Tag: God’s Faithfulness

God of the Gaps

In John 2, we find the account of Jesus’ first miracle: turning water into wine at a wedding feast. It’s a familiar story, but there’s a powerful lesson tucked into the dialogue between Jesus and His mother, Mary. When the wine ran out, a potentially embarrassing situation for the hosts, Mary simply brought the need to Jesus: “They have no more wine” (John 2:3).

At first, Jesus’ response might seem like a refusal: “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). But Mary doesn’t push or try to argue. Instead, she turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). In that moment, Mary demonstrates a profound kind of faith: the kind that brings a need to God and leaves the solution in His hands. She didn’t know exactly what Jesus would do, but she trusted that He would act in the best way.

There’s a powerful lesson here for us today. How often do we face situations where we don’t know what to do or how things will work out? Maybe it’s a financial strain, a family conflict, or a decision that leaves us feeling lost. We can feel like we’ve run out of resources or options, just like the wedding hosts had run out of wine. But this story reminds us that we don’t need to have all the answers. Our job is simply to bring our needs to Jesus and trust Him to fill the gaps in ways we may not expect.

Jesus didn’t just fix the problem; He transformed it. The water He turned into wine wasn’t just any wine — it was the best wine of the feast, far exceeding what anyone had provided. When we trust God to handle the things we can’t, He often works in ways that surpass what we could have imagined.

Sometimes, like Mary, our faith doesn’t need to be flashy or dramatic. It can be as simple as bringing our concerns to God and then stepping back, knowing He will work in His timing and in His way. We don’t need to try to control the outcome, but we can trust that He is faithful to respond.

So, when we face situations where we feel uncertain or overwhelmed, may we follow Mary’s example: bring the need to Jesus, then trust Him to do what only He can do.

Empowered to Speak: The Holy Spirit’s Work in Us

As we read through Luke 1:39-2:40 and Matthew 1:18-25, one pattern stands out: when the Holy Spirit filled people, they spoke prophetic words. Elizabeth, Zechariah, Simeon—all of them, when filled with the Spirit, declared truths about God’s promises and the Messiah. Even the angel’s words to Joseph can be seen as a Spirit-inspired message, guiding him to protect and nurture Jesus.

This pattern shows that when the Holy Spirit moves, He empowers His people to proclaim God’s truth boldly. What lessons can we draw from this today?

1. The Holy Spirit Still Moves

First, it’s clear that the Holy Spirit is active. Just as He filled these people at critical moments in salvation history, He continues to fill and empower believers today. We are called to recognize and welcome His presence in our lives. The Spirit is not just a distant force; He is personal and present, ready to guide, strengthen, and inspire us in our walk with Christ.

2. Prophetic Words are Spirit-Led

When the Spirit filled Elizabeth, Zechariah, and Simeon, they spoke truths about God’s promises. These were not random thoughts but divinely inspired words of prophecy. Today, while the specifics of prophecy may differ, the principle remains: the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak truth, often in ways that bring encouragement, correction, or guidance.

This doesn’t mean we all have the “gift of prophecy” in the same way, but it does mean that God’s Spirit can move through us to share His message with others, whether in words of wisdom, comfort, or exhortation.

3. Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness

Another lesson from these passages is how often the prophetic words pointed to God’s faithfulness to His promises. Simeon, for example, praised God for allowing him to see the fulfillment of the promise he had waited for: the Messiah. When the Spirit fills us today, He often leads us to declare God’s faithfulness, reminding ourselves and others that God’s promises still hold true.

Sometimes we face seasons where it’s hard to believe in God’s promises. Yet, just as Simeon waited with expectation, we can trust that God’s Spirit will sustain us in hope and prompt us to speak words of life when the time is right.

4. We Are Empowered to Speak Boldly

Elizabeth’s response when Mary came to visit was immediate and bold. She didn’t hold back; she declared Mary blessed among women and praised God for the child she carried. The Holy Spirit gives us courage to speak out in truth and love. Sometimes we hesitate to speak up, whether due to fear of rejection or doubt, but the Spirit empowers us to share what needs to be said, especially when it comes to pointing people to Jesus.

