This afternoon I made a trip to the Capitol, to testify on an anti-oil and gas bill. It was a long hearing with many witnesses. I returned to Fort Collins to join my HOA board meeting late and then finally return home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted.” Judges 17:6 HCSB “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  Judges 21:25 HCSB

All of the challenges, faults and failures of God’s people in the days of the judges is reflected in the verses above. What is repeated should get our attention. At the end the life of Samson considered the final judge of Israel (unless you count Samuel) is the striking observation about the spiritual condition of Israel. It is repeated as the last words of the book.

Consider the words of Proverbs 29:18 “When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.” (CEB) “If a nation is not guided by God, the people will lose self-control, but the nation that obeys God’s law will be happy.” (ERV)

This is certainly what was taking place among God’s people. While there was no political King, there was a leader of the people. God was to be their leader and in the forefront of their hearts and minds. His law was to be the guard rails for the trajectory of their lives.

However they lost sight of God, they were distracted by the nations around and their gods and they were out of control in their behavior. They embraced idolatry and lost their way. It is said of the tribe of Dan, “The Danites set up the carved image for themselves. Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the Danite tribe until the time of the exile from the land.” (Judges 18:30 HCSB) That means their idolatry lasted for hundreds of years.

It is said of Samson, as he lost his strength and became a slave to the Philistines, “When he awoke from his sleep, he said, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” (Judges 16:20 HCSB)

Losing our focus on the Lord results in throwing off constraint and becoming insensitive to the ways of the Lord. We assume that the Lord is with us when we begin following our own ways and ignore His. This is why the first commandment is so important. Serving God and Him alone, keeps our focus on Him. We are reminded that He is God and that we are accountable to Him.

When we make ourselves (or anything else) “our own god” we quickly lose our way and “go off the rails.” That is so much at the heart of post-modern philosophy of no right or wrong and “doing what makes me happy.” However, true happiness is found in loving God and obeying Him.

For those who believe people are “basically good” need to examine the lives of God’s people during the days of the Judges. They also need to just look around them at those who live by “their own rules.” You will find that God’s ways are the best and that scripture is true when it says, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?“ (Jeremiah 17:9 NLT)

This morning Paul Irwin and I took off at 4:30 a.m. to get him to the airport for an early morning flight to D.C. I returned home and after a while, went back to bed to get caught up on some rest. Later in the day I went to Greeley to participate in a radio interview. This evening are some local candidate forums that I will attend.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God, give Your justice to the king and Your righteousness to the king’s son. He will judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people and the hills, righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor.”  Psalm 72:1-4 HCSB

This prayer of David’s was not just for himself, but his son Solomon who would follow him on his throne. Our world and government today is different from the monarchies of old. But in these few verses and in the entirety of the psalm are some insights into godly or righteous rule.

Even though governments and governmental structures change, there are some divine principles that transcend time and order. Two words, “justice” and “righteousness” are the foundation to any government system. Justice has to do with “fairness” and the execution of laws in a way that punishes wrong doers and rewards those who follow the laws. Even in our world today, the “innocent suffer for the guilty.” Instead of holding the guilty accountable, many laws end up creating additional burdens on those who are following the rules and conducting themselves and their business properly.

Righteousness involves doing the “right thing, for the right reasons.” The highest standard is to be “right” in God’s eyes. Often the laws of man, run contrary to the righteousness of God. When that happens a society and the people suffer the consequences. Doing “right” and being “right” are both important for solid governance.

Righteous governance means looking out for and defending the oppressed and bringing the weight of power against the oppressor. It is important for victims, not to be victimized by the system that is set up to punish the oppressor. Too often in our world today, we see that happening.

Righteous government is willing to help those who are oppressed and to bring assistance to those who “can’t help themselves” until they are restored to a position of productivity. The call is to “…vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor.”

When this happens it not only brings peace and stability to people’s lives but prosperity. Economic development is found in moral development and the exercise of justice and righteousness. Solomon reminds us, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7 ESV) I believe the same is the reward of righteous government. When Solomon ruled as a wise and righteous King, the nation enjoyed unprecedented peace and prosperity. When he turned his back on the Lord, all that began to unravel. 

