Pure and Holy
Seventh Sunday of Easter
SUNDAY, May 12
Malachi 3:5-7
In the NRSV, today’s text begins with the word “then,” which begs the question, what is the condition before “then”? My software developer background called this conditional code. My seminary training calls these “conditional covenants.” Looking back and paraphrasing the prior verses, we find that the context is that the messenger of the covenant is coming to purify us. The condition is purification. The truth conveyed is, “When we are purified, then God will draw near to us.” Our holy God cannot be defiled. Only when we are purified can he draw near to us.
God’s Word reminds us of God’s unchanging, merciful nature, and this text closes with the call to return to him. All he requires for us to be declared “pure” is our willingness to turn to him completely.
Unchanging Lord, forgive us for not turning to you completely. Help us return to you every moment, every gift, every joy, and every sorrow. Thank you for your mercy, and thank you for drawing near to us. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: GRATITUDE FOR THE MOTHER FIGURES
IN OUR LIFE
Living Water
MONDAY, May 13
Psalm 1
Living along the banks of a small tributary of the mighty Mississippi River, I experience firsthand the benefit of living water in the midst of drought. When water is scarce elsewhere, the trees and shrubs and wildlife along the river prosper. What a timeless image of those planted in God’s Word.
For those thus planted along the river, those who delight in the law of the Lord in all that we do prosper. We prosper not in money or status but in spiritual fruit and in the “way of the righteous” (v. 6). When the world around us makes others “wither,” we have the knowledge and power of God sustaining us, renewing us, and equipping us for continued good works. And God knows our works, the path of those walking in the light of his Word. It reminds me of Psalm 119:105: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet.”
Lord, when the woes and temptations of this world would keep us from you, may your Word protect, sustain, and invigorate us for the ministry to which you have called us. Make our way flourish for your glory. Amen.
Inquiring of the Lord
TUESDAY, May 14
Isaiah 45:9-12
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 27:4: “One thing I have desired of the Lord…to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” This invitation to “inquire” of the Lord in his temple has been a source of hope and reassurance for me during difficult times. Instead of feeling guilt in asking questions of God, I know that God, knowing my heart already, invites the difficult questions.
The warning in verse 9 not to strive with our Creator is not a condemnation of our questions or a callousness toward our anguish; it is a warning about our attitude. This is a warning to those who “contend” with the Lord. To question and wonder and cry out is one thing, but to fight or contend with God is quite another. “Ask me of things to come” (v. 11) points out the proper attitude in coming before the Lord. God welcomes the inquisitor of things to come. May we not be demanding of things unseen.
Holy One of Israel, our Creator, help us in our limited knowledge. You have created us with purpose for your kingdom. May we trust in your plans. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: COMPASSION FOR THE WORLD’S POOR
Are We Listening?
WEDNESDAY, May 15
Isaiah 45:18-19
I confess I sometimes have selective hearing loss: words are heard, but in truth, are sometimes not listened to. God has very clearly spoken to us. Throughout the ages, from creation being spoken into existence to the voice of God through the Holy Spirit in our heart, God’s voice is not quiet. But we may not be listening.
Scientists still ask, “How did the universe begin?” God created the universe. And he created it for us (v. 18). God spoke life into Adam and Eve. God does not speak in a secret language to a special few. His Word, the Bible, is the most printed book on earth. God has spoken to every generation and continues to so speak. As God speaks to the “offspring of Jacob” (v. 19), all of humanity, we are charged to earnestly seek him. It will not be in vain.
Lord, your Word is known and your voice is clear. Let us seek your words of truth and your righteous declarations. Give us ears to hear and hearts that listen. Amen.
The Heart of Christ
THURSDAY, May 16
John 17:6-11
This prayer of Jesus truly shows his heart for us his people. His prayer for the disciples was that God the Father would keep them. It infers that powers would distract us from our faith and that we must be diligent in our reliance upon the protection of God. While on earth, Jesus brought the disciples to himself and taught, directed, and encouraged them. With Jesus now in heaven we are not without teaching, direction, or encouragement. Jesus’s prayer came to pass in that the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon the disciples and upon all who believe. That same Holy Spirit is now poured out upon us. This is the heart of Christ, that we know that all comes from God the Father and that we are one in Christ.
Lord, we humbly stand in awe that you are glorified in us. Keep us in your name. Instill in us the desire for unity in your name. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: LOCAL CHURCH STAFF
Earth and Heaven
FRIDAY, May 17
John 17:12-19
My three-year-old grandson is enamored with model and full-sized rockets. Not to deny him nor myself of the pleasure of model rocketry, I build them and he blasts them off. Using materials of the earth, they are built for the heavens, powerfully escaping Earth’s gravity with fiery liftoffs. Rockets, being from the world, but not of the world, they return, reminded of their earthly construction, yet still made for the heavens.
Jesus’s prayer for his disciples keeps these two truths evident: we are from the world (created) but not of the world (spiritual). His prayer is that we not escape this planet yet. We are made from earth with a clear purpose here. We are to be people of God’s truth. Jesus is so invested in us and our purpose that he consecrated himself to our life in God’s truth.
Lord, we long to be with you but acknowledge that you have made us to be your hands and feet in the world around us. Keep us in your truth and send us into our neighborhoods so that others may know you. Amen.
That We May Know
SATURDAY, May 18
1 John 5:9-13
Spring in Minnesota is uncertain, to say the least. Out on an early ice off canoe trip, it is not uncommon to find yourself paddling in a May snowstorm. As unpredictable as Minnesota May weather may be, rest assured, summer will come.
God has given us the not-so-unpredictable assurance of our eternal status. His assurance is that the gift of eternal life is not only possible—it is a certainty. “You have eternal life” (v. 13). Period. As predictable as Minnesota May snowstorms are, so is God’s salvation to those who believe. When today’s snow squalls of doubt and tomorrow’s forecast of rainy despair lead to doubt, God’s Word assures us, “He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). That is God’s gift to us today.
Lord, we thank you for life through your Son, Jesus Christ. We also thank you that in the storms of this world you have reassured us of your steadfastness and your faithfulness toward us. Let us stand firm in the gift of your grace and eternal life bestowed upon us. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: CARE IN WHAT WE SAY ABOU OTHERS
