The Good Shepherd

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

– Exodus 20:12-17

If you’re one of the millions of Americans these days who are seeking employment or considering a career change, how about becoming a shepherd?

The number of job openings for shepherds has dropped over the years, but good help is still hard to find. In fact, it’s common for ranchers, farmers, and landowners to import experienced shepherds from other nations where sheep-and-goat management is vital. If you think you’re up to the challenge, understand that shepherds are responsible for protecting their flock against vicious predators including coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bears, and even domestic dogs. They must also monitor their sheep for illness. What’s more, an experienced shepherd is expected to shear up to 125 ewes a day without nicking or cutting the animal’s skin.

Ensuring the flock’s safety and welfare is the shepherd’s primary responsibility. And since so much can happen to the animals under their watch, shepherds must always expect the unexpected, be courageous, and do the right thing. 

Doing the right thing isn't just the right thing for shepherds to do, it's also a biblical principle for every Christ-follower. As the apostle Paul wrote in James 4:17, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." And it’s in Isaiah 1:17 that we read:

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Doing the right thing also calls for bravery. While we may never face a powerful army on the battlefield, we might have to combat figurative opponents like injustice, crime, or discrimination. We have no hope of defeating them on our own. But let’s be encouraged that God specializes in empowering average Joes and Janes like you and me to do the extraordinary against overwhelming odds.

Ultimately, doing the right thing calls us to live in love and justice with one another, and all while honoring the image of God in others. We’re not expected to solve all the world’s problems. However, through our faith in Jesus — The Good Shepherd — we can still make a world of difference.

Identity Theft

You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.

– Exodus 19:4-6

Identity theft is a crime where fraud or deception is used to obtain a victim’s personal or sensitive information — such as their name or credit card number. So far in 2025, the Federal Trade Commission has reported 1.4 million complaints. And even more eye-opening is that fraud and identity theft cases have nearly tripled over the last decade, with the estimated global cost now exceeding $50 billion. 

The damage to a victim's credit report can take years to repair. But there’s another kind of identity theft that doesn’t involve money, and it’s much more serious. It’s the one that robs Christ-followers of the abundant life their Creator intends for them.

How does this happen?

The Bible reveals that we become a new creation when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Unfortunately, far too many people have unknowingly assumed a false identity through the negative messages they received early in life. A common example is a parent, who constantly tells their child that they’ll "never amount to anything,” they’re “not smart enough,” or they “don’t have what it takes to make it.”

Repeated early and often enough, these fictions can become reality. Moreover, they gradually become embedded in our thinking, only to blind us to the reality of our true worth and potential through Jesus. The result can be years of frustration trying to be someone (or something) God never intended us to be.

How can we take back our rightful identities?

It starts with a spiritual reality check. First, let's review our past and identify the negative messages we received early in life. Then, consider their sources. Can we honestly say that those painful words were true, or is it more the case that we have God-given talents and abilities? If fed a constant diet of half-truths, distortions, and falsehoods, even a PhD with an excellent academic record might perceive their impressive accomplishments as mediocre at best.

God, however, doesn’t look at Believers through such clouded, distorted lenses. He knew us before we were born and knows the plans he has for us. And even better — with our eternal inheritance assured, our real identity emerges: We're adopted sons and daughters of the King! As the apostle Paul assures us in 1 Corinthians:

“But as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived’ — God has prepared these things for those who love him.”

Our Creator has given every Believer a new identity and way of life. And with that comes the true freedom from a relationship with him under his loving rule.

It’s the Real Thing

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

– Exodus 14:13-14

One of the world’s most-recognized products, Coca-Cola traces its roots back to 1886, when the first glass of the refreshing beverage was served in an Atlanta pharmacy. The drink grew in popularity — and it wasn’t without imitators. Pepsi arrived in 1893, followed by Royal Crown (“RC”), Shasta, and a host of others. In the late 1960s to help differentiate Coke from the competition, company executives chose the familiar It’s the Real Thing slogan in response to research that revealed “… young people seek the real, the original, and the natural as an escape from phoniness.”

Now fast-forward nearly 60 years, and people of all ages still seek authenticity — especially when it comes to matters of faith and religion. There’s no shortage of options. And furthering the confusion is the common notion that whichever one we choose, it really doesn't matter, just so long as we’re sincere and it makes us happy. After all, everyone is entitled to their own truth. It's all relative. And we're all worshiping the same god. Right?

On the contrary! The Bible reveals that Jesus made startling claims that clearly contradict today’s anything-goes take on faith … and he also backed them up. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Christ’s birth — even the name of the tiny village where it would happen — centuries before the fact. And in Jesus’ brief time on earth, he proved himself as the Son of God by curing the sick, raising the dead, and forgiving sins. Then, he sacrificed himself to pay the enormous price for the sins of the world. His resurrection from the grave (also as he predicted) proved his power over death. And 2,000 years later, Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference:

"I am the vine; you are the branches," we read in John's gospel. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Many people — even those who aren't Christ-followers — say that Jesus was a good man and a wise teacher. But is he the ONLY WAY to God? The short answer is … YES! Jesus declares that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. However, that's a claim that makes people uncomfortable. It's an assertion of exclusivity. And many call it intolerant.

But maybe it's not so exclusive after all. Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for anyone to have eternal life, and no one who wants a new beginning through the Savior is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the real way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower is about putting our faith in him, accepting his free gift of salvation, and letting him live through us. We’re powerless to save ourselves, but God made a way when there is no way!

"It is finished!" Jesus proclaimed as he hung from the cross to save you and me. And ultimately, that’s The Real Thing.

American Idol

“And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

– Exodus 7:5

There are no atheists in foxholes. 

There’s a grain of truth in this old saying — and maybe a whole lot more. After all, is there really such a thing as a full-fledged atheist — someone who doesn’t worship any god? The fact is that we all worship someone or something in one way or another. 

