John 7-8
October 31, 2014
It seems that society hasn't moved very far away from the time of Christ, as it pertains to deciding who Jesus is. They were murmuring about Him at the feast. Some felt He was divine and from God, others believed Him to be demon possessed. The two thoughts couldn't be any farther apart.
The Jewish leaders didn't accept him, so they thought.... Nicodemus had already been contemplating, and seemed to be on Jesus' side of the argument.
The woman caught in adultery had the luckiest day of her life! It seems right to me that the older men were the first to leave after Jesus challenged them. When we are young, and even young in the faith we have higher opinion of our ability to remain pure. As we age I think we begin to realize just how unlimited God's grace is.
John 8:12 and following.
Jesus is the light, that is, He is the wisdom that comes from heaven. Those who follow His teachings will not stumble over the problems of life as they travel along. That is, they will remain married to their original mate, and will not have to endure the trials of divorce (generally speaking....there are times when divorce seems to be the only alternative). They won't become addicted, they will treat others with respect...they will forgive when they are wronged. Just the forgiveness part will result in better health... Many problems are avoided by the Christian who remains obedient. Does that mean we don't have any problems? Of course not, but our problems are somehow diminished, and certainly don't have the eternal consequences as do unbelievers.
In verse 23 Jesus says that anyone who doesn't believe in Him will die in their sins. I can't understand how we expect to gain entrance into heaven without acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God, and as God himself. Many religions accept Jesus as a prophet, or as a teacher..but not as God. He claims deity, and unless we accept that, we cannot go to be with Him.
PR
Friday, October 31, 2014
Matthew 18
October 30, 2014
Three thoughts from 18:1-9.
Innocence, teachability and humility are all part of childhood. Jesus isn't saying that we should act immature, but rather we should view our heavenly father in the way that we looked up to adults when we were children. This illustration could be tricky if the adults in your life were abusive or absent. Think of what a healthy relationship between a father and child would be like and model the part of the child. We have right to expect to be taken care of. Jesus, as our father will teach us, guide us and comfort us when we are afraid. He also chastises us when we need it, and punishes us when we have done something wrong. But His love for us is unlimited and never withdrawn. We don't have to goo and babble as if we were children, but even as adult children we can always go to Jesus for love, support, comfort and a listening ear.
Jesus shifts focus slightly to how children are to be treated. The child he had his hand on was being used to illustrate a point, but now the child becomes the point. In this passage we learn once again that children have a special place in the Father's heart. So do the elderly, the sick, the weak and the poor. Taking advantage of any of them is foolhardy.
They say that child abusers are tortured in prison by the other prisoners. Jesus reflects some of the same sentiment when he talks about people who cause children not to believe in Him. Consider that Jesus sees failure to teach the kids about Him the same as physically hurting them. That's really serious.
This should motivate us to teach our children, and to make sure they are taught in Sunday School and other places about Jesus Christ.
PR
October 30, 2014
Three thoughts from 18:1-9.
Innocence, teachability and humility are all part of childhood. Jesus isn't saying that we should act immature, but rather we should view our heavenly father in the way that we looked up to adults when we were children. This illustration could be tricky if the adults in your life were abusive or absent. Think of what a healthy relationship between a father and child would be like and model the part of the child. We have right to expect to be taken care of. Jesus, as our father will teach us, guide us and comfort us when we are afraid. He also chastises us when we need it, and punishes us when we have done something wrong. But His love for us is unlimited and never withdrawn. We don't have to goo and babble as if we were children, but even as adult children we can always go to Jesus for love, support, comfort and a listening ear.
Jesus shifts focus slightly to how children are to be treated. The child he had his hand on was being used to illustrate a point, but now the child becomes the point. In this passage we learn once again that children have a special place in the Father's heart. So do the elderly, the sick, the weak and the poor. Taking advantage of any of them is foolhardy.
They say that child abusers are tortured in prison by the other prisoners. Jesus reflects some of the same sentiment when he talks about people who cause children not to believe in Him. Consider that Jesus sees failure to teach the kids about Him the same as physically hurting them. That's really serious.
This should motivate us to teach our children, and to make sure they are taught in Sunday School and other places about Jesus Christ.
PR
Mark 9, Luke 9, Matthew 17
October 29, 2014
Matthew 17
The transfiguration gives us a clue as to what we may look like in our glorified bodies. That is, our bodies once we are in heaven. It also offers a tantalizing mystery: If the dead in Christ will someday rise from the dead and face judgment, then how is it that Moses and Elijah already appear in human form? Could it be that they are exceptions? No one can argue that if anyone should be, they should. Could it be that they are simply spirits at the moment, and will receive bodies later? I suppose...but wouldn't they have already passed in front of the Judge, in order to do so?
Beginning in verse 14 we have the account of a demon that the disciples couldn't drive out. These must have been the disciples left behind while Jesus was transfigured, because the ones who went with Him would have sufficient faith. There is a correlation between faith and healing. Faith; the decision to accept as truth that which we cannot see or prove, is greatly valued by God. But it should be informed faith, not blind faith. Our faith should be an expression of our reading and studying of God's Word, and our research of his past actions, both ancient and recent. God does not change, so we can make some pretty good assumptions about what He wants. Faith is not a means to a miracle, it is the fabric of our relationship with Christ. The relationship will take us to places where miracles occur, and it will be by faith. There were those in Jesus' day that shortcut the process by proclaiming by faith what God could do, and they saw demons flee and the sick healed. However, without the relationship with God they still didn't gain heaven. Which is a real tragedy.
