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A Dose Of Humility Goes A Long Way

7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Luke 14:7–14.

In a world where celebrity culture dictates who we admire, what does it truly mean to be worthy of honor? In our world we would often honor our heads of state and the heads of state from other countries based on their office and position; however, that is not always the case and has significantly eroded over the last couple decades. People from all areas of society chime in to give their opinion on the nature of honor. In modern celebrity culture, people vie for prominent spaces, seeking to be seen with the “right” people. This constant pursuit of image and fan approval can lead to a kind of enslavement, where public perception takes precedence over everything else. However, honor from the perspective of society runs in opposition to what honor means to God. In Jesus’ address in Luke 14, He suggests that true importance is not something to be sought after but rather a recognition that is bestowed upon the humble. We are called to treat others with respect regardless of what they can offer us, embodying a form of honor that is given freely, not earned through strategic connections or a curated image. In a similar way, we don’t utilize our connections for gain, but we treat others with respect regardless of their ability to grant us honor, glory, or power. 

According to the Gospel we find that true honor is given, and not sought after. In the parable, Jesus warns us against vying for importance by taking a prominent seat at the party. This type of action opens the potential for public shame if a more distinguished guest arrives. We would be publicly demoted, just as when the host is looking for someone more important to talk to and leave you: this will be a disgrace before all in attendance, as one thought that they were more deserving than in reality they were. The shame is not merely about a lower seat, but that one thought themselves more highly than they ought and was humiliated in turn. By contrast, Jesus advises to allow the space for humility and place yourself among guests that are of lower status. This humble approach in turn can lead to public honor when the host, recognizing their humility, invites them to a space of honor. For in this, humility prevents humiliation, and leads to honor. Real honor will come not from one’s self-seeking choices, but from what is bestowed on one by another. This behavior bolsters the image of someone to others. When we work to claim honor for ourselves, we often humiliate ourselves by placing ourselves in a position that reminds others that what we are truly seeking is to be seen by others as important. When that is our focus we will often risk being shown for the attention seeking that we are not worthy of, and stand in the way of those deserving honor, thus dishonoring God through our action.

Similarly, when we find ourselves in the position of the giver or the host we must hold true to the understanding that when you give, it cannot be for the sake of receiving. Jesus instructs the host, that when giving a dinner or a party, that we cannot be focused primarily upon inviting our friends or relatives or rich neighbors, because they could invite you in return as repayment. This prohibition serves as a critique of doing good mainly for the sake of a tangible, earthly reward, and not an outright prohibition of entertaining friends. Real disinterested goodness is rare indeed; so much of what we do is tainted by the desire that it may benefit us in some way, oftentimes this can even be an unconscious desire. We must strive to rid ourselves from the need to constantly serve our desire for a personal advantage if we want to serve God. This reciprocity ethic is a human tendency to do good things for one’s friends in anticipation of having the favors returned. To break us from this cycle, instead of those who can repay, Jesus commands us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. These individuals were often considered social outcasts and, by the religious standards of the day, viewed as outcasts from the kingdom, with their afflictions believed to be the result of sin. The Gospel message is directed to these types of people. To eat with such people could result in religious defilement. Therefore, the Israelite desired to only fellowship with others of similar perceived piety. However, Jesus speaks out against this narrow view. This act of inviting those who have nothing demonstrates true generosity which is the compassion Jesus models for us. This selfless hospitality, given without hope of reciprocation, is rewarded by God. The charitable will not lose, but win, by having their recompense delivered by God rather than their guests.

The follower of Christ must strive for humility in all circumstances to elevate the Gospel. Jesus emphasizes that the exalted will be humbled and the humbled will be exalted. Being truly humble is the basic premise for entering the kingdom. Therefore, by striving for humility, followers of Christ align themselves with the fundamental requirement for upholding and demonstrating a core truth of the Gospel. Christ’s counterintuitive advice encourages true disinterested goodness and an approach to hospitality that reverses the trend toward compensatory giving. When you live without expectation of repayment, followers of Christ are promised a blessing as the resurrection of the just from God. This act of inviting social outcasts aligns with Jesus’s own ministry and reflects God’s own generosity and inclusive invitation of us sinners to the eschatological banquet. We elevate the Gospel by visibly demonstrating its message of radical love, mercy, and inclusion, proving that God values those marginalized by society. This applies not only to social situations but also to one’s standing before God. This pure simplicity of Jesus’ laws of the Kingdom of God makes the Gospel’s distinct values evident. When followers prioritize the needs of others and act as servants, they exemplify the unique and transformative nature of the Christian life, thereby elevating the message of the Gospel by living it out in stark contrast to prevailing societal norms.

When I was younger, the age where many of my friends were getting married, I often wondered if I would be asked to be a groomsman. In most cases, I was not, and in some cases I found that I was not even invited to the wedding. The feeling that it gave me was that I was not important to that person. This made me feel small and unimportant. Afterall, I had invited them to my wedding, and some of them were even in my wedding party. However, when listening to Jesus in this passage, I realize I have always been caught up in the give and take of society. I gave and expected to take in return, that was only fair. The reality of the Gospel expects us to set this aside, we are not owed for our giving, but instead our giving must serve the Gospel in our community, not our own enrichment. The world has enough quid pro quo to go around, but what it needs more of is charity and humility. When we start from a position of charity and humility it prevents us from humiliation from thinking that we are more than we thought, but it also allows us to demonstrate the true Gospel in the world. Jesus came to serve those that could not serve in return, and thus demonstrates to us that true giving is done hoping that God’s love comes through and not our honor.

