Category: Decisions

Some weeks start with an exhausted body and mind, and I doubt what I will be able to accomplish. Entering with a fatigued or negative mindset adversely affects my work output, and I simply do not give my maximum effort. However, this lack of doing my best contrasts with how God requires us to live because our life reflects our worship of the Almighty. Many religious traditions today encourage members to tithe (give 10% of their income) or make regular charitable donations to support their religious communities and those in need. This practice mirrors the biblical practice of giving a portion of one’s resources to support the church’s or faith tradition’s work. While this is often seen as the minimum with which we serve the church’s work, God requires us to examine the purpose and act of giving as reflecting worship. After confessing their sins and the sins of their ancestors and hearing the law, the people rededicated their worship through giving. No longer was giving seen as something optional; instead, giving to the church became a vital act of worship. God’s abundant mercy, shown by allowing the people to return from exile, required a response that was recompense. Therefore, the people obligated themselves to give their best to God, as shown in Nehemiah 10.

We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks; and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 10:35-37.

God requires the best of our work, reflecting our worship of God. To exemplify this, as part of their worship, the Jerusalemites committed to bringing the first and best of their crops and fruit trees to the house of the Lord annually, demonstrating their gratitude and recognition of God’s provision. To ensure we have the same attitude, even in our most worn down and depressed state, we must recall that God’s providence never fails us or leaves us and that God calls us to something higher in our giving and our working. God loved us, and now we work for the Almighty and give to the Almighty in all circumstances. While the people proclaim to give to God in the ecstasy of accomplishment and worship, we must ensure we keep the same momentum and spirit in our times of defeat and despair. God calls us to give our best in both victory and defeat and everything in between.

Everything belongs to God; therefore, we should not think of anything as belonging to us. Understanding that worship connected to their relationships, the people of Jerusalem vowed to dedicate their firstborn sons and the firstborn of their animals to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all life and fulfilling the requirements of the Law. This extends to our time and belongings; when we back up and realize that we have committed our lives to God, we no longer rely on the perfect situation to be our best for God. To worship God means that we understand that it cannot stop, nor can we turn off our worship, but everything that comes out of us should be an act of worship. Let it go. We want to hold onto and control all the variables in life so that everything will align perfectly so that we can get the best in life. However, God asks us to relinquish the reigns of our life to God as we worship God. This requires a new mindset that doesn’t control but realizes that we belong to God, and in that, we find hope, and the power of that hope leads us to be the best we can be every day.

God has given us abundantly; therefore, we should give everything to God with joy-filled hearts because God knows how to use our resources better than we do. In Nehemiah, the people of Jerusalem pledged to give a portion of their produce to the priests and tithes of their harvest to the Levites, ensuring the support of those who served in the Temple and religious leadership. Today, many congregations financially support their religious leaders, recognizing the value of their service and enabling them to focus on their spiritual duties. This practice aligns with the biblical idea of providing for the priests and Levites. However, beyond financial support, the church needs to partner with its leaders and spread God’s message to the neighborhoods and communities. Jesus worked to break down the barriers between priests and God’s followers; now, we all have the ability and mandate to give the best of our work directly to God. We do this by sharing the Gospel with the world.

The concept of first fruits, originating in agrarian societies, remains relevant today and can be expressed in several ways. One way is to dedicate a portion of one’s paycheck to God or a charitable cause, symbolizing the offering of one’s initial earnings. Another way is to present the first fruits of creative endeavors, such as art, music, or writing, as an act of worship. Furthermore, setting aside time each day for prayer and spiritual reflection allows individuals to offer the “firstfruits” of their time to God. The initial part of a harvest is typically the best because it represents the most mature and ready part of the crop. Similarly, the best part of our work reflects our capabilities, competency, and commitment to excellence. It is essential to strive to consistently offer God our best, regardless of circumstances. Rather than allowing circumstances to dictate our approach to the day, we should focus on worshipping God through our work, sharing with others, and living in a way that reflects our faith.

