Washing our hands in soap and water remains the best way to avoid the germs that make us ill. I read recently that this simple procedure is even better than hand sanitizer. If you want clean hands, then wash them.

David wrote of clean hands as we approach the Lord. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

David paired clean hands with a pure heart. It’s not enough to simply look good on the outside, but my life should express a heart that’s attuned to the ways of the Lord. Engaging with his teachings and practicing his ways are required.

I’m daily tempted to lift my soul to what is false. Distorted ideas soil my hands. Using people to my own ends, equating wealth with happiness, elevating self over others, and conveniently ignoring the less palatable portions of the Bible come to mind. Plenty of falsehoods pull at my soul.

The Lord, however, demands allegiance. Not perfection, but loyalty and commitment as we struggle our way up his hill. As we dirty our hands he allows us to wash them again and again.

How to clean ourselves? The Scriptures form the soap and water of our soul. Apply generously, rinse and repeat.

Psalm 24

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya

My book GO: Following Jesus to the Ends of the Earth in now available on Audible (click on the link to take you to the Audible website).

The narrator did a fabulous job (way better than I could have done). I’m grateful for his work and skill in presenting my ideas through his voice. He makes for a good listen.

The book contains reflections on the Lordship of Christ, the Great Commission, and a life of adventure and eternal significance. Anyone considering a mission trip, who knows missionaries, or prays for missionaries, or is just curious about missions will enjoy the book. I hope you’ll check it out.

Famine looms large in the Bible. In one situation, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of want. Joseph rose to power as the king’s right hand man, charged with planning for the impending disaster. Thanks to God’s placement of Joseph in this strategic position, he saved Egypt, his own family and in doing so, the future nation of Israel.

I never worry about getting enough to eat. The prices of eggs are sky-high right now, but I can afford expensive eggs. I’m way more likely to suffer from overeating than starvation. Famine remains a real threat in parts of our world, however, with warfare as a primary cause. In Egypt the famine grew so widespread that neighboring lands suffered as well. People wasted away, grew sick, and died.

In our western society famines rarely arise from the absence of food. In this era of plenty, people suffer instead from loneliness. A dearth of goodwill, coupled with a shortage of forgiveness, stalks our land. Harsh words bloom in our discourses. We endure fear and hopelessness. People waste away, grow sick, and die.

Jesus spoke to breaking such a famine. When asked about the most important commandment to follow, Jesus replied, The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Many of us carry round bellies covering emaciated hearts. As I ask the Holy Spirit to empower me, to apply these words of Jesus to my day to day living, the Lord begins to fatten my soul.

Joseph fed the world with grain stored in vast warehouses. These are an image of the storehouses of the Lord. A life spent following the way of Jesus opens their doors, bringing sustenance to our hope-starved world.

Genesis 41 & Mark 12

Photo by Jodi Mucha

Jesus spoke passionately to his followers about returning after his death and resurrection. He pointed to a future day when the sun and moon go dark, stars fall from the sky and the heavens shake like a leaf. In the midst of the cataclysm, we’ll see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with massive power and glory.

But when? Jesus said, concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, stay awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

After 2,000 years, it’s hard to stay awake.

Jesus’s disciples took this promise seriously, as have saints ever since. But I find it hard to consider. After so long, with no sign of Jesus, why should I look to the clouds?

I watch not expectantly, but hopefully. When he does come, Jesus will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. On that day the Lord will gather his Church from far-flung lands, and a true era of peace will begin.

If Jesus returns in my lifetime I’ll be as surprised as if I woke up with my head glued to the carpet. But surprise will quickly turn to amazement and joy. While I don’t think about this teaching in my day-to-day, I still eagerly anticipate its moment of fulfillment.

Mark 13:24-37

Photo by Benjamin Salvatore