Christ-followers worship the true God revealed through the Bible. On the other hand, manmade religions promote false gods, ancestor worship, and even the reverence of living things or nature (worshiping the creation rather than the Creator). And then there are today’s popular teachings such as New Age, Scientology, and Kabbalah. It’s a very long list.

Even those who claim to be strict atheists are in fact active worshipers. True, they’re not devout churchgoers who proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But they — like everyone — bow down to their favorite idols and false gods. Some venerate money, luxury, and pleasure while others emulate intellect and higher learning. And still others kneel at the altar of more-negative gods such as alcohol, drugs, and illicit relationships. 

While there are no atheists on the battlefield, there is a war that rages each day within everyone: the One true God versus the false gods and idols of this world. It’s our hearts and souls that are the prize of this eternal conflict.

Maybe you and I don’t literally kneel and worship before an idol in some exotic, faraway temple. But let’s recognize that we secretly (or maybe not-so-secretly) cherish our own personal false gods. Think about the things that cause you to worry or spend your time and money. What are the issues that make you angry? What brings you the most joy? And here’s a revealing question: Whose attention and applause do you crave most?

If your answers don’t involve God, you’re likely worshiping an idol. And idols can be difficult to recognize because they’re experts at camouflage. Sometimes that idol can be as close as the bathroom mirror. And even apparently good things (like a career or even your children) can evolve into negative god things.

It’s particularly important for Christ-followers to remember that the real God — the “Abba” proclaimed by Jesus — refuses to share his glory with false gods and cheap idols. As we read in Deuteronomy 27:15:

“Cursed is anyone who makes an idol — a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled hands — and sets it up in secret.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

Ours is a God with a jealous love for each one of us. In fact, he loves us so much that he let his own Son suffer the death penalty in our place so that we could become his children and heirs. So, with all this in mind, let’s take our Creator’s admonition in Leviticus 19:4 to heart: 

“Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.”

Unchained

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey — the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.”

– Exodus 3:7-8

The fifth chapter of Mark’s gospel begins with the story of a man who faced some serious problems. Or maybe a legion of problems best describes his plight.

This tormented soul had been exiled from the community to live out his days in a cemetery near Lake Galilee. The man was literally overcome by demons. And so total was his possession that he could use extraordinary strength to repeatedly break the chains and smash the leg irons that confined him.

“No one could control him,” Mark wrote. “Night and day he was in the graveyard or on the hills, yelling and cutting himself with stones.”

And that could have been the end of the man’s bizarre narrative. But then along came Jesus and his disciples from their voyage across the lake. Recognizing that Christ was God in the flesh, the demons that possessed the man begged to postpone their own eternal fate in favor of inhabiting a vast herd of pigs that roamed the hillside. When Jesus agreed, the demons fled from their victim, who was immediately delivered from his affliction.

Let's now fast-forward to 21st century America. When a celebrity, sports star, or Average Joe faces the consequences of alcohol, drugs, anger-management issues — or some other destructive force — we can count on their loved ones to explain that they struggled with their demons. Sometimes that’s a figure of speech. But literal demons really can torment people, and they do their best to make their victims’ lives a living hell.   

The fact is that everyone has their share of demons to one extent or another — even Christ-followers. And even though we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, asked him for forgiveness, and then received it, we still can slide back into those bad habits and behaviors that we thought we’d left far behind. And that tends to happen again and again.

Let’s consider the testimony of the apostle Paul — the unlikely Christ-follower who wrote much of the New Testament. In his 2,000-year-old lament that sounds so familiar to modern ears, Paul complains through 1 Timothy 1:15 that he continues to do the very things he despises. Yet at the same time, he fails to do the things he knows he should accomplish.

If this great Apostle to the Gentiles had so many problems with sin and temptation, what hope can we have of breaking free from our own chains? Well … quite a bit! As Christ-followers, we don’t have to accept sin’s dominance in our lives. It all comes down to our ultimate trust and dependence on a Deliverer, who long ago paid the exorbitant price of our many sins — past, present, and future.

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” asks Paul. “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Training Camp

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

– Proverbs 3:11-12

Be sure to mark your calendars for February 8, 2026. 

That’s the date of the next Super Bowl — one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. And what will it take for the players to get there? The 2025-26 NFL schedule covers 272 regular season games plus preseason matchups and the playoffs. And in addition to overcoming weeks of hard-hitting competition, a date to The Big Game calls for intense discipline featuring countless hours of on-field practice, classroom study, and game-tape review.

Tom Brady understands how discipline and perseverance make all the difference between a champion and a runner-up. Love him or loath him, Brady, who won a combined seven Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. And throughout his long career, he followed an intense, year-round training regimen involving diet and exercise, plus an ongoing focus on football fundamentals. Brady also took nothing for granted, and he conditioned himself to expect the unexpected on the field:

“You push your body to the limits, but you have to train your body to deal with the limits,” he once explained. “If you don't play to win, don't play at all.”

The Bible also endorses the value of discipline and training. For Christ-followers, that means developing and using our God-given gifts and talents to make a positive difference in our community and the world. For example, we’re called to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks us. But how can we answer questions from a neighbor or co-worker if we don’t set aside time each day to read and study the Scriptures to know what we’re talking about? The discipline of scriptural literacy is also a great way to grow closer to God by developing the ability to listen for His voice. And in turn, it helps us discern right from wrong when faced by those everyday scenarios that are so rarely black or white. 

Although football wasn’t around 2,000 years ago, the sport of long-distance running was popular back when the apostle Paul used it in 1 Corinthians to illustrate the value of spiritual discipline:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

It takes a disciplined regimen, and plenty of bruises along the way, to make it to the Super Bowl (and much more to win seven rings like Tom Brady). Likewise, it takes discipline and endurance for Christ-followers to become the faith-driven champions God wants us to be: 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship,” we read in Romans 12. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Soul Food

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

– Acts 2:42

What’s your idea of a great meal?