Amongst the most challenging phrases to utter are the three words “I was wrong.” Pride or the fear of repercussions may hinder these words from naturally flowing from our mouths. However, particularly in the presence of God, we must acknowledge that we have all sinned and made mistakes. Without admitting our failures, we risk repeating them or leading others into the same painful mistakes we have experienced. Therefore, our response to the Gospel must be that we need it as much as anyone else. After hearing the law in Nehemiah, the people responded with a sincere confession. They recognized that the appropriate response to God’s favor was to express remorse. Instead of making excuses or rationalizing their failures and those of their ancestors, they acknowledged their sinful nature, recognizing that they came from a lineage of sinners who desperately needed God’s redemption.

But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 9:16-21.

Humanity’s propensity to rebel, even when it goes against our best interests, is a recurring theme throughout history. The Hebrew people’s repeated disobedience and rebellion serve as a poignant illustration of this tendency, emphasizing our innate inclination to stray from God’s commandments despite witnessing His mighty acts of deliverance and miraculous intervention. As we reflect on our own lives, we often find ourselves looking back with a nostalgic lens, selectively remembering positive moments while conveniently forgetting our mistakes. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the reality of our sinful nature and the fact that we all deserve the ultimate punishment of death. Yet, in His abundant grace and mercy, God lovingly intervenes, carrying our burdens and offering us redemption. If we truly embrace the Word of God and the Gospel message, we must ensure that our hearts bow in humble obedience and reverence. For we have sinned and justly deserve punishment, yet God has chosen to love us and deliver us from the consequences of our sin.

Amidst our transgressions, we are compelled to acknowledge our acts of rebellion. This passage illuminates God’s unwavering love and readiness to forgive, despite our shortcomings. This divine attribute encourages us to confess, assuring us of compassion and restoration upon sincere repentance. Our transformation from sinful ways begins with the acknowledgment of our sins. To prepare ourselves for God’s service, we must understand not only our sinful nature but also the need for profound reliance on Him. Our inherent rebellious nature makes it easy to deviate from God’s path. This deviation can often occur without conscious awareness, as we may firmly believe we are steadfast in our principles for God, while in reality, we are driven by selfish interests. Confessing our rebellion allows us to recognize our fallen state and humble our pride, paving the way for God’s mercy and light to illuminate our path.

Despite our rebellious nature, God’s unwavering presence guides us toward enlightenment. The passage emphasizes God’s continuous provision and direction throughout the people’s wilderness journey. He provided sustenance, hydration, guidance, and protection, demonstrating His commitment to sustaining and nurturing His people, even when they falter. God’s love remains constant despite our failures. Instead, He extends mercy and peace during our open rebellion. Therefore, when we turn away from rebellion, God is already present, guiding us further into the light and away from darkness. All the while, He reminds us that we don’t need to stray from grace, mercy, and peace because in the Almighty God, we find everything we need. With gratitude in our hearts, we respond to this grace with confession and a fervent desire to embrace the Gospel as we move forward. To do this effectively, we must take special care to keep the Gospel close to our hearts, leaving no room for rebellion to enter.

Through our sinful actions, we have fallen and distanced ourselves from God. Acknowledging our misdeeds is crucial, as it allows us to embrace God’s grace and mercy. However, upon confessing our sins, we gain a profound understanding of God’s love, transforming our sinful ways into obedient devotion. This act presents an opportunity for each of us to cast aside our pride and humbly approach the Almighty. God extends an invitation to all, regardless of the depths of our transgressions, to turn to the gospel and embrace His mercy. We then respond by recognizing our shortcomings and rejecting the falsehoods of pride that prevent us from accepting God’s promises. Begin by confessing past sins, allowing God to guide the church into a future illuminated by His grace and compassion.

When my family doesn’t have a lunch or dinner planned out, we find ourselves asking the dreaded question, “What do you want?” The question is dreaded because we approached this time of eating knowing full and well that we would have to make a decision, but no one stepped up and gave a preemptive answer to the question. However, the reasons for not giving a proper answer come from diverse reasons. The youngest child doesn’t answer because they have found their responses rejected every time and don’t want to be rejected again. Another child doesn’t answer because they don’t want to offend anyone with their selection. One parent doesn’t want to answer because they feel as if they must make all the decisions, and they have decision fatigue. There are myriad reasons why any of us refuse to answer that question. Still, no one answering the question often results in the family going to a place that is comfortable to everyone but not desirable to anyone.

