This is the record of creation. In all our lifelong studies and observations we find no thought more profound than the basic thought given to us in this passage. God is the source. God is the beginning. All things: light, sky, plants, sun, moon, stars, fish, birds, other animals, and people--all were created by God. The Hebrew word is "bara." It is a verb, and is always used with God as the subject. God is the creator of all things. All of life springs from God, not from accidental "collocations of atoms." Life is not bubbled up from some cosmic chemical pot. Life finds its genesis in God, who is revealed in Christ Jesus as a loving Creator. At the heart of the universe is a friend, the God of love, who cares for us with an infinite love. The record of creation found in Genesis is good news for us.
God of infinite love, the creator of heaven and earth, we lift our song of praise to you this day. We rejoice that the source of all things cares for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
January 2 - Genesis 3:1-24
This is one of the saddest chapters in the Bible. Here we find Adam and Eve disobeying, eating the forbidden fruit. We see the tragic results. From a life of balance and harmony, in which they relate easily with each other, with nature, with God, they change into a life of hidden things, separation from each other (Note how they pass the buck!), and separation from God. It is a tragic picture of guilty humanity trying to hide among the trees. Adam and Eve could have avoided sin. They had the real possibility. But we, their children, find our nature bent out of shape, making it impossible for us to avoid sin. We sin and suffer the consequences. Verse fifteen has been called the first promise in the Bible. It contains a reference to an offspring of Eve who will crush the head of the tempter. That is a ray of sunshine on a dark day.
O God, we are indeed children of Adam. We sin with regularity. Help us. Have mercy. May we become the children of the second Adam, Christ, who conquers sin and death. In Jesus' name. Amen.
January 3 - Genesis 5:1-32
Here we are in genealogies. Sometimes you wonder why all these names are lined up one after another. What possible use? Isn't this just a boring part of the Bible? Look again. There are interesting things in lists. This listing tells us that the descendants of Adam are counted through Seth, the third child of Adam and Eve. Abel had been murdered. Cain was a wanderer. It was the third one, the third chance, that worked. Seth, which means "compensation", fulfilled the promise which had been long delayed. Sometimes it takes a while. In God's time and in unexpected ways the promise is fulfilled. There is compensation for the frustrated hopes and dreams. God does not forget. Do not give up. Persevere. If the day seems long, wait, it will surely come.
January 4 - Matthew 4:17-25
Here we see Jesus at work. Note that he starts by preaching. Next he calls some fishers to join his company. Did Jesus need the traits cultivated by fishers? Patience, perseverance, courage in storms, an eye for the right moment, using the right bait, and keeping themselves out of sight are all good traits for fishers and followers. Notice that they immediately chose to leave their occupation and follow Jesus. They did not hesitate until all their questions were answered. They heard and they saw the truth standing alive before them. They followed. We only know their names today because they quickly and rightly decided that this was their personal calling from God. Blessed are they who recognize the moment when Christ calls. Blessed are they who say "Yes!" to the Christ.
January 5 - Genesis 12:1-7
Here is another call, given to Abraham centuries before the Apostles were called. The Lord spoke to Abraham and said, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." Of course Abraham obeyed the voice of God. He is listed in the New Testament roll of heroes of the faith (Hebrews 11:8-10) because he made that journey. It has always been a puzzle to me how Abraham recognized the Lord's voice. There were no scriptures written, no temples of the Lord, no synagogues. In Ur, his first home, and in Haran, his second home, no one knew anything about the Lord. How did Abraham hear and recognize the voice of the true God? There were many false gods. It is a wonder that Abraham recognized the voice of the living God. We have the Bible, the Church, The risen Christ; somehow it should be easier for us to recognize God's voice. Do we hear it? Do we obey?
January 6 - Genesis 13:5-17
This is the record of Lot's mistake. He was given the choice of areas in the land to graze his flocks. He looked at the green valley of the Jordan and chose that area. It was a mistake. His uncle, Abraham, was being gracious in offering his nephew the first choice. If Lot had been thinking clearly he probably would have discussed the matter. Can you hear him say, "What do you think would be best?" Or perhaps it would have been wise to give the choice back to Abraham. He could have said, "I chose that portion which you give me." Instead his self-centered haste is clearly shown in verse eleven, "So Lot chose for himself." The basic human inclination to choose for ourselves, and to choose the "greener pasture," is still with us. Not thinking of others and choosing what looks good still gets us in hot water from time to time.
