New York

Esther devotional
The couriers went out, hastened by the kings command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed. (Esther 3:15)

The city was perplexed. It is an interesting description of the city. This collective personification of the city is a compelling way to express a particular overwhelming sentiment. It's like when we say that a city is in mourning after a tragedy. In this case, the city was bewildered and confused by the decree of the king. Why would the king give an order that would bring about the destruction of the Jews? It was perplexing. The prophet Joel used the same Hebrew word to describe cattle wandering without a pasture. Maybe it's because I am in the heart of New York City while I am writing these thoughts, but I am sensitive to this description of the city. I am aware that a city such as New York can easily be described as both "perplexing" and "perplexed". In the book of Esther, the rash and sinful decree of the king brought about confusion to the city. What brings confusion to our cities today? Here in New York, there are many messages about what matters, what defines success and what will deliver happiness. It's hard to walk into Times Square at night and ignore the messages! It is such a mixture of the grand and glorious and struggle and hardship. There is a beauty in the city that is best expressed through redemptive hope. In the book of Esther, Mordecai and Esther provided a light in the midst of a city that struggled to find understanding. God has light in every city and New York is no different. Yesterday, we went to worship at Hillsong Church NYC. In a packed theater together we sang words that pierce through the confusion with a message that is crystal clear:
The Burroughs have been opened
The broken have been chosen
and the city becomes alive in You.

Signet Ring

So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai (Esther 8:2)

During the days of the Persian Empire, the removal and gift of the signet ring was much more than a gesture of friendship. It symbolized a transmission of authority. The signet ring granted the recipient a great measure of power in the kingdom. It was an act of supreme trust. In this particular example, Mordecai had proven himself to be trustworthy before the king. The first introduction of Mordecai tells of this willingness to raise his cousin Esther as his own. Mordecai’s life provides a pattern of humble service. In contrast to Mordecai, Haman gained the trust of the king and then lost it. Earlier in the book of Esther, the king had given his signet ring to Haman. The text reveals that Haman was an egotistical and selfish man who looked to elevate himself and silence those who opposed him. In the end Haman was punished with death and Mordecai was rewarded. When Jesus told the story of the prodigal son, He noted that when the son returned home the Father instructed his servants to “put a ring on his finger” (Luke 15:22). In Christ, we are granted power to live in His Kingdom as His children. God places a ring on my finger.  What is my motivation? Do I crave power and authority as Haman did? Everything we receive by virtue of being children of God is never intended for our selfish exaltation. It is granted to enable me to serve the King and seek first what is best for the Kingdom.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 TNIV)

The scene described in Nehemiah 8:10 was a holy day. It was a day of celebration and yet the people were weeping. They had ample cause for rejoicing. The city walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt. Now it was time for a sacred gathering. Ezra was reading the Word of the Lord and the people were listening attentively. But on this holy day of celebration instead of shouts of joy there was weeping. No doubt their weeping was due to the recognition of their own sinfulness as Ezra read from God's word. It's understandable. I can relate. There have been times when I have read the Bible and responded in a similar manner. But, Nehemiah redirected their response. He told them to stop grieving and recognize that the joy of the Lord is their strength.  Is it possible to transform weeping into joy? If so, how do I move from the weakness and devastation that occurs when my sin is exposed into the strength produced by the joy of the Lord? The answer is found in one word. Gospel. I must choose to shift my focus to the Gospel and revisit the good news of God’s faithfulness and His provision of forgiveness and new life. I turn from my sin and look to the cross as an overwhelming reminder of the greatness of God’s love. In his book The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges writes, "preach the Gospel to yourself everyday...Continually face up to your own sinfulness and then flee to Jesus through faith in His shed blood and righteous life". On the holy day described in Nehemiah 8, the people were called to celebrate the faithfulness of God and rejoice. As I turn my attention to the Gospel, I find that my hope is renewed, my joy is restored, and I find that the Lord is my source of strength.

