December 22

CHANGES COMING IN 2011.  PLEASE READ ABOUT THEM IN THE COLUMN ON THE RIGHT.

Today's Reading

Zechariah 3 is, I believe, a prescription for restoring spiritual leaders who have fallen. For many years I saw churches pulled into the notion that certain types of sin permanently disqualified someone from being a pastor. Divorce was one hot topic. I was a participant in this legalism for a few years. I began to see what I believe is the heart of God on the matter. God hates sin and what it does to us. We should never take it lightly. On the other hand, true brokenness and repentance should always include a way to restoration. That's where this chapter comes in. Satan, the accuser, wanted Jeshua permanently removed. The Lord rebuked Satan and gave a formula that Jeshua could participate in to be restored. Clean clothing symbolized true and full repentance and washing in Christ's sacrifice. A clean turban symbolized a new mind -- a new way of thinking ("As a man thinks in his heart, so he is."). Following God's ways meant a period of testing and accountability, earning the trust of those hurt by his fall.

Revelation. This description of the "beast" is believed by many to be the coming antichrist, who is actually Satan incarnate. Another view is that it was Caesar, who led Rome to conquer the world and proclaimed himself to be God. It's possible that both are true. Either way, the depiction of this person seems to indicate power over Africa (leopard), Russia (bear) and Europe (England uses a lion). Of note is the fact that the European Union recently chose its first president -- for the first time in centuries the old Roman Empire is coming together.

Psalms. I find it comforting that David, the man after God's own heart, sought constantly to grow in his walk with God. It's a great example that I need to follow.

Proverbs. The pictured attitude of an adulterous woman is something being lived out today. Women have felt used by men and sometimes get back by using their charms to lure men and bring them down. Then they feel justified in using the man's weakness against him.

What do you notice?