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No Excuses

4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. 10  See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 1:4–10.

God empowers individuals to fulfill their purposes and achieve great things, expecting them to act on His plan without excuses. This divine empowerment is not contingent on human qualifications or self-perceived abilities; rather, it is a gift from God intended to dispel self-doubt and equip people with His very Words. The core of God’s purpose for us is a resounding call to action, reminding all followers that God has a plan for each of their lives and that excuses are an obstacle He has no time for. He gives the authority and the means to succeed, leaving no valid excuse for inaction.

Excuses are a universal problem, because they hinder progress and are ultimately irrelevant in the face of God’s purpose. Whether in everyday life or when responding to a divine call, excuses are unhelpful and frustrating to those who receive them. God does not care about our excuses, no matter how clever or seemingly valid they may be, because He has already chosen and set us apart for a specific service. He knows our every limitation, but He also knows the immense power He has placed within us. Therefore, to make an excuse is to dismiss God’s foreknowledge and His perfect, loving plan.

Furthermore, God does not require qualifications or prerequisites for us to serve Him. Common excuses like being too young, too old, or lacking specific abilities are irrelevant to a God who provides the necessary tools. Our true qualifications and preparation for service come directly from God’s gifting, not from a series of classes or achievements. God’s choice is rooted in His unconditional love, not in our merit. He is fully aware of our perceived shortcomings, but He expects us to focus not on our limitations, but on the power He has put within us to achieve anything.

The authority to serve God is born out of obedience, and it requires individuals to set aside their excuses and simply follow His commands. Our job as believers is not to add our own thoughts or cleverness to God’s word, but to deliver it faithfully to people. This act of obedience is what gives us the authority to act on His behalf. It is through this submission that God works, cleansing and transforming us and putting His power and words in our mouths. When we embrace this truth, we understand that any rejection of the message is a rejection of God Himself, not of our own limited abilities.

There are no excuses that should inhibit us from fulfilling God’s plan. Through His Word and the Gospel, God gives believers the authority to bring hope to the downtrodden, peace to the anxious, and love to a world in need. This authority is not based on worldly power, but on the immense transformative power of the Holy Spirit. With God having already done the crucial prep work by choosing and equipping us, our only remaining task is to obey and take action. God provides an unwavering call to set aside all reasons for inaction and to embrace the purpose for which we were created—to serve His kingdom and bring about His will on earth.

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Walking On Nothing But Faith

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 11:8–12.

Desperation will cause many to either do many great things, or lead to a road that may be unsavory. However, when someone is desperate they lack options and will resort to the limited scope of vision they have in a time of peril. These are times that lead us to act on nothing but a guess. Faithful action will seemingly act against common sense because while lacking clear immediate outcomes, faith is not born of desperation or blind guesses, but rather from a deep-seated confidence in the unseen realities of God’s promises. While desperation might compel individuals to act on limited vision or guesswork, Abraham and Sarah’s faith, as depicted in these sources, represents a profound departure from this. Their responsive, sacrificial, courageous, persistent, and dependent faith allowed them to transcend their seemingly desperate circumstances, not by guessing, but by trusting absolutely in the character and promises of a faithful God, whose power and wisdom surpass all human limitations and uncertainties.

Obedience to God’s call is the beginning of faith. Abraham’s faith was immediately expressed through his obedience to God’s command to leave his homeland for an unknown destination. He went out, not knowing where he was going, and didn’t trouble his mind with where he was going. This profound trust meant he placed himself entirely in God’s hands. His faith displaced all worry about his future, demonstrating that implicit faith and obedience are due to God, and to him alone. This act of obedience went against all common sense, as he left familiarity and security for the unknown, relying solely on God’s word. Abraham’s departure was a great trial of faith. He left behind everything that was secure, prosperous, peaceful, and enjoyable, including his family, highlighting the sacrificial aspect of his faith. His willingness to embark on this journey without a clear destination required heroism and courage, as the explicit promise of the land as an inheritance was given only after he had entered Canaan. While God promised Abraham a physical land, the sources emphasize that Abraham’s ultimate hope extended beyond the earthly Canaan. He lived in the land of promise as a stranger, dwelling in tents, which signified his transient status. Our response to God’s call when we walk in faith doesn’t rely on earthly assurances or a fallback plan. Instead, we rely solely on the command to go and do it. Through Christ, we see that hope is manifested through faith and that to walk on faith, we must rely upon God’s call alone and not on our own worldly securities.

Sarah’s journey shows how faith can conquer unbelief and yield incredible results. Initially, her unbelief was evident when she laughed at God’s promise of a son in her old age and previously, when she had Abraham sleep with Hagar. However, her faith ultimately prevailed. She came to believe that God, who had made the promise, was faithful and capable of fulfilling it. This unwavering confidence in God’s reliability became the cornerstone of her faith. The ultimate fruit of her faith was the birth of Isaac, a child of the promise. This seemingly impossible birth was the beginning of God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants as countless as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. This demonstrates God’s power to make a barren life, whether physically or spiritually, fruitful. Sarah’s lineage eventually led to the Messiah, the greatest blessing of all. This story illustrates that faith doesn’t always immediately remove doubt, but by remaining in it, we allow God to address our unbelief and bless us in unimaginable, often impossible, ways. It also shows that God sometimes asks us to let go of our reliance on worldly systems and walk on faith alone.