5. The Spirit’s Work is Always Christ-Centered

In each instance of prophecy in these passages, the message pointed to Jesus. The Holy Spirit’s primary mission is to reveal and glorify Christ (John 16:14), and this is true for us today. When we are filled with the Spirit, we should expect that our words and actions will reflect Jesus and His Kingdom. Whether in a conversation, a moment of prayer, or even through our lifestyle, the Spirit will move us to point others to Christ.

The Takeaway

What we see in Luke 1 and Matthew 1 is the Holy Spirit filling people not just for their benefit but for the sake of proclaiming God’s truth. Today, the same Spirit that moved in the lives of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and Simeon is available to us, empowering us to speak boldly, proclaim God’s faithfulness, and point others to Jesus.

As we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, we should be ready to speak words of encouragement, truth, and hope to those around us. May we be open to His leading, and like these figures in the Gospels, may we have the courage to declare God’s greatness in every opportunity we are given.

Son of Man — What Does THAT Mean?

During today’s reading, I again noticed Ezekiel being constantly referred to as the “son of man.” So I would like to briefly explore what this phrase means, where we see it in Scripture, and why it is significant.

In the case of Ezekiel, “son of man” is meant to underscore his human frailty and his role as a representative of the people. Over 90 times, God addresses Ezekiel with this title, reminding him of his position as a mortal messenger delivering divine words. Ezekiel’s use of “son of man” connects him to the people of Israel, highlighting that, like them, he is a mere human with a responsibility to share God’s message, particularly concerning personal responsibility for sin and repentance (Ezekiel 33:10-20).

The title “son of man” also appears in Daniel 7:13-14, where “one like a son of man” is depicted as a divine figure who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. This vision is messianic, pointing to a figure who will rule over all nations, and it is this aspect of the title that Jesus refers to when He calls Himself the “Son of Man.” His audience would have understood the profound implications of this self-designation, recognizing it as a claim to divine authority and fulfillment of the messianic prophecy.

So what does recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” mean for us today? This title carries profound implications for our lives and calls us to action in several key ways:

First, it reminds us that Jesus identifies with us. As the “son of man” from Ezekiel, Jesus shared in our humanity. He experienced the trials, temptations, and sufferings that we face. This means that when we struggle, we can turn to Jesus, knowing that He understands our pain. This shared experience is not just a point of empathy but a call for us to lean on Him in our weakness. We are encouraged to follow His example, living a life of obedience and reliance on God even in the face of suffering.

Second, it emphasizes Jesus’ authority. As the “son of man” from Daniel, He is the one given all power and dominion. This recognition demands our submission to His lordship. Jesus is not just a compassionate friend but the sovereign ruler of all creation. Our response should be one of reverence, acknowledging His authority in every aspect of our lives. This calls us to obedience, aligning our wills with His and allowing His authority to guide our decisions, actions, and attitudes.

Third, it assures us of God’s faithfulness. The “Son of Man” in Daniel’s vision is a direct prophecy of Jesus, who came once as foretold and will return on the clouds in glory. This fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. He is true to His word, having already accomplished what He promised and guaranteeing that He will fulfill the rest in due time. This gives us great hope, especially in challenging times, knowing that God’s plans are sure and trustworthy. For those who trust in Him, this is a source of deep comfort. However, it also serves as a sober warning to those who live in rebellion, as God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Our response should be one of faith, trusting in God’s promises, and living in a way that reflects our confidence in His faithfulness.

Finally, we are reminded of our personal responsibility. As emphasized in Ezekiel 33:10-20, we are accountable for our actions and decisions. Recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” calls us to examine our lives, repent where necessary, and live in a way that honors God. This responsibility is not burdensome but a response to the grace and truth that we have received in Christ. It challenges us to live out our faith actively, taking seriously the call to follow Jesus in every area of our lives.

