Ruth and Esther: Wise Living Far from Home

Jan/Feb 2017

Also: The Greatest STories Ever Told Friends:

Can you imagine having your wallet and phone stolen while visiting in a foreign country? Your identification, passport, cash, bank cards—gone!—and with no means to call for assistance. Imagine being left with nothing but the clothes on your back, lost in a place where you couldn’t even read the signs. I, as a middle-aged white guy, might have the privilege of at least being recognized as a clueless tourist. People might show hospitality to me out of pity. But what if I were part of a despised class of citizens? What if people assumed I were a thief or a homeless person? Being powerless in a foreign land can be both frightening and dangerous.

In January, Arie Leder explores the stories of two biblical women who navigate that cliff-edge of being powerless in a foreign land. They act wisely and rely on God’s strength in distressing situations.

Then in February, Art Schoonveld turns our attention to the parables of Jesus, showing how Christ illuminated the kingdom of God with real-life stories. These are the greatest stories ever told.

May you be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in God’s Word!

—Steven Koster To d aJan/Feb 2017 y refresh, refocus, renew

TODAY (USPS 185-140), Volume 67, Number 1, published bimonthly by ReFrame Media, a division of Back to God Ministries International, at 6555 West College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463. Periodicals postage paid at Palos Heights, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. “Ruth and Esther: Wise Postmaster: Send address changes Living Far from Home” to Today, 6555 West College Dr., Arie Leder Palos Heights, IL 60463. Copyright © 2017, Back to God Ministries International. Printed in U.S.A. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations in this publication are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved “The Greatest Stories worldwide. Ever Told” Cover photo by David_Mark/ Arthur J. Schoonveld Pixabay.

Managing Editor: Eleanor Lamsma Executive Editor: Steven Koster january Ruth and Esther: Wise Living Far from Home Arie Leder

Two Old Testament books feature the lives of two remarkable women who lived far from their homeland—Ruth and Esther. This month we will reflect on their stories. The story of Ruth, a Gentile from Moab, takes place mostly in Israel. Esther’s story takes place in Persia, and she is a Jew whose ancestors were exiled from Jerusalem. These two women—along with two men who care for them, Boaz and Mordecai, respectively—act wisely in God’s strength when called upon to face extraordinary challenges. Ruth and Boaz support a widow bereft of food and family security; Esther and Mordecai make a stand for their people threatened by genocide. These small Bible books may not be familiar to you. To provide some background to these devotions, you might want to read each of them in their entirety. They read like short novels and can easily be read in a short time. May these daily meditations help us reflect on living wisely as we serve the Lord in our own situations today.

Arie C. Leder is professor of Old Testament, emeritus, Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Psalm 90; Matthew 6:25-34 SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

A GOOD PLACE TO DWELL Lord, you have been our dwelling place . . . . Before the mountains were born . . . you are God. —Psalm 90:1-2

Did yesterday seem “old” to a day, and the changing of a year you? Is today truly “new”? We do not affect the Lord of heaven know something of our past: and earth. our country of origin, fam- For that very reason Jesus ily members, childhood experi Christ, the Son of God, coun- ences, illnesses, times of healing, sels his followers not to worry sins, forgiveness. But knowledge about tomorrow but to be con- of the future is beyond us. On cerned about being right with this New Year’s Day we hope God today. As it is for the birds for the best, even newness—but of the air and the lilies of the we worry too: What will hap- field for which God provides pen to us and our world in the every day, let us rest in the coming year? assurance that every new day is The good news is that beyond God’s gift to us. all the good and bad of our past, Do you think of each new day, there is a steadying certainty: month, and year as God’s gifts Before the mountains were to you? formed (how long ago was that?), and even before the earth came into existence (before there was Everlasting God, “teach us a tomorrow to think about), God to number our days, that has “been our dwelling place.” we may gain a heart of Note that the psalmist uses pres- wisdom.” Take my worries ent tense verbs for God—“have about tomorrow, Lord, been,” “are.” That’s because the and be my refuge all the ticking of a clock, the passing of days of my life. Amen. Deuteronomy 28:1-24 MONDAY, JANUARY 2

A LONG TIME AGO . . . In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. —Ruth 1:1

“In those days . . everyone did Good soil, a wonderful gift from as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). God, can provide abundant har- During the time of the judges in vests. Careless management of Israel’s history, a famine ravaged good soil, however, and getting the land. But God’s people had in the way of its God-given fer- no right to complain, for they tility—well, that’s foolish. Who were only reaping what their would do such a thing? unfaithfulness had sown. James tells us that it’s not Reaping an abundant harvest enough to hear the Word of didn’t come naturally. God’s God, we must do what it says people knew that good crops (James 1:22-25). Not doing as and abundant harvests were the Word says is like a farmer in his hands. The Lord had doing all he can to destroy good taught that if they obeyed his soil, assuring a terrible harvest, commands, rains would come and then complaining against to water their fields, and abun- God. That’s how it was in the dant harvests would follow. time of the judges, in Ruth’s The opposite was also true; day, when “everyone did as disobedience to God’s com- they saw fit.” mands would be punished. In the period of the judges, that happened often (see Judges 2). Lord, may my heart be God’s people failed to listen to good soil, that your Word his voice. They forgot him and may be fruitful in my life worshiped other gods, and the and benefit my neighbor, rains did not come. for Jesus’ sake. Amen. Esther 1:1-12 TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

. . . IN A FARAWAY PALACE King Xerxes . . . gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. —Esther 1:2-3

Life in a Persian palace was dif- quences did not stay in the pal- ficult to imagine for ordinary ace; this would affect all who people, especially when the lived outside, even those who king showed off his wealth and might have thought they lived splendor and entertained nobles beyond the king’s reach. and officials with the best food “A king’s wrath strikes terror and drink his kingdom could like the roar of a lion” (Proverbs offer. Whether you lived in the 20:2). Vashti lost her royal posi suburbs of Susa or at the border tion, and the results would of the empire, the palace was a threaten even God’s people. faraway place. And what happened in the palace stayed in But it is also true that a king’s the palace—usually. “favor is like dew on the grass” (Proverbs 19:12). As we will Like any grand king, Xerxes see in Esther’s story, a young spoiled his guests. For 180 days Jewish woman will win the he showed off the splendor of king’s favor, and she will use her his kingdom, and then he gave position to save her people. a weeklong banquet—at which his guests could choose their Let us seek the favor of God own wine and drink as much as our King, that we may enjoy they pleased. the bounty of his kingdom.

On the last day of the feast, Thank you, Lord, that be- Xerxes demanded that his cause of Jesus, we may queen, Vashti, parade her beau- enjoy your favor forever. ty before this besotted crowd. Her refusal and its conse Amen. Ruth 1:1-5 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

O HUNGRY TOWN OF BETHLEHEM A man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. —Ruth 1:1

In Bethlehem, which means and he was faithful in blessing “house of bread,” cupboards (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). But if were bare. So, like Abraham, Israel turned its back on him, God who left the promised land would also be faithful in punish- to escape a famine (Gen. ment (Deuteronomy 28:15-24). 12:10-20), Elimelek moved his That’s why Bethlehem was emp- family to another land. They ty and Naomi was living far from migrated to Moab. But before home, now alone without a hus- long, Elimelek died, and then band or sons to provide for her. his two sons, who had married, What would happen to died also—leaving Naomi and Naomi? Who would help her? her Moabite daughters-in-law Remember the name of her with no support. husband: “My God is King”! What would the God of In all things, God, who is faith- Elimelek—whose name means ful despite his people’s way- “My God is King”—do about this wardness, “works for the good grief and hunger? In the future, of those who love him” (see Bethlehem of Judah would pro- Romans 8:28). vide Israel with a good and faithful king, David. But in the time of the judges, when everyone did what was right in their own By your Spirit, Lord, fill the eyes, there was no king in Judah. hearts we have emptied by Still, God’s people had the Lord doing what is right in our as their King, who had been own eyes. In Jesus’ name, providing them with everything, Amen. 1 Samuel 9:1-4; Esther 2:1-8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai . . . . —Esther 2:5

You may be living far away that Mordecai was a distant from the place where you were relative of Saul’s father. So, far born, but no matter where you from the home of his ances- go, your name and history go tors, a distant relative of Israel’s with you. Consider Benjamin, King Saul goes about his daily which means “son of my right business. He’s unaware of what hand.” Benjamin was Jacob’s happened to Queen Vashti in youngest son, and he was pro- Xerxes’ palace until his cousin tected by his brother Judah Esther is swept up in the search when they were questioned by for a new queen. Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 44). If you are a Christian, you bear Benjamin, like his brothers, had the name of Christ—whether at many descendants, and among home or far away. Named by them was Israel’s first king, Saul, Christ, we go about our daily the son of Kish. business. And when events What does the name Benjamin bring us before rulers and other have to do with Esther’s powers, may we remember that cousin Mordecai? We learn we belong to Christ and bear that Mordecai, of the tribe of his name. Benjamin, is a “son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile Help me this day, Lord, . . . by Nebuchadnezzar” (Esther to be firmly connected 2:5-6). This wouldn’t be the to Jesus Christ, who calls same Kish who was the father us to serve in his name. of Saul, but it probably meant Amen. Ruth 1:3-5 FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

FAMINE AND DEATH Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. . . . Both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. —Ruth 1:3, 5

