Lord

The apostle Paul reminded the church in Philippi that every believer should have the attitude of Jesus. Although he was God, Jesus took on the very nature of a servant and humbled himself. He became obedient to death, “even death on a cross”! Paul explains that because of Jesus’ work on the cross, God exalted him.

We call it Good Friday. But “good” hardly describes what was happening, especially as Jesus’ mother stood at the foot of the cross.

For the next few days, let’s consider the story of a man who needs no introduction. Well, at least not in the time and town where he lived. Our story is about a young man with a lot of money. But this rich young man was contemplating mortality. Makes you wonder why. Maybe a young friend had died, and he had come face to face with death. Maybe he had had a near-death experience. For whatever reason, the man ran up to Jesus and fell on his knees before the Lord. The man wanted a fresh start.

Michael is not just any angel—he is of the highest rank of angels, an archangel who has engaged in spiritual battles. Michael the archangel is a heavyweight! He is described in three books as fighting against evil spirits and forces of darkness. When Michael was sent to help Daniel, at the angel’s touch, Daniel fell down, trembling on his hands and knees (Daniel 10:10-14). In Revelation 12, we read of Michael leading the charge against “the dragon and his angels” (Revelation 12:7). Yet, with his high standing and spiritual strength, he dared not go after Satan on his own. In a showdown with Satan described in Jude 1:9, he depended on the Lord to fight for him. So must we.

Today’s reading is called the Shema. Shema is the Hebrew word hear, the first word that begins this passage. This is the parenting assessment. The Shema is a confession of faith recited every day by pious Jews and every Sabbath in the synagogues.

For the joy set before him, Jesus took on the cross for us (Hebrews 12:1-2). Christ the Lord is the One, the only One, who delivers true joy to the deepest part of our hearts. 

There is no one like Jesus! Check out his resume in today’s passage. He is the One, the only One, who transforms chaos to peace.

Jesus is the King installed on Zion. And one day every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord…Ruler of all!! On that day, the world will finally experience peace. 

Solomon counted his hours, measured the family sacrifices, thought of all the sleepless nights worrying about an upcoming deadline, and concluded that it was all useless. There “was nothing to be gained under the sun.” Looking through humanistic eyes, he found that there was nothing to show at the end of the day for the physical and emotional toll caused by work.