Daily Devotions by Steve Holm (Page 114)
Daily Devotions
He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” vs. 31 Mark 6:30-34 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples strikes a responsive chord even today. No matter what kind of work we have, even if it isn’t directly related to missional service, we’re bound to get worn out. And if we don’t have built-in breaks or respites, it can…
Daily Devotions
In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.” vss. 21-22 Ephesians 2:19-22 Christians have traditionally seen these verses from Ephesians as an ancient description of the Church as the Body of Christ, and they’ve not been wrong. By our baptisms we have become members of Christ’s body. As such we are his living presence in the world,…
Daily Devotions
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” vs. 14 Ephesians 2:11-18 Humans love dualistic systems. We regularly speak of light and darkness, good and evil, heaven and hell–such pairs are a way to describe the universe and our various life experiences. One of the consequences of that dualistic thinking in religion has been the division of people into two…
Daily Devotions
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.” vss. 2-3 Psalm 23 Each of us has a soul–it’s what gives us our identity. That soul bears the stamp of God and is the part of us that craves meaning and purpose. When we’re at our best we feel the connection with the Divine and know in our hearts that we…
Daily Devotions
I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.” vs. 4 Jeremiah 23:3-6 For centuries the Jews hung on to the words of prophets like Jeremiah, hoping against hope that one day God would send a good shepherd, a king who would ensure their prosperity and security. When Jesus began his ministry there were some who believed that their prayers…
Daily Devotions
‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ says the Lord.” vs. 1 Jeremiah 23:1-3 The Hebrew scriptures abound with references to shepherds and their flocks. Whenever a writer was looking for an analogy to describe the relationship between a sovereign and the nation, this was the go-to metaphor. Jeremiah uses it here to blame the kings of Judah and Israel for the sorry condition of God’s chosen people. They were the ones in charge…
Daily Devotions
The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.” vs. 26 Mark 6:21-29 Those who operate without a moral compass often make decisions with far-reaching effects for the flimsiest of reasons. Herod makes a foolish promise to the step-daughter who has entertained him and his presumably well-lubricated guests. The girl’s mother seizes on the opportunity to rid herself of a well-hated nemesis–and John the Baptizer loses…
Daily Devotions
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.” vs. 20 Mark 6:14-20 Herod ruled over Galilee and Perea (a territory east of the Jordan and the Dead Sea) on behalf of the Romans and was involved in a series of clashes with the king of Nabatea. He had arrested John because of his comments about…
Daily Devotions
so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.” vs. 12 Ephesians 1:8b-13 Early Christian communities had to deal with a variety of issues as they began to consider how to live as Christ’s people in a culture teeming with alternatives. The process wasn’t easy and leaders struggled to offer prescriptions that aligned with the gospel and the traditions. There were obviously many disagreements, just as there are…
Daily Devotions
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.” vss. 7-8a Ephesians 1:3-8a When soldiers die in battle we commonly say that they have shed their blood for the sake of their country, and that they died to maintain our freedom. And of course we set aside days to remember their great sacrifice. Early Christians had a similar regard for the death of Jesus…
Daily Devotions
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” vs. 10 Psalm 85:8-13 The psalmist knew that there was nothing but good ahead for the people of Israel. Even though they had rebelled against the Lord, there would be a restoration. They would not be forsaken–salvation was at hand. Ever since those days the people of God have lived in anticipation of that moment–Jesus called it the coming of the Kingdom of God. And while we…
Daily Devotions
Then Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”’” Amos 7:10-15 As might be expected Amos’ message had not gone over well with the religious leaders of Israel. He was from Judah, and when he stirred up the poor against the rich in Israel, the…