Category: Through the Bible Devotions

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Therapeutic touch

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Matthew 8.

A leper came to [Jesus] and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:2-3)

Jesus didn’t have to touch this man to heal him. He can heal just by speaking. He can heal at a distance, too. He heals a centurion’s servant without going to his house. Jesus heals other lepers while they are on their way to be pronounced clean by a priest.

But sometimes Jesus touches a person to heal them. He touches the blind and the deaf to restore their lost senses. I’m not sure why he does or doesn’t.

I just remember that no one could come near or touch God in the Old Testament. When God was in the cloud on top of Mount Sinai, no one could get near the mountain except for Moses. If you touched it, you died. That same God, in the flesh, now touches people and gives them life.

How do you think that felt? What would it be like to shake Jesus’s hand? What about a hug? Would that be a powerful moment? Do you imagine Jesus’s hands to be rough and calloused? Was his healing touch gentle or firm?

Some people are very touchy when they talk. They reach out and touch your arm or hand as a natural extension of their words. That doesn’t bother me, but I notice it when someone converses with frequent touch. Maybe it’s their way of connecting, of making sure you’re paying attention.

A touch to my ribs makes me jump. The grasp of a little hand reassures me that a grandchild is safe with me. I’m glad when someone grabs my arm so I don’t bump into someone. I’m annoyed when someone bumps into me.

Touch can mean a lot of different things. I imagine Jesus’s touch to communicate love, life, and security.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

“Good eye!”

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Mason McCall: https://www.pexels.com

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Matthew 6.

It’s fall baseball season in Florida, and we’ve been going to a lot of my grandsons’ games. The younger seven-year-old is playing in a machine pitch rec league, where every batter gets five pitches. The older is playing on an Under 10 kid pitch league, with umpires calling balls and strikes.

When a batter takes a pitch high and inside or low and away, someone in the stands always encourages them, “Good eye!” It takes time to learn how to not swing at a ball outside of the strike zone.

That’s the first thing I thought of this time around Matthew 6 when Jesus talks about a “good eye.”

[Jesus said,] “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (Matthew 6:22,23)

What does it mean to have a “good eye” in God’s kingdom? I think it means you see things from Christ’s perspective. You view eternal treasures in heaven as worth pursuing, rather than the earthly that too quickly slip through your fingers. You see God as provider, assuaging anxiety about your daily needs. You give, pray, and fast with a focus on God rather than recognition from others.

That sounds like a good prayer request. “Lord, give me a ‘good eye’ so that I have less anxiety as I pursue worthwhile things. Help me see you at work in my life, past, present, and future. Open my eyes to see the wonderful things you have created and provided.”

Every morning when you wake up, you’re up to bat. You (and I) are going to need a good eye!

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Remember who he is and who you are

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Matthew 3 and 4.

In no time at all (just a few verses) the reassuring voice from heaven that declares, “This is my beloved son” (Matthew 3:17) is challenged by the tempter’s words, “If you are the son of God…” (4:3,6). In other words, prove it. Lemme see what you can do. Let’s see if you’re the real deal.

How often do we feel the need to prove ourselves? How often do we want those around us to see what we’ve accomplished and what we’ve accumulated. From standing on a swimming pool diving board shouting, “Watch me” to social media posts that amplify our simple lives to look amazing, we’re out to show the world we’re the real deal. We’ve got it together.

You know, if you know who you are, you’ve got nothing to prove. Jesus didn’t take the bait. He didn’t have to prove anything. He knew who he was. He heard it from the big guy himself.

Jesus deflects the devil’s temptations with simple basic verses from Deuteronomy.

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

“‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
    and him only shall you serve.’”

If we were to daily keep those words in mind, it would give us a proper frame of reference. That Old Covenant stuff is still useful. Don’t expect to pull it out when temptation comes. You’re not that good. Get it in front of you early in the day, so that you remember who God is, and you don’t forget who God is.

Let’s make sure the devil has his hands full with those who are full of God’s word!

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Drifting

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Malachi.

By the time we get to the book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, God’s people have been back from exile for about one hundred years. During that time, they have drifted back into some old habits.