January 7 - Matthew 6:19-21
Many times the Bible warns us about doing things for selfish reasons. These are valid warnings. But here, in this scripture, we are told that there is a proper action we may take for ourselves. First, we are told what we are not to do. Do not store treasures that can be eaten by moths or corroded by rust. Things do not last. We all have some trophies left over from a previous stage in life. We look at them and wonder why they had such emotional power for us. They represent things done, good things, yet they are just metal or plastic. Some things are not as important as we thought. Even valuable possessions can be lost through theft. But there are some things that do not wear out, cannot be lost or stolen. In the middle of busy days we need this reminder of the impermanence of earthly things (some of which should then be greatly valued, though temporary) and of the permanence of heavenly treasures. We should seek heavenly treasures for ourselves.
January 8 - Matthew 6:25-34
"Illicitum non sperandum!" It is not allowed not to hope. These are the words of one of the greatest theologians of this century. It is more than interesting that out of the profound scholarship of Karl Barth the word "hope" emerges. We are called to be hopeful. It is not quite right not to hope. Another phrase we sometimes hear is: "Not to worry!" Though that phrase can have other meanings, in the context of this scripture that phrase is right at home. We are called not to worry. This is a difficult thing. Our days seem to be filled with worries. And with some things, it would seem to be wrong not to worry. Read the scripture again to recall the focus...Do not worry about your life. Do not run anxiously about seeking things, like the materialistic pagans. Seek first..... What does it say?
January 9 - Genesis 22:1-14
Abraham had waited a century for the child of the promise. He was one hundred years old when Isaac was born. A great nation was to descend from Abraham. His descendants were to be as many as the sands of the sea. All of this depended upon a child. Abraham knew that God would keep his word. The child was born. He was called Isaac, meaning "laughter", because he was a joyful gift. Now Isaac was to be sacrificed. Though the emotional struggle must have been severe, Abraham would obey God, believing that the child of the promise would be spared. It was so. God provided a substitute for Isaac, a lamb. (This event was to be reflected in the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, as a substitute for all.) Abraham called the place "Yahweh Yireh," God sees, or God will provide. He named that mountain after his deliverance, not after his trial. Name your mountains after your blessings.
January 10 - Matthew 8:1-4
This short reading is the record of the bold leper. In that day lepers were required to live away from the community. They were to cry out to anyone approaching, "unclean, unclean!" Lepers were not to approach anyone and were not to engage in conversation with anyone other than another leper. But in this story the leper approaches Jesus, speaks to him, implores him to take away the leprosy. Look at his faith..."If you will, you can make me clean." He believed that Jesus could cleanse the disease, that Jesus would not reject him. It was so. Jesus, who also broke the local interpretation of the law, spoke to the leper, "I am willing...Be clean." Notice the boldness of Jesus in helping people. Verse three says that he reached out and touched him. Reaching out, touching the lives of those in need has always been at the heart of the Christian religion.
January 11 - Matthew 8:23-27
We have all driven our cars into a sudden rain storm. It becomes impossible to see the road. The windshield wipers cannot keep up with the volume of water. Down in the hills of Missouri they call these storms "gully washers." We have all run into sudden storms in our lives. Everything was normal, peaceful, on an even keel; then almost without warning life changes and we find ourselves in the midst of crisis. Our pain limits visibility. Waves of shock and sadness wash over us. It is a "gully washer." Remember this story in your next storm. Remember that when Jesus is in the boat the worst is over. Yes, there will be wind and lightening and thunder, but the worst is past. Jesus is the calm in the midst of the storm. Be sure to invite him on your journeys.
January 12 - Genesis 27, 1-45
This is the sad story of Jacob prevailing over his brother, Esau. It is a story of scheming and deceit. It is unsettling because we are not clearly told what Esau did to deserve such treatment. Perhaps we should see this story as the record of family conflict, of jealousy between a brother and brother. As such, it surely shows the resulting hatred and division among families and peoples. When we set out to deceive we produce many sorrows. An old school primer contained the following words to teach the letter "D": "O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." That is certainly illustrated by this scripture. Isn't it good that God goes on working even through times of family stress? If you read on you will find the account of the reunion and reconciliation of Jacob and Esau.
January 13 - Matthew 9:18-26
This is the Gospel record of a miracle within a miracle. The first begins with a request from a ruler. The rulers, generally, did not look favorably on Jesus' works. It took some courage for this ruler to come to Jesus. His faith is clear. He believed that Jesus could help. While Jesus was on his way to help the ruler's daughter a woman with a flow of blood reached out and touched the hem of his garment. It is interesting that in the tussle of a large crowd Jesus could detect a touch. He turned and spoke directly to the woman, telling her that her faith had healed her. It is a wonderful thing to remember that Jesus can pick out a little faith in a large crowd. We are not unknown to him. He knows our needs and he knows us. Then Jesus proceeded to the ruler's home and awoke the daughter. The mourners had already gathered. They laughed at Jesus. They did not laugh at the young girl restored to life and health.
