Author: William Douthwaite

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

A shipment of baboons

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Lisa Stockton on Unsplash

This is a “through the bible” devotion from 2 Chronicles 9.

I tend to zip through the books of Chronicles, but one verse slows me down and makes me smile. “Once every three years the ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks” (2 Chronicles 9:21).

The writer is describing the wealth of King Solomon, an ancient version of Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. Solomon didn’t have to do much to grow his assets. In addition to gold and silver, every explorer merchant, king, and governor who stopped by brought gold, silver, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules (9:24). And apes!

On the one hand, I have to wonder, “Why apes?” On the other hand, when you’ve got money to burn, why not? My research revealed that nobility would train baboons to climb palm trees and bring down coconuts. I suppose that’s like training your dog to bring in the newspaper in the morning.

Besides the parallel passage in 1 Kings 10, this is the only place that apes are mentioned in scripture. My trips to zoos always include time in the primate exhibit. Watching monkeys, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas is as entertaining as any movie or TV show. Baboons are fun to watch, but they usually don’t do much other than look back at me.

When the first Six Flags Great Adventure park opened in Jackson, NJ, it featured a drive-through safari which included a baboon exhibit. We had to keep our car windows closed because the apes would climb on the car and peer in the window at us. If your car had a vinyl landau roof, forget it. The baboons tore many to shreds!

Solomon didn’t have to worry about that. He had lots of chariots but no vinyl. Plus, I’m confident he had skilled trainers for his collection of palm-tree climbing, coconut grabbing baboons.

Posted in Advent devotions

Permanent light

Posted on by William Douthwaite

One of the trending decorations this Christmas season has been permanent lights for homes. I jumped on this bandwagon. Rather than re-hanging strings of lights from the edges of my roof, I now have permanent LED lights on the soffits. They will be red, green, and white for Christmas, but they will also be other colors for New Years, Valentines Day, Easter, patriotic holidays, and birthdays.

I love my pre-dawn and post-sunset walks around the neighborhood. Every year there’s a greater variety of lights, inflatables, yard signs, and projected displays on houses. Icicle lights appear to be dripping from roofs. Animated animals and snowmen wave from front Enormous spherical ornaments hang from trees. Some outdoor displays are creative. Some are tired and worn. Some look traditional. Some are abstract. But no two yards are the same.

Each brings light, reminding us of the light that Jesus brings. His light brings hope, healing, mercy, grace, and life to a world that is too often filled with dismal news.

Jesus’s light is permanent, too. It shines on our good days and bad. It’s there for times of celebration. Or times when we don’t feel like celebrating. His can never be overcome by the darkness.

The last ornament on our Jesse Tree is Jesus. The angel announce good news of great joy which will be for all people: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Those words were spoken to the shepherds, but the good news wasn’t only for them. It was for all people, including me and you.

Thanks for reading along this Advent and exploring the Jesse Tree with me.

Posted in Advent devotions

Sheep, shepherds, and angels

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash

The scriptures are full of sheep and shepherds.

Abel tended sheep. Abraham had sheep. Jacob knew how to breed sheep. Moses tended his father-in-law’s flock of sheep. David worked as a shepherd. Job had large flocks of sheep. Jerusalem had a designated sheep gate.

“And in the same region (Bethlehem) there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'” (Luke 2:8-14)

Were the shepherds the first to hear of Christ’s birth? Not really. God promised it in Genesis 3:15. Isaiah spoke about a child who would be born to assume the throne of David. Mary and Joseph both heard it from angels. Magi learned of it in the stars.

But on that actual night when Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid him in a manger, the angel and all the other angels brought the announcement to the shepherds in the Bethlehem hills. Angels are always around. They were present when God created the heavens and the earth. They spent an afternoon in Abraham’s tent. They climbed and descended the ladder to heaven in Jacob’s dream. They shut the lions’ mouths to save Daniel in the lion’s den. They ministered to Jesus after his temptation in the desert. They were on alert but stood down when the mob came to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane. They were at the empty tomb to let the women know that Jesus was alive on the third day. The angles will accompany him when he comes again in glory.

Angels are always around, we just don’t get to see and hear them like the Bethlehem shepherds. Not yet, anyway. They’ll be there when we join them and all creatures to praise and worship him (Revelation 5:13).