The temple tax was a levy on all Jews to help maintain the temple. No one expected the pagans to contribute towards it, so it wasn't like the tribute you bring to a king. The Romans didn't enforce it, or come up with the idea...so it wasn't like the tax you pay to a government. The temple tax would be more like a mandatory gift over and above your tithe. Jesus gave to it, even though his suggestion was that it was misdirected. It seems that he felt that the sons of the kingdom would be exempt. Can you imagine charging the one who filled the temple with His presence a fee to use the temple? Or to charge his disciples for the same? Jesus however, did not protest loudly about something so insignificant. He kept His focus on what was really important. He was no stranger to offending the temple leaders, but chose not to in this instance, because His goal wasn't ever to pick a fight, but rather to proclaim the truth. In this case, there wasn't a great doctrine at stake.
Luke 9
In order to be seen as great in the Kingdom, we must be servants here. Those who vie for position and status, power and fame are motivated by something other than godly values. Certainly many godly people rise to positions of power, but the lust for it is what we are warned against.
Mark 9
verse 23: "everything is possible for him who believes". I don't think I fully appreciate that statement. "Everything?" Wow. Everything. The father wanted to believe, and did in his heart. He knew that Jesus could help. He had probably seen the miracles, and heard of many more. But his head was in the way. Sometimes science is the greatest challenge to our faith. God is above science, so He does things that science cannot explain, or that science says are impossible. The father had the right solution. Ask Jesus to fix our head! "Help me overcome my unbelief" was his cry. We should say the same "Lord, help me unlearn what I have been taught about what is possible and impossible" Jesus just said a second ago that everything is possible. Nothing is impossible.
Do you believe it? I suspect that we could meditate on, and act on that verse for a lifetime, and never fully realize the truth that Jesus spoke.
PR
October 29, 2014
Matthew 17
The transfiguration gives us a clue as to what we may look like in our glorified bodies. That is, our bodies once we are in heaven. It also offers a tantalizing mystery: If the dead in Christ will someday rise from the dead and face judgment, then how is it that Moses and Elijah already appear in human form? Could it be that they are exceptions? No one can argue that if anyone should be, they should. Could it be that they are simply spirits at the moment, and will receive bodies later? I suppose...but wouldn't they have already passed in front of the Judge, in order to do so?
Beginning in verse 14 we have the account of a demon that the disciples couldn't drive out. These must have been the disciples left behind while Jesus was transfigured, because the ones who went with Him would have sufficient faith. There is a correlation between faith and healing. Faith; the decision to accept as truth that which we cannot see or prove, is greatly valued by God. But it should be informed faith, not blind faith. Our faith should be an expression of our reading and studying of God's Word, and our research of his past actions, both ancient and recent. God does not change, so we can make some pretty good assumptions about what He wants. Faith is not a means to a miracle, it is the fabric of our relationship with Christ. The relationship will take us to places where miracles occur, and it will be by faith. There were those in Jesus' day that shortcut the process by proclaiming by faith what God could do, and they saw demons flee and the sick healed. However, without the relationship with God they still didn't gain heaven. Which is a real tragedy.
The temple tax was a levy on all Jews to help maintain the temple. No one expected the pagans to contribute towards it, so it wasn't like the tribute you bring to a king. The Romans didn't enforce it, or come up with the idea...so it wasn't like the tax you pay to a government. The temple tax would be more like a mandatory gift over and above your tithe. Jesus gave to it, even though his suggestion was that it was misdirected. It seems that he felt that the sons of the kingdom would be exempt. Can you imagine charging the one who filled the temple with His presence a fee to use the temple? Or to charge his disciples for the same? Jesus however, did not protest loudly about something so insignificant. He kept His focus on what was really important. He was no stranger to offending the temple leaders, but chose not to in this instance, because His goal wasn't ever to pick a fight, but rather to proclaim the truth. In this case, there wasn't a great doctrine at stake.
Luke 9
In order to be seen as great in the Kingdom, we must be servants here. Those who vie for position and status, power and fame are motivated by something other than godly values. Certainly many godly people rise to positions of power, but the lust for it is what we are warned against.
Mark 9
verse 23: "everything is possible for him who believes". I don't think I fully appreciate that statement. "Everything?" Wow. Everything. The father wanted to believe, and did in his heart. He knew that Jesus could help. He had probably seen the miracles, and heard of many more. But his head was in the way. Sometimes science is the greatest challenge to our faith. God is above science, so He does things that science cannot explain, or that science says are impossible. The father had the right solution. Ask Jesus to fix our head! "Help me overcome my unbelief" was his cry. We should say the same "Lord, help me unlearn what I have been taught about what is possible and impossible" Jesus just said a second ago that everything is possible. Nothing is impossible.
Do you believe it? I suspect that we could meditate on, and act on that verse for a lifetime, and never fully realize the truth that Jesus spoke.