The land was dead, and so was diseases, natural disasters, self- Naomi’s family. Did Elimelek ish rulers, and terror attacks. die because he left the prom- In times of great wickedness, ised land? Did Naomi’s sons when many innocents suffer die because they married for- what the wicked deserve, what eigners? Was Naomi suffering can you do? Wise people know because of her family’s actions? that “the eyes of the Lord are Let’s consider the bigger pic- everywhere, keeping watch ture. Later in Israel, the Lord on the wicked and the good” announced a great famine as (Proverbs 15:3). But how long punishment for the nation’s can you wait for God to do wickedness, but among them something? were 7,000 people who had re- When Jesus cried out on the mained faithful (1 Kings 19:18). cross, “My God, my God, why Proverbs 29:2 says that “when have you forsaken me?” (Mark the righteous thrive, the people 15:34), he bore the judgment rejoice; when the wicked rule, meant for the wicked. God an- the people groan.” swered his complaint, but not Everyone, whether guilty or until he had died the death of innocent, suffered the costs of the wicked, for you and for me. disobedience in the days when the judges ruled. And in the Lord, help me to trust that world today, many innocents— you will make all things Christians and many others— right one day. In Christ the suffer from all kinds of deadly Savior, Amen. 2 Kings 24:8-17 SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

FAR FROM HOME There was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai . . . . —Esther 2:5-6

The Jewish people in the book God, who rules throughout of Esther had been far from their the universe from his throne in ancestral home in Jerusalem heaven (1 Kings 8:27). for a long time. The year was Remarkably, James 1:1 addresses about 483 BC, and their great- Christians this way: “To the grandparents had been exiled twelve tribes scattered among with King Jehoiachin over 100 the nations.” And today we years earlier (597 BC). Then, af- know that the dwelling of the ter Babylon was conquered by Holy Spirit is in the hearts and Persia in 539 BC, some Jewish lives of God’s people (Ephesians exiles returned to rebuild the 2:19-22), no matter where they temple in Jerusalem, but many live on this earth. Like the Jews had remained and were now in Esther’s time, Christians await scattered over Persia’s 127 the revealing of God’s heavenly provinces. Still, they were God’s power. We wait for the heavenly people. Jerusalem to descend on the Jerusalem, the city of God’s new earth. Then we will finally dwelling among his people, be home. seems to have lost its central In the meantime, we live out importance for many of the our Christian citizenship among Jews in Persia. But this is not the nations, wherever we are. surprising. Even King Solomon, in his prayer of dedication for Thank you, Lord, for the the temple, described it as heavenly citizenship we God’s earthly dwelling but rec- have through our Lord ognized that it couldn’t contain Jesus Christ. Amen. Genesis 39 SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

AND WHAT ABOUT GOD?

The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. —Genesis 39:23

Readers of the books of Ruth “success in whatever he did.” and Esther sometimes ask, Like Joseph, Ruth and Esther “Where is God in this story?” act in good and faithful ways In Ruth the Lord is mentioned because God is working in and as doing something only twice through them. As they address (Ruth 1:6; 4:13), and God’s the problems they face, they act name does not appear at all with godly wisdom. in Esther. This has led some We believe that God’s eyes are people to say that the book on us (Proverbs 15:3) and that of Esther doesn’t belong in God’s will shapes our actions the Bible. But God was clearly (Proverbs 21:30-31). Never at work behind the scenes in theless, faith without wise these people’s lives. action is useless (James 2:20). God was continually involved As believers in whom God in Joseph’s life too. Far from lives today by his Holy Spirit, home, Joseph lived as a faithful we know it is wise to imitate follower of the Lord. Though it the righteous and courageous may seem that Joseph made his behavior of Jesus Christ, whose own decisions, we read several resurrection from the dead we times that “the Lord was with remember this and every Lord’s him” and “gave him success.” Day. God also blessed the household of Potiphar because of Joseph. And when Joseph was framed Bless us, heavenly Father, and thrown into prison, God as we seek to do Christ’s was still with him, giving him will on earth. Amen. Esther 1:10-22 MONDAY, JANUARY 9

THE WORLD WE LIVE IN He sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom . . . that every man should be ruler over his own household. —Esther 1:22

The advice of the king’s coun- and words would bring triumph selors is ironic. The search for the Jews. Good Persian lead- process would bring Esther, ership brought this woman to a Jewish woman who shows the right place at the right time. great integrity, into the most Or was it God’s intervention? important house of the empire. Laughable advice, corrupt She would wisely influence the search objectives, bad influ- two most important men in the ence from inherited wealth, kingdom, intervening to protect and threats against the faith are God’s people. commonplace in our world. We like to believe that we’re When we, as Christ’s disciples, competent managers of our stand before rulers and leaders, world, especially if we find our- let us be “as shrewd as snakes selves in leadership positions. and as innocent as doves” Xerxes had total confidence in (Matthew 10:16). That’s good his counselors’ search for a new advice: “Whoever gives heed queen. They were surprisingly to instruction prospers, and successful. blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20). As the story develops, Esther impresses the king and be- comes his favorite. But no one knows she is a Jew. As it turns Help us gain wisdom, out, following Mordecai’s ad- Lord, that in this world vice not to reveal her national- we may speak and behave ity at first is wise (Esther 2:10, with integrity in every 20). Eventually Esther’s actions aspect of our lives. Amen. Ruth 1:6-22 TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

CALL ME BITTER! “The Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.” —Ruth 1:20-21

The women of Bethlehem Ruth remains silent. Later, with can’t believe this is Naomi. Naomi’s permission, she will go “You’re right,” she implies; “call out to gather food and marry me Bitter; Naomi is no more. Boaz. Ruth and Boaz will rescue And whom do I blame? The Naomi by obedience to God’s Almighty has done this. ‘The instructions in his Word. Lord has afflicted me.’” Four When emptiness engulfs God’s times Naomi complains against people, or when the stream of God, as if to say, “When is God God’s blessing in your life slows going to do something about to a trickle for whatever reason, my problems?” there’s only one remedy: cry Generations of oppressed out to God for help. Israelite fathers and mothers God is with us today too, cried to the Lord in Egypt be- through the Word, Jesus Christ. fore he sent Moses to deliver He knows our fears and our them. How many children did difficulties, and he intercedes Pharaoh drown? How could for us at the right hand of the God allow that? Why didn’t Father Almighty. he do something sooner? (See Exodus 1-2.) How long do people have to wait? Keep my eyes open, Lord, to your Word, that it may It’s ironic that even as Naomi fill my empty heart to charges God with empty- overflowing. Help me to ing her life, the one in whom God is working to refill her is trust in you always, for you standing right beside her. But are faithful. Amen. Esther 2:17-3:6 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

GOOD CITIZEN MORDECAI Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate . . . . —Esther 2:19

In the days of Ruth and Esther know that Mordecai was from people went to the city gate the same clan as Saul, Israel’s for advice, for legal decisions, first king. Mordecai refused to for wisdom. All the worthwhile honor God’s ancient enemy. news and gossip were available The apostle Peter teaches us to there also. Mordecai spent time honor human authorities for the sitting at the king’s gate, and Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13-17). while he was there, he over- Servants of the Lord who live heard plans to assassinate the by these instructions are good king. Because he let the right citizens. But Peter also warns people know about this plot, against God’s ancient enemy, Mordecai saved the king’s life. the devil, who seeks to destroy Good citizen Mordecai. us. Servants of God who resist At this gate Mordecai also re- the devil, along with others fused to kneel to Haman, the around the world who undergo newly elevated, second most suffering for Christ, are good powerful official in Persia. citizens of the kingdom of God. Haman, we learn, was a de- And God promises that he will scendant of Agag, an Amalekite strengthen us and give us cour- king, and God had declared age to face what lies ahead the Amalekites his enemy (1 Peter 5:8-10). long ago because they had at- tacked his people when they Strengthen me, Lord, to be were weak and vulnerable in a good citizen of heaven as the desert (Exodus 17:8-16; I seek to live wisely here Deuteronomy 25:19). We also on earth. Amen. Ruth 2:1-3, 17-20 THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

A RIGHTEOUS FOREIGNER She went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. —Ruth 2:3

Ruth’s commitment to Naomi having like a righteous Israelite was both admirable and costly. woman, this Moabite Gentile She left her family home to live saved Naomi from starvation. with Naomi in a strange land, This was an example of the righ- even saying she would die teousness of true mercy, show- there (Ruth 1:16-17). Joining ing that you love God above all herself to Naomi’s future prom- and your neighbor as yourself. ised only a shared emptiness: Ruth’s righteousness brought no food and no family. What’s life-giving food to Naomi. more, her homeland, Moab, was a country often at odds When Ruth explained where with Israel. How could this she’d gleaned the grain, Naomi “outsider” help Naomi? Well, rejoiced, for this gift had come Ruth began by gleaning grain from the field of a close rela- that was left for the poor. tive, who would become her guardian-redeemer. God’s Word to Israel included an instruction to support the We too can praise God—for poor at harvest time: “When sending our Redeemer, Jesus you reap the harvest of your Christ, as our Savior from sin! land, do not reap to the very edges of your field. . . . Leave them for the poor and the Thank you, Lord, for the foreigner” (Leviticus 19:9-10). righteousness of Christ, Ruth began to fill Naomi’s which saves us from sin emptiness with the food God and fills all our needs. In reserved for the poor. By be- his name, Amen. Ruth 2:1-16 FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

A RIGHTEOUS ISRAELITE “Pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.” —Ruth 2:16

Righteous Israelites were scarce Righteous living is the key to a in the time of the judges, for life of blessing for God’s people. people generally did as they Jesus therefore tells his disciples pleased. What would the owner to glean their “harvest” from of the field where Ruth was among “the lost sheep of Israel” gleaning be like? Would he be (Matthew 10:6), and Jesus him- upright and honest, or would self brought his good news and he take advantage of a poor healing to people outside Israel foreign widow? (Mark 7:24-37). Boaz turns out to be righteous: Today we, who are Gentiles like he respects his workers and Ruth, are also temples of the acknowledges Ruth’s kindness Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) in staying with Naomi and and instruments of righteous- gleaning grain for her. Further, ness (Romans 6:13). May each Boaz tells his workers to go of us also let God’s Word shape beyond the letter of the law as our lives. stated in God’s Word; he gives willingly from his abundance without being asked to help Ruth and Naomi. Boaz also encourages Ruth to glean until the harvesting is finished. Boaz Wherever our eyes look does what is right in God’s eyes. and our feet take us, Lord, let us be righteous neigh- Boaz and Ruth’s righteousness proceeds from letting bors by the power of your God’s Word shape their lives. Spirit. In Jesus, Amen. Esther 3:5-6; 4:1-5:8 SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