Faith is an active journey toward God’s purpose, a path that often leads to the unpredictable. The stories of biblical figures like Abraham and Noah illustrate this. Abraham’s obedience, for instance, immediately demonstrated his faith, guiding him on a journey into the unknown. Similarly, Noah’s construction of the ark and Sarah’s miraculous conception in old age show how faith can challenge common sense. These examples reveal that faith isn’t static but a dynamic process. The lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob embody this journey. They lived as pilgrims, acknowledging they were “aliens and strangers on earth,” symbolizing their refusal to settle for a temporary existence. Their nomadic life in tents reflected a constant readiness for a better, heavenly dwelling. This “pilgrim spirit” emphasizes that Christians should not prioritize material possessions but rather be prepared for God’s mission. The popular scout motto, “Be Prepared,” echoes this sentiment, but with a spiritual distinction. While it often means readiness for the unexpected, the preparation God asks of us is a readiness to serve when He calls. This is the essence of a faith journey: a continuous readiness to go forth and be an ambassador for God in the world. It means finding peace in uncertainty, resting in the certain nature of God, and trusting in His desire to care for us and all creation.

Abraham and Sarah are foundational examples of biblical faith. Their lives demonstrate a profound trust in God’s promises, even when those promises seemed naturally impossible or required immense sacrifice. Their story shows that faith is not a desperate reaction but an active, persistent, and confident reliance on God’s character and power. Instead of being limited by human uncertainty, they were able to move forward, knowing that God specializes in the impossible. Ultimately, their journey as sojourners highlights a hope that transcends earthly life, calling believers to anticipate a permanent, heavenly inheritance. Thus we need to reconnect to faith not out of desperation, but out of an obedience to the Almighty God.

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Stay Ready

32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 12:32–40.

Where do you find your comfort and security? We may look to our homes, our families, or perhaps our government to ensure that we are safe and secure. However, the reality is that none of these can ever fully protect us from the uncertainty that surrounds us. Natural disasters hit and destroy land and homes, while war and violence strike even in the areas that many once thought safe, and yet there is also disease that could hit even when you do everything right. We have labeled an entire type of meal as comfort food. When you are down, feel as if you are missing home, or just need some comfort, a good percentage of us look to a meal to bring us to a place where we feel secure and know everything will be alright. The food doesn’t have any mystical properties, but rather, it reminds us of a time when the worries of the world took a back seat, when you sat around a table and shared a meal with those you loved and those who loved you. The love of God can be as simple as this, allowing all that the world demands of us to be filtered through the comfort that Christ offers. However, we cannot allow the worries and influences of the world to interfere with the life that God calls us to live. We cannot have dual priorities, as life in Christ must be the primary focus, allowing everything else to be filtered through our mindset for Christ. For everything in the world will fade away, but life following God is enduring.

This is not a kingdom we earn or achieve, but one that is given according to the sovereign, good pleasure of our Heavenly Father. This promise profoundly counters any worry about our earthly sustenance or security. Why should we fret over what we shall eat or wear when our Father, who provides even for animals and plants, has determined in His divine benevolence to bestow upon us the Kingdom itself?. The foundational comfort Christ offers is an unwavering trust in God’s pervasive care and provision, rooted in His divine will to grant us our ultimate inheritance. Jesus is not condemning property as inherently sinful, as some have mistakenly interpreted. Instead, He commends radical generosity, urging us to see our possessions not as ends in themselves, but as means to a greater end. By giving to the needy, we are, in essence, creating a positive ledger with God, storing up  a treasure whose contents are not vulnerable to the world and time. Earthly treasures, no matter how vast, are vulnerable to corrosion, thieves, and the natural world. This contrasts with treasure secured through the Almighty God that makes us truly rich, and will not fail. This teaching, while concrete in its ethical demand, is ultimately a law for the spirit, calling us to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. Indeed, the world and its demands will always be present, but our Lord reminds us that everything in the world will fade away. The rich man’s ample goods were useless on the night his soul was required of him. But the treasure laid up in heaven is a treasure that will not be destroyed. As we walk this journey of faith, Christ calls us to radical discipleship. Let our generosity be a testament to our hope, and let our hearts fix upon the eternal treasure that awaits us in Christ Jesus. For where our treasure is, there our heart will truly be. Let us ensure, by God’s grace, that our treasure is in Him, for in Him alone is true life, enduring and eternal.