The shepherds who heard the angels went to see the baby, and then went and told what they had seen. They become some of the first to witness the incarnation and proclaim it. So let’s give them an ornament on the Jesse Tree.

Posted in Advent devotions

Catching a glimpse of Jesus

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Julia Андрэй on Unsplash

I always smile when I hear the sound of a baby in church. Whether it’s happy noises or demanding cries, I love the sound of infants in worship. When I was preaching, I knew I’d have to turn up the volume. Sitting behind a little one meant I would have a hard time concentrating on the pastor’s message. Vibrations from down below let me know I better speed up the baptism and hand that one back to mom. A loud burp from the back row announced a good meal was finished and a nap would soon follow.

Simeon was in the temple when Joseph and Mary brought the one-month old Jesus for presentation. The Holy Spirit promised Simeon he would not die until he saw the Christ (Luke 2:26). Where would he see the Messiah? Would he see a baby or a grown-up?

He had no idea until Jesus’s parents brought him into the temple that day. And then knew. Simeon took the baby in his arms, blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:29,30).

It’s a powerful moment. Suddenly, Simeon is no longer immortal. He has seen the Christ, and one day would see death. On the other hand, having seen the one who defeated death, Simeon would not perish but have everlasting life.

The baby Jesus was fully human, and he would one day die. He was also fully divine, and he would be raised to life on the third day. Because of all he came to be and do, believers embrace both mortality and resurrection, too.

We are reminded of that truth whenever we catch a sight of Jesus. Sometimes our Lord looks like someone we can help with food or shelter. Other times, he looks like one who brings healing to our lives. His glory might peek out from behind the clouds. Sometimes it fills a dark starry night. It might be a bite of bread and sip of wine. Or a friend who wipes away a tear on his behalf.

Simeon gets an ornament on the Jesse Tree. He faithfully waited for, saw the light, and boldly proclaimed Christ’s arrival.

Posted in Advent devotions

Warming up the audience

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Before the featured comedian takes the stage, there’s always few up-and-coming funny guys and gals whose job is to get the crowd laughing. This is their chance to showcase their material and land some future gigs.

John the Baptist, just six months older than Jesus, had the distinction of being his cousin. They kind of met when their pregnant moms got together. In the presence of the unborn incarnate Jesus, John jumped inside his mother.

Do you think they ever spent time together before Jesus shows up at the Jordan to be baptized by John? I like to think they did. As John’s popularity goes through the roof and everyone comes out to hear his preaching and get baptized, He knows he’s just the warm up act for the headliner. And he knows how to stir the crowd into a frenzy. His preaching gets them prepared for the advent of the long-awaited Savior.

John’s is a bittersweet role. Sure, he’s insanely popular, but he has remind his audience that he’s not the Christ. He’s never going to be the star. His popularity will wane as Jesus’s grows. His disciples would abandon him to follow Jesus. He’s not the one. Not even close. Not even good enough to tie Jesus’s shoes.

You and I can’t change people. We want to. But we can’t fix anyone. Only God can do that. All we can do is give people a little taste of what his love, mercy, and forgiveness is like. We can be the appetizer.

John the Baptist gets an ornament on the Jesse Tree. He is the fulfillment of a promised “voice in the wilderness” that gets people ready for the Advent of the Lord. (When John baptizes Jesus, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove.)

Posted in Advent devotions

Doing good things and God things

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Ryno Marais on Unsplash

In Matthew’s account of Jesus’s birth, Joseph believes he is doing the right thing. When Mary was found to be with child, he didn’t want to shame her, so he resolved to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19). While it was the right thing to do according to the law of Moses, it wasn’t God had in mind for Joseph.

Like another Joseph from long ago, this Joseph has a dream in which an angel of the Lord tells him to take Mary as his wife. Her son was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and he would save his people from their sins, just as the prophet Isaiah had said.

Joseph’s life turned out completely different than anything he could have imagined. The family would have to take a trip to Egypt to save Jesus’s life when Herod slaughtered the children in Bethlehem. He would raise God’s son in Nazareth as his own.

Joseph taught carpentry to the one who laid the foundations of the earth. Joseph worshiped alongside the one who would be worshiped by every nation, tribe, peoples, and language.

What a privilege to work and worship alongside the Lord. Since he is Immanuel – God with us – we get to do that too. This truth adds perspective to every task and prayer we offer up!