God’s Word provides a road map, that if followed in principle even in our day, can bring the blessings of the Lord and blessings for people.

This morning, I took my friend Paul Irwin with me to our Tuesday prayer connection with some elected officials. I then had my morning Bible Study with the residents at Morning Star Assisted Living. Paul and I joined Dick and  Ruth Foth for lunch. It was a great opportunity to connect and share with those who are making such an impact on others through their lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When Gideon died, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals and made Baal-berith their god.  The Israelites did not remember the Lord their God who had delivered them from the power of the enemies around them. They did not show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) for all the good he had done for Israel.”  Judges 8:33-35 HCSB

The story of Gideon is one of the most detailed of the judges in the Bible.  God calls Gideon from a place of hiding. He takes this unlikely hero and turns him into a brave warrior. As Gideon calls out men to battle, the Lord soon reduces the ranks to 300 men. Gideon and his army with the Lord’s help defeat the Midianites and throw off their oppression.

All of this took place so that God’s people who had disobeyed and were suffering the consequences of their disobedience would turn to the Lord and serve Him only and faithfully. But we see that the people desired to make Gideon their King.

Gideon’s response, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” (Judges 8:23 HCSB) For reasons not known, Gideon collected from the people some of the spoils of war and made an ephod, or breastplate. Perhaps this was to serve a memorial to the victory the Lord had won; but the people treated it as an idol and it even became a “snare to Gideon and his family.”

After all the victories, Gideon dies, the people return to their idolatry, they forget about Gideon, the victories won and most important that it was the Lord who had gone before them and delivered them.

As I reflect on these events, I am struck by how easy it is for us to neglect to recognize the source of our strength, provisions and deliverance. The Lord has made it clear the He was the One who had made Gideon successful. The Lord chose an unlikely person, with an inadequate army to show that He was the One who brought the victory. But instead the people wanted to make Gideon King and then they made an idol out of a souvenir from the spoils battle.

Gideon tried to direct the people’s attention to focus on the Lord and stay loyal to Him, but it seems that was not acceptable to the people. They were fixed on what they “could see” – whether a king or ephod, or idol or some object. This strikes a the heart of the first commandment, “thou shalt have no others gods before me.” What we see is when the first commandment is broken, all others fall by the wayside. That is what happened over the years in the moral decline of God’s people.

Next we see how when Gideon was gone, who he was and what he had accomplished were soon forgotten. It is important for us to remember that our lives stand on the foundation of the “victories” of others. That may relate to those who have fought for our freedoms. It may be parents and past generations who worked and sacrifice, so that a future generation might enjoy a “better life.”

In our life it is important for us to continually recognize God’s divine intervention into our lives. We can be and need to be thankful for those whom God uses. But we most not give to others the glory that is due to the Lord. At the same time, we need to value the contribution of others and the difference they make in our life, nation and world. It is so easy to forget the impact of those of the past in seeking, heroes in the present. It is the “heroes” of the past that should provide the encouragement and dedication needed in the present.

Perhaps all of this is summarized in the New Testament Book of Hebrews, “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,  keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1,2 HCSB)

This morning I headed to Denver and connected with Christian. I ended up buying a “new” really the same car that I have. It is the same color and make only two years newer with 53,000 less miles. I am pleased that my friend Paul Irwin is visiting from Washington, D.C. We had lunch with Christian before returning to Fort Collins. Paul will be our guest speaker at the Timberline Men’s meeting tonight.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “At the same time the Benjaminites did not drive out the Jebusites who were living in Jerusalem. The Jebusites have lived among the Benjaminites in Jerusalem to this day.”  Judges 1:21 HCSB

There is saying that is related to not doing a job well, “good enough for government work.” As a former politician, I should take offense at that, but I have to admit I have used it in the past, when I gave up and “stopped short” of doing a job completely well.

Joshua instructed and warned God’s people, “Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you do not turn from it to the right or left and so that you do not associate with these nations remaining among you...So be very diligent to love the Lord your God for your own well-being.  For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations remaining among you, and if you intermarry or associate with them and they with you, know for certain that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations out before you. They will become a snare and a trap for you, a scourge for your sides and thorns in your eyes…” (Joshua 23:6-7;11-13 HCSB)

After Joshua died, God’s people under the leadership of the priests and the leaders of the tribes of Israel moved to complete the conquest of the Promised Land. This transition would have been the most challenging. No more, “out front” dynamic leader. They had to trust and obey the Lord completely.

