Lent 2014 Day 1

As we move towards the celebration of the greatest event in history (the resurrection of Jesus Christ), I am walking through a time of reflection and devotion that many have done for centuries, Lent. This is a time of reflection and focusing on the resurrection. My bride and I are using a devotion through YouVersion to help us on this journey.

This morning's devotion brought a thought to my mind that I don't believe has crossed there before.

But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20, 21 HCSB)

The name "Jesus" was the Greek form of Joshua. Interestingly enough, this was not a family name. This name was specifically for this purpose. The name meant "Yahweh saves." Jesus was coming on a mission of God to save (Luke 19:10).

The thought I had not given much attention to before was Joshua. In the Old Testament book of Joshua, we see this Hebrew man leading the Israelites to victories and eventually the Promised Land. Do you see it?

That Old Testament Joshua was a foreshadow of the One to come. The One who would give us victories over every foe. The One who would pave the way for us to be able to experience heaven - the ultimate Promised Land.

Today, let us remember and realize the One who came to save us and lead us to the Promised Land.

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Tunes for Thursday 01.16.14

This song has been on my mind the past couple of days.  Hope that the Holy Spirit uses it today to encourage your heart today.

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What's In A Name?

I was talking to my summer intern a couple days ago before his time was up and he mentioned that he liked the name of my blog here. He asked about where it came from. I suddenly realized, I have never posted why in the world I chose this title for my blog. I thought that today I might shed a little light on that subject.

I am a student pastor full-time at FBC Birmingham, Alabama. For most of my Christian life, I have heard the joke that if you don't know an answer to a question asked (maybe in Sunday School or during Bible study) then remember that "Jesus is the answer!" I have never been content to just settle with that cop-out answer. Honestly, that frustrates me greatly.

The more I pondered this thought, I realized that even in my own life there were times when I answered a question with a "Sunday School answer." These are those answers that you know the word that goes in the blank because you've been in church for so long, but you don't know the meaning nor the impact of that answer. I believe that it was after hearing someone mention this phrase (No Sunday School Answers) that it really clicked that not only do I need to be prepared to give an answer for the reason for the hope that I have (1 Peter 3:15), but I also need to really know what the answer is.

I realize that I don't have all the answers to people's questions.  I don't even have the answers to all of my questions.  But one thing that I am committed to is that the answers I give and base my life on are not just those that can fill a blank, but rather they can fill my life.  Now maybe we can all sleep a little easier knowing the reason behind the name.

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