For some folks, it’s a grilled steak, baked potato, and salad that hit the spot. Others love pizza, Vietnamese, or seafood. And let’s not forget those who crave vegetarian. 

Tastes and taste buds may vary widely, but it’s hunger that unites. However, there’s another kind of appetite that has nothing to do with cheeseburgers and ice cream. It’s the spiritual hunger that’s hard-coded into our DNA. Inside, everyone has a gnawing desire to fill a gaping

internal void. Some try in vain through negative pursuits such as drug use, alcohol, compulsive spending, or gambling. Others attempt to fill it by becoming workaholics or escaping reality through social media, video games, or even travel. But after the thrill is gone, the hunger always returns ... and they’re never satisfied. 

Jesus addressed this universal dilemma by proclaiming (and proving) himself to be the “food” that everyone craves. It’s in John 6:35 that he reveals:

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Of course, we all need an appetite — a certain level of intensity — to continue developing as Christ-followers. God has so many things for us to see, experience, and comprehend during our brief existence on Earth. That’s how we grow and mature into Jesus’ likeness. And how boring would it be if we knew all the answers to life from Day 1?

Unfortunately, too many Christ-followers experience spiritual malnourishment and stunted growth along their faith-journey. So, what’s the remedy? It’s to make the most of the people, places, and situations that God puts before us every day. Likewise, it’s also up to every Believer to continue developing through regular Bible study, prayer, worship, small group participation, and other scriptural habits. 

After all, there’s nothing like a good workout to whet one’s appetite — and then satisfy it with food for the soul.

 

Tongue Tied

The tongue is like a spark. It is an evil power that dirties the rest of the body and sets a person's entire life on fire with flames that come from hell itself.

– James 3:6

Did the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 start — as legend has it — when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern? Or did it begin when a one-legged man slipped on Mrs. O’Leary’s wet barn floor and dropped his lit pipe into some hay or wood shavings?

The answer doesn’t matter except to history buffs and insurance adjusters. But whatever the fire’s cause, its aftermath was horrific. Citizens of The Windy City were forced to deal with nearly $200 million in property damage, 300 people dead, and another 100,000 homeless. And all it took was a single spark.

Centuries earlier. James — the half-brother of Jesus — taught a similar, fiery lesson through the New Testament book he wrote to some of the earliest Christ-followers. But instead of the destruction that comes from a tiny spark, James described the devastating power of the human tongue. It’s one of the smallest parts of the body. But the tongue still has the power to both uplift and destroy as well as bless and curse.

How many times have we uttered something inappropriate (or maybe downright mean-spirited) that seemed to come out of nowhere? Saying the wrong thing at the wrong moment to the wrong person has cost people their careers, marriages, and reputations. And whether it’s through gossip, lying, sarcasm, cursing, or taking God’s name in vain, we don’t lack for the words we wish we could take back.

During World War II, the U.S. Government produced posters bearing the headline, Loose Lips Sink Ships. The message was that spies could pick up careless — although seemingly innocent — gossip about Allied troop movements, ship departures, and other secret information. And when that intelligence reached the enemy’s ears, the result was often carnage, death, and destruction. Likewise, Christ-followers today must watch their tongues to avoid causing sunk relationships and reputations. Our words should instead lift up rather than put down. The Apostle Paul put it this way through Ephesians 4:29: 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” 

On the Job

“His master replied, ‘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

Career.io is an AI-powered career platform with tools for job seekers, career changers, and those looking to grow in their current roles. In 2024, it analyzed 755,758 employee-submitted job reviews to identify the careers that make Americans the happiest. And if you believe the results, a big paycheck doesn’t guarantee workplace satisfaction. It turns out that real estate agents have the happiest job in the nation. The list’s other contented job titles include carpenter, software developer, fitness instructor, firefighter, and administrative assistant.

The saying goes that you’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do for a living. That’s when a run-of-the-mill job becomes a passion. But whether you’re thrilled with your career or you’re just putting in the hours for a paycheck, the New Testament’s book of Colossians has this admonition for us:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men …”

In other words, it makes no difference if you’re the CEO of an international corporation or a 9-to-5 ditch-digger: we should all do our jobs for God’s glory. And Christ-followers should also consider the workplace as much a place of worship on weekdays as church is on Sundays. Likewise, we must work — and live — with the end in mind. Because once we pass into eternity, job titles and salaries will be worthless. Rich or poor, famous or obscure, we’ll all have to account for what we did in our lifetimes with the gifts and talents our Creator gave us. 

The world’s message is that focusing on money, status, and upward mobility can lead to a successful career, and that a successful career equates to a successful life. But the world has it backward. Everything we have — our money, possessions, family, and health — is due to God’s generosity. He gives it freely ... and he can take it away without notice.

God’s definition of success surely comes as a surprise to many in the workforce. The lesson here is that instead of living self-centered lives on the fast track to stock options and a corner office, our motivation should revolve around being Jesus’ hands and feet in the home, workplace, and community. It's our faithfulness to him that's the real measure of success on the job. 

For Better or For Worse

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

– Ephesians 5:21

America has transformed drastically over the last 100 years. There are the obvious changes — like the explosive growth of the suburbs, Walmart, and smartphones. And of course, our great-grandparents could never have imagined the Internet, Amazon, and artificial intelligence.

These transformations may be good or bad depending on your perspective. But one change that’s definitely negative involves our society’s attitude toward marriage and family. Just a few decades ago, news of a couple living together outside of marriage would have been scandalous in many communities. And in some states, it could lead to jail time for the offending parties!

What happens over time when a large segment of the population turns its back on committed marriage? With so called “no-fault” laws and the literal promotion of adultery in popular culture, it’s no wonder that over 40% of marriages these days end in divorce. It’s also no surprise that so many people now believe that marriage isn’t even worth the trouble. Living together has become a rational option. And one byproduct is today’s skyrocketing rates of out-of-wedlock births — now reported to exceed 40%.