A TIME TO SPEAK OR BE SILENT? “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” —Esther 4:14

Esther faced a difficult choice. her position as the king’s favor- Was this a time to speak or not? ite to invite him and Haman to She may have been reminded a banquet, hoping she’d survive of the wisdom teaching about her unbidden entrance to the “a time for everything”: “a time king’s court. Her lavish dinners to weep and a time to laugh would help her get close to the . . . a time to tear and a time to enemy. She would wait for the mend, a time to be silent and a right time to say what needed time to speak” (see Ecclesiastes to be said. 3:1-8). How do you know Esther exercised a patient, when it is the right time to do calculating wisdom to undo one or the other? Haman’s plans—the kind of wis- It’s a question of understanding dom Christ exercised on the the time you live in, of recog- cross, where, though he gave nizing signs of trouble in your up his life, he triumphed over community. Sometimes silence and embarrassed all of God’s can be golden in a time of con- enemies (Colossians 2:15), sav- flict, but at other times it can be ing us from the destruction of very cowardly. sin and death. What an amazing Savior! Mordecai discerned signs of a catastrophe, and Esther, being Thank you, heavenly in the right place at this time, decided not to be silent. With Father, that at the right fasting and prayer, she knew time you sent Jesus to ex- her life and times were in God’s ercise the wisdom of the hands. She would make use of cross and save us. Amen. Esther 5:9-6:12; Romans 12:3 SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

A TIME TO HONOR AND A TIME TO GRIEVE Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief. —Esther 6:12

It is wise, the apostle Paul re- the king of Persia from an at- minds us, not to think more tempt on his life. Because the highly of ourselves than we smile of a king is like rain on ought. But people like Haman a thirsty field (see Proverbs overrate their importance: 16:15), King Xerxes honored Whom would the king rather hon- Haman’s enemy. Even worse, or than me? Fools invest only in he ordered Haman to honor “me.” Mordecai in the exact way Haman had expected to be We are familiar with such folly: honored himself. “My body is mine; I can do with it—intellectually, sexually, matri- A fool and his honor soon monially, gastronomically—as I come to grief. please. I am ruler over my body.” May we act wisely, not thinking What truly matters, though, too highly of ourselves, and ac- is not what you think you de- knowledge that all our gifts and serve, or what you think of talents come from the Lord. yourself, but what the King thinks of you. If we concern ourselves with the righteous- We thank you, God, for ness of the King, says Jesus, honoring your Son, Jesus, all the other good things we above all other powers need will be given to us as well by raising him from the (Matthew 6:33). dead. Glory be to you, Mordecai, a good citizen of the Lord, through Jesus Christ. kingdom of heaven, had saved Amen. Ruth 3:1-5; 4:9-10; Deuteronomy 25:5-6 MONDAY, JANUARY 16

A TIME TO SPEAK Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for.” —Ruth 3:1

Ruth’s decision to leave Moab sees an opportunity in Boaz as has made her a wanderer, with her guardian-redeemer. Through no place to call home. She has this righteous Israelite, Ruth will put her time into helping Naomi not only find rest from her own by doing the tiring work of glean- wandering but also keep alive ing in the harvest fields of Boaz, the name of her husband’s fam- who happens to be a relative of ily. Naomi speaks, and Ruth fol- Naomi’s deceased husband. The lows her instructions. And Boaz time is ripe for Naomi to find a does what he is called to do. home for Ruth and put an end When the time was right, God to her wandering. sent his only Son, who will- Boaz is a guardian-redeemer, ingly became our Redeemer. someone who can buy back He made this earth his home, Elimelek’s fields and so re- suffered, and died for all who turn prosperity to the family believe in him, so that we might of Elimelek. Earlier Boaz had be adopted into God’s family shown a willingness to help by and receive full rights as his chil- instructing his workers to leave dren (Galatians 4:4-7). behind extra grain stalks for Ruth. Naomi, banking on Boaz as an honest and caring person, hopes he will further fulfill his Thank you, heavenly obligation as a member of the Father, for bringing us to extended family. Because she our Redeemer to find our is childless and has no other restful home in Christ. In sons for Ruth to marry, Naomi his name we pray. Amen. Ruth 1:16-17; 3:1-13 TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

MERCIFUL, NOBLE, OBEDIENT

“May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” —Ruth 2:12

Why should Ruth obey Naomi God’s covenant for our related and make herself available to families.” Boaz? Why not make her own In a way, this story is like Jesus’ choices? The answer is straight- parable of the good Samaritan forward. When she refused to (Luke 10:25-37). Both stories go back home, Ruth “clung” to teach God’s people what it Naomi (Ruth 1:14). The same means to love their neighbor. verb in Hebrew is used else- When Jesus asked which traveler where to describe a husband showed the love of God to the and wife being united together man who needed help, the re- (see Genesis 2:25). sponse had to be “The one who As in marriage, Ruth left her had mercy on him.” home willingly to join herself Ruth went to the threshing to another. In this case, she floor because she was a merci- willingly shared Naomi’s family ful, noble person who wanted situation, her God, her sorrow, to honor God. Let us also hon- her emptiness. Going to the or God by being merciful and threshing floor that night was noble to our neighbors. a gesture requesting marriage— for the purpose of filling a part of Naomi’s emptiness: her lack Thank you, Lord Jesus, for of a child and heir. When Ruth not passing us by when we said to Boaz, “Spread . . . your were in need of your love. garment over me,” it meant, Help us to respond with “Take me under your wing to your love and care for our be your wife, by the terms of hurting neighbors. Amen. Esther 6:12-14 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

PERSIAN WISDOM “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!” —Esther 6:13

Zeresh, like Vashti and Esther, tant relatives of old Jewish roy- is no push-over. She tells her alty trying to stand against the husband Haman the truth: You Persian elite. It was laughable. pulled on the ears of the wrong But look further: the world to- dog! Haman’s advisers agreed. day continues to mock a Jewish We don’t know how Zeresh descendant of another royal and the others knew what family, Jesus Christ, the Son of Haman was up against, but we David. And it wants to silence do know that God was working his followers’ testimony. behind the scenes to protect his people. Yet only a fool would refuse to take this Persian wisdom to There is much irony in these heart: “You cannot stand against words from Zeresh. It’s as if they him—you will surely come to are spoken to God’s ancient ruin.” enemy, Satan. But God’s ancient enemy, though he knows his end will come, will not stop wreaking havoc where he can. God of heaven, comfort “Pride goes before destruction, today your persecuted a haughty spirit before a fall” followers wherever they (Proverbs 16:18). confront the folly of this world. And may those God chose the weak and fool- who do not experience ish things of the world to persecution continue to lift shame the wise and strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). Mordecai them up and seek justice and Esther were only two dis- for all. Amen. Esther 7:1-7 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

COURTING THE KING’S FAVOR “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life. . . . And spare my people.” —Esther 7:3

Haman, who enjoyed the king’s his only chance is to beg Esther favor as his most powerful offi- for his life. cial, was thrilled with the invita- Xerxes’ terrible power could tion to dine again with Queen snuff out Haman’s life. As such, Esther and the king. But in the the king of Persia would be past day he had also endured God’s instrument against this the shame of publicly honoring enemy of the Jews. his enemy Mordecai, who had also found favor with the king Fearing a king’s power is smart, (Esther 6). Soon Haman would even wise. But fearing the God have an even greater surprise. who has power over body and soul is wiser (Matthew 10:28). This man who was plotting to destroy all the Jews in Persia On the night before Jesus died had no idea that Queen Esther for our sake, he broke bread and was also a Jew and a relative of poured wine, saying, “This is my Mordecai. What’s more, if any- body . . . [and] my blood . . . for one had the king’s favor, it was the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew Esther, and she used her posi- 26:26-29). Come to the banquet tion shrewdly to advocate for that King Jesus has prepared for her people. “If I and my people all who seek his favor. were only sold as slaves, I would not have disturbed you,” she tells the king, in effect, “but this For the favor you have vile Haman wants to annihilate given me, Lord, I thank us.” As the king’s favor turns to you with body and soul. In rage against him, Haman knows Christ’s name, Amen. Esther 7:5-10 FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

THE CONSEQUENCES OF FOLLY Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. —Esther 7:8

As Haman begs the queen for all the Jews—because he hated his life, she is reclining on a one Jew in particular: Mordecai. couch. We know that Haman Haman was smart, but he was is pleading with her, but when also a fool—and fools seldom the king returns, still fuming know when to stop. with anger, it looks to him as if Fools confide in their manage- Haman is now trying to molest ment skills; they’ve got all bases the queen! covered and keep friends in the Esther does not try to correct right places. They behave as if that impression. She abandons “there is no God” (Psalm 14:1). Haman to the consequences of They forget that “the Lord works his folly, and he is soon impaled out everything to its proper end, on the pole he has intended for even the wicked for a day of Mordecai. disaster” (Proverbs 16:4). Fools are incorrigible: “A whip As we interact with people for the horse, a bridle for the each day—whether they are donkey, and a rod for the backs family members, neighbors, co- of fools! . . . As a dog returns to workers, or others, let us always its vomit, so fools repeat their seek to act wisely. folly” (Proverbs 26:3, 11). Haman, the enemy of the Jews, Thank you, Lord, for the was an intelligent man. He wisdom of Christ that shrewdly arranged the affairs has overcome the foolish- of state, even managing to get ness of the world. In Jesus’ the king to decree death for name, Amen. Ruth 3:7-13 SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