PR
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Mark 8, Luke 9, Matthew 16
Mark 8
I wonder if there were people in the crowd that day who had a little food with them, but didn't volunteer to share it with the disciples. They probably would have, if they knew what was going to happen next. And, I wonder if they took some of the food that Jesus blessed, when they knew they had their own food hidden away. Human nature being what it is, it could have happened. I'm glad the Bible doesn't say. That would be discouraging to know...better to suspect that the world was a blissful happy place while Jesus was teaching....
When Jesus rebukes Peter in verse 31 it helps us understand how satan is trying to invade our lives and affect our Christian walk. Somehow satan has prevented Peter from seeing things with a heavenly perspective...maybe the next few verses offer another clue...Jesus says we need to "put away our selfish desires". Maybe Peter was simply being selfish. He wanted Jesus to stay with him, and not be captured by the leaders. That would mean that Jesus is referring to Himself (and those who come after Him) when He says "if you try to hang onto your life, you'll lose it."
If it's God's will for us to suffer, or even to die; then we must be obedient even to death. Perhaps that isn't His calling for us, so much the better. But if our desire for survival or comfort deter us from the mission God has given us, then we need to repent and get back on track. The fact that it could be dangerous, or fatal isn't a good reason to not share the message, or live out our faith.
Luke 9
Jesus gives his power to whoever He chooses, and they are then capable to great things. The same is true today. God gives us ability, we don't earn it or deserve it.
The feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000 were two separate events, close together.
Jesus was praying when He was transfigured. The disciples were asleep. This wasn't the last time that the disciples would be sleeping when they should be praying. I wonder how many times I have slept instead of praying...? Crazy things happen when we pray. Heaven visits earth when we pray. When we pray, we pierce through the veil that separates this existence from the next, and our voices are heard in that wonderful place. If we could only catch a glimpse of what really is happening, or what could be happening when we pray, I think we would pray far more.
The boy that is demon possessed is freed, but the disciples couldn't do it. Jesus says in another place "this kind only comes out by prayer"
What follows to the end of the chapter are the recollections of Luke about the significant things Jesus said during that couple of days. "be as innocent and trusting as children" "don't oppose people who are not opposed to you" "don't be vindictive" and "come with me, and don't look back"
Matthew 15
The church is not able to change what the Bible clearly says. If the Bible says it's wrong, then the church cannot make it acceptable. This was the case for taking care of your parents, and it is the same for other issues today. Homosexuality is wrong..even if it's popular, or legal...it's still wrong according to the Bible, and Christians cannot embrace it. The church is expressly forbidden to accept it. God's law cannot be changed by men. Yes, of course we should love the sinner and hate the sin. Yes, we should remember to speak the truth in love. Let's just not forget to hate the sin and speak the truth....they are the less comfortable actions.
In verse 13 Jesus tells His disciples to "ignore" the Pharisees. He doesn't seem to care that He has offended them. The disciples are concerned, but not Jesus. I think that's because he has a better perspective on the situation. He sees the Pharisees for the threat they really are...maybe they don't even realize how tainted they are themselves... But Jesus knows that they aren't to be included in the conversation, or brought along for the journey. The message would (and will) be tainted by their closed minds and clouded understanding. They cannot be who they are today and lead the people. They must be ignored, and they have to be identified as antagonistic to the genuine truth.
That's a hard teaching to understand even today. I would be afraid that I was not "speaking in love" or that I was being too harsh to someone who might be saved as some future point. I guess if you aren't willing to make the commitment when you hear the message, you have already chosen your course. And if you choose to walk apart from the truth that is Jesus Christ, then you can't be allowed to consider yourself a part of the body of Christ.
PR
Mark 8
I wonder if there were people in the crowd that day who had a little food with them, but didn't volunteer to share it with the disciples. They probably would have, if they knew what was going to happen next. And, I wonder if they took some of the food that Jesus blessed, when they knew they had their own food hidden away. Human nature being what it is, it could have happened. I'm glad the Bible doesn't say. That would be discouraging to know...better to suspect that the world was a blissful happy place while Jesus was teaching....
When Jesus rebukes Peter in verse 31 it helps us understand how satan is trying to invade our lives and affect our Christian walk. Somehow satan has prevented Peter from seeing things with a heavenly perspective...maybe the next few verses offer another clue...Jesus says we need to "put away our selfish desires". Maybe Peter was simply being selfish. He wanted Jesus to stay with him, and not be captured by the leaders. That would mean that Jesus is referring to Himself (and those who come after Him) when He says "if you try to hang onto your life, you'll lose it."
If it's God's will for us to suffer, or even to die; then we must be obedient even to death. Perhaps that isn't His calling for us, so much the better. But if our desire for survival or comfort deter us from the mission God has given us, then we need to repent and get back on track. The fact that it could be dangerous, or fatal isn't a good reason to not share the message, or live out our faith.
Luke 9
Jesus gives his power to whoever He chooses, and they are then capable to great things. The same is true today. God gives us ability, we don't earn it or deserve it.
The feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000 were two separate events, close together.
Jesus was praying when He was transfigured. The disciples were asleep. This wasn't the last time that the disciples would be sleeping when they should be praying. I wonder how many times I have slept instead of praying...? Crazy things happen when we pray. Heaven visits earth when we pray. When we pray, we pierce through the veil that separates this existence from the next, and our voices are heard in that wonderful place. If we could only catch a glimpse of what really is happening, or what could be happening when we pray, I think we would pray far more.