  • They are bringing imperfect animals for their sacrifices. The law clearly states that offerings must be without blemish. Anyone can spare a blind, sick, or lame animal. What kind of a sacrifice is that?
  • The priests are not teaching teaching the curriculum entrusted to them. God doesn’t grade on the curve. It’s important to stick with the lesson plan.
  • Couples are divorcing at an alarming rate. God had other, better plans for marriage.
  • Tithes and offerings are down. People have forgotten that God will always give you more than you give him. (What church hasn’t addressed this at the end of a fiscal year?)

It’s a perfect example of how anyone can drift away from God and his ways. It doesn’t happen in a week, a month, or a year. But over decades, disciplines begin to slip. You skip a workout here and there, and suddenly, you’re only getting to the gym twice a week. A weekly phone call becomes twice a month. You cancel one dental cleaning, you blink your eyes, and suddenly it’s been two years. One travel weekend, one sick child weekend, one guests-town-weekend, and just like that you’ve missed three weeks of worship. That’s all it takes to establish a new habit.

God is not happy, but he’s not surprised by any of this. He graciously sends prophets to call people to account, to repentance, and to restoration.

It’s kind of like wading out into the ocean. You’re enjoying the warm air and the cool water. Then you look up and realize the currents have pulled you away from the place where you set up beach chairs and cooler. How did that happen?

A loving God lets us drift, but never too far away. He loves us too much. He speaks, he warns, he sends prophets, he disciplines, he loves us too much to let us drift too far away.

So the book of Malachi is both a warning and assurance that God is serious about us and our lives.

How far have you drifted? How far have I drifted?

Whoa. I’ve gotten through the Old Testament. Again. It’s been a long journey. Are you still with me?

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

I didn’t hear you

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com

“Did you hear what I said?”

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening.”

How often do you think two people have that little conversation? No doubt daily around the world in every language. A noisy world drowns out the voices speaking to us. You weren’t listening because that voice in your head captured your attention. You didn’t hear the kitchen timer go off, and burnt the cookies. You slept through last night’s thunderstorm. In the airport, a voice repeatedly summons a person to a TSA checkpoint to retrieve and item they lost there. Everyone heard it – that person.

In the Old Testament book of Zechariah, God is not happy. “They refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear” (Zechariah 7:11) It’s not that God’s people didn’t hear him. They stuck their fingers in their ears, shutting out every prophetic command and warning.

The consequence of their intentional deafness is severe. “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the Lord of hosts” (7:12). Hang up on God when he calls? He’ll be sure to hang up on you when you need to talk to him!

What did God say that was so offensive that they put their hands over their ears? God had told them (again) to be honest, kind, and merciful to each other (7:9). That’ it.

It wasn’t actually a hearing problem. It was more like an obedience problem. Everyone was willing to feast and sometimes fast (7:5,6). In other words, an occasional spiritual ritual was fine. Just don’t ask them to be nice to someone else. Nurturing selfishness means changing the channel so you don’t have to listen to God.

What is it that I don’t want to hear? When do I tune God out? Can I just pretend I didn’t hear that question?

When I’m busy. When it’s not convenient. When I already know what to do. When it interferes with my plans. When I’ve heard it all before. When it makes me feel guilty. When he’s right and I’m wrong.

People often wonder why God hasn’t responded to their prayers. They can’t figure out why he’s not listening. Maybe we’re the ones who need to listen before we open our mouths.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Under construction

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Gennifer Miller on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from the Old Testament book of Haggai.

“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” (Haggai 1:4)

In post-exilic Jerusalem, everyone’s time is consumed working on their homes. Of course they need a place to live. But they haven’t gotten around to rebuilding the temple. The focus on day-to-day living left them little energy for their spiritual lives.

Working a job, raising a family, and maintaining a home demands much time and energy. Getting everyone up and out the door for an hour of worship is no simple task. Even when you do it for a living (like a pastor), squeezing God into life is challenging.

God knows this. Ultimately he builds his temple out of people, “a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). Instead of waiting for us to make room for him, God makes room for us in his church. Instead of God being a part of what I’m doing, I’m a part of what he’s doing. Rather than waiting for me to invite him into my life, he invites me into his. Pretty clever, huh?