Our Lord urges immediate, practical readiness. “Let your waists be girded” refers to the practice of fastening up one’s long outer garment, which was essential before engaging in work, travel, or even warfare, symbolizing being dressed for the occasion. The image here is likely one of being ready to go once the time has arrived, and not waiting until the last minute to pack or get dressed. Coupled with this, Jesus commands, “and your lamps burning”. In a world without widespread electric light, a burning lamp was crucial for navigating the darkness, especially at night. Spiritually, this ensures us to be in a state of constant vigilance, not being caught in darkness or unpreparedness. These two images together speak powerfully to the need for continuous readiness in every aspect of our lives as disciples. Christ compares His disciples to servants diligently awaiting their master’s return from a celebration, specifically a wedding banquet. The imagery of returning “from the wedding” is distinct from coming to it, yet both carry spiritual significance regarding Christ’s coming. This readiness is ultimately a call to preparedness for the glorious return of Jesus. On the lips of Jesus, this could also link to the imminent arrival of the kingdom of God. The expectation is that when the master comes and knocks, the servants will open to him immediately. This immediate response emphasizes a heart and life constantly aligned with the Master’s will, with no delay, no frantic last-minute tidying, but a settled and consistent state of readiness. The broader context reminds us to “sell your possessions, and give to the needy”. This act of generous giving is a concrete outworking of readiness. It demonstrates that our heart is where our treasure exists, based upon enduring heavenly realities. Trust in God frees us from paralyzing worry, allowing us to serve Him without reservation. If we are ready God’s glorious promise transforms all our striving as the Master will serve His faithful servants. In a world that often measures worth by what one has or how much one is served, our Lord promises that the greatest honor is to be served by Him. This profound comfort and assurance fuels our vigilance and zeal. It reminds us that our diligent service here is not a burden, but a joyful anticipation of the eternal banquet where Christ Himself will minister to us.

Christ’s coming means the present is the time in which the Son of Man could come at any moment and thus cannot be predicted. This means that the future exerts its pressure on the present. We cannot live as if we have an endless supply of tomorrows to mend relationships or obey God’s will. The urgency is in recognizing that now is the time of decisive significance. If we know something is worth doing, we must absolutely do it now. This applies directly to sharing the Gospel and acting out Christ’s love because the opportunities are present now, not to be deferred until a more convenient or certain time. The danger is that impatience and worldliness creep in, and the church loses its sense of accountability and readiness to meet the Lord. This creates a profound urgency as there are things we know we should be doing, and we are not to be lulled into inactivity by the fact that the Lord has not yet come back. We have no choice but to recognize that our sanctification, our diligent service, and our active love are not optional but essential responses to God’s grace. We know the Master’s will, we know of His coming, and we know of the precious opportunities to advance His Kingdom and demonstrate His love. This knowledge increases our accountability. The urgency, then, is born not of fear, but of the immense privilege and responsibility bestowed upon us by our gracious Lord to serve Him faithfully and to be instruments of His love and truth in a world desperately in need.

As we contemplate Christ’s instruction my thoughts and visions revolve around a small church and how they would react to a sudden influx of people that would double, triple, or even quadruple the size of the congregation. Would they be ready to accept an influx of people that come from a variety of backgrounds and a myriad of understandings of the Gospel? Jesus told His disciples that they had to be ready for His return, and that being ready for His return meant that they must set aside the worldly worries and priorities to be ready to give their all for the Gospel. In giving to those that are poor and poor in spirit, we will show our priorities to the world and also to God. If we give our hearts and minds to the things of this world that will ultimately disintegrate and die, then we will not be ready for the eternal blessings that God has for us. Therefore, Christ calls on us to prepare our hearts for honoring him by giving up our focus on worldly matters, and focus upon getting ready to serve people, and in turn serve the Kingdom of God. Christ shares with us the imperative that we stay ready for the coming of the Kingdom; therefore, when the churches have an influx of outsiders enter their doors, the people must be ready to welcome them to the Gospel no matter who they are, where they are from, and what their background is. Stay ready to love, to give, and to listen. For the church is a place where we come together for comfort, just like coming to the table to eat with one another and let the worries of the world fade into the background.

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Becoming

2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.” 3 So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 And the Lord said to him, “Call his name Jezreel, for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 And on that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.” 6 She conceived again and bore a daughter. And the Lord said to him, “Call her name No Mercy, for I will no more have mercy on the house of Israel, to forgive them at all. 7 But I will have mercy on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the Lord their God. I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen.” 8 When she had weaned No Mercy, she conceived and bore a son. 9 And the Lord said, “Call his name Not My People, for you are not my people, and I am not your God.” 10  Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ho 1:2–10.

The desert, often perceived as a realm of harsh existence and relentless struggle, initially presents a desolate landscape ravaged by the sun and devoid of apparent life. Humanity’s attempts to tame these arid regions have met with limited success, requiring significant transformation to render them habitable. Yet, beneath this rugged exterior lies an astonishing beauty, visible to those who learn to perceive it. The unique Joshua Trees, with their distinctive forms, enhance this beauty, while the desert sunsets paint the sky with incredible hues, and the absence of light pollution reveals the vast, star-studded expanse above. This duality of harshness and hidden beauty in the desert serves as a profound metaphor for humanity’s spiritual journey, mirroring our own capacity for both brokenness and divine transformation.

In the eyes of God, humanity often resembles this desert—capable of both harshness and profound beauty. When sin takes root, it devastates our inner lives and relationships, particularly our connection with God. Open rebellion signifies a rejection of the relationship God lovingly offers. This spiritual impurity is graphically portrayed in the Old Testament allegory of Hosea, whom the Lord commanded to “take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.” Gomer, the “prostituting woman,” symbolized Israel’s deep entanglement in “religious promiscuity” and idol worship. The names of their children—Jezreel (“Bloodshed”), Lo-Ruhamah (“Unloved”), and Lo-Ammi (“Not My People”)—served as stark “message-names,” communicating God’s escalating judgment and rejection of His people due to their profound unholiness and covenant disloyalty. This vivid depiction underscores the urgent necessity for divine intervention to restore holiness.