The boy that is demon possessed is freed, but the disciples couldn't do it. Jesus says in another place "this kind only comes out by prayer"
What follows to the end of the chapter are the recollections of Luke about the significant things Jesus said during that couple of days. "be as innocent and trusting as children" "don't oppose people who are not opposed to you" "don't be vindictive" and "come with me, and don't look back"
Matthew 15
The church is not able to change what the Bible clearly says. If the Bible says it's wrong, then the church cannot make it acceptable. This was the case for taking care of your parents, and it is the same for other issues today. Homosexuality is wrong..even if it's popular, or legal...it's still wrong according to the Bible, and Christians cannot embrace it. The church is expressly forbidden to accept it. God's law cannot be changed by men. Yes, of course we should love the sinner and hate the sin. Yes, we should remember to speak the truth in love. Let's just not forget to hate the sin and speak the truth....they are the less comfortable actions.
In verse 13 Jesus tells His disciples to "ignore" the Pharisees. He doesn't seem to care that He has offended them. The disciples are concerned, but not Jesus. I think that's because he has a better perspective on the situation. He sees the Pharisees for the threat they really are...maybe they don't even realize how tainted they are themselves... But Jesus knows that they aren't to be included in the conversation, or brought along for the journey. The message would (and will) be tainted by their closed minds and clouded understanding. They cannot be who they are today and lead the people. They must be ignored, and they have to be identified as antagonistic to the genuine truth.
That's a hard teaching to understand even today. I would be afraid that I was not "speaking in love" or that I was being too harsh to someone who might be saved as some future point. I guess if you aren't willing to make the commitment when you hear the message, you have already chosen your course. And if you choose to walk apart from the truth that is Jesus Christ, then you can't be allowed to consider yourself a part of the body of Christ.
PR
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Mark 7, Matthew 15
October 27, 2014
Sometimes we get so used to doing things a certain way we "spiritualize" the pattern. Maybe we grew up praying while kneeling, or praying at an altar. Maybe we grew up dressing up when we went to church, or using little cups for communion. Maybe it was singing hymns, or testifying during the service, there are literally thousands of things that we do because we have always done them. But that doesn't make them the ONLY way to worship.
Jesus wasn't upset that the Pharisees washed before they ate, He was upset because they looked down on others who didn't. God didn't give the command, they did. And when the disciples didn't follow it, but followed Jesus' example instead, they complained.
Some people like to sing, others don't. Some like to take notes during worship, others don't. Neither is wrong, both are fine.
Jesus points out that it is our inner person, our thoughts, mind, will and emotions that cause us to sin. In his first letter, Paul points out to Timothy "physical training is of some value, but godliness has value in all things".
Our minds need to be trained. Only then will we be able to effectively resist temptation, and offer a compelling witness.
In another section:
When Jesus healed the daughter of the Syrian woman, he revealed that the Gospel would be for all nations, not just the Jews. But it was the great privilege of the Jewish people to be first. The message of salvation is now broadcast for all people everywhere, so that no one may be left behind. It began as a Jewish religion, but as Christianity it has reached every nation under heaven.
What a great privilege is ours, to be part of God's great redemptive plan for the human race!
PR
October 27, 2014
Sometimes we get so used to doing things a certain way we "spiritualize" the pattern. Maybe we grew up praying while kneeling, or praying at an altar. Maybe we grew up dressing up when we went to church, or using little cups for communion. Maybe it was singing hymns, or testifying during the service, there are literally thousands of things that we do because we have always done them. But that doesn't make them the ONLY way to worship.
Jesus wasn't upset that the Pharisees washed before they ate, He was upset because they looked down on others who didn't. God didn't give the command, they did. And when the disciples didn't follow it, but followed Jesus' example instead, they complained.
Some people like to sing, others don't. Some like to take notes during worship, others don't. Neither is wrong, both are fine.
Jesus points out that it is our inner person, our thoughts, mind, will and emotions that cause us to sin. In his first letter, Paul points out to Timothy "physical training is of some value, but godliness has value in all things".
Our minds need to be trained. Only then will we be able to effectively resist temptation, and offer a compelling witness.
In another section:
When Jesus healed the daughter of the Syrian woman, he revealed that the Gospel would be for all nations, not just the Jews. But it was the great privilege of the Jewish people to be first. The message of salvation is now broadcast for all people everywhere, so that no one may be left behind. It began as a Jewish religion, but as Christianity it has reached every nation under heaven.
What a great privilege is ours, to be part of God's great redemptive plan for the human race!
PR
John 6
October 26, 2014
One of my favorite verses is in John 6. It's probably a fairly random verse... 6:60 says "this is a hard teaching, who can accept it?"
I remember it because one of my early observations in the faith was that Jesus isn't going out of his way to talk people into sticking it out with Him. He is doing incredible miracles and speaking the truth everywhere He goes..but he really isn't pleading with anyone to believe him. This passage is the case and point. He says something fairly radical, okay, it's absolutely true speaking figuratively, but radical nonetheless. He tells the crowd that they have to eat His flesh and drink His blood in order to gain eternal life. If I had been there that day, I think I would have been convinced that He was crazy. I probably would have left....I don't know for sure.