Amazing Grace

In his book, "Amazing Grace", Eric Metaxes notes the relationship between John Newton, who wrote the great hymn "Amazing Grace" and the young William Wilberforce. At the time Newton was serving as parson of a church in Olney.  According to Metaxes, Newton spent much time caring for the great poet, William Cowper who suffered terribly from depression. Newton suggested that it might be helpful for Cowper to write hymns for the weekly services.As I read about these relationships I was reminded of an aspect of God's grace that continues to amaze me. God supplies His grace to our pain and produces beauty. Often, the most remarkable beauty in our lives has emerged because of suffering and struggle. The knowledge of Cowper's struggles with doubt and depression provides a greater appreciation for the richness of his writing. Reportedly, the last hymn written by Cowper was "God moves in a mysterious way". For anyone who has ever struggled with depression, the words are especially meaningful:

The clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face. 

Moving Foward

So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Nehemiah 1:4

How well do you respond to emotional distress? How do you move forward when you receive disturbing news? The book of Nehemiah is a testimony of what was required to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that had been destroyed during a Babylonian siege (2 Chronicles 36:19).  The process began in a far away palace. An exile named Nehemiah was working as a cupbearer for the king of Persia in Susa when he received disturbing news about the condition of Jerusalem from one of his brothers. Nehemiah’s response was an immediate display of emotion and empathy. Yet, somehow Nehemiah was able to move from utter distress into an inspiring display of courage and leadership. The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. There are many facets to the testimony of Nehemiah, but I am struck by his immediate willingness to fast and pray. His initial response to the news from Jerusalem was to pray to the “great and awesome God”. Although Nehemiah’s prayer includes requests, it is much more than a “wish list” for God. Nehemiah’s prayer does not lack acknowledgment of the reign and sovereignty of God. We can learn from the content of his prayer. For most of us, prayer seems an obvious response to distress. However, too often our requests dominate our prayer and we lack a willingness to worship Almighty God and reflect on His faithfulness. Our worship can and should become a catalyst for movement forward. In fact, it can be the difference between becoming paralyzed by distressful news and empowered by God to move in an intentional and strategic direction. 

Memorial Day

Cornelius stared at him in fear, “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.

Acts 10:4

Our introduction to Cornelius is brief, but strong. He is a centurion. He and his family were devout, God-fearing and generous. One day an angel came to him in a vision. God had heard his prayers and seen his generosity. Specifically, the angel told him that his prayers and gifts had risen up to God as a memorial. God remembered what Cornelius had done. As a result, the angel was there to prepare Cornelius for a visit from the disciple Peter. More importantly, God was preparing Cornelius for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon his family and friends. The significance of this outpouring has echoed through the centuries. Cornelius was a Gentile. Peter was a Jew. Clearly, the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit was not restricted by nation or race. This weekend was “memorial” weekend on our national calendar. On the church calendar it was “Pentecost” Sunday. My reflections on this particular passage in Acts 10 bring those thoughts together. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit that began on Pentecost with the Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem continued in the household of a Gentile whose prayers and deeds had become a memorial to God. It's a great reminder that we do not serve a God who is distant. Our God hears and sees and abides within us.

Who has believed?

Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? (Isaiah 53:1)

Isaiah 53 contains one of the best known prophetic pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the Savior. He took up our pain. He bore our suffering. He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities and the punishment that brought us peace was on Him. But Isaiah 53 begins with a question. The description of Jesus is familiar to us and painfully accurate. But it's easy to overlook the prophetic force of the question. After all, it is THE question. Who will believe? Isaiah explains why the question is relevant in context. To all those who would look for the Messiah, be prepared. In hindsight we know that Jesus didn't look like they expected. Jesus didn't act like they expected. Jesus didn't come in the way they expected. His life didn't unfold the way they expected. Certainly, Jesus didn’t die like they expected. Isaiah anticipates the struggle to believe. Seven hundred years later Paul deals with the root issue again.

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)

The crucified Christ did not fit the expectations of the Jews nor did He fit the desires of the Greeks. What about me? Do I reserve my trust, my belief, based upon whether God fits the mold? What have I expected from God? In fact, have I been guilty of setting up a contingent trust? The prospect of being “disappointed” with God usually indicates that I expect God to be something other than God.  Still, the question hangs in the air. It has lingered for 2,700 years. Yet, I know it must be asked and answered. Who has believed?