REDEMPTION

“As surely as the Lord lives, I will do it.” —Ruth 3:13

The word redeem means “to Boaz could have passed up this buy back.” For Boaz this meant opportunity, for there was an- using his money to buy back other redeemer. But he didn’t. a relative’s land, and having a He went out of his way to make child with Ruth to preserve the his intentions clear with a vow: family name of that relative. “As surely as the Lord lives, I will do it.” Someone who loves Like Ruth, Boaz is a person of the Word of God does not make noble character. As Ruth clung a vow lightly (Deuteronomy to Naomi out of respect for her 23:21-23). mother-in-law and for the Lord, Boaz clung to the Word of God, The God of heaven and earth recognizing that all honor and promised to send us “one praise belong to the Lord. Like who is holy, blameless, pure, one who meditates on the set apart from sinners, exalted Word of God, he was “like a above the heavens” (Hebrews tree planted by streams of wa- 7:26)—Jesus Christ, the Word ter” (Psalm 1:3). Well-rooted of God himself. And God has and -watered, that tree would kept his promise. Through Jesus not wither. From what we have we are redeemed from the seen of Boaz, we note that his debt of sin, if we believe in him words and deeds are so well- as our Savior. Do you? rooted and -watered that by the time Ruth speaks to him at the For the costly price of threshing floor, he will become our redemption through the redeemer Naomi and Ruth Christ’s sacrifice, we thank need. you, Lord. Amen. Ruth 3:14-18 SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

BREAD IN BETHLEHEM “Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.” —Ruth 3:17

Naomi and her family had left praise God too (Acts 3:6-10). In Bethlehem because of a fam- a similar way, Naomi was given ine, and she returned years later renewed life. Ruth would bear at the beginning of a harvest. a son. Naomi would have a Through Ruth, God had begun family to take care of her—and to alleviate Naomi’s food prob- through that family Israel would lems with regular visits to Boaz’s receive a king who would bring fields, but Naomi was still bereft an end to the emptiness of the of her husband and sons. Who time of the judges. would fill that emptiness? We too have received a down When Ruth returned from the payment: “You were marked threshing floor, she poured in [Christ] with a seal, the out six measures of barley, tell- promised Holy Spirit, who is ing Naomi that Boaz had said, a deposit guaranteeing our in- “Don’t go back to your mother- heritance until the redemption in-law empty-handed.” Naomi of those who are God’s posses- was ecstatic, because she recog- sion—to the praise of his glory” nized that with this food Boaz (Ephesians 1:13-14). had put a down payment on her family’s future. Help us, Lord, to live faith- “Silver or gold I do not have,” said the apostle Peter. “But what fully by your Spirit’s guid- I do have I give you.” And in ance as we look forward Jesus’ name he told a lame man to the time when our re- to walk, and the man was able demption will be complete. to walk—and to jump and to In Jesus’ name, Amen. Esther 8 MONDAY, JANUARY 23

THE KING’S WISDOM “No document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.” —Esther 8:8

Haman was dead, and now God had told Adam in the Mordecai wore the king’s signet Garden: “You must not eat ring and managed Haman’s es- from the tree of the knowledge tate. But Mordecai, Esther, and of good and evil, for when you the Jewish people still faced eat from it you will certainly the destruction Haman had die” (Genesis 2:17). That de- planned, for all the provinces cree could not be revoked ei- had received the decree to an- ther. All who have sinned will nihilate the Jews. And a royal die. But God provided a way decree could not be revoked. out: “God so loved the world What were they to do? that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Xerxes now exercised his power him shall not perish but have shrewdly: although the order to eternal life” (John 3:16). destroy the Jews had to remain, the Jews would now have the That is our choice: fear God right to defend themselves. and believe in his Son, Jesus Mordecai, bearer of the king’s Christ, or oppose him and lose signet ring, signed the decree. our life. Which do you choose? Now the people of the empire had to decide. Many became Heavenly King, thank you Jews, “because fear of the Jews for your eternal wisdom to had seized them.” Which would be better, to be a living member grant life to all who believe of the Jewish people or a dead in Jesus Christ. Help me to Gentile? follow you and to choose life today. Amen. Esther 9:1-17 TUESDAY, JANUARY 24

NO PLUNDER IN PERSIA But they did not lay their hands on the plunder. —Esther 9:10, 15, 16

One of war’s tragic conse- as described in Ephesians 6:10- quences in times past was that 18. Christians are also urged the victors plundered their to let God’s Word judge “the enemies. This enriched some thoughts and attitudes of the generals and the war industry; heart,” for that Word is “alive it also helped to pay soldiers, and active. Sharper than any provide food and drink, and double-edged sword, it pen- build weapons of war. Most etrates even to dividing soul of all, however, despoiling the and spirit, joints and marrow” enemy bled their economy dry (Hebrews 4:12). and reduced their community May God bring into his king- to servitude. dom the people from all na- But the Jews in Persia did not tions whom he favors through plunder the enemies who Jesus Christ. Then they too will tried to destroy them. No one celebrate “relief from their en- could stand against the Jews, in emies.” part because fear of Mordecai moved many government ad- ministrators to help them. The Jews’ main goal was relief from their enemies, not plunder. We praise you, O God, Our battle is not against flesh and we look forward to and blood but against the forces the time when every knee of evil in the spiritual realms. will bow before you and Christians take up the armor every tongue will confess that God has decreed for them, that you are Lord. Amen. Ruth 4:1-10; Psalm 15 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

BOAZ AT THE GATE “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite . . . as my wife . . . .” —Ruth 4:9-10 Like the good Samaritan in erous humility; what a citizen of Jesus’ parable, Boaz goes out of the kingdom of God! his way to help. At Bethlehem’s The good Israelite Jesus, born gate, where legal decisions are in Bethlehem, did not con- made, Boaz lets the closer rela- sider equality with God some- tive know of Naomi’s situation. thing to hold on to. So outside The man is ready to do what is Jerusalem, in the presence of all right. But when Boaz points out the people and elders, he hum- that Ruth is part of the package, bled himself and paid the high- the closer relative steps back; est price to fill the emptiness of he does not want to endanger all who yearn for a Redeemer. his own estate. He knows that if “Therefore God . . . gave him Ruth has only one son by him, the name that is above every then that son, as his only heir, name . . . to the glory of God will inherit his property, but an- the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). other family name will be on the deed. Boaz doesn’t bat an eye. The elders and people at the gate witness Boaz’s costly kindness. This good Israelite will keep his Father God, may we con- oath, even when it hurts: he will fidently entrust our name father a child for Mahlon in or- and all our property to der to secure his property and Jesus Christ, in whose name. Thus Boaz risks his own name we have all that we property and name. What gen- need forever. Amen. Ruth 4:11-12; Psalm 113 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

RUTH AND HER SISTERS He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. —Psalm 113:9

Near the end of the story of normal way. Even socially un- Ruth we read that she is consid- approved people participate in ered a sister to other women: building the church of Christ. to the barren Rachel, who for Thus we find the prostitutes many years couldn’t give Jacob Tamar and Rahab; the Moabite children; to Rachel’s sister Leah, Ruth; Bathsheba, whom David who gave Jacob several sons abused; and Mary, who be- (Genesis 29-31); and to Tamar, came pregnant by the Holy who pursued Judah to have a Spirit, in the genealogy of Jesus child for Judah’s son Er (Gen. Christ (Matthew 1:1-17, 20). 38) and bore twins, Perez and These unusual mothers bore Zerah. We see again how im- the descendants God promised portant the family line was to to Abraham, and they were all the Jews of that time. ancestors of Jesus Christ.

The people at the gate compare “Who is like the Lord our Ruth to these women—and God,” who lifts up the poor and evoke the memory of others needy and brings them into his who came before them—Sarah, house? Who brings to life sons Rebekah, Samson’s mother, and and daughters through his Holy Hannah—who, either physically Spirit? “Praise the name of the barren or socially unable to Lord”! have a family, had children who became building blocks of the Through Christ, Lord, house of Israel. bring all your children out God’s people in Christ do not of barrenness so that your build their own “house” in the house may be full. Amen. Esther 9:18-28 FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

JOYFUL RELIEF FROM THE ENEMY These days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants. —Esther 9:28

The Jews had escaped Haman’s at the Lord’s table to remem- plot of destruction. Haman him- ber his gifts of his body and self had fallen into the hole he blood, offered so that all who had dug for others, and many believe in him may live. Week of his followers were destroyed by week and year by year, then, on the day decreed for the Christians are reminded to be Jews’ annihilation. So the days joyful because death no longer afterward were celebrated as has any power. days of relief from the enemy. The Lord’s Supper, Good This was not to be just a one- Friday, and Easter are celebra- time celebration, however, for tions of what God has done for the memory of Purim was to us in Jesus Christ. And already continue through the genera- today Christians begin to enjoy tions. Feasting, joy, gifts of food their eternal rest from the en- to one another, and gifts to the emy as they await the final re- poor would mark these days turn of the Lord Jesus. every year. And so it is to this very day among observant Jews. Christians too observe a time each year when they remem- We praise you, O God, ber the day the devil plotted for giving us relief and Christ’s destruction, and with rest from our enemy. May great joy they celebrate the day we faithfully honor you of Christ’s victory over God’s and share this good news ancient enemy. And by Christ’s everywhere. Amen. command they gather regularly Esther 9:29-32; Micah 7:1-7 SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

JOYFUL AND WATCHFUL

As for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. —Micah 7:7

Although it’s been centuries happening to Christians in the since Haman was defeated in Middle East today? In many Persia, others have tried to de- countries believers still face stroy the Jews since then. The death for their faith. holocaust of World War II is Whereas the world trusts in its a painfully recent example. own ability to solve problems, Centuries have also passed God’s people rest in the truth since Jesus’ victory over sin and that only Christ’s coming again death, but the ancient enemy will provide the real solution. In has not failed to keep persecut- the meantime, like Mordecai ing his followers. and Esther, let us be good citi- How can God’s people sustain zens of the country where we their joy and feasting in the face live, but let us hope only in the of endless attacks? What can they Lord of heaven and earth. do when evil seems so strong? As we joyfully look forward to First, remember that God’s the day of Christ’s ultimate vic- ancient enemy has been de- tory over the ancient enemy, let cisively, though not yet fully, us continue to work and pray. defeated. Like a dog, furious at being chained, he lunges at Come quickly, Lord Jesus, anyone within reach from the and bring us into the full- end of a long chain (Revelation ness of your rest. But while 20:1-3). Second, like Mordecai and Esther, let us recognize we wait, may we work for contemporary forms of perse- your kingdom. In your cution and destruction. What is name, Amen. Ruth 4:13-17 SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

