Dave Dishman

I’ve always found this verse to be confusing: Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints. Does this mean that God is happy when a good person dies? Why would God value the death of those who serve him most faithfully?

But the verse actually underscores the fact that God welcomes into heaven those who completed their life still following him. That’s no easy task. The Christian life consists of a long obedience in the same direction, and many veer off the path. But those referenced here cross the finish line focused on the author and perfecter of faith.

God doesn’t want us just to die, he wants our death to transition us from earth to glory. God created us to live abundantly, and he welcomes his saints into life as he designed it. Our souls desire nothing more than to live in proximity to their maker, and joyously leap at their return.

To his followers that cross the threshold God says, Welcome home, let’s spend some time together. Better words you and I will never hear.

Psalm 116:15

Photo by Johannes Plenio

Moses famously drew water from a rock, but did you know that Samson did as well? After winning a great victory over Israel’s enemies, Samson nearly fainted due to thirst. He called upon the Lord in his desperation and God answered:

God split open the hollow place that is at Lehi, and water came out from it. And when he drank, his spirit returned, and he revived. Therefore the name of it was called En-hakkore; it is at Lehi to this day.

En-hakkore translates to the spring of him who called. Samson called to the Lord in his time of anguish, and the Lord answered in a miraculous way. How often have I called, and the Lord has answered? It’s good to think back on the moments in life when good things came from unexpected places. Could that have been God working on my behalf?

Keep praying. The same God who provided for Samson provides for us. You and I face dry, stony conditions at times, but who knows, perhaps the Lord is holding water behind those rocks for exactly when we need it?

Judges 15:18-20

Photo by Riley Revell

No doubt we live in a violent world. While my life remains peaceful, only a glance at the news reveals warfare, crime and families fighting with fists and knives. Some deep tendency in human nature leads to savage behaviors.

King David lived in a similar world. He wrote of his situation, Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!

David rose to power through violent circumstances. Defeating Goliath on the battlefield launched his career, and he went on to lead men in multiple conflicts. Small wonder that many of these same warriors found it difficult to revert to quiet gentility when the fighting stopped. David wrote of a peace that he found difficult to grasp.

Jesus taught blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Like David discovered, peacemakers are hard to find. Let’s pray for those who seek peace, and for the blunting of those who love violence. While peace is elusive, it’s not out of the question. Lord, bless the peacemakers, and bring more of them into our lives and our world.

Psalm 120 & Matthew 5:9

Photo by Aaron Burden

I have friends who cannot help but speak up about any topic whatsoever. I’m sure you do as well. We all know people who bring a cavalcade of words. In the best circumstances, they tend to lubricate social situations and pull people out of their shells, and those who learn to harness their talkativeness develop into excellent communicators.

Peter and John refused to harness their talkativeness. They shook Jerusalem as they preached about the resurrected Jesus, and healed a well-known man crippled for over 40 years. The ruling council, the same men who crucified Jesus, called them in for a scolding, warning them to not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

John and Peter responded: Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.

The apostles refused the muzzle. The miracle of Jesus overwhelmed earthly authority. Thank God for their lack of conformity. Jesus-followers down through history know of God’s love due to their civil disobedience.

You and I should refuse the muzzle as well. Speak the message of hope. Tell others what God has done in your life. Blurt out the good news of Jesus. You don’t need to be an excellent communicator, just earnest in your desire for people to find their way to the Lord. Talk about Jesus—the world needs him desperately.

Acts 4:18-20

Photo by Chris Dixon