by Pastor Peter Bean
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What to make of these verses? Not the most wonderful reading in the Bible. It started off well with hospitality shown by Lot. But it quickly degenerated into all sorts of terrible things: sexual immorality, betrayal of family, disbelief, tardiness, warnings ignored, ingratitude. And, as we read on, there is more.
What do we do with all of this? Of course, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and become judgemental of actions and inactions, groups and individuals. And don’t we do that? Sorry, I’ll let you answer that for yourself. For myself, yes, I do jump to conclusions. I do make judgements. I do look down on people. Lord, have mercy.
And the Lord does. Even when we think we have more time to prepare. Even when we joke about what God might do. Even when we are inhospitable. Even when we condemn!
I guess, here, in these verses, we have a good description of human nature. Thoughts and actions are described that can lead us away from God. Even when God is present – in our face, if you like – even when God is clear, and we can hear the voice of the Spirit guiding us. (Did you know that, in the Hebrew Scriptures, to hear is the same as to obey?)
But we also have a good description of God’s nature: to be merciful, to restore those who lack trust or think they can make it on their own. Can each of us examine our lives? Look for those times when you didn’t trust God’s promises and thought you could make it alone. Look for those times when God’s mercy re-appeared: in a word of forgiveness, in a restoration of relationships, in a comforting hug, in the quiet breath of the Spirit breathing new life into you.
And give thanks for the Lord’s mercy.
Lord God, Heavenly Dad, gracious Saviour, life-giving Spirit, thank you for your mercy, shown to me in so many ways. Thank you. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing.
Jesus is the way to salvation
by Glenn Crouch
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I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved (John 10:9a).
Read John 10:1–10
This week, we will take a journey through Scripture to explore the theme of shepherds. Given that today is celebrated as Good Shepherd Sunday, where better to begin than the Good Shepherd himself, our Lord Jesus.
When I lived in Kalgoorlie, there was really only one way to drive to Perth. You would hop onto the Great Eastern Highway and head west. Now that I live in Esperance, there are multiple ways (once you get past Ravensthorpe) to get to Perth – check Google Maps. Sometimes the choice made is one of preference; at other times, my wife and I want to see our grandson as quickly as possible, so every minute saved matters!
This is not how salvation works. We don’t open an app and choose the fastest or most scenic route. Jesus is not standing there, waving his arms and crying out, ‘Pick me! Pick me!’ There is only one gate, and that is Jesus. All other ways are used by thieves and robbers (verse 8).
Jesus says, ‘I am the gate’, not just in this verse but also in verse 7, with the double Amen (translated as ‘very truly’). Jesus is quite serious here. How do we get peace with God? Through Jesus. There is no other way. Keep following the Good Shepherd. Keep pointing others to his cross.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for how easily I become distracted and take my eyes off your dear Son. Through your Holy Spirit, make me an obedient sheep who delights in following the Good Shepherd. In his name, I pray. Amen.
Glenn is the pastor of St John’s Lutheran Church in Esperance and looks after St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kalgoorlie–Boulder, Western Australia. Glenn and Karen have been married since 1985. They have two grown sons and are enjoying when they can get to Perth to spend time with their first grandchild.
You are my son
by Tatiana Overduin
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I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father’ (Psalm 2:7).
Read Psalm 2
Wow! What more can be said in response to the defining message of Psalm 2? We see nations conspiring (verse 1) and kings and rulers colluding (verse 2).
Yet God shows us that he alone is sovereign over all. Enthroned in heaven, he laughs and scoffs at their plans and actions (verse 4), and he rebukes and terrifies them all.
Through this psalm, God reveals that there is only one true king who will inherit and possess the ends of the earth: his Son, Jesus.
Psalm 2 also brings a warning: be wise, you kings and rulers of the earth (verse 10). Serve the Lord with fear and trembling (verse 11). ‘Kiss the son’ (acknowledge him) lest he be angry and you perish in the way (verse 12).
To not acknowledge Jesus, the Son of God, as king of the world, is to stand under God’s judgement. Yet the psalm ends with a promise: ‘Blessed are all who take refuge in him’ (verse 12).
Heavenly Father, you sent your Son as the Saviour of the world. Help us in our distress as we witness world leaders pursuing paths of destruction. We pray that their hearts would be turned to you, so that your truth guides their decisions. May they ‘kiss the son’ and acknowledge him as king over all the earth. Protect and save your people, dear Lord, and have mercy on us for the sake of your Son. You are our Father, and we are your children. Guide and lead us in your ways. In Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Amen.
Tatiana is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide, where she enjoys singing on the music roster. She is married and has two adult children and six grandchildren. Now retired from full-time secondary education, she pursues her creative interests in fibre arts, taking inspiration from God’s hand evident in the beauty of creation.
Soldier, athlete, farmer?
by Tatiana Overduin
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Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this (2 Timothy 2:7).
Read 2 Timothy 2:1–8
Paul encourages us to be strong and reminds us that we are entrusted with teaching others.
We have seen recently many soldiers on the attack and others serving in defence, a difficult and courageous calling that requires strength to endure.
Earlier this year, we watched the Winter Olympics, where highly skilled and courageous athletes competed according to strict rules: a dedicated and disciplined calling requiring incredible strength.
Farmers in our own country battle against all kinds of weather elements and the constraints of daily farm work, providing the produce Australians need for basic survival: a challenging calling requiring sustaining strength.
Which vocation do you most identify with? One in particular? None?
Paul calls us to reflect more deeply and, in a sense, to identify with them all, for they share something in common. Each involves hardship, and we know that we, too, will suffer as Christians. ‘Join with me in suffering,’ he writes (verse 3).
We are called to suffer as soldiers of Christ, seeking to please our commanding officer; as a trained athlete, striving to win the victor’s crown; and as a hard-working farmer, looking forward to a share of the crop. Through all this, we are upheld by God’s grace and his eternal presence. Together with Paul, we embrace the gospel message of Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead – he who was, who is and who is to come (Revelation 1:4).
Dear Lord, grant us courage like a soldier, discipline like an athlete and stamina like a farmer, so that we may trust, follow and believe in you as Saviour of the world. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Tatiana is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide, where she enjoys singing on the music roster. She is married and has two adult children and six grandchildren. Now retired from full-time secondary education, she pursues her creative interests in fibre arts, taking inspiration from God’s hand evident in the beauty of creation.