Judah moves out and is successful in accomplishing its task. The various tribes move in to take possession of their inheritance and they are successful….almost. They occupy, but don’t conquer. First we read the “…Benjaminites did not drive out the Jebusites…” It notice that it did not say they, “could not” but they “did not.” The clear instructions from the Lord was to not make peace with the people of the land. They were not to intermarry and commingle and “co-exist.”

It is important to realize that the reason for this is that the Lord was using His people as instruments of judgment against the idolatry, wickedness and bloodshed of the Canaanite nations. They were not to tolerate, be tempted by or participate in their sins.

We then begin to read, “Manasseh failed to take possession…Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites…Zebulun failed to drive out the residents of Kitron…Asher failed to drive out the residents of Acco…Naphtali did not drive out the residents of Beth-shemesh…” (Judges 1:27-33 HCSB) 

One by one the tribes made head way, they had some victories, but they settled for less than God’s best and did not fully obey the Lord. As a result of not fully obeying the Lord, they did not fully receive the blessings the Lord had for them. In time we see that the compromises of one generation, become the norm for the next.

The Angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I brought you out of Egypt and led you into the land I had promised to your fathers. I also said: I will never break My covenant with you. You are not to make a covenant with the people who are living in this land, and you are to tear down their altars. But you have not obeyed Me. What is this you have done? Therefore, I now say: I will not drive out these people before you. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a trap for you.” When the Angel of the Lord had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly .”  (Judge 2:1-4 HCSB)

The nagging question of the angel is, “what is this you have done?” It clearly shows that God had not failed; but the people stopped short of following God’s full instructions and took the attitude, “that’s good enough…we can live with this outcome.”

Do we today settle for less than God’s best for us? Do we partially obey and settle for a “partial blessing”? Do we too quickly “give up on God” and fail to believe for anything but the best for our lives and that of our family? Do we settle for obedience in “some” areas of our life, but not all?

The Lord did not leave or abandon His people. But their willingness to go only “so far” resulted in generations of disobedience, hardship and experiencing less than “God’s best.” The people had declared to Joshua, “…We will worship the Lord our God and obey Him.” (Joshua 24:24 HCSB)   The big idea or question is, “God will always be faithful to His word; will we be to ours?”

This morning I conducted my chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. After a rest time this afternoon, I was outside cleaning the inside of my car, which I haven’t done in a long time. My son has found me a car, just like the one I have, except two years newer and 50,000 fewer miles.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every impurity.  In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.“ Matthew 23:27,28 HCSB

If we pay attention, we find Jesus speaking some very stern words. Words of rebuke, even a few “put downs.” He called Herod, “that fox.” Jesus’ constant enemies were those who were the most religious and dedicated to the Law of Moses.

It is almost surprising that Jesus begins his rebuke of the Pharisees by telling His disciples,  ^“Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it.“ (Matt. 23:3 HCSB) The reason was not because of the correctness of their teaching, but the position of authority they held, that deserved respect. Jesus did go on and say, “But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach.“ (Matt. 23:4 HCSB)

The biggest fault of the Pharisees was not their “man-made” laws and rituals, it was the fact they they ignored the laws that they made. They wanted others to follow them, but they found an “out” for themselves. As a result they became a hindrance in bringing people to God. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in.“ (Matt. 23:13 HCSB)

Jesus message was, a “whosoever” message. In the words of Isaiah, it was “come.” Come and find life. Repent, change your life and embrace God’s kingdom. However the Scribes and Pharisees were more concerned about their own “kingdom.” Jesus represented a threat to their authority and that is what eventually lead to their plan to have Him crucified. Jesus speaks eight “woes” (recorded in Matthew 23) to the Scribes and Pharisees that address their hypocritical actions.

The Scribes and Pharisees in their superior attitude were not even aware of their condition. They believed that if they “looked” the part, that is all that was required. Jesus told them, “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence! Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so the outside of it may also become clean.” (Matt. 23:25,26 HCSB)

In condemning the Pharisee focus on the exterior, Jesus tells them how real change comes. Real change comes from the “inside out.” That is why Jesus came. He came so that our hearts could be right with God. And when our hearts are right, our actions will be right.