Despite these severe pronouncements of judgment, the Book of Hosea consistently reveals God’s “unbroken love from a broken heart” and His “unqualified grace.” This divine love, described as “prevenient grace,” is an “unmotivated love at the heart of God’s nature, offered not because we deserve it.” The ultimate demonstration of this grace and the central mechanism for justification is the cross of Jesus Christ. At the cross, God judged Christ for humanity’s spiritual adultery, enabling a path back to being His family. The “day of Jezreel,” initially a symbol of bloodshed and judgment, can also refer to the cross, where Christ’s sacrifice led to a complete and enduring purging, from which flows healing and restoration for people from all nations. This profound act of love reverses the trajectory of judgment, offering a promise of future cleansing and renewal.

The ultimate fulfillment of the allegory’s promise of restoration and sanctification occurs through Jesus Christ and the formation of the Church. The prophecy that “in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it shall be said to them, ‘Children of the living God’” signifies a renewal of the fundamental covenant promise, extending beyond physical Israel to all who align themselves with Christ by faith. Lo-Ruhamah (“No Mercy”) is reversed to “My loved one,” symbolizing God’s renewed compassion and boundless mercy. Similarly, Jezreel, once synonymous with bloodshed and scattering, reverts to its original meaning of “God plants,” symbolizing God’s active intention to “plant His people in the land and they will flourish,” becoming an “abundant harvest field.” This collective transformation of identity and experience, brought about by God’s power and mercy, embodies the essence of sanctification and empowers the Church to live out the purpose of the cross.

God uses the allegory of Hosea to powerfully illustrate Israel’s rejection of Him through sin and the subsequent reversal of their divine identity. Just as sin causes us to exchange our true identity for a false one, God intervenes through Christ to redeem and restore us. Through faith in Christ, we embark on the path toward sanctification, empowered by the Holy Spirit to understand and fulfill the requirements of following Christ, thereby enabling the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel. God redeems and reclaims us from sin, restoring us into a relationship with the Almighty. While salvation comes through Christ alone, sanctification calls us to actively follow and embody the redeemed identity Christ has bestowed upon us. Like the desert, inherently beautiful because God created it, we too are called beautiful and His people, and through walking in faith and becoming sanctified, we strive to reclaim and live out these divine names.

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From Hostility To Peace

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Colossians 1:15-28.

My least favorite word in the English language might actually be “actually.” The primary reason is that it often comes from the tongue of someone that is going to obnoxiously attempt to tell you that you are gravely mistaken in your understanding of some subject. Much of the discourse that is even remotely civil in the world today is full of these “actually statements” that try to get the better of an opponent or demonstrate that their knowledge base is better. Unfortunately, the church and many Christians fall into the trap of the “actually” and try to demonstrate that they have a moral or ethical authority because they follow Christ. To follow Christ requires humility and sincerity in our care for others, therefore there is no room for moral or authoritarian elitism when encountering the world. As stated in Colossians, the authority and moral high ground belongs to Christ alone, and we are to remember that it is Jesus that brought us from a hostile position with God into an everlasting peace.

Since Jesus created the Earth and everything in it, it would be meaningless for anyone to even begin to attempt to claim any sort of supremacy that would equal or even begin to rival His authority. Since Jesus spoke with humility, it would be ridiculous for any of us to try and speak to anyone with any sort of hubris or pride. Christ’s power extends beyond the known and seen, therefore there is a foreknowledge that exceeds even the most intelligent that have ever lived. Since Jesus existed before the beginning of the world, we owe everything to Him, and thus we must humbly submit to the absolute supremacy of Christ in our lives and in the world. While there may be some things that we might believe ourselves to be experts in, we must be humble even in that because Jesus knew before we even existed. Without the loving action and mind of Christ, we would be prone to chaotic thinking and living, because when we act out of pride, we are hostile to the mind of Christ. However, the great love of Christ transforms the hostility to peace through the power of the cross.

Christ fought to bring all humans to be reconciled back to God, and thus desires for the Church to remain unified unto itself. Therefore, it is antithetical for any member of the Church to demean or “other” any other member of the Church. For the Church is not only called to peace with God, but also peace with each other. Sin works its way among members of the Church through divisiveness and pride. When one part of the Church feels more important or full of a more desired position among the other parts of the Church it misses that without Christ the Church would still be in a hostile relationship with God. On the cross, Jesus humbly carries out His mission to unite the Church unto God, and no longer allows sin to separate us and divide us, but we must humbly follow and not be led astray. The Church’s mission in the world is to reflect the reconciliation offered by Christ among its different members and as such by its faith it will reflect the hope offered to the world through the Gospel. Through unity, the Church represents the ministry of Christ in the world.