The common denominator is that society has largely rejected Biblical values like marriage as well as the companion concepts of mutual sacrifice, intentional time, and habitual grace. Worse still is that too many people have refuted God and his teachings entirely — the ones he gave us for experiencing meaningful, fulfilled lives. What were once considered clear, black-and-white issues of right and wrong have blended over the decades into murky shades of gray. 

To many modern-thinking couples, living together without strings attached is a more-palatable and tolerant lifestyle choice. Moreover, they demonize words like commitment and accountability — the biblical hallmarks of marriage that demand responsibility, faith … and ultimate dependence on a much greater Power. 

The God who created us, and wants only the best for us, has a radically different notion about marriage between men and women. Let’s remember that marriage is a gospel witness. And as we read in Matthew 19:6, Jesus provides this familiar explanation for it: 

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

What If?

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

– Mark 16:6-7

Several years ago, a well-known insurance company ran a series of TV commercials that asked viewers to ponder a simple — yet profound — question: What if?

• What if you get sick and can't work?
• What if you get married and have triplets?
• What if you die and your family can't live without your lost income?

These commercials were effective reminders that real-life issues have real-life implications. And if you're not prepared (such as with the right insurance coverage), you might have something to fear. After all, millions of people each year really do suffer costly illnesses, injuries, and other setbacks.

Here's another consideration: Unless Jesus returns during our lifetimes, we’re all guaranteed a date with death because the mortality rate is 100%. And if we check the news headlines, we'll encounter another unpleasant reality: Society is plagued by violence, disease, and injustice. But while Believers like you and me aren't immune from these issues, we do have an answer to the uncertainties that grip so many who don't know Jesus as their Savior. It's his supernatural peace that defies all human understanding:

"I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give," Christ assures us in John 14:27. "It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid."  

Those insurance commercials make a valid point: We do indeed live in a world of what-ifs. But Christ-followers have nothing to fear because God is — and always has been — in control in every situation. Even death has lost its sting because Jesus willfully died on the cross to pay the penalty for our many sins and failures. And because of his resurrection from the grave, he also fulfilled centuries-old Bible prophecies to prove his claims as being the Son of God. His triumph over death, which we celebrate each year on Easter, means that we have eternal hope. And it's through our simple faith in him that the what-ifs of life become fear-nots:

“He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” Jesus tells us through John’s gospel. “And whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Servant Leader

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

– Mark 10:43-45

Deafening Silence
Jumbo Shrimp
Civil War
Servant Leader

What do these figures of speech have in common? They’re all oxymorons — rhetorical devices that use contradictory terms for effect. And if you think about them for a second, they don’t make sense. But for whatever reason, the words mesh perfectly to communicate the idea.

The Bible reveals Jesus as one who always made his point with great effect, particularly to those willing to put his message into action. But instead of linking a few opposing words or phrases, God’s only Son turned entire concepts on their heads to reinterpret long-held notions about what holds true value. For example, consider his admonition to those seeking greatness:

“Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down,” Jesus warns. “But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.”

This, of course, flies in the face of society’s “Looking-Out-for-#1” perspective. After all, how can you make it to the top if you let everyone walk all over you? 

For many people, selfishness and self-preservation would seem to be logical approaches to getting ahead and staying there. But to Christ-followers viewing things through the lens of the Gospel, it’s actually a recipe for disaster: “What will you gain if you own the whole world but destroy yourself?” Jesus asks. “What would you give to get back your soul?”

Jesus spent his brief ministry teaching from a servant-leadership perspective. And it’s through the Bible that we read how Believers should serve as his hands and feet until his return. Oftentimes that demands a completely new perspective from his would-be followers. Accepting Christ’s message is like a nearsighted child, who sees the world anew through a pair of glasses. At first, it can be awkward and difficult — and sometimes even intimidating. That’s because Jesus calls for total devotion rather than half-heartedness and non-committal. However, the eventual reward will one day make it all worthwhile:

"I tell you the truth," he told Peter, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields — and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

A Glimpse of Glory

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

– Mark 9:2 – 4

God’s omnipotence and perfection are consistent themes throughout the Bible. And since he’s the Creator of all things and we’re merely his limited creations, we shouldn’t think twice that he’s all-knowing and all-seeing of things past, present, and future. But on the other hand, what’s sometimes confusing is that his words and deeds so often contradict human nature:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,” God tells us through Isaiah 55:8, and “neither are your ways my ways.” Jesus — who happens to be God in the flesh — also has a viewpoint that opposes our modern, me-first generation. “To be first,” he declares, “we must be last.”

Christ’s bold assertion sheds new light on the ways we should treat our neighbors. And how much better would this world be if we took the time to adopt his servant’s attitude and put the interests of others before our own?

Jesus answers this question through his own example. First, he willingly surrendered his rightful privileges as God’s only Son. He entered the world through humble circumstances — a birth among farm animals in a filthy stable. And as he grew up, he made a common-man’s living as a carpenter. Christ could have lived in splendor as the King of Kings. But instead, he chose a nomadic lifestyle for teaching the Good News of salvation to all who would listen.

That’s quite a life-lesson — one taught by the One with a humble servant’s heart. And although he had just three years to save the world, he still made time in his busy schedule to touch the lives of society’s outcasts. It was this same Jesus who healed the sick, fed the hungry, and trained disciples on the way of truth. There’s good reason he’s called God with Us:

"When we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling just clever stories that someone invented,” the apostle Peter declares through his second New Testament book, “but we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes."

 It was an astounding glimpse of glory that we too will one day experience face-to-face.

Training Camp

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

– Mark 8:34-35

When it comes to competitive sports, there’s always something appealing about rooting for the underdog. It just seems right for the Little Guy to beat the odds and win. So maybe that helps explain the lasting popularity of the movie Rocky and its many sequels.