The one “woe” Jesus spoke that has always got my attention is when he said, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every impurity.” (Matt. 23:27 HCSB) While this is another way to bring contract to the outside and the inside of a life, it is a very vivid word picture.

Jesus came to bring correction and true change. He brings life, where there is death. He makes clean, that which is dirty. He brings hope, where there has been despair. He brings healing, where there has been sickness.

The hope that we need is a Savior, who rescues us from our own failures. Whether by default or deception, no one can “live” the perfect life. Perhaps the greatest “hypocrite” today is the one who claims they don’t need Christ’s forgiveness and they can make it to heaven on their own. Only when we realize our need, can we find a solution to our need.

This morning Debbie and I connected with Sue and Sam Schmidt for breakfast. It was good to be together again. Their dog had a “sleep over” with us while they conducted a small group meeting a their house. Sam then helped me pick up a show base and some supplies for our basement project. We are looking forward to seeing that effort move forward.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Jesus called them over and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave;  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.”   Matthew 20:25-28 HCSB

There is nothing that can disrupt an effort like “division among the ranks.” This account of, “who will be greatest in Jesus’ kingdom” is significant for several reasons. In addition to learning important principles about God’s kingdom, it could have been a source of ongoing resentment, mistrust and division among the disciples.

Jesus had tried to prepare His disciples about His eventual death and resurrection. While they did  not grasp the significant of it all at the time, it does seem at least one person, realized that future glory was in store for Jesus. That person was the mother of James and John.

Perhaps as good “Jewish mother” she was just looking out for “her boys.” This picture is like someone approaching a King, asking for special permission or favor. Who Jesus was and what He said, had not escaped this observant mother. Bringing her two boys with her, she asks Jesus to show them special favor and honor in His coming kingdom.

Jesus response was two-fold. First, that “honor” would be given as a result of not just sovereign favoritism, but earned through much suffering and “passing the test.” Then we see that they had to be disappointed when Jesus told them, it “is not Mine to give; instead, it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” (Matt. 20:23 HCSB)

We then see this requested was made in the presence of the others or they soon heard about it. Their response? “They were indignant.” (Matt. 20:24 HCSB) Was their rage out of jealousy or the “inappropriateness” of the request or some other reason? I believe we can assume it was the former. Jesus had recently told them, “…when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.“ (Matthew 19:28 HCSB)

Jesus did not just ignore the situation or just rebuke James or John, or tell the disciples to “just knock it off.” Instead, He said, “let’s talk.” He used this as a teaching moment and a moment of clarification between the world they knew and world they would inherit. The kingdom by whose principles they were to live.

In the world they knew, people used power and position as status and an opportunity to command the respect and the attention and obedience of others. The person of power is “above” all others.

Jesus words of significance were, “It must not be like that among you.” (Matt. 20:26 HCSB) He told them, “your call is different, the way power is used is different in my kingdom.” Jesus went on to say, “….whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave;  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:26-28 HCSB)

Jesus did not just “tell them” He “showed them” the way. The concept of being “great by serving” is what His life was all about. How were the disciples to use power and authority? Just like Jesus did. Soon Jesus would stand before His disciples in resurrected form and say, “…All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20 HCSB)

Jesus let His disciples know that “kingdom principles” were for “this” world. Today, we can read leadership books and hear of organizations who practice, “servant leadership.” I’m not sure if everyone who hears the concept understands where it came from; but now over 2,000 years later we see concepts, that find their  basis in the life and priorities of Jesus.

My morning began with two meetings. I enjoyed connecting with Jose Valdez, who is running for the Town Council in Windsor. In the process I discovered a local bakery in Windsor that I will revisit when I have the opportunity. Then my friend Kirk Weaver with Family Time Ministries came to Fort Collins with Donny Abbott the Children’s Pastor at Timberline, Kirk will speak at the Timberline Men’s breakfast next Saturday. Kirk and I took a “selfie” to compare to the one from my hospital days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…He entered their synagogue.  There He saw a man who had a paralyzed hand. And in order to accuse Him they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” …Then He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored, as good as the other….” Matthew 12:9-14 HCSB

Jesus was in the business of responding to human need and giving hope and restoration. This miracle of the man with the withered hand is a great illustration of that taking place. This did not take place on the street, but in synagogue on the Sabbath.