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Going to church with Jesus

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Zephaniah 3.

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
    shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
    O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
    he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
    let not your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:14-17)

The book of Zephaniah begins with disturbing descriptions of “the day of the Lord,” world wide destruction that includes Judah and Jerusalem. Rampant idolatry will come to an end with distress and anguish, ruin and devastation, darkness and gloom (1:15).

But the final chapter ends with singing, shouting, and rejoicing. The most amazing part? The Lord is right there in the middle of it all, rejoicing, exulting, and singing. In other words, the Lamb who is at the center of praises in John’s visions of heaven (Revelation 5) is right there with his people in worship.

It makes perfect sense. Our great high priest is like us in every way. He is fully human in our world, going to synagogue on the Sabbath and festivals in Jerusalem. I really like the image of Jesus going to church with his people.

I truly believe Jesus would love to be in church, at home in every form of worship found in any and every denomination. From quiet moments of prayer to joyful singing, Jesus wouldn’t miss a moment.

Churches have long been divided by worship style, language, and meeting place. The presence of Jesus in each and every place destroys those distinctions.

I just hope you like being with him as much as he enjoys being with you!

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Lessons from Habakkuk on Sin and Judgment

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Habakkuk.

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
    and you will not save? (Habakkuk 1:2)

Habakkuk’s displeasure with God sounds familiar. Why doesn’t God do something? Why doesn’t God do something about the violence, wickedness, and injustice going on all around us?

It’s a great question. Why doesn’t God do something? Why does he seem remote, aloof, and unconcerned about our situation? From our limited point of view, there are two answers. Either God doesn’t care, or God can’t fix it.

God’s response is shocking. He’s assembling the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to sweep through and put an end to the horrible behavior and inexcusable idolatry of God’ people.

Well, that’s one way to deal with the problem, isn’t it? Let’s bring in an even great evil. Let’s burn down the house because the roof leaks. Cut a hole in a shirt to get rid of a stain. Trade in the car for a new one because the brakes are squealing. Put the TV on the curb because of an offensive word from a person in one episode of one TV show.

Would you consider any of those things be an overreaction? I would. Fix the roof. Remove the stain. Repair the brakes. Patch the roof. Watch a different TV show.

Clearly their sin was beyond repair. Their sin and idolatry called for extreme measures. Like foreign invasion. Destruction. Exile.

Bottom line: don’t challenge God unless you are willing to hear some hard truths about your sin, his holiness, and judgment.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

God’s got a lot of pieces

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by T.J. Breshears on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Nahum. Chances are you haven’t read the Old Testament book of Nahum for a while. Or ever. I’ll do my best to pique your interest.

The Old Testament book of Nahum begins with a list of God’s attributes

  • Jealous
  • Avenging
  • Wrathful
  • Slow to anger
  • Powerful
  • Indignant
  • Angry
  • Good
  • A stronghold

Interesting. Is that how you think of God? If so, do you find it easy to talk to him? I think most people either think of God as a nice guy or aloof and detached. You either love God and what he’s doing, or you’re disappointed and wonder what he’s up to. You like him or hate him. He’s either your safe place, or your worst nightmare. It’s a challenging dichotomy.

Nahum challenges us to think of God in terms of all his attributes. Not just love and forgiveness. Not just righteousness and justice. Not just kindness. Not just wrath.

Instead, the whole package.

A friend of mine said it was like one of those huge cheesecakes you bought at a big box wholesale food store. Sixteen slices of cheesecake all different. God is like that whole variety pack. You never get just slice or attribute. You get the whole thing. Wrath and mercy. Justice and grace. Forgiving and avenging. A whole bunch of opposite traits that compliment each other, comprising a God who isn’t so easy to comprehend.

So how will you (I) respond? Run from a wrathful God? Or run to a stronghold God? Avoid a jealous God? Or pursue a good God? Try to assuage an angry God, or be thankful that he is “slow to anger?”

Yeah, I know. We don’t have God all figured out. And that’s the way it’s supposed to be. He’s way more powerful than we know. And he is far more personal than we realize.

In Nahum, God cares about what the nations are doing, not just people. He sees the big picture. And he knows our personal challenges. It all matters to him.