NAOMI HAS A SON! The women living there said: “Naomi has a son!” —Ruth 4:17

Isn’t it strange? Ruth was preg- could not have happened with- nant and gave birth, but the out them. Even so, a few well- women exclaimed that Naomi placed phrases remind God’s had a son. Actually, this is the people that there are no fields point of the story: not only did of ripened grain and no chil- Ruth fill Naomi’s emptiness dren without the Lord’s bless- with enough food, but she also ing. God blesses the fruit of our provided a son to replace the labor and the fruit of the womb. ones Naomi lost. Years later, Jesus, a descendant Isn’t it strange that although of this family, was born in Ruth did all of this, the women Bethlehem with heaven’s bless- praised God and responded in ing. Through the story of Ruth the way they did to Naomi? we can see that Christ’s birth is Actually, that’s another point part of a family history that de- of the story. Although he is pends on God’s abundant bless- seldom mentioned, God gets ings. In God’s world it is normal credit for bringing food back to for him to fill the empty and Bethlehem. And in a departure redeem what was lost. from the normal way of report- ing conception, God is reported as making it happen: “The Lord “Praise be to the Lord”! enabled her to conceive, and On this Lord’s Day we she gave birth to a son.” are grateful to know that Of course, Ruth and Boaz our Redeemer lives. Lord themselves had a hand in re- Jesus, live in our hearts to- storing Naomi’s well-being; it day. Amen. Ruth 4:18-22; Esther 10:1-3 MONDAY, JANUARY 30

EXALTED REDEEMERS “He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails.” —1 Samuel 2:9

Impossibly, a mere Jew who good and faithful servants of had sat daily at the king’s gate the great King. became second in command of The apostle Paul exhorts his all Persia. Unexpectedly, a low- readers, “Do not think of your- ly shepherd boy named David self more highly than you ought, became king of God’s people, but rather think of yourself with second in rank only to the sober judgment (Romans 12:3). Lord. Both made wise decisions James encourages his readers to when called to act. Neither look into the mirror of God’s sought to become redeemers law (James 1:23-25). Doing and rescuers of Israel. that, we will see reflected the Seeking greatness is unbecom- image of Christ, who, though ing—foolish, actually—especially exalted, became like one of us for God’s people. Getting great- and was humbled to the bur- ness by manipulation is some- den of the cross. thing Haman would do, but “Who is wise and understand- Mordecai served and trusted ing among you? Let them show God, who gave him honor it by their good life, by deeds as well as great responsibility, done in the humility that comes in which he served faithfully. from wisdom” (James 3:13). Contrary to the ways of the world, an honest sense of un- worthiness and a will to serve Give me the wisdom, others rather than ourselves Lord, to be considerate, appear to be requirements for submissive, and filled with mercy. Amen. Proverbs 9:1-6, 13-18 TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

SAME OLD, SAME OLD? Praise the Lord, my soul . . . who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. —Psalm 103:1, 5

We’ve reached the last day and refreshed till the day she of the first month of this new died. After Haman’s death and year. It’s possible that, for many Mordecai’s promotion to the of us, this year may already be king’s right hand, Esther too “the same old thing” as years was done with the anxiety and before—with promises of new evil of Haman’s persecution. It beginnings dashed, resolutions was good to rest in the victory faltered, and hopes receded. gained by discerning God’s tim- ing and will in her life. But newness does not come with a new year; nor does it age Wisdom invites us to eat what by the last day of an old year. refreshes and keeps us ever Satisfying and refreshing new- new; folly winks at stolen ness is ours every day through sweetness, which only embit- the Lord Jesus Christ, who ters and binds us to perpetual makes all things new. Days and old age. Take, eat, and drink years will pass, but the Word of from the wisdom of God, and the Lord is forever. be ever new! Once settled in Bethlehem, Ruth did not look for anything new or exciting; she was em- braced by the kindness and We praise you, O God! integrity of Boaz, and she im- Your grace is limitless, and mersed herself in living out you provide every good her days with her family and thing for us. Thank you for with God. The ancient, living your love. In Jesus, Amen. Word of God kept her young february The Greatest Stories Ever Told Arthur J. Schoonveld

The New Testament gospel books are the source of some of the greatest stories ever told by the greatest teacher who ever lived, the Lord Jesus. In some of his stories, which are often called parables, we’ll likely recognize ourselves. And in all of them we’ll hear Jesus speak to us. More important, through the stories that Jesus tells, we’ll catch glimps- es of God our Father. We’ll see how he reveals himself as a waiting Father who welcomes us back even when we’ve run away, a merciful Father who forgives, a listening Father who hears our prayers, and a loving Father who accepts us just as we are when we come to him. We’ll also come to know him as the Father who invites us to become his coworkers in building his kingdom here on earth. As you read and reflect on Jesus’ parables, it is our prayer that you’ll hear the Lord speak to you and see yourself as God sees you. But most of all we pray that as you hear him speak, you’ll not just be hearers but also become doers of God’s Word.

Art Schoonveld is a retired minister. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since retiring, he has worked part-time for the Christian Reformed denomination and has served as an interim pastor in several churches. Art and his wife, Anita, have four married children and eleven grandchildren. Luke 8:4-9 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

HOW ARE YOU LISTENING? “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” —Luke 8:9

When I was growing up, our account for how we have lis- family often discussed the ser- tened and what we have done mon after a Sunday worship with what we have heard. service. One of our parents usu- Listening can be difficult. After ally asked a question like “What preaching for almost 50 years, I did you think of the pastor’s am discovering that listening is message?” The same question often more difficult than teach- is still asked in many homes to- ing or preaching. Again and day. This is important because again I find myself critiquing we gather for worship to hear and even criticizing what I have what the Lord has to say to us. heard instead of asking, “What Now, here’s an equally impor- did I hear the Lord say to me? tant question: “How were the How will it affect my life? What listeners this morning—did they am I going to do about what I listen well?” According to the have heard?” That’s what really Lord Jesus, listening is crucially matters. In the words of the important: “Whoever has ears apostle James, we must become to hear, let them hear.” Or, as doers of God’s Word as well as Jesus says after telling another hearers (James 1:22). parable, “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18).

Listening to God’s Word is a Holy Spirit, teach us how tremendous privilege, but it’s to listen, and help us to be- also a great responsibility. And come doers of your Word. someday you and I as hearers In Jesus’ name, Amen. of God’s Word will have to give Luke 8:11-15 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

WHAT KEEPS US FROM HEARING? “The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” —Luke 8:15

A good farmer was mindful to God’s people took the time on spread seed on good soil, or it Saturdays to prepare for wor- would never take root and grow ship on Sundays. Every Saturday into a crop. Some of it could be evening, for example, my wife’s trampled on or eaten by birds; parents took a half hour to have some could fall on rocky soil or devotions in preparation for the among thorns and then wither Sunday service. or get choked out. Only the One easy thing we can do to- seed sown on good soil would day is to pray before gathering produce a fine crop. with others to worship God. We The same is true of the Word can pray for the worship lead- of God. God spreads his Word ers and the person who will be generously, even in unlikely preaching, and we can ask that places. Just as some seed nev- God’s Spirit will speak through er brings a crop, so also God’s them. We can also ask God to Word sometimes bears no fruit. open our hearts and minds so Some of us attend worship ser- that we can hear what the Spirit vices but don’t really hear what wants us to hear. God is saying—perhaps because we think we’ve heard it all before, or because we have been pressured to be there. Holy Spirit, please remove obstacles that can so easily What will it take for us to re- keep us from hearing what move obstacles that keep us you are saying to us. We from hearing what God has to pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. say to us? In years past some of Matthew 25:14-23 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

WHY ARE WE HERE? “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” —Matthew 25:23 Several years ago two young And to fulfill our purpose, the women wrote a book, The Lord has entrusted us with gifts Unique Challenges of Life in Your and resources, to be used to Twenties. According to their serve him and to build his king- story, they were disappointed dom here on earth. with the way life was turning Each of us in our own way and out for them. Instead of finding in our own setting has been fulfillment after college, they placed on the earth to love God found themselves disillusioned. and to love our neighbors. It’s In their own way they began up to us to use the gifts and re- asking, Why are we here? They sources we have been given to were experiencing what they begin serving our Lord in our called “the quarterlife crisis.” everyday lives. Whether it’s because of a quar- When we use the gifts we’ve terlife crisis, a midlife crisis, or been given, we will someday a retirement crisis, the same hear him say, “Well done, good question is asked by millions of and faithful servant!” people: Why am I here? or What is the purpose of my life? Jesus’ parable about the bags Father, thank you for en- of gold (or talents—measures weighing about 75 lbs. each) trusting us with your gifts. helps to answer that question. Encourage us to use them Each of us is created for a pur- in your service and in the pose, regardless of whether we service of others. In Jesus’ believe or don’t believe in God. name, Amen. Matthew 25:24-30 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