Jesus doesn't say "wait a minute folks, let me explain". I have to do that sometimes or I risk people walking out on me. I have to explain myself. But Jesus spoke in riddles and parables and didn't explain it to anyone except his disciples.....and they didn't always understand.
Sometimes the Lord asks us to do things that don't seem to make sense. He asks us to turn the other cheek, for instance. What does that accomplish? And walk a second mile? That makes no sense. And don't even get me started on praying for enemies...and forgiving people that harm you.
And the Lord doesn't spend a great deal of time explaining why we should do this. He did it for us, and we are expected to do it for others. Period. Sometimes God will ask us to change jobs (He asked me). It didn't seem to make sense at the time, but looking back it makes perfect sense.
You see, that's the real point. Do we really trust Him to lead us in the correct path? Jesus turned to His disciples after several hundred people walked out on Him and said "how about you guys..are you leaving too?" They chose to stay because they were convinced that He was the prophesied Messiah.
Are you convinced? If you are, then you won't have any trouble doing whatever it is that He asks. Even if it's to feed 5,000 people with a little boy's lunch, or come walking to him on the water.
PR
October 26, 2014
One of my favorite verses is in John 6. It's probably a fairly random verse... 6:60 says "this is a hard teaching, who can accept it?"
I remember it because one of my early observations in the faith was that Jesus isn't going out of his way to talk people into sticking it out with Him. He is doing incredible miracles and speaking the truth everywhere He goes..but he really isn't pleading with anyone to believe him. This passage is the case and point. He says something fairly radical, okay, it's absolutely true speaking figuratively, but radical nonetheless. He tells the crowd that they have to eat His flesh and drink His blood in order to gain eternal life. If I had been there that day, I think I would have been convinced that He was crazy. I probably would have left....I don't know for sure.
Jesus doesn't say "wait a minute folks, let me explain". I have to do that sometimes or I risk people walking out on me. I have to explain myself. But Jesus spoke in riddles and parables and didn't explain it to anyone except his disciples.....and they didn't always understand.
Sometimes the Lord asks us to do things that don't seem to make sense. He asks us to turn the other cheek, for instance. What does that accomplish? And walk a second mile? That makes no sense. And don't even get me started on praying for enemies...and forgiving people that harm you.
And the Lord doesn't spend a great deal of time explaining why we should do this. He did it for us, and we are expected to do it for others. Period. Sometimes God will ask us to change jobs (He asked me). It didn't seem to make sense at the time, but looking back it makes perfect sense.
You see, that's the real point. Do we really trust Him to lead us in the correct path? Jesus turned to His disciples after several hundred people walked out on Him and said "how about you guys..are you leaving too?" They chose to stay because they were convinced that He was the prophesied Messiah.
Are you convinced? If you are, then you won't have any trouble doing whatever it is that He asks. Even if it's to feed 5,000 people with a little boy's lunch, or come walking to him on the water.
PR
Mark 6, Luke 9 and Matthew 14
October 25, 2014
Most of these accounts overlap, so I decided to mention a few things from each that were unique....except for Matthew, where I just list the main themes.
Mark 6
The twelve are sent out by Christ to heal, cast out demons and even raise the dead. They return later talking about how they have accomplished this, and talking excitedly about what they have seen. What really strikes me is that Judas was among them. I don't often imagine Judas healing the sick and raising the dead. I struggle to see Judas proclaiming Jesus and laying his hands on people. I want to imagine Judas as always being corrupt and bad. In reality, that isn't ever the case. Jesus says there will be people trying to get into heaven who will be turned away because God "never knew them". I guess there are two lessons to be learned here: 1. Even those who are corrupt have some redeeming features, or were good people at one time or another. 2. Those who count themselves as Christians should remain humble, knowing that some who came before them have fallen because they became proud. It is possible to fall from a secure position, if you act on it.
Luke 9
Peter confesses Christ in this passage. I wonder if he could fully grasp what he was saying. Jesus would ask him again later and he would answer in the same way. And then he would deny that he ever knew him shortly after that. How can you go from walking on the water with Jesus, to witnessing the dead come back to life, to denying that you know him? It is possible, I guess. Except for the grace of God, we would all go the same way.
The transfiguration tells us that our earthly bodies are renewed and present in heaven in some wonderful way. Moses and Elijah standing together discussing the future with Jesus is simply too incredible to comprehend. Those in heaven must be aware of current events, as well as future events.
I am also struck by the compassion of Jesus for the Samaritans who did not want to help Jesus once they heard he was going to Jerusalem. They hated anyone who wasn't like them. Christ stands in stark contrast to this, loving those who hated. The disciples had a lot to learn...they wanted to call down fire from heaven (and I think that they could have, because they had the faith for it). Jesus doesn't want us to retaliate in anger or vindictiveness. That's a hard lesson to learn, but it is essential for the Christian.
Matthew 14
The three most common accounts in today's reading follow:
1. Herod actually rather liked John, but he loved being in power and having what he wanted more than he wanted to be forgiven. There are many today who want to figuratively "cut the heads off Christians" because they don't want to hear the message. I think when Jesus retreated by himself he was overcome with grief. I think John was very dear to Jesus.