Jan 14 - Matthew 10:1-4
Jesus "called" his apostles. They did not volunteer themselves. They were not elected by popular choice. They were called. One translation reads, "summoned." It is clear that Jesus looked over his followers carefully and here designated twelve to lead. Note that they were ordinary men. They had no great wealth, education, or social position. They were fishers and tax gatherers, people from the great mass of humanity. Ordinary men, as one scholar has it, who did extraordinary things. They believed. They obeyed. They accepted their commissions. They were to challenge the power of evil, to oppose hatred and injustice. They were called. Note that Jesus did not compel them to do his work. He offered them work to do. Where are the powers Jesus calls you to challenge? Where are the struggles to share? Where are the wounds to be healed? Listen for your call.
Jan 15 - Matthew 10:26-31
Someone has said that there are ninety-nine "fear not" statements in the Bible. Perhaps that is so. I'm sure that there are many. It is a great statement, issuing from the heart of our religion. In this scripture we find three "fear nots." The first is do not be afraid to speak the truth about Christianity. Be fearless proclaimers of the faith. This is difficult in a secular world. The second is do not be afraid of what people can do to you. Whatever antagonistic people can do they cannot kill your soul. Your soul may be strengthened by adversity. The third "fear not!" is: "Do not be afraid that you will be forgotten." God knows the sparrows fall. Some scholars translate this as the sparrow lighting on the ground. That would mean that God knows when every little sparrow lands, every time. And you are worth more than many sparrows. God knows and cares. You will not be forgotten. Fear not. It is a great phrase. It is true.
Jan 16 - Matthew 11:16-19
"Nothing seems to satisfy them." This is the word picture Jesus drew describing the people of that day. They were put off because of John the Baptist's severe life style. He was like a hermit of the desert. Read about John in the Gospel. Jesus was like one who befriended everyone. He was social. He went to weddings. He spoke to all. They were put off by his friendliness. Jesus was asking about the character of people who complained about one thing and then turned around and complained about its opposite. What would suit them? They could not be satisfied. The truth is that they WOULD NOT be satisfied. They refused. They were too wrapped up in their own thing or things of the world. They missed the kingdom. Be wise and take action that leads you toward the kingdom.
Jan 17 - Matthew 12:1-13
These two stories emphasize the growing hostility that Jesus received from the leaders of some religious groups. Their reaction was due partly to their limited vision of right and wrong and partly to jealousy over Jesus' appeal to the people. Here Jesus is condemned for working on the Sabbath. Jesus was upholding the Law, not breaking it. For it is God's will to help people rather than to hurt. It is God's law that people are more important that "Oxen." To do true "religious" work on the Sabbath is to do God's law. Jesus did pick and rub grains of wheat...but that is far from harvesting on the Sabbath. He did heal a withered hand...but that is to do good not evil. What strange ideas the Pharisees had. They seemed to be more interested in dogma than in people.
Jan 18 - Genesis 37:1-36
This long reading is the introduction to the stories of Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel, who saved his family and his people. But this introduction seems to show an arrogance, or, at least, an insensitivity to his brothers. Joseph told his brothers and his father his dreams predicting his own preeminence. On the other hand we find here the warmth which Jacob felt for Joseph. We find the intriguing image of the coat of many colors. We find Joseph's skill with dreams. And, of course, we find the treachery of Joseph's brothers. They do not present a shining image either. All this is the beginning of Joseph's adventures and trials, and how God made suffering work for good. Read the Joseph stories. They are a part of our own holy history.
Jan 19 - Matthew 13:1-9
The parable of the Sower is one of the few parables of which Jesus gives full explanation. Read the verses marked above. Let the picture form in your mind of the farmer out in the field throwing seeds into the air, by hand in those days. The seeds fell in the field....and in other places. First, the seed that fell on the path, represents those who hear the message about the kingdom and do not understand it. The evil one snatches away the seed. Second, the seed on the rocky ground is one who hears the message, receives it, but does not take it deeply into his life. Shallow roots are easily pulled up by the wind. Third, the seed which fell among the thorns are choked by cares of the busy days...making a living, getting a boat, or living out of wealth alone. Things can choke spiritual growth. Fourth, other seed falls on good ground, roots deeply, takes nourishment and grows, yielding good fruit. All of these images are about us. Which best reflects you at this time in your life? (Jesus' explanation found in 13:18-23.)
