From your editor... Editor, Closer to God

Transcription

1 From your editor... By the time you get your hands on this edition of Closer to God, it will have been almost a year since Nelson Mandela s funeral. Around the time of his death, the world was united in both grief and gratitude, examining his life with a kind of wonder: How could he have responded to the injustice he and his fellow black South Africans suffered with redemptive grace and not a battle cry for retribution? He was private about his faith, but says in his autobiography that it was faith that sustained him through trials. Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy that the Holy Spirit gives power, love and self-discipline (1:7). The truth of this shone through Madiba s life. Another leader long ago, when God gave him the chance to ask for anything, asked for wisdom. We ll read accounts of King Solomon s life in both 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles over the next few months. He led Israel through a golden age of peace and prosperity, but it was not to last. Both individuals and nations have persistently failed to keep their side of God s covenant and, as Dave Bookless writes in his series on Jeremiah, God s mercy is impossible without justice. This justice was ultimately fulfilled by the suffering of God himself in the death of his son Jesus. Editor, Closer to God 1

2 Writers Katy Holbird Katy is a freelance writer and TV producer. She has two young children and has her own blogsite: wifemotherandotherlabels. wordpress.com Michele Smart Michele is a writer and editor, who lives on Sydney s northern beaches with her husband and two kids. Her current job is copywriter and editor for Good with Words, mainly in the area of sustainability. Amy Boucher Pye Amy is a writer, speaker, editor and reviewer. She is also a vicar s wife and enjoys her two primaryschool-aged children. She blogs at amyboucherpye.com and tweets Dave Bookless Dave lives in multi-racial Southall with his wife Anne and four daughters. He works for A Rocha International and is also studying part-time for a PhD in the Theology of Nature Conservation. Cathy Le Feuvre Cathy is a writer, media consultant and communications trainer, specialising in communications for the Christian, faith and notfor-profit sectors. She previously worked for several years as Head of Media for the Salvation Army. Stef Liston Stef lives in Camden with his family, and helps to lead Revelation Church, London. Bekah Callow Bekah is married to Joel and together they work for Friends International in Norwich, balancing ministry from home with three children. Luke Smith Luke lives in York and is married to Hannah. They serve at G2, a satellite church of St Michael Le Belfrey. Luke works for Fusion, helping churches connect to students. Sarah-Jane Marshall Sarah-Jane works for LICC where she is developing resources to help people in their twenties integrate their Christian faith with their daily world. She lives in South London with her husband Joe. 2

3 Contents 1 From your editor 2 About your writers 4 Unlocking the Bible How to use Closer to God 5 Living in the meanwhile (continued) Katy Holbird on Philippians A golden age Michele Smart on 1 Kings A warning from Jesus Amy Boucher Pye on Matthew Speaking truth to power Dave Bookless on Jeremiah Essential reading! Cathy Le Feuvre on 2 Timothy and Titus 78 The king of hearts Stef Liston on 2 Chronicles God s perfect gift Bekah Callow on Luke 1,2 108 Real purpose Luke Smith on Ecclesiastes 1 4 Feature 56 The mission field right under our noses Sarah-Jane Marshall 3

4 Unlocking the power of the Bible The Bible is alive. Its covers contain the most powerful force in the universe: the Word of God. That s why when we read it the words can leap off the page and speak to us personally. These words have the ability to bring about change. The Bible is the handbook for life. Although it doesn t have a precise answer for every question, through reading it we come to know God s perspective and are able to make choices which will bring about good for ourselves and for our world. Reading your Bible with Closer to God, you re part of a worldwide family of people who read the Bible God s message to the world. To get the most out of the Bible you need to do two things: read it expectantly; read it regularly. Closer to God is designed to help you do this. The notes that accompany each reading aim to provide a pattern for meeting with God in his Word. As you listen to God each day, you ll get to know him better and learn to respond to him in love and obedience. Take time to be quiet and ask God to speak to you. There is a Bible verse from the day s reading at the beginning of each day s note. Read it (why not memorise it?), allow God to centre your thoughts on him and what he wants to say to you. Read the Bible. Sometimes there is a paragraph to introduce the Bible passage; sometimes we go straight to the Bible reading. Into the Bible What s the main point of this passage? What is God showing me about himself or about my life? Is there a promise or a command, a warning to take notice of, or example to follow? Let the suggestions or questions take you deeper into the Bible passage. Listen out for what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. Respond to what God has shown you in the Bible passage in worship and prayer for yourself and others. You might like to jot down some of your thoughts and prayers in one of the journal spaces. Decide how to share your discoveries with others in word and action. 4