There were probably more than 15,000 fed that day. What's amazing is that the disciples didn't fully grasp what had happened (it says that later in the reading). How could you still not understand that Jesus is divine? Why would you still be afraid, when you knew that you were in the presence of one who could control the elements? We could ask the very same question today, couldn't we?
Then there is the account of Jesus walking on the water. The incredible thing here is that Jesus saw them struggling in the squall while He was on the beach. He knew they were stuggling as He walked out on the water, and He intended to pass them by, but they saw him and were afraid.
It's only after they saw him that He comes to them and says "don't be afraid". I think that struggling and having some difficulty is part of the human condition. We shouldn't expect that when we become Christians that Jesus is going to remove all our struggles. He is going to make sure that at the end of our struggles we win battle and are admitted into heaven. Some will die hungry, others will die in pain, some will die in comfort, or in their sleep.....and some will never die. It doesn't matter...what really matters is what happens after we die.
I don't think the disciples were in any real danger. They had a mission to fulfill that they knew nothing about. Really, they were safe, they just didn't know it. I think that's what happens to us sometimes too.
PR
October 25, 2014
Most of these accounts overlap, so I decided to mention a few things from each that were unique....except for Matthew, where I just list the main themes.
Mark 6
The twelve are sent out by Christ to heal, cast out demons and even raise the dead. They return later talking about how they have accomplished this, and talking excitedly about what they have seen. What really strikes me is that Judas was among them. I don't often imagine Judas healing the sick and raising the dead. I struggle to see Judas proclaiming Jesus and laying his hands on people. I want to imagine Judas as always being corrupt and bad. In reality, that isn't ever the case. Jesus says there will be people trying to get into heaven who will be turned away because God "never knew them". I guess there are two lessons to be learned here: 1. Even those who are corrupt have some redeeming features, or were good people at one time or another. 2. Those who count themselves as Christians should remain humble, knowing that some who came before them have fallen because they became proud. It is possible to fall from a secure position, if you act on it.
Luke 9
Peter confesses Christ in this passage. I wonder if he could fully grasp what he was saying. Jesus would ask him again later and he would answer in the same way. And then he would deny that he ever knew him shortly after that. How can you go from walking on the water with Jesus, to witnessing the dead come back to life, to denying that you know him? It is possible, I guess. Except for the grace of God, we would all go the same way.
The transfiguration tells us that our earthly bodies are renewed and present in heaven in some wonderful way. Moses and Elijah standing together discussing the future with Jesus is simply too incredible to comprehend. Those in heaven must be aware of current events, as well as future events.
I am also struck by the compassion of Jesus for the Samaritans who did not want to help Jesus once they heard he was going to Jerusalem. They hated anyone who wasn't like them. Christ stands in stark contrast to this, loving those who hated. The disciples had a lot to learn...they wanted to call down fire from heaven (and I think that they could have, because they had the faith for it). Jesus doesn't want us to retaliate in anger or vindictiveness. That's a hard lesson to learn, but it is essential for the Christian.
Matthew 14
The three most common accounts in today's reading follow:
1. Herod actually rather liked John, but he loved being in power and having what he wanted more than he wanted to be forgiven. There are many today who want to figuratively "cut the heads off Christians" because they don't want to hear the message. I think when Jesus retreated by himself he was overcome with grief. I think John was very dear to Jesus.
There were probably more than 15,000 fed that day. What's amazing is that the disciples didn't fully grasp what had happened (it says that later in the reading). How could you still not understand that Jesus is divine? Why would you still be afraid, when you knew that you were in the presence of one who could control the elements? We could ask the very same question today, couldn't we?
Then there is the account of Jesus walking on the water. The incredible thing here is that Jesus saw them struggling in the squall while He was on the beach. He knew they were stuggling as He walked out on the water, and He intended to pass them by, but they saw him and were afraid.
It's only after they saw him that He comes to them and says "don't be afraid". I think that struggling and having some difficulty is part of the human condition. We shouldn't expect that when we become Christians that Jesus is going to remove all our struggles. He is going to make sure that at the end of our struggles we win battle and are admitted into heaven. Some will die hungry, others will die in pain, some will die in comfort, or in their sleep.....and some will never die. It doesn't matter...what really matters is what happens after we die.
I don't think the disciples were in any real danger. They had a mission to fulfill that they knew nothing about. Really, they were safe, they just didn't know it. I think that's what happens to us sometimes too.
PR
Matthew 9-10
October 24, 2014
Each of the Gospels shares a few details that aren't found in the others, so since we are reading chronologically, and you will likely read the same account from several different perspectives, you may also find slightly different details in each account. That doesn't mean the accounts are incorrect, rather, it means that they are exactly what the claim to be. Eyewitness accounts to the working of Jesus. Each person records what they saw, and no two people see exactly the same thing. If the accounts were identical in every single word, that would be more suspicious than if they differed a little.
I am mulling over the idea of new cloth on an old garment today. I've heard it preached many times that new ideas and new concepts can't be impressed upon an older generation. They are simply too old to adopt new ideas. However, I can't confirm that in practical experience. I see older people using ipods, ipads and virtual wallet. Grandparents are skyping with their children, and surfing the internet, and clogging up facebook with their goofy posts....just like the teenagers do. They seem to have embraced technology to some degree.