HIDING OUR GIFTS “Take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance.” —Matthew 25:28-29 The man with one bag of gold of who we are, there’s not one felt cheated, thinking his mas- person on earth who has noth- ter was unfair. While one of the ing to offer. When all is said and servants was given ten bags, and done, it’s not about how many another five, he had received resources or abilities we have just one. As far as he was con- received; what matters is how cerned, it wasn’t even worth we use what we have been using. What could he accom- given. Don’t compare yourself plish with such a small amount? to someone else. Take a good look at yourself, discover the Perhaps that’s how you feel. gifts you have, and begin using Maybe your classmate gets them. And when you do, you’ll straight A’s and is one of the no longer feel cheated. You’ll most popular people you find fulfillment in life, and you know, while you’re just average. too will hear the Lord say, “Well Maybe your colleague gets pro- done. . . . Come and share your moted even though you have master’s happiness!” worked twice as hard. Maybe the church down the street is growing while yours keeps losing members. Some people seem to have it all, and you feel Lord our God, keep us that you’re just limping along. from comparing ourselves You conclude that you have to other people, and give nothing to offer. us the grace to use what- If that’s how you feel, please read ever gifts you have given this parable again. Regardless us. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 13:18-19 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

ONE SINGLE SEED “The kingdom of God . . . is like a mustard seed. . . . It grew and became a tree.” —Luke 13:18-19

Each year the Cable News Net Sometimes our efforts seem so work (CNN) selects ten indi- small and insignificant. What viduals who have made a big good is one prison visit, and difference in the lives of other what can an occasional Bible people. Out of those ten CNN study at a rescue mission pos- Heroes, the network chooses sibly accomplish? What good is one person who in their opinion one card or email sent to some- has made the greatest impact. In one who’s hurting? What good 2015, the person chosen was a is that small church compared 21-year-old woman who, after to that megachurch down the graduating from college, decid- street? ed to live in Nepal. She started Reread today’s parable and be a home for young girls who had assured that the Lord Jesus can been abandoned and abused turn even our smallest efforts and had no place to go. Seeing into something great for his the faces of those young girls kingdom! As someone put it, was a living testimony to what “Of course you can’t do everyone person can accomplish. thing, but you can do some- Watching that story made me thing!” think of the parable of the mustard seed. According to the Father in heaven, help us to Lord Jesus, God’s kingdom here see that you will use even on earth is like a mustard seed, our smallest efforts to build which starts out very small and can grow into a tree. your kingdom. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Matthew 5:14-16; Luke 8:16-18 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

WHEN CANDLES WON’T LIGHT “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” —Luke 8:16

In his book God Came Near, We too have our excuses. Some Max Lucado tells a story about of us feel we need more train- four candles that didn’t want to ing before we can tell others leave their storage closet dur- about Jesus. Some of us look at ing a power outage. When the our own lives and feel we don’t owner went to find them and have the right to talk about the light them so that he could see Lord because of our own fail- in the dark, the candles began ures. Others of us simply con- to talk. They did not want to centrate on doing other things. leave. The Lord is quick to set us One candle said he needed straight. We are the light of the more preparation. Another one world, he said, just as he is the was too busy. Another said she light. We need to let go of our was not qualified. The last one excuses and simply let our light said that giving light was not her shine. Ask yourself today, “How gift. and where can I let my light shine?” Of course that was just a story. Candles don’t talk. But that story reflects some of our attitudes when it comes to letting Father in heaven, give us our light shine out to others, so the grace and willingness that people see God working in to be what you have in- our lives and give him praise, as tended us to be so that we Jesus taught. will let our light shine for Jesus. In his name, Amen. Luke 15:1-10 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

THE LOST DRONE “There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” —Luke 15:10

A little more than a year ago something important to you is one of our grandsons got a a reason to rejoice. mini-drone for his birthday. It Of course, today’s parables are was without question his favor- not only about a lost sheep or a ite gift, and he had to try it out lost coin but are meant to show at once—never mind the snow. how much it hurts our Lord It soared into the sky, flew over when even one of his children a clump of tall trees, and disap- wanders away and gets lost. peared from view. He ran to The religious leaders were up- find it, but it was gone! set because Jesus ate with “sin- Of course, he was upset! Six of ners.” But the reason he came us bundled up, traipsed through was to call everyone to repen- the snow, and searched with- tance and salvation, for we are out much hope of finding it. all sinners in need of grace and Amazingly his mom found the new life. drone half-buried in the snow. Two questions: Have we re- We were all elated! pented, and do we go out of That minor incident made me our way to help bring others to think of the woman who lost Jesus? one of her ten silver coins. Even though she had nine coins left, she turned her house upside Help us, Lord, to do what- down to find the one she had lost, and when she found it, she ever we can to help others called her friends and neighbors come back to you. In your to celebrate with her. Finding name we pray. Amen. Luke 15:11-24 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

THE RUNAWAY SON “The younger son . . . set off for a distant country and there squan- dered his wealth in wild living.” —Luke 15:13

Sometimes it’s really hard to Of course this story is not just take. You’re living at home. You about a rebellious teenager or a have to follow all the rules, and runaway son. It’s an illustration whenever you go out, you have of anyone who has turned their to tell your parents where you back on the Lord and wants to are going. You’re expected to go their own way, regardless of go to church, listening to ser- the consequences. A twenty- mons and singing hymns that something relative told me re- sound really boring to you. cently that his generation did Your parents even want to not need God because they know what you are watching were doing just fine without on your smartphone or tablet. him. Sometimes you just want out! If you find yourself in a “distant That’s how the younger son in country,” away from God, come Jesus’ parable felt. Every day it back to him, because he’s wait- was the same routine and the ing! And, if you have already same rules. He could not wait come back to God, pray for all to get away. So one day he went who are trying to live without to his father and demanded his the Lord, that they may turn to inheritance. The father did not him too. argue but gave him the money and let him go. For the first time Father in heaven, help us in his life the younger son felt to see how much we need free, only to discover that the you, and if we have drifted freedom he craved would turn away, please bring us back. him into a slave. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 15:25-32 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

THE STRANGER AT HOME “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. . . . He answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.’” —Luke 15:28-29 The older brother was upset! The response of the older son Of course he was. Ever since he forces us to look at ourselves. was young, he had worked on Do we serve the Lord with glad- his father’s farm, without ever ness? Do we come to worship asking for any kind of recog- because we love the Lord, or nition. But when his good-for- out of a sense of duty? Do we nothing brother came home give cheerfully or because it is penniless after squandering his expected of us? Are we willing, inheritance, his father not only like God the Father, to forgive welcomed him with open arms people in our lives who have but even put on a banquet to hurt us? Do we understand celebrate. It was too much. that we are as much in need of forgiveness as the younger son, No matter how much the father even though we may not have pleaded with him, the older son left for a distant country? refused to join the celebration. Like the Pharisees who served God out of a sense of duty, the older son had served his father—not out of devotion but because he felt he had to. The Pharisees had complained Lord, our God, help us to that Jesus welcomed sinners search our hearts, to serve and ate with them (Luke 15:2). you with gladness, and to Similarly, the older son griped truly rejoice when a sinner about his father’s welcome of comes back to you—be- his decadent younger brother. cause of Jesus. Amen. Luke 15:18-32 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

THE WAITING FATHER “‘This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” —Luke 15:24

In his book The Return of younger son, you have turned the Prodigal Son, Henri J. M. away from the Lord, he invites Nouwen explains that the par- you to come back. If you have able of the lost son sums up the become enslaved to some sin, story of salvation. The father in he is urging you to confess and the parable is a picture of our receive his forgiveness. heavenly Father, “who watches Or if, like the older son, your and waits for his children, runs heart has not been right with out to meet them, embraces God and, like the Pharisees, them, pleads with them, and you have worshiped God with urges them to come home.” your lips while your heart was The parable, Nouwen says, ex- far from him and hard toward presses “the boundlessness of the undeserving, he invites you God’s compassionate love.” too to come back and celebrate Where do you see yourself with him. in this story? Are you like the Your Father is waiting for you! wandering younger son, or the self-righteous older son? Or both? The parable is indeed the Thank you, loving Father, story of God’s amazing love as for your love, patience, he welcomes us back, no mat- and compassion for each ter where we have been or one of us, no matter who what we have done. we are or what we have If at this moment you find done. Thank you for yourself far away from God, always taking us back. In he is waiting for you. If, like the Jesus’ name, Amen. Luke 10:25-32 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

PASSING BY ON THE OTHER SIDE “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite . . .” —Luke 10:31-32 A Facebook post told the sto- lem, and stopping to help could ry of a pastor who on his first be dangerous. Sunday at a large church decid- Of course the real danger is in ed to come dressed as a home- passing by without helping. It’s less person. Before the service much easier to look the other began, he walked around, way. For seven years I regularly mumbling a greeting. Only drove past a homeless shelter three people bothered to greet without ever bothering to stop him in return. When he asked and ask how I or our congrega- for money to buy breakfast, tion could help. I thought I was people hurried past him. After too busy to bother. all, you don’t give money to a panhandler. Besides, who knew If you, like me, have passed by why he was homeless? He on the other side, ask for for- might have been an addict who giveness, and ask the Lord to had ruined his life with drugs or give you a second chance. Then alcohol. The church members look for opportunities to serve. “passed by on the other side.” That’s what the priest and Levite in Jesus’ parable did. Perhaps in Lord Jesus, thank you for a hurry to serve in worship, or reaching out to us when tired and needing to get home, we were down and out. the priest and Levite looked Fill us with your compas- the other way. The robbed and sion and help us to reach beaten man was not their prob- out and help others. In your name, Amen. Luke 10:30-35 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

THE GOOD SAMARITAN “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” —Luke 10:33

The Samaritan who stopped all? What is it that drives many to help the robbed and beaten people today to lend a helping man had every reason to look hand, open their homes, reach the other way and pass by on into their wallets, or interrupt the other side. The victim was their schedules to help some- a Jew, and Jews and Samaritans one in need? The answer is that did not associate with each they have compassion. other. Any self-respecting Jew In this parable, among other would rather walk several extra things, we are being called to miles than risk running into a live with the kind of compas- Samaritan. And Samaritans felt sion God has shown us in Jesus. the same way. He came to help and restore us In spite of that, the Samaritan when we were down and out, reached out to help the Jew. He even though we were his en- bandaged his wounds, put him emies (see Romans 5:10). on his own donkey, and took Do you follow Christ’s example him to an inn. He even offered and show compassion to others? to pay for additional expenses the innkeeper might incur. He was willing to interrupt his Lord Jesus, keep us from schedule and use his own re- judging anyone who is sources to help someone in down and out. Help us to need. show others the compas- Why would this man stop and sion you have shown to help when two religious lead- us. We pray in your name. ers refused to do anything at Amen. Luke 10:25-37 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13