Going to church on Easter Sunday is rarely a choice made by asking, “What do you want?” However, on most other Sundays of the year, we might question why we should go to church or why we should go to a specific church. The answers don’t come as easy for many, but if we dig into the rationale for attending a church or a service, we would also find many different responses. Some would say this is the closest church to them, while some say they love the worship band, others the traditions, and some say the pastor or even the programs at a particular church. Many of these are the things that brought us to the doors of a local church, but what we really want is Jesus.

Jesus brought the women to the tomb on the first Resurrection Sunday. It was customary to mourn at the tomb, and the Gospels tell us of the women who came to carry out the ritual and to help find closure on the death of their loved one. However, they got a surprise that forced them to reframe how they asked the question, “What do you want?”

Let us look at how the Gospel of John frames this encounter:

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 20:1–18.

The text above focuses on four individuals and how they would answer the question, “What do you want?” Mary Magdalene, John and Peter, and Jesus all instruct and guide us as we walk through our own queries. Whether we find ourselves identifying with Mary Magdalene or John and Peter, Jesus encounters us as we seek something in this world.

Mary Magdalene wanted answers. Outcast from much of society she found something in Jesus that gave her purpose and life. Jesus treated her with mercy, providing hope in the midst of the brokenness that showed her that she was not simply confined to the type of life that the world sought to entrap her, as she came from a certain place she would only be capable of a lower status in society. Some of us can certainly identify with Mary Magdalene, as we feel trapped by certain walls that have come up around us, and we do not feel as if we can break free from that confinement. We want free from the trappings of this world that have only brought us pain and frustration. We come to church looking for this freedom, just like Mary Magdalene.

Even when we find it, the world takes it away. Just as Jesus was crucified, it left the women, and particularly Mary Magdalene saddened and grieving. At the tomb, she sought to express grief, and find closure in hopes to find joy again. However, as she found the tomb empty, she initially felt robbed of the opportunity to grieve and sought the help of Peter and John to understand what was going on. We often want to understand what’s going on around us, and seek answers from others that we perceive to be more wise, or those that we think may have access to answers that elude us. However, oftentimes the answers that those around us provide only leave us with more questions, as Peter nor John gave Mary Magdalene any comfort.

Maybe we are Peter and John. Followers from the beginning, thinking we have it all figured out until the rug is pulled out from underneath us when our teacher, our hope, and our Lord left us on the cross. We thought Jesus was the answer, but what do we do now that Jesus is gone. Now we that the tomb is empty, and what are supposed to make of that? Peter ran all the way in, and John waited at the door, but neither got an answer. Many a Christian approaches striving for answers to questions, but when the answers aren’t readily available we go away to our comfort, but Jesus isn’t done with us.

Coming back to the tomb we find Mary Magdalene, staying there in her tears, where she encounters Jesus, and all she wants to do is cling to Him, because she does not want to let go. The last she saw Him he was lifeless, and now He is full of life. As she was not satisfied with the lack of answers, in her tears Jesus revealed Himself to her, and Jesus wants to reveal Himself to us here. What is troubling you? What do you want? Jesus reveals that there is peace for our sadness, and hope for our pain, which is precisely why He went to the cross. Jesus wants there to be peace in our world and hears the tears of those caught in the stress and disorder of our world. What does Jesus want? He wants us, in our brokenness, with our tears, and immersed in the ugliness of the world, Jesus wants us to come to the foot of the cross and be washed in His blood. He will turn our tears to joy, our pain into peace, and our hurts into hope. Through the love of the Almighty we are all welcome.

Now I ask you, “What do you want?” Right here, and right now, Jesus is present and asks us that question as we approach the places of death and darkness. On a Sunday nearly 2000 years ago Jesus transformed the symbols of death and destruction into beacons of hope for a world striving and seeking answers, freedom, and joy. In the light of Christ’s resurrection on the third day, no matter what we want, Jesus is the answer.