Jan 20 - Genesis 42:1-9
This is a small part of the stories about Joseph and his brothers. In an earlier story Joseph had dreamed about his brothers bowing down to him. In that earlier setting the dream resulted in jealousy and anger. Remember that Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. In the present story the dream comes true. During the great famine that had gripped the entire world, Jacob, Joseph's father, had sent ten of his brothers into Egypt to buy grain. They came before Joseph, who had been made governor over all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. There they bowed down before him. Perhaps you will want to read on to find out about the reunion of Joseph with his old father, with his brother, Benjamin, and the care extended to his whole family. Note that at this point Joseph "remembered his dreams." It is possible that he had forgotten them. It would be good to forget old angers and struggles. If you have any, pray about them.
January 21 - Psalm 18:
We have all used the phrase, "It's the pits." We usually mean that something is really bad. Sometimes our troubles are deeper than that humorous phrase. Sometimes we really are "in a pit." We have all, at one time or another, struggled with troubles, with sorrows, with disaster. At times we struggle with money, with behaviors of friends or family, with loneliness, with possessiveness. There are times when illness or death visits us with great distress. Psalms like this are meant for times of trouble. Isn't it wonderful to know that God will reach down and draw you out of the deep waters, rescue you from powerful foes? God keeps our lamp burning when our own flame is burning low. God turns even our darkness into light. God is a shield for all who take refuge in him. If you are on a rough stretch of road remember this Psalm. Pray the words. Count on them.
January 22 - Matthew 14:13-21
No fast food in that day. No Macdonald's. No Hardees. Not even a Taco Bell. Jesus and a multitude in a solitary place!. It is a great clue that even when he was looking for a little solitude, when they came to him, he spent the day teaching them. And though he did not know a tithe of them personally he had compassion on them all. At evening his disciples suggested that the crowd be sent away...to find something to eat elsewhere. Were they afraid that they would be called upon to share? Jesus replied that the disciples were to feed them. The disciples then uttered what we could call the complaint of the enfeebled church, "We have here only..." We just can't." "We don't have enough." "We're too strapped" And thus the church is impoverished by its own words and lack of faith. Jesus took what they had, and it was not only enough, but more than enough. Think about it. Pray.
January 23 - Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left Israel. For a short time he preached and healed in Phonecia, a gentile territory. Jesus crossed boundaries to reach people in need. A gentile woman asked help for her daughter. The disciples did not feel the deep need. They would have sent her away. We can be so absorbed with daily things that we miss someone's cry of need. Jesus always hears. The Jews called the gentiles "dogs." Jesus was in gentile territory, helping gentiles. He helped the woman's daughter. Here a non-Jew is called a model of faith. Matthew's readers in that day would not have missed that clue. Jesus cares for all people. He goes any place to help. He will not reject us. He is here for us today. Look for him. Ask for help.
January 24 - Matthew 15:29-31
This is a marvelous writing. It is like sun breaking through the clouds on a winter day. It is the full moon shining through ice crystals on a winter's night. Here is a marvel, a wonder, perhaps too great for words, but not too great for praise. Rejoice! God heals the broken things. Great crowds brought broken lives to Jesus and he healed them. He still does. In this life, at times, the body is healed. In this life, the heart may always be healed. It is a wonder-filled thing to have our spirits cleansed and made whole. These are present possibilities. Signs of the new day, the Kingdom: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf speak. Sound like a hymn? The hymn ("O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing") reflects the glories of the Christ's mighty power in our lives. Sing it.
January 25 - Matthew 16:24-28
This passage of scripture is both easy and hard. The words are simple. No complexity obscures their meaning. We can see what they mean, and that is why they are hard. Who said that it was not the scripture he did not understand that gave him trouble, but the words he did understand? Such is this passage. Jesus calls for his followers to deny themselves. This is a hard word in our culture. Our TV commercials betray our belief. "You can have it all." Jesus calls us to deny trying to have it all. We are to take up our cross...note that this is a voluntary thing, not the burdens that just fall upon us. Next, there is a warning about the Father and the angels rewarding us for what we have done. Is there a glory in denying ourselves? Think about it. The statement about some not tasting death until the kingdom is seen refers to the Transfiguration, which follows in the next paragraph of scripture. The Transfiguration occurred on the mountaintop. Jesus shone like the sun on a bright summer day. They really saw him in his glory.