The Gospel given to us was preached to every creature under heaven, signifying its universal appeal and divine origin, contrasting with the exclusiveness of the heretical teachings. Thus, there is no one that is not available to receive God’s Good News therefore we must share with the whole world. The calling upon all followers is to make all the mysteries of God known to the world, which would mean that we must also grow in our faith that we might familiarize ourselves with all of those mysteries. Thus, we must ensure that we work repeatedly to grow in knowledge of the scriptures, not to build our pride but to share it with everyone. Just as we were once hostile to God in sin, Jesus redeemed us, and called us to show those around us God’s peace that they might be pulled toward hope in the Gospel. Since God makes His glory known to us through Christ Jesus, it is our mission and responsibility to share that glory with the world. This ministry requires humility and for us to put on the mind of Christ to see how the world hurts, and work to bring reconciliation to the whole world, which leads to peace.

Peace comes at the cross, nothing we have done has led to God’s gracious act, therefore none of us have any reason to brag or “actually” anyone. Therefore it is important to remember that Christ leads with humility, that even though He was around at creation and all things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him, He still humbled Himself on the cross to bring us peace. All God’s blessings were presented to us even when we were openly hostile to God in our life of sin. Therefore, our need at this time is to work to stop being hostile to others, but rather present the Gospel through our living, working to be at peace with all people, especially those we have conflict with both inside and outside the Church. For this is what God sought to give us through Christ. Our world is a challenging place, there is temptation and chaos all around us, and most of us just want to be kind, or at the very least just live in peace. To follow Christ is more than just living in our peace bubble isolated, because just as Christ entered into the world to directly deal with our hostility, we too must engage and enter the world and face hostility to show peace as found in the Gospel, which means we must walk with people, and listen and show peace, which isn’t a confrontation, but “actually” a caring embrace.

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The Call For Justice

1  God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: 2  “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? 3  Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4  Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” 5  They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6  I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; 7  nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” 8  Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Psalm 82.

In a world perpetually searching for answers and solutions, humanity often places its faith in various forms of earthly power, from influential individuals to fictional superheroes and even emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Yet, a profound and consistent message echoes through spiritual teachings: true help and ultimate salvation emanate solely from a divine source. This perspective challenges us to abandon our misguided reliance on transient earthly saviors and instead embrace a higher calling—to pursue genuine justice and extend compassionate care to those in need, guided by divine principles.

Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the unknown, constructing intricate systems and deities to explain the inexplicable and provide comfort in uncertainty. From ancient pantheons to modern-day icons, the quest for a protector or a guiding force remains constant. However, as ancient texts reveal, there exists a singular God who judges the earth and claims dominion over all nations. This divine entity demands not blind worship, but active participation in upholding righteousness. Judges are admonished to cease favoring the wicked, to defend the vulnerable, and to rescue the weak and needy, underscoring that the pursuit of justice is not merely a human endeavor but a divine imperative.

Our contemporary society, much like those of antiquity, frequently turns to figures of immense power or fictional heroism for deliverance. We are drawn to the idea of a singular savior—be it a caped crusader, a charismatic leader, or even the promise of advanced AI—to solve our most pressing problems. This reliance, however, is ultimately misdirected. The narrative suggests that all such earthly sources of help are fallible and will inevitably disappoint. True salvation and enduring assistance, it posits, can only be found through unwavering faith in God. Those who usurp this divine role, whether people or constructs, are destined for judgment, highlighting the futility of placing ultimate trust in anything less than the divine.

The misguided pursuit of earthly saviors, whether they are superheroes or technological marvels, stems from a deep-seated human hubris—a desire to control and perfect the world through our own ingenuity. The creation of AI, for instance, driven by the noble intention to “save the world,” risks leading to destruction and injustice if not anchored by a profound connection to a higher power and moral compass. God’s call is clear: abandon these false idols and follow a path of active righteousness. This involves not only caring for the poor, the fatherless, the orphan, and the widow, but also recognizing that neglecting these fundamental duties will lead to societal and spiritual decay.

Ultimately, the divine summons humanity to open its eyes to the pervasive injustices of the world, to actively care for the marginalized, and to boldly cry out for justice on their behalf. This is not a passive expectation but an active mandate. We are reminded that we do not require superheroes or worldly power, for divine wisdom and strength empower us to be agents of justice in a world that God loves. By rejecting the allure of fleeting saviors and embracing the divine call to compassionate action, humanity can truly embody the principles of justice and find genuine salvation.

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Remember Your Story

17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. 18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. 19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. 20 You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. 21 He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Deuteronomy 10:17-21.

In the grand narrative of faith, God beckons us to remember our deeply personal stories of transformation and salvation. This remembrance is not merely an exercise in nostalgia, but a profound call to action, urging us to extend boundless love, unwavering care, and profound compassion to all, especially those most vulnerable amongst us. This outward expression of selfless love becomes a vivid reflection of God’s own intrinsic justice, boundless love, and immeasurable mercy. Just as He, in His divine sovereignty, champions the cause of the vulnerable and lovingly guided us even when we were lost and utterly undeserving, so too are we called to embody His character in our interactions with the world, ensuring that our lives echo the transformative power of His grace.

The story of American independence, with its resounding declaration of freedom from oppression, remarkably parallels the foundational themes of Christianity. Both narratives speak to a profound yearning for liberation, ultimately pointing to God’s inherent love for humanity. Yet, over time, the potent symbolism of the American independence movement—where individuals from all ages and backgrounds united against tyranny—has, in some ways, faded from our collective consciousness. Similarly, as Christians, our own story of faith is a powerful declaration of freedom from the enslavement of sin, a liberation secured through the boundless love of God manifested in Jesus Christ. This parallel serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom, whether temporal or spiritual, is deeply rooted in divine love and a desire for human flourishing.