When I was younger, I loved Christmas and my birthday because it meant that people would give me presents. I didn’t have to do anything special; I just asked for something, and magically it would appear. While my baser mind would have thought that I may have done something to deserve the gift, the truth was that I was born into a loving family that cared for me and wanted to bring a smile to my face by giving me a gift. Now, as I have transitioned to become the parent in the scenario, there is probably nothing my kids could do or say to make me not want to fulfill their wants and desires through gift-giving. 

Unfortunately, another side has blossomed in me as I have become an adult; I might be one of the worst people to get a gift. There is nothing that I would ask for that I cannot and will not simply buy myself. Part of this is that I am impatient, and another part is that I am uncomfortable with others getting me things. Even though I love the holidays and all the pomp and celebration, I could always do without the part where I am given gifts. However, there is a lesson for me, and those like me, to be patient and allow others to share a blessing.

Similarly, Paul reminds us that GRACE is a gift. As a gift, there was never anything we could have done to earn due to our disqualification in sin. Thus, we should be pleased to know God takes care of us, just as a perfect parent to handle the struggles that come by sending Jesus to Earth to offer us the gift of justification and salvation. Paul outlines this for us in the heart of this passage in Romans 3.

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 

Romans 3:21-26 (ESV)

The Law, a gift bestowed upon humanity, is a testament to God’s righteousness and guides how to treat one another while honoring our Creator. Through its revelation, the Law illuminates the holy character of God and promotes understanding of sin. It establishes righteous living as the standard for human thriving, showcasing God’s goodness. Both the Law and the Prophets bear witness to the revelation of God’s righteousness, separate from the requirements of Jewish law. Scriptures testify to the goodness of God and humanity’s yearning for it. The Law furnishes a framework for righteousness, with the prophets correcting deviations to realign people with divine principles. Paul views the Law as a delineator of boundaries, delineating a distinctive religious and lifestyle pattern for those within its confines. God intended the Law as a means for people to consecrate themselves to Him and embody His righteousness as a beacon to the world. However, like a child who abandons a toy once its novelty fades, the people disregarded their special status within the Law, neglecting their obligations as its adherents.

When Adam sinned, humanity lost the reflection of God’s image, setting the stage for a narrative of ingratitude and self-reliance. Paul articulates this human condition succinctly, emphasizing the universal nature of sin and our collective falling short of God’s glory. Humanity’s attempt to attain salvation through self-effort mirrors the futility of an archer’s arrow missing its mark or a runner lagging in a race. Seeking self-righteousness leads to a perpetual cycle of failure and pride, distancing us further from God’s ideal. The hopelessness of human achievement underscores the necessity for God’s intervention and the offer of redemption through faith. Despite our unworthiness, God extends a second gift: the opportunity for reconciliation and restoration. This gift is available to all, irrespective of background or status, emphasizing the inclusivity of God’s grace.

God exemplifies His righteousness, offering justification even amid humanity’s rebellion. At the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, a significant shift occurred, altering our future trajectory. No longer reliant on ourselves, we now live out the light of Christ, solely justified by God’s righteousness. This righteousness, not contingent on adherence to the law, stems from Jesus’ salvific work on the cross, reconciling humanity with God. Christ’s death appeases God’s righteous anger, providing redemption for sinners through faith, not works. Paul underscores the continuity between Israel’s religion and the manifestation of God’s righteousness in Christ. God’s justice necessitated payment for sin, fulfilled through the costly sacrifice of His Son. Thus, the gift of grace demands reverence, as it came at great cost. Justification, a bestowal of righteous status, coincides with regeneration, a renewal of the heart. The gospel declares God’s reconciliation with humanity, an act of sheer generosity, applicable to all without exception, irrespective of their legal or covenantal status.

Our life is a gift. Every moment is an opportunity to embrace God’s righteousness or to move in a different direction. Paul elucidates that the Almighty cherishes our life, regardless of background or behavior. Our behavior has been a severe problem, as sin leads to our outright rejection of the righteousness of God and breaks down our relationship with God and our community. This brokenness is an outright rejection of the gift that God has shared and stands in contrast to God’s hope and peace. However, because God’s love is large enough to overcome our rejection, God showers humanity with a gift that maintains God’s sense of justice and redeems humanity through Jesus Christ. Therefore, to follow God, we must strive for righteousness and reconciliation in every aspect of our lives to show our appreciation and love for the gift of redemption.