January 26 - Exodus 3:1-6
Moses was a fugitive. You must read the earlier chapters. He was a shepherd, keeping the flock of his father-in-law. On the backside of the wilderness he saw a strange sight...a bush that was aflame, but not burned up. This was the power of God, flashing forth in the fire, calling Moses to a great mission. (Exodus is that story.) We should remember that Moses was off the beaten path, in the out back, away from the routine. (Worship can take you there.) Moses turned aside from the flock. He fell to his knees. We remember Moses because of this. If any had been lacking Moses would have died to history, an obscure fugitive in a desert land. Also remember this...the bush burned but was not consumed. You and I are consumed daily. We come to the end of the day, the end of the week, with little energy left. Perhaps if we "burned" with the faith of a Moses we would not be consumed. Think about it.
January 27 - Matthew 18:1-22
This portion of scripture is from the fourth "teaching" section of Matthew. Have you noticed that Matthew records a group of actions followed by a group of teachings? There are five groupings of acts and teachings. Does the number five remind you of the number of books in the Torah, the Law? Does the fact that Jesus taught from the mountain recall other mountains in the Old Testament? In this section of teaching we find Christ telling us to be childlike, open, receptive, filled with a spirit of adventure and wonder. This is not "childish," but childlike. The mention of cutting off hands and gouging out eyes is not to be taken literally. It refers to the serious efforts required to remove the roots of sin from our lives. The story of the one lost sheep reminds us that Jesus knows each of us individually. God is the seeking and shepherding God, who loves each one of us enough to go looking for us when we are off the path. Read carefully. Write down the great ideas in this teaching passage.
January 28 - Psalm 23
This is undoubtedly the most familiar Psalm. We memorized it when we were children in Bible School. We sing it in hymns and anthems. It is read throughout life. Funerals hardly ever omit it. This Psalm contains truth for all of life. Use it regularly. Read it. Sing it. Pray it. Let us note a special word or two. Look at the word..."my." There are eleven "me and my" words. This is a personal Psalm. It is about me. It is a wonderful truth that God cares about me. God is a good shepherd, caring for each of his sheep. Notice and rejoice in some of the other words: quiet, restores, guides, comfort. Think about the word "through." We may have to enter many dark valleys, but we are going through them. We will not have to stay there. One other word is "forever." Life is life forever more. God cares for us forever. Thanks be to God.
January 29 - Matthew 19:13-15
These verses talk about children, little ones. Few things in life bring to us more joy than the sweet innocence of the young. I heard a new mother talking about her baby. "I never wanted children. Thought they would be just a lot of trouble. But now I love it." She had forgotten her fears, though in a sense they are right. Children are time and energy consuming. It did not matter. Jesus' disciples here displayed the lack of love Jesus had connected with hardness of heart. They were set in their ways and were showing their insensitivity. Jesus welcomed the little ones. How could anyone turn them away? To such openness, such joy, such innocence belongs the Kingdom of Heaven. We should not turn away those unencumbered by rigid traditions. We should each retain something of the wonder and joyfulness of children. Think about it. Write down some of your thoughts about children you know.
January 30 - Exodus 12:1-13
The Israelites were slaves in Egypt. They were worked unmercifully. The Lord sent Moses and Aaron to be agents of rescue. Moses announced each of ten plagues that successively were brought on Egypt and its stubborn ruler, Pharaoh. Only the last plague, the death of the first born, persuaded Pharaoh to free the Israelites. The Israelites were spared from the death angel by a sign. Lamb's blood brushed on the doorframes would be a sign that would result in the death angel passing over that particular house. So the deep, powerful tradition of rescue of God's people began. The blood of the lamb was etched into the memory of the people. Each year they were to repeat the ceremony outlined in these verses. It was a reminder of their servitude, of their great need, and of their rescue by a Lamb of God. Ring a bell? Certainly.
January 31 - Matthew 20:29-34
Jericho was five miles west of the Jordan River, seven miles north of the Dead Sea. It was a tropical oasis about eight hundred feet below sea level. The area was very fertile, producing much food. The ancient trade route from the east passed through Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world. Through this city thousands of pilgrims passed on their way to Jerusalem, for the Passover. Jesus and his disciples passed through on this journey. Two blind men sat by the side of the road begging. It is remarkable that those who could not physically see had insight enough to know that Jesus could help them. Many people with good vision have not seen this. The blind could see, with eyes of faith, before they received their physical sight. It is also remarkable that they refused to let the doubting crowd stop them. They could not be stopped. We could learn a lot from the two blind men.
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