WHOSE NEIGHBOR AM I? The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” —Luke 10:37

The teacher of the law who class or that obnoxious person came to test Jesus was in for a I work with? And do I have to surprise. Instead of engaging in love people who have made a a theological discussion about mess of their lives? inheriting eternal life, the Lord In this parable the Lord points asked a simple question, “What out that the real question is not is written in the Law?” Without “Who is my neighbor?” It’s real hesitation the legal expert an- ly “Whose neighbor am I?” Am swered, “‘Love the Lord your I willing to be a neighbor to God with all your heart and whomever the Lord places on with all your soul and with all my path, and do I practice it by your strength and with all your showing compassion and mercy? mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Jesus then said, That is a question we all need “You have answered correctly. to answer. How do you answer . . . Do this and you will live.” it? It’s that simple. But for some reason the teacher of the law wasn’t satisfied. So he asked, “And who is my neighbor?” Lord our God, open our It’s a question worth asking. eyes and help us to know Are we to love all the people whose neighbors we are to in our lives? Do I really have be, and give us the grace to love the unlovable people to reach out in mercy and in my life? Do I have to love love. For Jesus’ sake, Amen. that disrespectful student in my Luke 12:13-21 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

ADVICE FOR INVESTORS “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” —Luke 12:15

The rich man had it all! He ful planning and hard work he had built a successful business had left God out of the picture. and had made all the right in- He had stored up treasures on vestments. And with this year’s earth without storing treasures abundance in profits, he decid- in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). ed it was time to reap the ben- And when his life came to an efits of his hard work. He said end, he stood before the Lord to himself, “You have plenty . . . empty-handed. laid up for many years. Take life That, says Jesus, is what will easy; eat, drink and be merry.” happen to anyone who lives It seems to make a lot of sense. without paying attention to the When you’ve worked hard all Lord and his kingdom. Today’s your life and planned out your parable leaves each of us with finances carefully, you should some important questions: be able to look forward to a How am I living my life? Am I carefree retirement. You’d think being rich toward God? Am I the rich man in Jesus’ parable investing in his kingdom? would have been commended for his wise planning. Instead, God calls him a fool. But that’s not because he was rich or because he had planned Lord God, help us to take for his retirement. It’s because he a good look at our lives, had missed the most important and give us the wisdom to thing in life. He had not been invest in your kingdom. In rich toward God. In all his care- Jesus’ name, Amen. Luke 16:19-31 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

INSIDE OUR MANSIONS “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.” —Luke 16:19

When I came back from a mis- est. Some of us may even have sion trip to India, I was sure I trouble making ends meet. would never forget what I had And yet, compared to millions, seen. The unimaginable pover- many of us do live in luxury. ty, the plight of “untouchables,” Two billion people live on less the sight of two women claw- than two dollars a day. More ing through garbage just outside than a billion don’t have clean our hotel, the tug of a young girl water to drink, while hundreds refusing to let go until I gave her of millions are chronically hun- something—these images filled gry. And every four seconds a my mind. child under age 5 dies because of extreme poverty. That’s the But I did forget. Before long reality of the world we live in. my appetite returned, and the mental images of what I It’s up to us who live in luxury had seen slowly disappeared. to have compassion for people Surrounded by every luxury who need help. It’s up to us to imaginable, I again began to feed the hungry, clothe the na- develop calluses that kept me ked, provide water—however from feeling compassion for we can. people in need. Most of us do not have the Lord, keep us from de- luxuries described in today’s veloping calluses that dull parable. Few of us dress in purple or fine linen. Compared our hearts from feeling the to the mansion of the rich man, pain of others. Fill us with most of our homes are mod- your love. Amen. Luke 16:19-24 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16

LYING AT THE GATE “At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.” —Luke 16:20-21

In 1873, at the age of 33, a people who are looked down Roman Catholic priest named on because they don’t fit in or Damien came to a small because they are not consid- Hawaiian island. According to ered to be productive members the story, the island had be- of our society. come a place where the local It’s up to us who have been government sent its lepers. Like blessed with plenty to reach out Lazarus, they were forced to to people who are lying at our live “outside the gate.” In imi- gate. We are to pray for them, tation of the Lord Jesus, Father support the different agencies Damien went to live with the that minister to them, and vol- lepers and identified with them. unteer if we are able. Sixteen years later he himself died of leprosy. Ask the Lord today and every day to show you ways to reach Most of us will probably never out to people who need help. be asked to minister to lepers in the way Father Damien did. But it does not take a visit to a leper colony or a mission trip to an impoverished country to find people like Lazarus. Lord God, open our eyes In the news we see refugees so that we can see the peo- fleeing for their lives. We meet ple who are lying at our people in need when we visit a gate, and move us to help. homeless shelter. We meet oth- For Jesus’ sake, Amen. ers in need when we encounter Luke 16:22-31 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

WHAT IF . . . ? “‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” —Luke 16:31 What if . . . ? This question they won’t be convinced of its came to mind while I was truth even if someone returned thinking about the rich man’s from the dead to tell them. plea to send Lazarus to warn Jesus knew the stubbornness his brothers. What if someone of people’s hearts. Today we came back from the dead— have not only “Moses and the would people pay attention? Prophets” but also the New What if someone like Mother Testament, which makes clear Teresa came back from the dead that Jesus himself rose from to tell millions of viewers on TV the dead so that we can have and the Internet that there is life eternal life with him. But not after death, that it matters how everyone believes they need we treat the poor here on earth, a Savior. It takes the Spirit of and that someday we’ll have to God, working in our hearts, to give account of what we did for convince us. So Christ calls us them? Would that lead people to live by God’s Word, share it to obey God and make changes with others, and ask God’s Spirit in their lives? to reveal the truth to them also (see John 16:7-15). The rich man in Jesus’ parable seemed to think so. He asked Abraham to send someone back to earth to warn his Lord, thank you for your brothers. In the response from Word and for salvation in Abraham, however, Jesus set Jesus. By your Spirit, help the record straight: if people us to share your love and refuse to listen to God’s Word, truth everywhere. Amen. Luke 18:1-8 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

PERSISTING IN PRAYER “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” —Luke 18:6-7 Huck Finn, the main character was gone, he said, it seemed the in one of Mark Twain’s novels, “door to heaven” was “double- became convinced that praying bolted”—but he realized later was a waste of time. For three that God hadn’t shut him out. days straight he prayed for fish In the parable of the persistent hooks, but no fish hooks ap- widow Jesus tells his disciples— peared! His conclusion: “There and us—to “always pray and ain’t nothing in it.” not give up.” If even an unjust I’m sure many of us have felt judge finally listens, how much that way at times. So many of more will our Father in heaven our prayers seem to go unan- hear us! Though God does not swered. You pray for healing, always answer our prayers the but the person you love is way we want him to, he always taken from you. You ask for a listens and cares, and someday job, and nothing happens. You he will right all wrongs. ask the Lord to heal a broken relationship, and still your marriage ends in divorce. You plead with the Lord to bring your son or daughter back, but it doesn’t happen. Even the well-known Holy Spirit, teach us how Christian author C. S. Lewis be- to pray, and help us to gan to wonder if praying was a believe that our Father in waste of time. During his wife’s heaven hears and answers illness he pleaded with God to every prayer. In Jesus’ spare her life. And when she name, Amen. Luke 18:9-14 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

WHAT’S OUR PRAYER ATTITUDE? “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” —Luke 18:10

In this parable Jesus describes But Jesus quickly set the record two very different prayer atti- straight. The Pharisee went tudes. home just as he had come, unrepentant and full of him- At the temple, where he went self. But the tax collector went to pray, the Pharisee felt right home forgiven and justified. at home. This was where he be- longed, of course, and anyone What matters to the Lord is not listening to his prayer would be how good we think we are, how duly impressed, right? much we give, or how often we go to church. What mat- But the Pharisee did not come ters is our prayer attitude—that to pray to God; he came to talk we realize our need for God’s about himself. He did not come grace, mercy, and forgiveness. to thank God for his grace, Only then will we be justified. mercy, and forgiveness; he came to declare how glad he Before you approach God in was that he was not like other worship today, or before you people. He followed all the spend time with the Lord at prescribed religious duties and home, ask yourself, “What is my always gave a tenth of what he attitude before the Lord?” made. Compared to others, the Pharisee seemed nearly perfect. Holy Spirit, help us to see God had to be pleased with ourselves as you see us, him, right? Certainly he was and help us to see our much better than that tax col- need for your grace. For lector standing “at a distance.” Jesus’ sake, Amen. Psalm 51:1-9 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

MERCY FOR ME, A SINNER “The tax collector . . . beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” —Luke 18:13

Sometimes people who come all “sinned and fall short of the to faith in Christ as adults are glory of God” (Romans 3:23). reluctant to join a church, be- “If we claim to be without sin, cause they feel that everyone we deceive ourselves and the else there has got their act to- truth is not in us” (1 John 1:9). gether and is virtually perfect. Anyone who comes to the The truth, though, is that every Lord, confessing their sins and one of us is often like the tax recognizing Jesus as the only collector in Jesus’ parable—a Savior, is justified by God. And sinner in need of God’s for- the church of Christ is not a giveness and grace. That’s why place where people have it all Psalm 51 rings so true in our together; it’s simply a commu- hearts and minds. It also helps nity of sinners saved by grace. us remember that even the Have you experienced God’s great King David of Israel, who mercy? If so, go and share that wrote this psalm, was no better good news with others so that than any of us—even though he they can experience it too! was called “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:1-13). Lord, thank you for the as- If we already belong to a surance that we are saved church, we must also be care- ful not to act like the Pharisee by your grace. Thank you in Jesus’ parable, looking down for accepting us as we our noses at others whom we are, and for forgiving us in think of as sinners—for we have Jesus’ name. Amen. Luke 16:1-14 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