Filmed in 1976, Rocky is essentially a re-telling of the Old Testament story of David and Goliath — but set in run-down 1970’s Philadelphia. The main character (Rocky Balboa) is a washed-up, down-on-his-luck fighter, who gets his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight the world heavyweight champion (Apollo Creed). The match is merely a publicity stunt dreamed up by Creed’s handlers, and no one gives Rocky (played by Sylvester Stallone) much chance.

But Rocky takes the match — and his chances — quite seriously. And as he begins his training and reaches milestone after milestone, even his skeptical girlfriend, co-worker, and trainer begin to see that there just might be a glimmer of hope.

Some of the movie’s most memorable scenes involve Rocky’s unorthodox training regimen. We see the prizefighter working out in the local meat processing plant, strengthening his body by drinking raw eggs, and then building his endurance by jogging through the mean streets of The City of Brotherly Love. The sequence ends triumphantly as Rocky races up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, raises his arms in victory, and surveys his beloved hometown.

Rocky’s theme might seem to be good’s ability to overcome evil. But the less-obvious New Testament message — revealed through the apostle Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians — is the value of disciplined training:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

As Christ-followers, we’re called to develop and use the gifts and talents God has given us to make a difference in our homes, community, and the world. Likewise, we must also be prepared to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks us. But how can we do that without the discipline to set aside time for Bible study and gathering with other Believers? It’s this type of practical, spiritual training that helps us grow closer to God by developing our ability to hear His voice and do His will. And in turn, that helps us to discern right from wrong when facing one of those difficult situations that never seem to be black or white.

If you haven’t seen the movie, here’s a spoiler alert: Rocky’s disciplined training pays off through his victory over Apollo Creed. Similarly, Christ-followers like you and me should train to become the Spirit-filled champions our Creator envisions us to be.  

Touching the Untouchables

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

– Mark 5:33-34

The Bible reveals that Jesus performed several amazing, life-changing miracles. He enabled the lame to walk, the blind to see, and the sick to regain their health. On multiple occasions he even brought the dead back to life — and the crowds were amazed and praised God for what they had witnessed. But in one notable instance, our Savior went a step further.

In Biblical times, a person afflicted with the skin disease leprosy faced a death sentence. Not only were they forced to experience their body’s painful disintegration, their social lives were cut short. Declared untouchable by the priests, lepers were banished from all contact with their family members, friends, and business associates. Never again could they experience a warm hug, a firm handshake, or even a tap on the shoulder. Considered unclean, lepers were literal walking curses. And according to Old Testament guidelines:

The priest is to examine the sore on the skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be more than skin deep, it is a defiling skin disease. When the priest examines that person, he shall pronounce them ceremonially unclean.

All that changed one day when Jesus healed a leper. It’s in Matthew’s gospel that we read how he did the unthinkable by touching the untouchables:

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Jesus could have cured the ailing man through a simple word or prayer. But instead, he physically contacted the shunned outcast. The healing itself revealed the miracle of God’s love. And not only did Jesus restore the leper’s health, he also reinstated the victim’s dignity and place in society. 

Let’s now fast-forward about 2,000 years to the present. Modern medicine has largely eradicated leprosy, but there are still conditions — medical, social, or otherwise — that can subjugate or even banish their victims. And while we can’t heal them with a mere touch, Christ-followers can help restore them in many ways by using our gifts and resources to serve as our Savior’s hands and feet on earth. 

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus told his disciples through his famous Sermon on the Mount. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

Justice of the Peace

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

– Mark 4:39-41

California might come to mind when we think of states with earthquakes. But did you know that Yellowstone National Park, which straddles Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, experiences hundreds of earthquakes each week? What’s more, the area sits atop a so-called supervolcano, and it’s been 70,000 years since it last erupted. Then there’s the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), which covers parts of seven states from Illinois to Mississippi. During the Winter of 1811–12, it experienced 15 tremors with estimated magnitudes of 6.5 to 8.0. That’s on par with the 1989 San Francisco, 1994 Los Angeles, and 1995 Kobe, Japan, earthquakes. Seismologists report that the NMSZ appears to be about 30 years overdue for a magnitude 6.3 quake, which would likely cause billions of dollars of damage and perhaps thousands of injuries and deaths.

Disasters, whether natural or manmade, happen every day. They’re often unpredictable. And there’s no guarantee that we could save ourselves, our family, or property from the resulting destruction — even if we recognize their warning signs. But today, there are cautions of a much greater world-changing event that could strike in 100 years, 20 years, two weeks … or maybe even tonight.

God promises us through the Bible that one day, a Savior (Jesus) will call his followers home. Then later, he’ll return to right all the wrongs of this world, reward those who believe in him, and direct all others to an eternity of torment. Many of the Bible’s prophesies about the matter have already been fulfilled, such as the relatively recent prediction about the re-birth of the State of Israel. There’s nothing to stop his Second Coming in our lifetimes.

Yes, Jesus could return in five minutes or in 500 years. But either way, we must be prepared. That’s because none of us knows when our own time on Earth will expire. Check the headlines, and you’re bound to read stories about people killed suddenly in an accident, during a crime, or through a sudden health crisis, such as a stroke or heart attack. Like the estimated 230,000 people in 14 countries that perished in the December 26, 2004, tsunami, they had no idea that the day would be their last.

This brings us to the obvious question: Are you prepared to meet your Maker? Your answer has eternal consequences. 

“So you also must be ready,” Jesus warns, “because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Our God is a God of justice. And since we’ve all failed to live up to his standards, we all deserve the penalty that Jesus endured on the cross — for our sakes — about 2,000 years ago. So, whether we leave this life from a natural disaster or naturally through old age, the question remains: How can we rest assured that we’ll spend eternity with God rather than forever without him? The answer is not a particular action we can take, but rather a certain Person we must trust:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus assures us through John 14:6. “Without me, no one can go to the Father.”

