Beth Shean

This is Beth Shean today -- accessible now by climbing a few hundred steps up the hill. You can see why the tribe of Manasseh was intimidated by the prospect of conquering the inhabitants there (See Judges 1:27). I'm the small figure at the top, to the right of the tree. For a good overview of the place, go to http://www.bibleplaces.com/bethshean.htm

First choice

Judges 1:1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, "Who
will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?"
2 The LORD answered, "Judah is to go; I have given the
land into their hands."

What an honour to be on the top of the Lord's mind! Can you imagine a group of people asking the Lord, "Who shall do this for us?" and He gives to them your name! What an honour. I know that in kiasu Singapore, we have a bad tendency to be "paiseh" and shy off. But honestly, that is a cultural impediment to our personal growth. It's an honour to be chosen, and we need to be as straightforward as the westerners and just take it up. Because, whomever He appoints, He also empowers. And it's all part of His desiring to have us mature & grow & reach our destiny through the lessons we learn.

Prayer:
Lord, if I'm ever first choice in Your mind for any endeavour (confirmed by two or three witnesses, including my own of course), may I have the boldness to say Yes! and the confidence in You to know that You're going to bring forth the fruit, and in Your timing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Bold love

Mk 14:3 ... Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 ... And they criticized her sharply. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 For you have the poor with you always ... but Me you do not have always. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.

What amazing discernment this woman had! To know in her heart of hearts what to do for Jesus, and why, and have the boldness to do it before his uncomprehending followers who "criticised her sharply"!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I admire this woman for being so in tune with You, that she knew what to do, and why, and turned a deaf ear to the criticism of others. I admire her boldness in a culture where women are expected to be neither seen nor heard. May I develop that same discerning and bold heart to do that which is right and pleasing in Your sight. Amen.

Pushing the envelope

Mark10:20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

I admire the rich young man for his brashness, even over-confidence. Jesus didn't slap him down for his boldness, but He did redirect him: "Sell everything you have..."

Okay, you want to push the boundaries, here's what you do, kid -- "Give up your earthly treasures, which you put so much store by...and follow Me." The young man knew his bible. But he didn't know his Jesus. So, he was humbled.

Which, in an odd sort of way, reminds me of the Hi-Lo aerobics class I attended last night. It was the first one I'd attended with this instructor. I saw a rather overweight girl come in for the class, and she stationed herself behind me. She was almost twice my size. I was wondering how she was going to cope.

But, it looked like she was a veteran: she swirled, high-kicked, hopped and jumped as well as the rest of the skinnier girls. We had to get out of her way. Actually, I had to get out of her way. I remembered thinking: "This is an accident waiting to happen." By God's grace, nothing happened. I was left quite breathless, and ready to give up, but boy, she was ready for MORE.

Well, we think we know. But there's so much more that we don't know.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the humbling experiences. Thank you for showing Your perspective. Indeed, I admit, sometimes I think I know. And then, You show us what we don't know. You widen our horizons, Lord. Thank you.

Caesarea Philippi

The place where Jesus was first proclaimed as the Christ. Imagine Jesus and his disciples walking around this seaside village...

Mark 8:27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"
28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."
29"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ."