March 7 | Isaiah 5:1-7

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 5:1-7

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REFLECTION

Only Jesus Can Save Us From Ourselves

by Judy Webb

"I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard:

My loved one had a vineyard 

on a fertile hillside." (Isaiah 5:1)

Reading from these seven verses in Isaiah (Isaiah 5:1-7), we could quite easily draw a parallel to the times in which we are living. I am not only pointing to the areas of our world where there is conflict and hatred and war (although that too). I am suggesting right here in our own world, our own country, city, family; there exists such rampant denial of goodness and mercy. We some days cry out, “When it will change. When will it all end?”

"Now I will tell you

what I am going to do to my vineyard:

I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed;

I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled." (Isaiah 5:5)

When God looked for justice and righteousness from Israel and Judah, he got nothing but murder and the cry of the downtrodden. – Believers Bible Commentary

God has given us so much. He has protected us at every turn, and He is faithful to be there when we call on Him for help. But here lies the rub. We are nearing the point now, where we must turn to him in prayer. We must repent as a nation, as individuals; and we must change our ways, to thrive. Without God’s love and protection, we will perish. He has given us what we need to gain salvation; he gave us Jesus.

While these verses are a parable or illustration of God’s relationship with Israel, it also compares to his relationship with us, today. Our sinful ways turn our beautiful world upside down. Good becomes evil, truth is called out as lies. What is the answer to our dilemma? How do we get back to simpler times, to more gentle ways? Jesus is always the answer. It begins with us and our acceptance of God’s truth as found in His Word.                  

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Reveal to us, the error of our ways. Show us how to read from the Scriptures and discern where we are going wrong. Give us the courage to change. Amen.

March 6 | John 15:5-8

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DAILY READING

John 15:5-8

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REFLECTION

True Love

by Judy Webb

I wonder how many folks plod through life thinking they are good people, and assuming the invitation to Eternal Life will be theirs? I wonder how many truly understand who God is and how much He loves each of us.

I had a conversation years ago with a co-worker who never went to church, didn't pray or read Scripture (his admission), but told me he thought he was a good person and he just knew he would get to Heaven. His reasoning was, "I never killed anybody. I am a nice person, and I am honest."

I would never judge this person’s faith or predict his future, but I know that his everyday life could have been much more hope-filled had he only gone the extra mile to build a relationship with Jesus. His heart might overflow with joy, if only he would embrace Jesus. But, like many, giving up that Sunday morning sleep or sporting activity is simply too much to ask. Having never been exposed to the truest joy a person could know, how can we reach someone who thinks they have it all together?

During 2023, my Word(s) were, abide, delight, and dwell. To me, each word was a command from God to get closer to Him. It was a decree that I get into the Word more and that I study it and learn what it means for me to Abide. The more I did this, the more I felt a nearness to God, and it gave me great joy, or Delight. This process of Dwelling in the Bible, taking in all that it instructs and then applying it to life, provided such peace.

None of our lives are easy, and we all grow because of our challenges. Looking back to seasons of grief and pain, I know I am a better person because of those times. It was then I turned to God and learned how much He loves.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7)

As for my friend, I must pray for him diligently. When I abide in Him and pray for my friend’s salvation, God will hear the prayer. Abiding is the secret of a successful prayer life.

PRAYER

Dear Father, Remind me every day to pray for friends and relatives who do not know you or understand your love for them. Give me courage to share my story every chance I get. Better yet, prompt me to share Your Son's story. Amen.

March 5 | Mark 11:12-25

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DAILY READING

Mark 11:12-25

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REFLECTION

The Facade of the Cursed Fig Tree

by Mary Kate Hipp

I figure I am not the only one who has wondered about Jesus' episode of rage after the triumphal entry. Sorry, I had to slip that pun in there somewhere... but really, what is happening here? Is Jesus hangry?* Is he having a temple... mean, temper tantrum?

We first read about the seemingly fine fig tree Jesus cursed. As verse 13 tells us, it was not yet the season for figs, so why is Jesus cursing a tree that bears no fruit? At this time of year, edible figs were still about six weeks away, but the bland fruit should have already appeared. These were the early figs that preceded the main crop of edible figs. If only leaves appeared, devoid of early inedible figs, the tree would bear no fruit. (cf. IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament 157). This curse was not merely highlighting the hunger of Jesus. Jesus was illustrating that trees which only pretend to bear fruit are altogether cursed. (Jeremiah 24) The leaves of the tree are a facade. The flipping of tables in the temple further illustrates this point.

It was not inherently wrong for people to exchange money or offerings in the temple. Currencies varied throughout the region and the service to exchange currencies and offerings was helpful to pilgrims. In the context of this excerpt, many Jewish people would have made a pilgrimage around this time to the temple in Jerusalem for the Passover. The issue at hand is not whether it was valid to exchange money at the table but whether it was valid to turn much of the outer court into a place emphasizing commerce to the detriment of worship. The money changers and temple goers perverted what was meant for good, and taken it too far—so much so that it disrupted the place of worship and inhibited the temple from "bearing fruit."

Interestingly, Mark placed these stories together. Jesus sees the tree that has leaves but no fruit—a tree that looks nice, but bears no fruit—and curses it. Seems odd. But then we read how he enters the temple, a building that looks beautiful. A building which was intended to tend the soil of our faith, to produce faith, yet he walks in to see a fruitless people. The temple was outwardly beautiful and outwardly impressive, yet full of impurities, so he cleansed it.

Jesus looks not for outward righteousness or good looks. Nor does he look for someone who prays using lofty words, gives the most money, or gives up the most for Lent. He cares not about the facade we wear. Jesus cares only about our inward righteousness. Are we earnestly seeking the Lord? Or are we earnestly seeking the Law? Are we merely outwardly righteous?

To bear this fruit, this inward righteousness, we need the Spirit. We cannot be inwardly righteous by our own accord. It is a gift of the Spirit, given not so that we might boast. Have faith in God. Set aside your facade of righteousness and submit to the Lord.

Cleanse our hearts and know us, O Lord.

*HANGRY: a term that combines the words "hungry" and "angry" to describe the cranky and angry behavior one might have due to hunger.

*Picture from temple steps in Jerusalem

PRAYER

Cleanse our hearts and know us, O Lord. Are we like that of a fig tree? Or that of the temple? Have we taken to follow the letter of the law more than your living Word? May we cling to you, O Righteous one. We long to be made holy as you are holy. Amen.