At Your Service

He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that,

“‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”

– Mark 4:11-12

Back in 2020, the nation’s economy lost millions of jobs following the forced shutdown of businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as people from coast to coast sheltered in place and worked from home, demand soared for residential deliveries of products and services ranging from groceries to exercise equipment to pet supplies. The result was that companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS were constantly hiring more workers to handle the demand.

Now fast-forward about five years, and Amazon vans remain a familiar sight in neighborhoods across the country. Walmart has also entered the in-home delivery business, and FedEx and UPS still enjoy considerable market share. But the logistics industry doesn’t have a monopoly on personalized service. The church, in fact, has 2,000 years of experience with it. So, whenever you see a package hand-delivered to your neighbor’s porch or front door, think about Jesus’ declaration about serving others: 

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” the Savior proclaims. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."

It’s here that Jesus turns the notion of greatness on its head by emphasizing the server over the one they serve. That means Christ-followers are to be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth while we wait for him to call us back home. Until then, we’re to help prepare God’s kingdom by making the most of the different gifts and talents he’s given us to serve others. 

And when we serve, it’s important to remember that it’s not about us. It’s instead about our Creator and his creation. With this in mind, let’s turn our faith into action by accepting Jesus’ invitation to be a ray of light amidst a dark and gloomy world.

“Make your light shine,” he says, “so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

That’s a prime level of service that Amazon will never deliver.

Changed

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

– Mark 2:17

Early followers of Jesus were called Little Christs because their newfound faith had transformed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, slave and free — were markedly different from the rest of society. They somehow had grown more caring and generous toward both neighbors and strangers alike, and they willingly sacrificed their time and resources to ease sorrow and correct injustice. Ultimately, they had abandoned their old, selfish tendencies in favor of something much greater.

In a word, they were changed.

And that says a lot for their leader — an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire who just happened to be God’s own Son. Few recognized that at the time. But because some did and led changed lives while following Jesus, millions in future generations would in turn help to change the world for the better. 

Like those first disciples transformed by the words of the Sermon on the Mount, modern-day Believers like you and me should recognize that Jesus the Leader was also Jesus the Follower. Christ spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer and always sought his guidance: 

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,” explained Jesus, “because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

Whether you’ve followed Jesus for five days or 55 years, grasp every opportunity to become more like him, walk in his ways, and see the world through his eyes. What’s more, ask God to work through you with the Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power, who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and transform into a new creation. 

That’s the change that makes all the difference. And gradually, through the trials of life and the whispers of his leadings, we’ll become the men and women our Creator always intended us to be. 

Forgive and Forget

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

– Mark 2:5

The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 70% of adult smokers want to quit the habit, but fewer than one in 10 succeeded over the past year. However, author and humorist Mark Twain once quipped that it was the easiest thing he ever did. “I ought to know,” he explained, “because I’ve done it a thousand times.”

The same goes for Christ-followers when it comes to temptation and sin. Even though we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior — and asked him for forgiveness and received it — we still tend to backslide into those same errant words and deeds that we thought were far behind us. 

Doesn’t the Bible proclaim that if anyone is in Christ, they’ve become a new creation? Indeed, it does. But this transformation is a work in progress that runs on God’s timetable. That often means it’s happening little by little, day by day. What’s more, the pathway along our faith-journey is narrow, twisting, and full of unexpected hairpin curves. And when we don’t keep our eyes on the destination, we can end up in a ditch.

But we shouldn’t be surprised. Jesus even told his disciples to expect obstacles: 

"Things that cause people to sin are bound to come,” Christ explained. “But woe to that person through whom they come.”

Let’s also consider a life-lesson taught by the apostle Paul — the Christ-follower who wrote much of the New Testament. In his 2,000-year-old lament that still rings true to modern-day readers, Paul complains that he continues to do the very things he despises. And at the same time, he fails to do the things he knows he should accomplish. So, here’s the question: If one of history’s greatest Christians had so many problems with sin and temptation, what hope is there for us?

Paul’s struggles were nothing less than spiritual warfare — the same ugly conflict that we all fight every day in one way or another. But he has some good news for us in Romans 8:1:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

As Believers, we don’t have to accept sin’s dominance in our lives. But when we do fail and surrender to temptation, we can freely ask our Savior for forgiveness. As Psalm 103:12 puts it:

“… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

A-ha Moment

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching — and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits, and they obey him.”

– Mark 1:27 

An a-ha moment is that split second when our eyes are opened to a spiritual truth that changes everything. As Christ-followers, we can experience an a-ha when God shows us that we're going down the wrong path in some crucial area of our life. It's then up to us to respond and turn in the right direction.

Then there's the ultimate a-ha: when a non-believer finally sees the light regarding their need for Jesus. Unfortunately, most people choose to remain blind, enjoy the darkness … and then attack those who don’t embrace their example. There’s no shortage of politicians, Hollywood celebrities, or other "progressive" thinkers, who are quick to label others as close-minded or intolerant.

But depending on the context, is intolerance always a bad thing? After all, Jesus doesn't turn a blind eye to sin. What's more, he declares himself to be the exclusive pathway to God:

"I am the way, the truth and the life," we read in John's gospel. "No one comes to the Father except through me."

That's anything but tolerant. And Christ’s bold proclamation defies today's inclusive, politically correct environment. After all, it hurts feelings and declares that one faith is better than all others. But society's demands for open-mindedness and equality are irrelevant. Jesus has no tolerance for false, second-rate gods and allegiances. And as God’s own Son, his authority is absolute.

But before we point fingers at those who haven’t yet had their a-ha moment, let's all take a long look at ourselves in the mirror. Are our own words, thoughts, and actions beyond reproach? Jesus was right on the mark when he said that we must remove the plank from our own eye before we can remove the speck from our neighbor's eye. 