As I look back at the text, I see that Jesus was responding to a complaint from John's disciples. Certainly these are not men who are antagonistic toward the Gospel...they are curious to know why Jesus isn't acting the way they expected. So Jesus tells them "each group of people behaves in a manner fitting their mission" John's mission was repentance, and it called for grieving of sin. Jesus' mission was redemption, and it called for celebration. Instead of talking about fabric and wineskins, Jesus could just have easily said "nobody fasts at a wedding, but rather they wait for an illness, or a death to fast and grieve" The truth is, both groups of people are capable of both grief and celebration. There isn't any new revelation that Jesus brings that cannot be assimilated by the older people.
PR
October 24, 2014
Each of the Gospels shares a few details that aren't found in the others, so since we are reading chronologically, and you will likely read the same account from several different perspectives, you may also find slightly different details in each account. That doesn't mean the accounts are incorrect, rather, it means that they are exactly what the claim to be. Eyewitness accounts to the working of Jesus. Each person records what they saw, and no two people see exactly the same thing. If the accounts were identical in every single word, that would be more suspicious than if they differed a little.
I am mulling over the idea of new cloth on an old garment today. I've heard it preached many times that new ideas and new concepts can't be impressed upon an older generation. They are simply too old to adopt new ideas. However, I can't confirm that in practical experience. I see older people using ipods, ipads and virtual wallet. Grandparents are skyping with their children, and surfing the internet, and clogging up facebook with their goofy posts....just like the teenagers do. They seem to have embraced technology to some degree.
As I look back at the text, I see that Jesus was responding to a complaint from John's disciples. Certainly these are not men who are antagonistic toward the Gospel...they are curious to know why Jesus isn't acting the way they expected. So Jesus tells them "each group of people behaves in a manner fitting their mission" John's mission was repentance, and it called for grieving of sin. Jesus' mission was redemption, and it called for celebration. Instead of talking about fabric and wineskins, Jesus could just have easily said "nobody fasts at a wedding, but rather they wait for an illness, or a death to fast and grieve" The truth is, both groups of people are capable of both grief and celebration. There isn't any new revelation that Jesus brings that cannot be assimilated by the older people.
PR
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Mark 4-5 and Matthew 8
October 23, 2014
We read once again of the sower and the seed, the demon possessed man, Jairus and his daughter and the woman with the issue of bleeding.
If I look at the account of Jairus through the lens of the parable of the sower and the seed, I see several groups of people: Jairus who has allowed the Word to grow deeply in his life, the servants, who were hopeful that Jesus could do something, but when they saw the girl had died, their faith died as well. The mourners, who encountered Jesus but laughed and dismissed his observations completely. Isn't that something? I'm willing to bet that any time you see God working, the same reaction is taking place. Let's observe and recognize how the Word is being received, but let's not worry about it. Just keep sharing and testifying, God will take care of the rest.
The demon possessed man account reminds me that God cares about everyone. The area this man lived in wasn't Jewish (that's why they had pigs...Jews didn't raise pigs). And yet Jesus takes time away from the crowds of his own people to witness there. It also reminds me that sometimes the person that the world has given up on is the best witness concerning the power of God. Nobody in town believed that the crazy man who lived in the graveyard could be rescued, let alone be an evangelist...no one but Jesus. Jesus tells other people to keep what has been done for them a secret...but to the demon possessed man He says "go and tell". I'd be willing to bet that this man became quite well-known because of the miracle Christ performed in his life.
The woman who was bleeding had most likely given up hope. Her money was spent, the doctors didn't have any idea how to fix her. The Bible doesn't say, but she could have been looking a few months down the road and making plans for her end of life care, and the care of her estate.
But hope is renewed when Jesus comes into our lives. We begin to realize that there is power in His name, and in His Word to heal, to forgive and to restore. Jesus is the source of all power and strength. The power to heal our bodies and our relationships. The power to heal families and individuals, and whole nations. When we touch Jesus our lives our changed, our bodies are changed, our outlook is changed and our future is changed. Everything changes for the better when we come into contact with Jesus.
The greatest gift we can ever give to another person is an introduction to Jesus. Hope begins with Him and springs from Him. Contentment and peace are found in Him. We can only truly rest in Him, and we are only effective in Him. In Christ....clinging to his garments, sitting at his feet, is where we should all long to be. There is no greater place.
On a different, and somewhat random note, I am willing to bet that the woman who was healed went home, raised her family, etc. and had no idea what an impact her act of faith has had on hundreds of generations since. There's no way she could know that her simple act of reaching out would inspire paintings, sermons, songs of praise, and literally thousands or hundreds of thousands of similar acts of faith.
I encourage you today to take your own step of faith, and be encouraged! Perhaps without you ever knowing it, your Christian walk and your act of faith will encourage others to do the same!
PR
October 23, 2014
We read once again of the sower and the seed, the demon possessed man, Jairus and his daughter and the woman with the issue of bleeding.
If I look at the account of Jairus through the lens of the parable of the sower and the seed, I see several groups of people: Jairus who has allowed the Word to grow deeply in his life, the servants, who were hopeful that Jesus could do something, but when they saw the girl had died, their faith died as well. The mourners, who encountered Jesus but laughed and dismissed his observations completely. Isn't that something? I'm willing to bet that any time you see God working, the same reaction is taking place. Let's observe and recognize how the Word is being received, but let's not worry about it. Just keep sharing and testifying, God will take care of the rest.