A critical challenge for believers is the tendency to lose sight of the profound significance of our spiritual awakening over time. Just as the Israelites were given the book of Deuteronomy, a divinely inspired reminder of how to live and govern their society after their exodus from Egypt, we too need constant recall to prevent our spiritual journey from becoming a forgotten tale. The longer we drift from the moment of our spiritual rebirth, the more susceptible we become to the distractions and temptations of the world, which can obscure the path God has laid out for us. To effectively remember our story, we must perpetually recall that its genesis lies with God, our inherent sinfulness, and His sovereign act of salvation that rescued us from ourselves.

Remembering our story is an exercise in profound humility and awe. It begins with acknowledging God as the source of all things, inspiring a deep reverence for His greatness and prompting a heartfelt response to His unwavering goodness. This remembrance also necessitates a stark confrontation with our own fallen nature, recognizing that despite our sin, God’s sovereignty reached out and saved us. Accepting Christ marks the beginning of a lifelong journey that demands continuous recommitment. The myriad distractions and temptations of life can easily cloud our spiritual vision, necessitating a constant rediscovery and reaffirmation of our devotion to Him.

Ultimately, to follow Christ is to actively emulate His compassion, His boundless love, and His selfless actions. The parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a poignant reminder of this divine imperative: God calls us to remember our personal stories of transformation and, in doing so, to extend care and love to those in need, rather than walking by in indifference like the priest. The church, as the collective body of Christ, must continually recall its humble beginnings and the transformative power of God’s love that brought it into existence. Only by genuinely remembering and internalizing this story can it truly reflect Jesus in its actions, extending His love and compassion to a world desperately in need.

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Do You Love Me?

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), John 21:15-19.

As children, the thought of disappointing a parent, especially a mother, could be profoundly unsettling. The moment of being “caught” often brought with it a wave of dread, the knowledge that the conversation to come would be etched with her disappointment, a feeling that could truly crush one’s spirit. It is an inherent truth that the people we love most are those we least wish to let down. Yet, despite our best intentions, we invariably falter, letting down friends and family. In these moments, the path back to a healthy relationship invariably involves the arduous, yet essential, work of reconciliation. This profound human experience mirrors a powerful divine narrative: Peter’s denials of Jesus, a betrayal that seemed to strip away his very identity, only to be met with a loving, restorative encounter that redefined his purpose.

Peter’s public betrayal, denying Jesus thrice on the night of his arrest, was a profound fall, seemingly reverting him to the impulsive “Simon” he was before his transformative encounter with Christ. It was into this deep shame that Jesus stepped, meeting Peter on a beach with a simple meal. Peter, undoubtedly relieved yet burdened by guilt, likely braced himself for rebuke. Instead, Jesus initiated a conversation marked by tenderness and profound understanding. He did not scold directly but gently prodded, not with accusations but with a repeated inquiry into the very core of their relationship: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” By calling him “Simon” rather than “Peter,” Jesus subtly acknowledged the fall from his transformed identity, hinting at the need for restoration to the “rock” he was destined to be. The focus was never on Peter’s failure but on his capacity for love—the supreme requirement for his future office and essential qualification for service. This encounter teaches us that divine reconciliation doesn’t demand penance or grill us over mistakes; it simply invites us to remember the foundational call to love God, and, by extension, our neighbor. Jesus has already paid the price; our return is to embrace the transformation He offers.

The words of Christ, far from accusing, serve to reconnect us with our true purpose and mission. In an act of unparalleled trust, Jesus, having forgiven Peter, entrusted him with the most valuable treasure on earth: His flock. Peter’s vexation at the third repetition of the question was not resentment, but a sign of genuine contrition and deep sorrow, echoing the bitter weeping he experienced after his denial. This grief was evidence of a contrite heart, wounds only Jesus could truly heal. The culminating command, “Follow me,” was more than a simple invitation; it was a powerful reaffirmation of Peter’s discipleship and a renewed call to commit wholeheartedly to Christ’s service. This implied a deeper commitment, including a readiness to suffer and “take up his cross” by mirroring Jesus’ own example. Having been restored and humbled, Peter was now truly ready to fulfill his earlier, premature promise of unwavering loyalty, even unto death. This reaffirmation of faith reminds us that we are infinitely more than the sum of our mistakes; Jesus desires a deep, connected love that transcends shame and empowers us for His mission.

Our love for Christ finds its truest expression not in words, traditions, or values alone, but in our actions—specifically, in how we extend love to one another, to the poor, and even to our enemies. Each of Peter’s professions of love was met with a clear directive for service: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” This unequivocally demonstrates that Peter’s love for his Lord was to be made manifest in his care for the Lord’s flock, a task achievable only through a primary connection to Christ’s love, flowing outward to nourish others. The ultimate act of following Christ, Jesus revealed, is intimately linked to suffering and martyrdom. By predicting Peter’s death, Jesus underscored that true love and submission extend even to laying down one’s life in service and for God’s glory, fulfilling Peter’s earlier, premature promise only after he had been strengthened by the resurrection. It is not merely through action, but profoundly through suffering, that the saints glorify God. Our proclamation of love for God, articulated in worship, must then translate into tangible service in the world, embodying the Gospel’s message of a God who empowers us to love, rather than to judge or accuse.