The point is that Christ-followers must answer to the ultimate authority and let God be the judge of others outside the faith. He knows the whole story, and we're hardly in a position to condemn anyone.

Let’s consider that today’s a-ha moment.

Help Wanted

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

– Mark 1:14-15

The news is filled with stories about job layoffs, empty storefronts, and companies fleeing big cities. But Help Wanted signs are still out there, and some businesses can’t fill their open positions.

If you’re in the job market, your first hurdle is to demonstrate that you’re available and can do the work. What’s more, employers must decide if they like you. Even if you’re well-qualified, you probably won’t get the job if they think you lack the right chemistry. And they also want to know if you’re a risk. In other words, do you have a reputation for being difficult to manage? And finally, you must be affordable. Employers will drop you from consideration if your salary demands are unreasonable.

Fortune 500 companies aren’t the only ones with high standards for their team members. For example, Christ-followers are tasked with preparing God’s Kingdom and being a bright light in a dark, troubled world. And since it’s such an important job that can yield eternal, life-changing rewards, only certain candidates are considered. If you’re up for the challenge, be aware that you must be available on an as-needed basis. (Expect to work weekends and holidays.) You also must be obedient and follow the Boss’ (Jesus) instructions — even if they don’t make sense at the time. Humility is likewise important, so you should share the credit whenever it’s due. Expect overtime and sacrifice. And to top it off, you must take the initiative and be on the lookout for opportunities to help your customers (neighbors), both local and foreign.

Here’s Jesus’ admonition to his would-be employees (disciples) as recorded in Luke’s gospel:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Landing a job can be difficult — even in a vibrant economy. But here’s some good news: Jesus is hiring right now for his organization’s growing team. And many of his highest producers started with no experience in the field. The working conditions aren’t always ideal. But there are plenty of rewards along the way ... and the retirement plan is out of this world!

Believe It or Not

 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, 

“Surely this man was the Son of God!”

  – Mark 15:39

Can we really believe what's in the Bible? And is all that stuff true about Jesus being God-in-the-flesh and rising from the dead? 

Those are lofty questions with eternal implications. But who really knows for sure? After all, many people say the Bible is no greater than the scriptures of other religions, and that Jesus was just a good man or a wise teacher.

The truth is, however, that the Bible and Christ are both unique and extraordinary. 

First, the Bible claims to be God's word — and then backs it up with hundreds of prophesies (predictions) about events that happened decades or centuries later. For example, the Old Testament records God's plan for saving mankind through a Messiah. The prophet Micah wrote that the Savior would be born in — of all places — an obscure backwater of the Roman empire called Bethlehem. And as we read in the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled these prophesies to the letter through his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection!

Historically and scientifically accurate, the Bible is also the most studied and critiqued book in history. Try as many have, no one has been able to disprove its claims. Luke, the physician who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, also wanted the real scoop. So, he interviewed the people who knew Jesus best and could attest to his words and deeds. Let’s consider the opening passage of Luke's first book:

"Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us. They wrote what we had been told by the ones who were there in the beginning and saw what happened. So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write and tell you exactly what took place. ... I have done this to let you know the truth about what you have heard."

The apostle Peter — someone who knew Jesus personally — also gave us his own testimony recorded in the New Testament’s book of 2 Peter:

"When we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling just clever stories that someone invented, but we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes."

With all of this in mind, IS the stuff in the Bible about Jesus really true? That’s the ultimate question. So, let’s consider this answer from the apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest friends, through 1 John 4:14:

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”

It’s up to you and me to believe it or not.

The Rock

Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

– Matthew 26:38

It was a place of suffering and despair called The Rock.

It's Alcatraz, the infamous maximum-security prison situated on an island in San Francisco Bay. Originally a pre-Civil War-era military outpost and later a military prison, Alcatraz became the last stop for society's worst-of-the-worst when it re-opened in 1934 as an escape-proof penitentiary.

The Rock's ultra-strict code of discipline helped the facility earn its Hellcatraz nickname. In the prison’s notorious "D" block, inmates lived in 4' x 8' cells and were allowed out just once per week for a 10-minute shower. "Harsher punishments," reports the Legends of America website, included "solitary confinement, in total darkness, for days without any release, or confinement in the dreaded steel boxes."

Alcatraz closed its doors in 1963. But today — over 60 years later — there are millions of people suffering through a different type of solitary confinement: loneliness. Even in our crowded nation of over 340 million residents, many of our neighbors are on their own without close friends or family. They know all too well that it's possible to be lonely without ever being alone. 

This was never our Creator's plan. But to some extent we all have trouble forming relationships, whether it's with each other or with him. The first book of the Bible (Genesis) reveals that God placed the first man and woman in a perfect, care-free existence called Eden. There were no job deadlines, traffic jams, illnesses, or broken marriages. It was a place where God literally walked with his creation. But when the couple intentionally disobeyed his instructions and sinned, things were never the same. Adam and Eve's eyes were opened, and they realized the damage they had done. Then they tried to hide from their Creator.

Some things haven't changed. In addition to fleeing from our own transgressions, we also avoid relationships because of what others have done to us. We don’t want to be disappointed or hurt again. It's too easy to be let down. And it's much easier to run away.

The good news is that God has a two-part solution. First, he re-established our relationship with him through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus. Since Christ personally paid the penalty for our many sins, Believers are considered God's sons and daughters, and an unimaginable inheritance awaits us. And second, he built the Church, which is composed of all the Christ-followers around the world. It's a body of imperfect people like you and me who are all looking for the same thing: a safe place to rest from the world, heal our spiritual wounds, and make life-long relationships.

Are you imprisoned in spiritual solitary confinement? You're never alone through a relationship of faith in Jesus — the Rock of Salvation.

 

Benefit of the Doubt

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

– 1 Kings 19:3-4

It’s said that if you have enough faith to believe the first four words of the Bible (“In the beginning, God …”), the rest of Scripture is easy. Still, even the most seasoned Christ-follower can have their moments of fear and doubt — particularly in times of crisis — such as from a lost job, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one.