Of course Joseph gets an ornament on the Jesse Tree. He’s “of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4) and served as a faithful father to Jesus.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

A servant of the Lord

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

How did you feel when you found out your first child was on the way? It’s a totally new experience, uncharted waters, virgin territory. It is hard to describe how much your life changes the moment you find out you’re expecting your first child. It’s a combo meal of excitement, fear, apprehension, and joy. A new life is entering the world!

With three children of our own and a tenth (!) grandchild on the way, I can report that the excitement never wanes. I can also attest that they grow up so quickly. And I can recommend that you enjoy every moment along the way.

Jesus’ birth announcement comes through an angel who visits Mary. Her pregnancy is impossible. It’s a fulfillment of prophecy. It’s awkward. It’s God’s plan. And it is what everyone has been waiting for.

God’s plans often seem messy, inconvenient, awkward, and embarrassing. But Mary just goes with it. When Gabriel makes the big announcement, she replies, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful answer makes my faith look like chopped liver. How willing am I to abandon my plans and just go with whatever God has in mind? If I am honest, not very.

But God already knew how Mary would respond. He already knew what kind of a woman she was. He created her. He created her for this moment and for this task. He knew she would be willing to be the one who brought a Savior into the world.

God knows all about me, too. And my family. Sometimes we fit into his plan by having children and raising them in the faith. That’s one of the most important jobs of all, isn’t it?

Mary gets an ornament on the Jesse Tree, the mother of our Lord and a great example of being a servant of God.

Posted in Advent devotions

Your prayer has been heard

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash

Zechariah was just doing his job. He burned incense in the temple, a symbol of prayers reaching God in heaven. It was an honor. A privilege. A duty.

In the cloud of smoke created by burning incense, an angel of the Lord appears and says to Zechariah, “Your prayer has been heard” (Luke 1:13).

Zechariah had been praying, too. He had been praying for his wife, for his family, and for his future. Both he and his wife Elizabeth were older and had no children. I imagine his prayer was simple. “Lord, could we just have a child?”

I’ll bet your prayer list is filled with petitions for friends, family, and those you hardly know. You got the prayer email, and now you come to the throne of God’s grace, confidently asking for his mercy for all these friends and strangers. Nice job. And of course, you slip in your own requests, too.

Zechariah, God has heard your prayers. God is going to answer your prayer. You are going to be a father! You and Elizabeth are going to have a son.

And not just any son. Their son would be John the Baptist. He was be part of God’s plan to bring a Savior to the world. His bold preaching would prepare the way for the Lord. Zechariah and Elizabeth were a part of God’s plan!

None of us ever know how we or our children will be a part of God’s plan. I read somewhere that a person’s path to the Lord was paved with many stones, that is, people who play a part in God reaching someone with his love and mercy. You never know which of those stones you are.

So just keep doing your job and saying your prayers. You never know when an angel or God himself will show up with an unexpected message or blessing.

Zechariah gets an ornament on the Jesse Tree, the father of the one whose voice would be heard in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”

Posted in Advent devotions

God’s building project

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Di on Unsplash

Nehemiah didn’t have to say a word. The king could see it in his face. Nehemiah was upset about the ruined walls and burnt out gates of Jerusalem.

The king knew Nehemiah’s sadness wouldn’t go away all by itself. He asks Nehemiah, “What do you want?”

Nehemiah makes a big, bold ask. “Send me there to rebuild the city, and provide the resources to do it.” Amazingly, the king grants his request! Why? It was the hand of God (Nehemiah 1:8).

Despite the overwhelming task and local opposition, the people get the walls rebuilt in fifty-two days. I believe that’s pretty good when you consider they had no heavy equipment or power tools. Plus, they worked with tools and materials in one hand and a sword, spear, or bow in the other.

God tears down and repairs walls. In Ephesians 2, Paul describes how Jesus tore down dividing walls by his blood. Then, God puts up a new structure, a dwelling place for his Spirit, built with believers on the foundation of the prophetic and apostolic scriptures, “with Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20,21). Against all odds and opposition, God builds his church, a place where our lives are safe and secure.

Nehemiah gets an ornament on the Jesse Tree, reminding us of God’s amazing construction project. If you’ve read this far, be sure to go listen to Gold City sing “God’s Building a Church.”