The journey toward reconciliation with God, if initiated by our own desire to “get right,” is destined to fail. No amount of human effort, knowledge, or self-improvement can bridge the chasm created by our imperfections. It is solely through God’s infinite love that reconciliation is even conceivable. So much of life is consumed by attempts at self improvement, through self-help doctrines or relentless learning. Yet, in the grand scheme of God’s boundless love, these efforts often prove to be vanity, leaving a pervasive emptiness. I once spent years pursuing knowledge and degrees, convinced they held the key to self-betterment, only to find myself unable to truly answer the fundamental question, “Do you love me?” It was a humble lesson, one perhaps reminiscent of a mother’s wisdom, that reminded me: while the world may honor academic accolades, and theological education is valuable, true fulfillment comes not from what I know, but from the saving act of Jesus, and my faith is defined by my willingness to feed sheep, tend lambs, and genuinely love people. Only in these acts do I truly affirm, “Yes, Lord, I love you.”

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It Is Finished

Any task that is done well will ultimately come to a completion at some point. At least that’s what I tell myself every time I look into my garage, which needs to be cleaned and organized. However, it requires a lot of work, and there is always the temptation just to go in and throw everything away; that will be the only time it is organized and decluttered. I’m not entirely sure how my garage became such a mess of clutter, but I’m sure it happened over time. When one part of the house was up for cleaning and decluttering, it ultimately ended up in the garage. Although it was never meant to be a permanent home, as long as it didn’t block the path to the exercise equipment, it got to stay. Our lives become nothing but a giant ball of clutter when we allow sin to penetrate various areas of our lives. We set aside living as Christ for a moment out of convenience or forgetfulness, and it spirals out of control, creating a mess in our lives. Even Christians with the best intentions ultimately allow sin to create a problem that seems insurmountable. The Gospel addresses this problem. Even though we fail to clean the garages of our lives, it was for this reason that God sent Jesus. Fully human to connect with our nature, yet fully God to overcome the power of sin and death. This combined nature provides the ability to overcome the clutter and strike at the very heart of our problem, sin.

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 19:28–30.

In His final moments on the cross, Jesus profoundly demonstrated the depths of His humanity, highlighted vividly by His cry, “I thirst.” This agonizing utterance served as irrefutable evidence of His perfect humanity, a man truly made like all of humanity, experienced the breaking down of His physical body in addition to the destruction that sin brings upon the body. Unlike a pure deity, Christ endured the severe dehydrating effects characteristic of crucifixion, thereby manifesting genuine human weariness and need. This seemingly simple cry was also a deliberate act, ensuring the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, underscoring that His suffering, even His physical thirst, was not accidental but part of God’s predetermined plan for atonement. Thus, His extreme thirst became a consequence of humanity’s sin, taken upon Himself, revealing the extent of God’s holiness and the profound need for the redemption that only His sacrifice could provide, showing humanity’s utter lostness without Him.

However, even with Christ’s display of human frailty, Jesus’ divine nature shines through, powerfully declaring the triumph of salvation. Unlike ordinary men whose spirits depart involuntarily in death, Jesus consciously bowed His head before giving up His spirit, a deliberate act of sovereign will. His loud voice, proclaiming “It is finished,” further emphasized His divine authority; His life was not forcibly taken, but freely laid down, showcasing His control even in ultimate human weakness. This declaration, from the single Greek word “teleo,” signifies that all divine requirements and prophecies were perfectly fulfilled, the work of redemption completed, God’s justice satisfied, and sin’s wages paid. It was not a cry of exhaustion but a triumphant statement made with full knowledge and intent, a culmination of His perfect obedience unto death and the accomplishment of the Father’s will.

Therefore, the profound sacrifice of Christ calls believers to a deep understanding and participation in the Gospel. While His unique suffering bore the wrath of God and atoned for sin, believers are invited to join Him by taking up their cross daily, loving sacrificially, and serving the Gospel. Our primary way of sharing in His sacrifice is not by adding to it, but by constantly trusting in its completeness and sufficiency, as powerfully affirmed by “It is finished.” This declaration opened an eternal fountain of grace and laid a foundation of peace. Therefore, believers are called to exhibit the peace and confidence that flow from such trust in Christ’s efficacy on the cross, living out the accomplished work of redemption. This enduring faith, coupled with the willingness to endure trials with Christ, aligns believers with His path, showcasing His power and grace amidst human weakness, and contributing to the broader witness in a fallen world.

Jesus changed the world just as He changed us, taking all of the sins of the world out of the clutter of our lives and dealing with them once and for all, proclaiming that it is finished. While we cannot take on the role of Jesus in this task, we are invited to share the peace that comes as a result of our salvation with everyone in the world. Many others must deal with the mess left by sin in their lives. Jesus invites the Church to work alongside the sacrifice and take on the burdens of the world, because we are equipped to hand them off to the Almighty God, thus speaking directly to sin that the power is broken and proclaiming the power of the risen Christ in all these situations. While I wish that the clutter in my home, and specifically the garage, could have been handled by the Almighty, I certainly feel as if I am suffering when I even contemplate the mess before me. I can rest assured that the clutter of my garage will not bleed into my walk with God, because Jesus paid the cost for my redemption, and invites us to open up the clutter of our hearts so that our sin will be dealt with.