In sum, acknowledging Jesus as the “Son of Man” is more than just an intellectual assent; it is a transformative recognition that should shape how we live, think, and relate to God and others.

Perspectives From the Valley

Today, I found myself reflecting on Lamentations 2-4. These chapters are heavy with sorrow, painting a vivid picture of Israel’s suffering. Yet, amid the devastation, one idea struck me: tragedy has a way of bringing into sudden and sharp focus what is truly valuable. It’s ironic, isn’t it? In our darkest moments, when everything seems lost, we begin to see clearly what really matters.

When life is smooth and everything is going our way, it’s easy to get caught up in the trivial. We chase after comfort, success, and fleeting pleasures. But when tragedy strikes—when we hit rock bottom—those things suddenly lose their luster. What we once valued pales in comparison to the deeper truths that emerge from the shadows.

It’s in the valley, surrounded by darkness, that we can truly appreciate the majesty of the peak. The struggles we face strip away our illusions, leaving us with a clearer view of God’s faithfulness, the importance of relationships, and the strength that comes from enduring hardship.

This is the paradox of pain: it refines our perspective, helping us to see what we couldn’t when life was easy. It’s only when we’ve been brought low that we can fully appreciate the heights of God’s love and grace.

So, if you find yourself in a valley, don’t despair. This may be the moment when you finally see what really matters. Let the hardships bring clarity, and trust that God is leading you through the valley to a place where you can better appreciate the beauty of the peak.

Rightly Jealous: Understanding God’s Jealousy

Jealousy is bad. Paul tells us so in Galatians 5. So why do we constantly read about God’s “good” jealousy in passages like today’s reading?

See, when we think of jealousy, it’s easy to imagine something negative—a destructive emotion rooted in envy or insecurity. Yet, when we read about God’s jealousy in Scripture, it is framed as pure, righteous, and entirely different from the jealousy that you and I experience.

God’s jealousy is not about envy. He does not covet something that isn’t rightfully His. Rather, His jealousy is about protecting the covenant relationship He has with us. Just as a spouse has the right to expect exclusive devotion and affection, God, who entered into a covenant with His people, rightfully demands our wholehearted love and loyalty.

This divine jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or a desire to control, but in the understanding that turning away from God leads to our own destruction. Just as a spouse would feel righteous jealousy if their partner’s affections were being shared with another, God’s jealousy arises when our hearts are divided and we pursue other “lovers”—whether that be idols, worldly desires, or anything that takes His rightful place in our lives.

On the other hand, human jealousy, when rooted in envy, is about desiring what belongs to someone else, whether it be their possessions, achievements, or relationships. This kind of jealousy is destructive and rooted in selfishness, leading to bitterness and resentment. In contrast, God’s jealousy is protective and stems from His love for us, knowing that only in Him can we find true fulfillment and peace.

Understanding the difference between these forms of jealousy helps us see why God’s jealousy is not only justified but is also an expression of His deep love for us. Just as we would be rightly jealous for the exclusive affection of our spouse, God’s jealousy is a reflection of His covenantal commitment to us, desiring our full and undivided devotion.

Let’s Try That Again

This is the testimony of Rahab in Joshua 2:9-11:

I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fearof you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fearand everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

Note the two things cited by Rahab of Jericho. 1) Crossed the sea on dry land and 2) Completely destroyed the kingdoms of Sihon and Og. Step 1, part the sea. Step 2, conquer.

Here is Joshua 3 we see the very fears of the people of Jericho realized. Step 1 has come to pass. And the Jerichoians… Jerrricans? Jerichoites? Jerichoers? The citizens of Jericho know that step 2 is coming. The smart ones will have fled beforehand, and those who chose to stand their ground would have to contend with the God of Joshua, Moses, Joseph, and Jacob.

God once again had Israel cross the sea on dry land and step into the promise He had been holding for them the last 40 years (or 400, depending when you started counting). And there’s no reason God can’t do it again for you. Let him move you. Step into the water of the overflowing river and watch Him make a way where there was no way before. Your enemies are only as big as you think they are if God is with you.

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