5 SEPT 22 OCT 5 Introduction Living in the meanwhile Writer: Katy Holbird Paul s letter to the Philippians was urgent. Writing from prison, Paul had no idea how long he had to live or when Jesus might return. His challenge was to build up the growing church at Philippi. Paul knew that the key to a unified church was to encourage individuals in their faith and understanding of God s grace. As one transformed by Jesus, Paul knew this grace: as we engage with his words, let s pray that we too will have a fresh understanding of who we are in God. Work in me, Lord, so that I live for you and only you. This week s Bible: Philippians 3,4; Psalm 130 Read every day or some days. Here are the readings for this week: 3 Philippians 3: Philippians 3: Philippians 4:1 9 Weekend Philippians 4:10 23 Psalm 130 Find more at: 5

6 DAY 3 SEPT 29 OCT 5 God is enough But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:7,8 What gives you confidence? You might feel confident when others praise you; confident about your work or about your appearance. Wherever confidence is placed, says Paul, its root should be in God. Read: Philippians 3:1 11 By placing his assurance in God, Paul lost everything: his title, his personal freedom, even the skin on his back (2 Corinthians 11:23 25). Few of us will lose so much to gain Christ, but it is still hard to give our lives and everything in them to God. In surrendering we say that God is enough. > Paul uses strong language (v 2) to describe those whose confidence is not in God, but in circumcision. What is your reaction to those who don t share your dependence on grace? > Knowing Christ (v 8) does not happen as a result of a one-off encounter. It is a lifelong relationship that takes commitment and demands our attention. Ask God to help you further this relationship and know Christ more each day. > Paul s past pointed him to confidence in the world instead of God. Our histories are important, but our hope should be in God. Let s commit to him again today. Father God, you are my everything. Isaiah 61,62; Hebrews 12 6

7 SEPT 29 OCT 5 Being present DAY 4 Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14 Do you live in the present? It might seem a ridiculous question but so often we can find ourselves living in the future or in the past. Presentliving is sometimes hard to do: we wish that we were elsewhere, wish that things could be different. Despite losing everything else (v 8), Paul did not lose hope. He instructs us to forget what is behind, living in a way that is committed and certain: committed to Jesus and certain of a future in heaven. Read: Philippians 3:12 21 > In verse 12, the way Paul phrases his point shows that he knows it was Christ who took hold of him, not the other way round. But there is a need for reciprocity. Paul needs to press on, strain for and take hold of what Jesus holds out to him. > Paul s letters are full of the urgency to act (v 13). What things in your life might God want you to be more urgent about? > As Jesus wept for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), Paul weeps over those who don t know Christ (v 18). Who or what do you weep for? Ask God to renew your focus and prayers. Lord God, give me the strength to keep on running your race. Isaiah 63,64; Hebrews 13 7

8 DAY 5 SEPT 29 OCT 5 Your church needs YOU Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 4:1 It s easy to get lost in a church and to think that what you do or say makes no difference. No matter how big or small the church, Paul believes that every member of the body is vital if the church is to be as dynamic and effective as Christ intended. As we take on the responsibility of our own growth in Christ, Paul also calls Christians to take responsibility for keeping others accountable (v 3). The state of the church in the world depends on the state of every member s heart, including yours. Read: Philippians 4:1 9 > Paul does not go into details regarding the women s quarrel (v 2); instead he asks the Philippians to love their church and God enough to help those involved (vs 2,3). Is there any quarrel that you need to set aside for the sake of God s work? > Paul s image of peace is of a force that stands guard over a believer s heart and mind. Peace is not passive. Living in peace is not a metaphor for stepping back from problems. Father, may my day be marked by the peace that comes from you. Isaiah 65,66; John 1 8

9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Philippians 4:4 9

10 WEEKEND SEPT 29 OCT 5 Having enough I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12 What makes you content? As Paul closes his letter, he writes of contentment whatever the circumstances. The temptation in life is to view contentment as relative: we are content until we see something else to desire, at which time we stop being content and start believing we re in need. Paul s view of contentment is of a fixed entity: whatever and wherever, Paul is satisfied. This sort of contentment does not come naturally (vs11,12). Paul s contentment has been learned with diligence and through great hardship. It is a lesson that Christians must take responsibility for learning, doing so through him who gives [us] strength (v 13). Read: Philippians 4:10 23 > Paul gives thanks for the support material and pastoral that the Philippians have given. How do you, personally or with your church community, reach out to support people in their God-given work? > Paul ends the letter as he began, with grace. It is only through grace that we can live well in the meanwhile, working out God s purpose for the world. Thank you, Lord, for all you have done in my life. Wherever I find myself today, thank you that you will be there. Jeremiah 1,2; Psalms 112,113 10

