Dave Dishman

I enjoy baseball and I follow my local club, the Colorado Rockies. One challenge of being a Rockies fan involves losing. The Rockies are a perennial last-place team. But I enjoy rooting for the home team, regardless of their less than stellar record. If choosing a team to win the World Series, no one would opt for the Rockies. Why pick a loser when the Dodgers are available?

Amaziah picked a loser. After a magnificent victory over the Edomites, aided by the Lord, Amaziah rescued their idols and images. The Scriptures say that he set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them. Incensed, the Lord sent a prophet to Amaziah with these words: Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?

Amaziah slapped God in the face. How ludicrous to turn away from his deliverer to embrace carved stones and polished metal. Amaziah left for battle with an encouraging message from the Lord ringing in his ears. Then after his victory he falls on his knees before the demon gods of the losers. Seriously? Amaziah played the fool.

A king cannot flip God the bird in such a public fashion and expect no repercussions. The nation to their north invaded Judah, sacked Jerusalem and utterly embarrassed Amaziah. Shortly thereafter his own people put him to death.

There are lessons for me in the story of Amaziah. When challenges have been overcome and life is good, when it’s obvious the Lord’s blessings surround me, it’s tempting lean on my pride. Look what I’ve done! Instead of enjoying the Lord I turn to the shiny baubles of the world. But that’s foolish. The gods of this world are losers. So much better to follow the Lord, for in him is light and truth and life.

Keep the faith.

2 Chronicles 25

Photo by Alex Dukhanov

Hungry, Jesus and his disciples started pulling heads of grain off wheat stalks. Local Pharisees protested because it was the Sabbath, and Sabbath rules prohibited the plucking of plants.

Jesus answered their objections from the Scriptures, then added an extra provocation: The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath. Without hesitation Jesus walked into the Pharisee’s local synagogue, where they taught and held sway, and healed a man with a deformed hand. Healing was also prohibited on the Sabbath, but Jesus reminded everyone in attendance that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

How did the now shamed and embarrassed leaders respond? They went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.

Why such anger? Because when Jesus performed miracles and proclaimed the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath, Jesus was also saying and I am Lord of you. These religious leaders did not miss the meaning behind the words. A man stood in front of them claiming to be God in the flesh. Claiming to be their Lord. They were having none of it.

Just like back in the day, Jesus stands in front of you and me and declares I am Lord of you. Every one of us decides if we will acknowledge his lordship or conspire against him, even if that conspiracy simply involves ignoring his entreaties. Jesus is Lord whether you and I and the entire world admits it or not. Refuse him and remain a person twisted toward pride and selfishness, or bend the knee and gain entry to new life.

Matthew 12:1-14

Photo by apricity

I learn from a lot of sources. I read various news outlets, I enjoy books, and I take in a sermon most every week. Over the years I’ve benefited from wonderful teachers, starting all the way back in elementary school. At the university level I’ve been enrolled in five different degree programs and completed three. That’s a lot of instructors, and outstanding professors opened my mind to fresh insights and knowledge.

But none taught with the authority and profundity of Jesus. He encouraged those considering him to take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus invites you and me to learn from him. Take Jesus on as your professor. Don’t just mouth the red letter words, but fully invest and complete the degree program. Bind yourself to his teachings and lead your soul to rest.

There’s not better teacher and no better course. Lock in and learn the material, and enjoy where the Lord takes you.

Matthew 11:29-30

Photo by Headway

While enjoying a dinner party with a crowd of interested seekers, a gaggle of Pharisees barged in and confronted Jesus about the guest list. Jesus gave these religious leaders a kick in the pants: Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Pharisees were fastidious in tithing and sacrificing, but looser in their concern for the fate of immortal souls.

Like the Pharisees, I tend towards sacrifice. It’s easier. Take giving to my church for example. I believe it’s important to support local ministry efforts. I contribute monthly through an automatic electronic withdrawal. As the payment leaves my account I pay little attention, if I notice at all. It costs me, but it’s hardly a sacrifice.

Mercy, on the other hand, is way messier. It requires diligence. I have to pay attention and respond to people around me, listening and noticing those who need help. I must move toward someone in order to be merciful. They need my eyes to see them, my words to acknowledge their pain, and my hands to pick them up. Mercy is not monthly, but moment to moment.

Of course, sacrifice involves so much more than a contribution. Sacrificial acts and mercy go hand in hand. But some sacrifices feel transactional, while mercy involves giving without getting. Too often I focus on the things I’m giving up for God rather than the folks my gifts are intended to help. Mercy prods me away from myself and towards the people God places in my life.

Matthew 9:10-13

Photo by Rémi Walle