sing-song or a dutiful prayer meeting. This is an expression of heartfelt gratitude to the Lord and a longing to live his way. The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah followed the rebuilding of the temple under Ezra. Now there needed to be a rebuilding of the spiritual life of the people and Mattaniah had a leading role in helping this to happen.

The lead Mattaniah gave would have been by example, not simply instruction. How good if the same can be true of you and me. Actions speak louder than words and the way we live should express our thanks and praise to God for all that he has done for us in Christ and our deep love for him. As Jesus said, ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’ (Matt 5:16)
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26)# ’Jesus’ name had become well known.’

Mark 6:14 (8-16)

Jesus was well known, not because of a clever advertising campaign or social media outlets, but because he’d made an impact on so many people’s lives. He was known for his teaching which had authority, for his challenge of the hypocrisy of religious leaders and for his gracious response to provocation. He was known for his compassion for the vulnerable, his healing of the blind and lame and for setting people free from evil spirits.

He was known for his control of nature, his raising the dead to life and his restoration of the broken-hearted. He was known as a friend of the outcast, an advocate for women and children, and known to change people’s lives for good. He was known because he lived amongst the people as Emmanuel, God with us. And by his Spirit, he lives today in you and me. I wonder how well we make the name of Jesus known today?


27)# ’Such as all the nations have.’

1 Samuel 8:5 (4-9)

This is a sad reflection of how the hearts of the Israelites had changed. From a desire to follow the Lord God, and to be his people, they now wanted to be like the other nations, and have an earthly king. They didn’t want to be different.

It’s something we’re all vulnerable to. Whether through social media, radio and television or simply people we meet, our attitudes and actions can be affected as we look to fit in. The ways of the world can be very attractive and if we are not careful, our living with Jesus as King, is compromised.

It’s not that we turn our back on God or deny knowing him, but other things begin to creep in and share the space in our hearts, even taking priority. Compromise may be helpful in some situations, but not when it comes to who is Lord and King of our lives and how we live. The Israelites didn’t want to be the ‘odd ones out’, but there will be times when you and I, as God’s people, have to be different, if we are going to live under Christ’s rule.


28)# ’You have a reputation …’

Revelation 3:1 (1-6)

But sadly, the church in Sardis didn’t live up to its reputation - at least not in the eyes of Jesus. It had built up a favourable reputation amongst men, but fell short before the Lord. From what Jesus says it seems that there was some disobedience going on beneath the surface, something that left them ‘soiled’ in God’s sight. We’re reminded of God’s words to Samuel that he looks on the heart, not on the outward appearance.

Jesus made it clear that what is concealed will be exposed, and what is whispered will be heard by all (Luke 12:2-3). Now was the time of reckoning for the church in Sardis. An opportunity was given for them to sort things out, so that they could be right with the Lord. For you and me, how we are seen by the Lord is more important than our reputation amongst men. Let’s not cover things up or hide behind pretence. Let’s be honest and take action when the Holy Spirit prompts us to put things right in our lives.


29)# ’A wise woman called from the city.’

2 Samuel 20:16 (14-22)

We don’t know her name, but that doesn’t matter. What we do know is that she was ‘a wise woman’ with some influence. When other people stayed silent, she called out. When other people did nothing, she acted. She wasn’t overwhelmed by the forces amassed against her city, nor was she cowed by the enemy within. An attack had started, something had to be done, so she called out to Joab and proposed a solution. Her awareness of the situation and swift action saved a whole city from destruction.

Sometimes, for you and me as Christians, staying silent or passive should not be an option. There are things within our society that are wrong and need to be called out. There are those who promote a lifestyle that is contrary to Biblical teaching. Like the watchman in Ezekiel 33, and like this wise woman, we need to identify the wrong and seek to make things right as disciples of Jesus Christ. Being salt and light, as Jesus asked us to be, is not always easy or popular, but it is essential for life and for the good of society.


30)# ’She looked closely at him.’

Luke 22:56 (54-62)

Having someone staring at you can be uncomfortable and Peter didn’t like this close scrutiny. He wanted to see, without being seen. He wanted to merge in with the crowd and go unnoticed. But this servant girl had noticed something and ‘looked closely at him’. Peter wasn’t comfortable. He wasn’t prepared, even though Jesus had warned him.

I wonder how you and I cope when people look closely at our lives or catch us ‘off guard’? Do we stand firm as followers of Christ or would we rather merge in with the crowd? Is our public association with Jesus dependent on who we are with, or where we are? Peter may have crumpled under the pressure, but Christ restored him and he stood out from the crowd from then on. Let’s do the same as we openly share our lives, so that people see Jesus in us, however close they get.


31)# ’Whose hope is in his unfailing love.’

Psalm 33:18 (12-19)

It’s because the Lord’s love is unfailing that our hope in him is secure. From a human perspective, our understanding of the word ‘hope’ includes an element of doubt because time and again we have been let down. We hope that the bus will come - because sometimes it doesn’t show up. We hope for a good day - because sometimes our days are not so good.

But with the Lord, there’s no need for doubt about our hope in him. His love for us is unfailing and he is aware of our situation. The psalmist tells us that the ‘eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him.’ He who does not slumber nor sleep is watching over us. He will come to us; he will deliver us; he will keep us. Whatever we face today, let’s not rely on our own strength, but put all our hope in the Lord, ‘our help and shield.’ (v20)