WHEN TIME RUNS OUT “Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.” —Luke 16:2

Someday each of us will stand The church will someday be before the Lord to give an ac- called to give an account of count of how we have lived. how it has used its resources. Whether this happens at our Have we understood that we death or when Christ returns, are blessed to be a blessing? he will call us to explain what As we pour millions of dollars we have done with the resourc- into deluxe buildings for our es he has entrusted to us. own use and comfort, do we ask ourselves what we should Every nation will be asked what be doing for churches in under it has done with the gifts it has developed countries? received. Someday the United States and Canada, two pros- Someday families and individu- perous countries, among many als will have to give an account others, will be asked what they as well. Have we taken the time have done with their tremen- to reach out to those who are dous wealth. Have they shared less privileged? their wealth with less privileged Are you doing your part to nations? Have they opened build God’s kingdom here on their borders to the millions of earth, while there is still time? refugees fleeing for their lives? Have they been concerned about justice not only for their Help us, O Lord, to take a own citizens, but also for those good look at our lives, and living in nations where there is show us how to arrange much injustice? our priorities. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Matthew 18:21-35 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

ECHOES OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32

The story in this parable seems has forgiven us in Christ can we almost impossible to imagine. learn to forgive. Why would anyone who has A Facebook post told the story just been forgiven a million- of a basketball coach, Monty dollar debt refuse to forgive a Williams, whose wife was killed debt of a few dollars? It doesn’t by an erratic driver, leaving him make sense. a single parent with four chil- Consider, though, how hard it dren. At the memorial service can be for us to forgive oth- he urged the people there to ers. How long have we held a pray for the driver and talked grudge against someone, even to them about the importance for a simple mistake? Or how of forgiveness. He understood about refusing to forgive some- the words of the apostle Paul, one for saying something that that we are to forgive each hurt you—perhaps so long ago other just as in Christ God has that you can’t remember what forgiven us. they said? Or maybe the of- As Christians, we are called to fense was more serious. Perhaps be echoes of God’s forgiveness. a spouse betrayed you, a co- Are you living that way? worker lied and got you fired, a parent abused you, or a bully made life miserable for you. Father, thank you for for- Only the grace of God makes it giving us each day. Teach possible to forgive people who us how to forgive, because sin against us. Only when we of Jesus. Amen. begin to realize how much God Luke 17:7-10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

CALLED TO SERVE “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” —Luke 17:10

Some time ago a volunteer at their community is the natural a nonprofit organization gave thing to do. us a tour through the building Of course, not everyone is able where he works five days a to volunteer. Many of us have week. At one point someone fulltime jobs and busy families. in our group asked him what Some of us are confined to our motivated him to volunteer. homes, unable to get involved. He answered, “I was diagnosed But we can pray for and encour- with cancer, and now that I age people who volunteer, and am in remission I want to use we can support them financially whatever time I have left doing if we are able. And for those of something worthwhile.” us who have never considered He is one of thousands of vol- volunteering, perhaps now is a unteers in many organizations good time to reconsider and do who use their time, talents, and what the Lord invites us to do. resources to join in building God’s kingdom here on earth. They don’t ask for recognition or remuneration. They do it out of gratitude. If asked, they Lord Jesus, thank you for might well answer by saying, all who volunteer and who “We are unworthy servants; aren’t concerned about get- we have only done our duty.” ting credit for it. Help each To them, to volunteer, go on a one of us to look for oppor- mission trip, or get involved in tunities to take part in building your kingdom. Amen. Matthew 20:1-16 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

IS GOD UNFAIR? “‘Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” —Matthew 20:15-16

Several years ago a member of during the last few months of our church was privileged to her life should be as acceptable lead a young woman to faith in to God as someone who has Christ. The young woman had served the Lord for a lifetime. a terminal illness, and shortly Jesus’ message in this parable is before she died, I stood with that in the kingdom of heaven a few others in her hospital it’s not a matter of how hard room, listening to her testimo- we’ve worked or how long ny. At her memorial service I we’ve served the Lord. We mentioned how in her last few don’t earn our way into the months she had turned her life kingdom; eternal life is a gift of over to the Lord. After the ser- God’s grace, and he extends his vice someone told me that it grace to everyone who comes just seemed too simple. to him, no matter when. Like the workers in the vine- Have you experienced that yard, that person felt it was too grace in your life? easy and not fair. In the parable, the men who had worked hard all day were upset because those who had been hired in the last hour received the same wages as they did. They felt cheated. The person who came Thank you, Lord, for your to talk to me felt the same way. amazing grace, which you It did not seem quite right that extend to all who call on someone who turns to the Lord you in Jesus’ name. Amen. Luke 14:15-24 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

YOU ARE INVITED! RSVP “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” —Luke 14:23

In today’s story a man invites they will be in for a surprise. God guests to a celebration banquet, “wants all people to be saved” but all who are invited turn (1 Timothy 2:4), but if his guests him down. They make excuses refuse and insist on going their about having other commit- own way, they will not “eat at ments, but, as Jesus’ listeners the feast in the kingdom of God.” would know, the excuses are all Sadly, God’s invitations are still lies. For example, in those days, turned down by people who no one would buy oxen with- have known about him all their out trying them out first. And lives. Many even who have if a social friend had just been grown up in Christian homes married, the host would have turn away, thinking they are do- known and would not have ing just fine without God. interrupted him with an invita- tion to another party. The host The Lord still invites us to come refuses to give up, however, to him by believing in Jesus. He and sends his servants to in- wants us to accept his invita- vite others whom most people tion, and when we do, he sends would not expect to be invited. us out to invite others, whoever they are, to come. The parable of the great banquet is a warning that God’s people must not take him for Lord, thank you for invit- granted (see Luke 14:1-14). If ing us to celebrate with they ignore his invitations to full you. May we also faithfully life and faithful living, or if they invite others who do not expect no others will be invited, know you. Amen. Matthew 25:1-13 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

KEEP WATCH! “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” —Matthew 25:13

A while back I was painfully ered too late that they would reminded of Jesus’ urging to need to go and get extra oil keep watch. While I was driving for their lamps, and when they to a meeting, someone speed- came back to the banquet hall, ing along from the other direc- the groom had arrived and the tion ran a red light and crashed door was shut. No matter how into my car, totaling it and giv- much they pleaded, the answer ing me my first ride ever in an was “I don’t know you.” ambulance. Thankfully I was The day will come when not seriously injured, and I was each of us will have to leave released from the hospital after this life. Someday we too will only four hours. meet the bridegroom, the Lord This made me think about how Jesus. Then all that will matter our life here on earth can end is whether we have been pre- in a split second. As James puts pared by believing in him and it, our lives are like “a mist that by serving him here on earth. appears for a little while and And if we are prepared, like the then vanishes” (James 4:14). five wise virgins, we too will be And we don’t know the day or able to go in with him to the the hour when the Lord will re- wedding banquet. turn or when our life on earth will end. Lord Jesus, help us to be Unlike the five wise virgins in Jesus’ parable, the five foolish prepared when you call us virgins did not feel the need home or when you return. to be prepared. They discov- In your name, Amen. Matthew 25:31-46 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

THE LEAST OF THESE “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” —Matthew 25:40

We saw him in the city of were not as important as oth- Chicago near the place where ers. He adds that whatever we we were staying. His name was do for someone in need, we do John, and he was homeless. His it for him. As Mother Teresa of only means of transportation was Calcutta put it, “When we look a wheelchair. No matter how into the face of one of them, we often he was invited to come see the face of Jesus.” inside or urged to stay at a shel- It’s not up to us to judge people ter, he refused. The only thing like John, who was homeless— he did accept was some change or anyone else who may face and some leftover food. Some challenges or be at a disadvan- people would label him a loser. tage. Our task is simply to reach In today’s parable the Lord out and show Jesus’ love. Ask Jesus uses a different name to the Lord today to open your describe millions of people like eyes to see his face in the faces John. He calls them “the least of people who are down and of these.” The unborn child; out, disadvantaged, or chal- the person who is mentally or lenged in other ways. And pray physically challenged; people for a willingness to reach out. who are homeless, or hungry, or refugees; people in prison; people who might never be able to live productive lives—all Lord, help us to realize are among “the least of these.” that whatever we do for And Jesus does not mean these people in need, we are do- are lesser people, as if they ing it for you. Amen. Luke 11:5-13 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

A FRIEND AT MIDNIGHT “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” —Luke 11:9

One evening, shortly after mid- able, help only because they night, a teenage woman was can’t get out of helping. standing on our doorstep, ring- But there is one Friend who ing the doorbell. She was des- never lets us down: the Lord perate. She was newly married, Jesus. He is the Friend who’s al- expecting a child, and now her ways there, who never puts us husband threatened to leave on hold, and who never turns her. She did not know where us away. And even though he to turn, so she came to us. She doesn’t always give us what needed a friend at midnight. we want, or what we think we Many of us, at one time or an- need, there is one gift he always other, need a friend to talk to or gives: the Holy Spirit. lean on. Sometimes life gets the Jesus says, “If you then . . . know best of us, and in our need we how to give good gifts to your turn to someone we can trust, children, how much more will and we hope that somehow your Father in heaven give the we’ll find some relief. Holy Spirit to those who ask But sometimes friends let us him!” He is the one Friend we down. Sometimes the people can’t do without. we turn to don’t understand— or, worse, don’t really care. Sometimes we misread the Father in heaven, fill us with people we confide in—and your Holy Spirit so that we they betray our trust. And some can honor and serve you. friends, like the one in the par- For Jesus’ sake, Amen. NOTES NOTES

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