But trusting in God’s promises extends well beyond our employment, health, or relationships. His guarantees found throughout the Bible are eternal. And we can take them all to heart because of our Creator’s proven record of reliability. For example, J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy lists more than 1,800 promises from God. And no doubt the greatest was fulfilled through the birth of the world’s Savior (Jesus) in an obscure outpost of the Roman Empire. It was then that God came to Earth to personally experience the human condition … and later pay the sin-debt that we never could.

What’s more, it’s through Jesus that the devil was defeated, and Christ-followers were given the power to live victorious, Spirit-filled lives. So, with that in mind, let’s consider these words of assurance that are still relevant 20 centuries after Christ’s death and Resurrection:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” Jesus asked some of his earliest followers. “Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Our Creator’s promise to you and me is that he cares deeply for us. And he also knows each of us intimately — even before we were born. In fact, the book of Isaiah tells us that our very names are written on the palms of his hands! 

As Christ-followers, fears and uncertainties will come and go. But without a doubt, we worship a God who loves us and has a wondrous plan for both now … and for eternity. 

Who's #1?

 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

– Deuteronomy 6:4

The media has long recognized the public's love of lists. Check out the magazine racks in any supermarket and you'll see headlines for the Top 10 Muscle Cars, Best Ways to Renovate Your Home, and the Year's Nastiest Celebrity Breakups. Websites have year-end posts about the nation's biggest political scandals and the most-costly business failures. And cable TV embraces this popular genre through shows like the Top 100 Heavy Metal Videos of All Time, Best Caribbean Beach Resorts, and the Greatest Engineering Disasters of the Century.

But let’s not forget the most-controversial lists of them all (at least in the minds of sports fans). They're the weekly Top 20 rankings of college football and basketball teams — often topics of heated discussion in office break rooms and across the Internet. Of course, everyone has viewpoints about what or who is number one in certain categories. And when it comes to entertainment and sports, we might have a favorite movie or a strong opinion about the NFL's greatest quarterback. But what about something a bit more substantial: 

Who (or what) is #1 in your life?

Is it your family? Your career? Money, vacations ... or perhaps the weekend? Or maybe the answer is as close as the nearest mirror. If it is, join the crowd.

Whatever your response, King Solomon — probably the wisest man who ever lived — could relate. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, we read that he partook in every pleasure under the sun to find fulfillment in life. And unfortunately for him, his search in all the wrong places brought him emptiness and sorrow. But we can still gain much from the lessons Solomon learned the hard way: 

First, fulfillment in life comes about only when we live for the right person. And in our case, that means living for God by letting his son (Jesus) live through us. Second, we can find fulfillment only when we live by God's standards. After all, what good does it do if we say we're a Christ-follower on Sundays but live quite differently Monday through Saturday? And finally, we find fulfillment in life only when we live with the right focus. In other words, we must live with eternity in mind. Careers, money, vacations — and even sporting events — may seem important to us now. But they all pale in comparison against what we’re doing to help usher in God's Kingdom on Earth. After all, that’s every Christ-follower’s responsibility.

Now's the time to look again in the mirror and decide who (or what) is really #1 in our lives. And a great way to start is with another look at Solomon’s timeless observations through Ecclesiastes. In today's uncertain economic and political environment, his concise words of wisdom are remarkably relevant and reassuring:

Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.

Passing the Test

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

– Genesis 22:12

There’s a scene in 2009’s Star Trek movie reboot where Captain Kirk — then a brash Star Fleet Academy cadet — had to complete a computer-simulation exercise called the Kobayashi Maru Test. Designed by Mr. Spock, this intense exam placed Kirk in a no-win scenario as a starship commander facing the overwhelming force of aggressive Klingon warbirds.

Kirk remained calm as the Klingons opened fire. He even munched on an apple from the comfort of the captain’s chair — all while his exasperated crew wondered aloud if their leader would respond to the barrage. Star Fleet Academy observers also questioned if the cocky cadet took the exercise seriously. But just as the protective shields of Kirk’s vessel were about to fail, the Klingon attack ground to a halt. Then thanks to a few well-aimed photon torpedoes, the enemy spacecraft were quickly destroyed. 

The Kobayashi Maru Test was designed to gauge Kirk’s response to impending defeat against tremendous odds. But since he had reprogrammed the simulation and re-written its conclusion, he could remain confident amidst circumstances that no previous cadet had overcome. 

“I don’t believe in no-win scenarios,” Kirk explained. And why should he? After all, he already knew the story’s outcome.

Maybe our world isn’t under attack from a squadron of Klingon warbirds. But a quick check of the news headlines reveals considerable turmoil in our midst. Thank God (literally) that we don’t have to rely on our own cleverness to overcome it. The good news is that our Creator is in control of the situation. His Word (the Bible) explains that he knew the outcome before the world was even formed. What’s more, he recognized long ago that you and I would need a perfect Savior to deliver us from the consequences of our misdirected lives.

As with Star Trek’s Kobayashi Maru Test, the timing had to be perfect. And so it was. Centuries after the Old Testament had promised his arrival, Jesus was born in an obscure village called Bethlehem — exactly as predicted. Later, Christ fulfilled dozens more prophesies through his remarkable words and deeds. The odds of that happening by chance are astronomical.

How does this relate to Christ’s’ modern-day followers like you and me? 

The takeaway is that when the world seems to be crumbling around us, God’s plans are always trustworthy and on schedule … even when we don’t understand what’s happening. We can’t see things through our Creator’s perspective. But since he wrote our life’s first chapter, last chapter, and everything in between, we can be confident that he already knows our story’s conclusion. 

It’s our faith in God’s timing and provision that builds our strength for the trials we’ll face. And let’s not be deceived: our faith in Him WILL undergo testing. But rest assured, God will always provide for us when we trust Him completely.