We don’t know why, perhaps because of Jesus actions and miracles that already took place, but the religious leaders, looking for an opportunity to accuse Jesus, asked Him if it was “lawful” to heal on the Sabbath? Jesus points to their hypocrisy and lack of compassion. He tells them that they have not problem rescuing an sheep from a ditch on the Sabbath, so why wouldn’t the Son of Man have compassion of God’s highest creation. (Matt. 12:12)

I recall reading about the potential “back story” of this account. A biblical researcher, doing his how investigation in the “Holy Land” came across a story about this account. It was conveyed to him that during the building of the Temple, some stone masons were compelled to work on the Sabbath. Then after the project was completed, the right hand of the masons were crippled as a form of punishment.

If this were to be true, the impact of this healing would have significant ramifications. Not only did Jesus heal on the Sabbath, but in restoring the hand of the this “mason” He reversed and condemned the judgment of the Pharisees. What we do know is that this miracle was significant enough, that in their anger, the Pharisees left the synagogue intent to destroy Jesus. “But the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.” (Matt. 12:14 HCSB)

We can be thankful and confident that Jesus is in the restoration business. Whether outward or inward, He is able to take that which is “crushed” and “shriveled” and bring it back to usefulness. The condition may be caused by others or it may be from “birth” or it may be through some other cause. Regardless of the reason for the condition; regardless whether the wounds are seen or unseen; the wounded find grace and compassion in the presence of Jesus.

You don’t have to hide in the shadows. In some of the other gospel accounts we read how Jesus commanded the man to, “stand forth” and then to “stretch forth” his hand. Sometimes the healing that is needed takes place when courage and faith overcome shame and doubt. When there is an atmosphere of love and acceptance that step is easier to take; and that is what Jesus extends to each of us in the “woundedness” of our lives.

I am inching my way through the final stages of my cold. I seem to have a not so good day, followed by a better one. Outside of my Chiropractor appointment, I didn’t have other commitments. That provided me an opportunity to work on some projects at home.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.… Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:20,48 HCSB

As Jesus delivers what is referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount” He is calling His disciples to live by kingdom principles. Those principles involve how they conduct their lives. Jesus was criticized for breaking the law, but He firmly asserted, “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”  (Matt. 5:17 HCSB) 

The “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees was related to not only their strict adherence to the Law of Moses, but to their own standard of conduct. How could an individual live a life that surpassed the righteousness of these religious leaders?

Later on Jesus calls His followers not to the standard of the religious leaders of the day, but the God Himself as our “heavenly father”! What we see in leading up to this statement are Jesus words that begin with, “you have heard that is was said….” Jesus takes the teaching and standards of the “day” or even the religious leaders and elevates them to a whole new level.

In doing so, He discusses, murder, cursing others, forgiveness, adultery, radical responses to offenses, divorce, “going the second mile,” loving your enemies, just to name a few of the topics. (Matt. 5:27-26) In each of these topics we see Jesus saying, what is acceptable to man or culture, is not the standard that God call us to hold. God call us to make Him our standard, not those around.

We need to see that Jesus is using strong examples, to get our attention and to let us know how high God’s standard is for our life. Can we live up to that standard? No. Not on our own strength or through our own efforts. Jesus was able to accomplish that and the life He lived, He lived for  us as well.

Paul declared, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV) We also read, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.“ (1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV) “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”  (Romans 1:17 ESV)

In many other places in the Bible we see the truth that “our righteousness” is not earned, it is a gift of God’s grace. But we also see that God calls us to live by the standards of His kingdom and not our own. His power provides us the desire and the ability to seek to please Him.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NIV)   “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT)

When we think we are “doing good” – we look at the Lord’s standards and realize how we “miss the mark.” But that is not to discourage us, but to show how much we need Christ’s forgiveness and grace. We also need His Spirit to help give us the “desire and power to do what pleases Him.”