11 SEPT 29 OCT 5 Looking up WEEKEND I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, And in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 This psalm is one of 15 songs of ascents, thought to be sung by pilgrims ascending the road to Jerusalem for a festival, and it describes the psalmist s journey towards assurance in God s hope. In this psalm, as in Paul s letter, we travel with a writer who has reached the end, weighed down by guilt and crying out for help. The cry is answered. In his grace, God does not allow Paul, the psalmist, you or me, to end there. As we wait on God there is forgiveness and the message that, however long the night seems, the morning is certain to come (v 6). Read: Psalm 130 > With God there is forgiveness (v 4). Whatever weighs on your heart, bring it to God, trusting that he will forgive. > God s grace is for you. Remind yourself of that truth and walk in the freedom of grace today. > How do you wait? Paul in prison waited expectantly for God s purpose to be known. Expect God in your waiting. It is often a precious time, however difficult or confusing it may seem. Where I have stopped expecting you, Lord, I am sorry. Give me the grace to wait well, knowledge of your unfailing love, and hope in your coming. Jeremiah 3,4; John 2 11

12 OCT 6 19 Introduction A golden age Writer: Michele Smart The torch is passed from King David to his successor. As promised, Solomon will build God s Temple. In these chapters we ll see the rise and rise of Solomon, as the people of Israel enjoy a golden age. Israel will enjoy a period of prosperity, growth and rest. But will it last? Will the people of Israel manage to remain faithful? Or is this golden age a pointer to an even greater age and indeed a greater King who is to come? Thank you, God, for your work to bless the world. Thank you that it is ultimately in Jesus that we enjoy a true golden age: blessings both now and in the future. This week s Bible: 1 Kings 1 4; Psalm 131 Read every day or some days. Here are the readings for this week: 1 1 Kings 1: Kings 1: Kings 2: Kings 3: Kings 3:16 28 Weekend 1 Kings 4:29 34 Psalm 131 Find more at: 12

13 OCT 6 12 A grab for power DAY 1 Now then, let me advise you how you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. Go in to King David and say to him, My lord the king, did you not swear to me your servant: Surely Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne? Why then has Adonijah become king? 1 Kings 1:12,13 Our story doesn t start well for Solomon. The great King David is now old and impotent and this leads to a power vacuum. But in difficult circumstances and despite the scheming of individuals God is always sovereign. Read: 1 Kings 1:1 27 > What clues do we have that King David is vulnerable and losing control (vs 1,4,5)? > Handsome, headstrong and impatient, Adonijah is clearly compared to David s son, the wayward Absalom, who lost his life after rebelling against David (2 Samuel 18). Adonijah cannot wait for his father to die before seeking power, and he is determined to give a show of strength (vs 5,9). But when it comes to leadership, what is God interested in? Read 1 Samuel 16:7. Wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others (Daniel 2:20,21). Thank you, God, for your might and strength. Jeremiah 5,6; John 3 13

14 DAY 2 OCT 6 12 A reversal I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place. 1 Kings 1:30 Solomon s life is in peril, and it seems certain that Adonijah will be king, but as is often the case in the Bible, a great reversal takes place. Sometimes decisive action is what s called for! Read: 1 Kings 1:28 53 > Contrast Adonijah s feast and all-round show of strength (1:5,19,25) with Solomon s symbol-laden accession to the throne (vs 33b,38 40). In a similar way, much later Jesus, God s ultimate king, enters Jerusalem on a donkey (see Matthew 21:1 11, which fulfils the promise of Zechariah 9:9). > There is nothing passive about the way in which Nathan, Bathsheba and David act to ensure Solomon becomes king. God s sovereignty is worked out through their actions. Don Carson writes, Trust in God s sovereign goodness is never an excuse for inactivity or indolence we must also avoid the pietism that is perennially in danger of collapsing trust into fatalism ( blogs/loveofgod/2013/09/29/1-kings-1-galatians-5-ezekiel-32- psalm-80/). Is there an area of your life where God might be asking you to take the initiative? Help me, God, to have wisdom and courage so that I can follow you courageously and decisively. Jeremiah 7,8; Psalms 114,115 14

15 OCT 6 12 A transition DAY 3 Observe what the Lord your God requires: walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go. 1 Kings 2:3 In a moving passage, David s reign ends and Solomon s begins. Will God s promise of a lasting royal house through David s line be fulfilled? David takes Solomon aside and tells him what really matters. Read: 1 Kings 2:1 12 > David tells Solomon to be strong. But in what context is this strength to be exercised (v 3)? > There is a tension here. God has promised David a royal house, an enduring kingdom (see 2 Samuel 7:11b 16) but David notes that obedience is crucial (v 4). The rest of 1 Kings will show the tension between God s promises to ensure David s line continues, and moral failure from God s people Israel. > Despite Israel s unfaithfulness, God s grace abounds and he keeps his promises. Ultimately it is Jesus who is the fulfilment of the promise Israel s King, the Anointed One from the Davidic line. Help me, Lord, to walk in your ways, dependent, reliant and obedient. Jeremiah 9,10; John 4 15