The demon possessed man account reminds me that God cares about everyone. The area this man lived in wasn't Jewish (that's why they had pigs...Jews didn't raise pigs). And yet Jesus takes time away from the crowds of his own people to witness there. It also reminds me that sometimes the person that the world has given up on is the best witness concerning the power of God. Nobody in town believed that the crazy man who lived in the graveyard could be rescued, let alone be an evangelist...no one but Jesus. Jesus tells other people to keep what has been done for them a secret...but to the demon possessed man He says "go and tell". I'd be willing to bet that this man became quite well-known because of the miracle Christ performed in his life.
The woman who was bleeding had most likely given up hope. Her money was spent, the doctors didn't have any idea how to fix her. The Bible doesn't say, but she could have been looking a few months down the road and making plans for her end of life care, and the care of her estate.
But hope is renewed when Jesus comes into our lives. We begin to realize that there is power in His name, and in His Word to heal, to forgive and to restore. Jesus is the source of all power and strength. The power to heal our bodies and our relationships. The power to heal families and individuals, and whole nations. When we touch Jesus our lives our changed, our bodies are changed, our outlook is changed and our future is changed. Everything changes for the better when we come into contact with Jesus.
The greatest gift we can ever give to another person is an introduction to Jesus. Hope begins with Him and springs from Him. Contentment and peace are found in Him. We can only truly rest in Him, and we are only effective in Him. In Christ....clinging to his garments, sitting at his feet, is where we should all long to be. There is no greater place.
On a different, and somewhat random note, I am willing to bet that the woman who was healed went home, raised her family, etc. and had no idea what an impact her act of faith has had on hundreds of generations since. There's no way she could know that her simple act of reaching out would inspire paintings, sermons, songs of praise, and literally thousands or hundreds of thousands of similar acts of faith.
I encourage you today to take your own step of faith, and be encouraged! Perhaps without you ever knowing it, your Christian walk and your act of faith will encourage others to do the same!
PR
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Luke 8 and Matthew 13
October 22, 2014
The parable of the sower is in both our our chapters today. At one time I used to think "why would any decent farmer bother throwing seed on hard ground, or on the path?" Then, when I visited Israel our guide pointed out that the gardens there are fairly narrow, and are on terraced hillsides. You don't see very much land that you could drive a large farm tractor on, pulling a set of plows. The whole country is filled with stones, mountains and slanted farm land. No wonder Lot looked toward the plains when he wanted to choose a place to graze his sheep
When a farmer plants in the hills of Israel, you have a narrow path you walk along, and scatter seed along the plowed ground. Since it's terraced, the path is tight to the higher side of the hill, and is almost always right down to bare rock. Between the path and hillside a few weeds and briers grow up...sort of like weeds coming out of the cracks in the sidewalk. You can't but scatter some seed in the brush and along the path. Everything is so tight you can't avoid it. That's the way it is with people today. One person in the household is fertile ground, but they live with people who are hard ground, or ground with briers, etc.
That's might be why we have the parable of the weeds immediately following this passage. The weed and the wheat grow together. The point is that the seed grows in some, not in others, and we will all be growing together until the Lord returns.
Then, the next thought recorded is to motivate us by letting us think about heaven. So the parables of treasure in heaven help us get motivated to stay righteous.
Luke 8
The demon possessed man we've discussed previously, so I won't spend more time today on that thought.
Then we have the account of Jairus' daughter and the women w/bleeding. Sometimes our faith is tested twice. We need enough faith to accept that Jesus can heal our loved ones, and then the situation gets worse, and we need even more faith to combat disappointment. I would be pretty frustrated if I had to wait while Jesus was busy healing someone who has been sick for years, when all the time my little girl was dying. I would be thinking "she's made it for years....another day won't hurt...let's take of my daughter now, and then you can come back and deal with her later."
But Jesus is concerned with everyone, not just me. And my timeline isn't His timeline. Jesus isn't limited by what limits me, so He isn't worried when I'm worried, or afraid when I'm afraid. Time isn't as important to Jesus as it is to me. The reality is that we all are eternal beings, and we won't ever cease to exist, but we don't act like it most days. If Jairus had been thinking this way, he wouldn't have been as worried as he was. I love that Jesus turns to him and says "don't worry, she isn't really dead." I commit that to memory. When we leave earth, we aren't really dead.
The woman who was the cause of the delay simply clung to Jesus in faith and her faith was enough for Jesus. He healed her because of her steadfast belief in Him. Jairus' daughter was brought back from the dead because he believed. I pray that we have the same amount of faith...remember it starts small and begins to grow...
PR
October 22, 2014
The parable of the sower is in both our our chapters today. At one time I used to think "why would any decent farmer bother throwing seed on hard ground, or on the path?" Then, when I visited Israel our guide pointed out that the gardens there are fairly narrow, and are on terraced hillsides. You don't see very much land that you could drive a large farm tractor on, pulling a set of plows. The whole country is filled with stones, mountains and slanted farm land. No wonder Lot looked toward the plains when he wanted to choose a place to graze his sheep
When a farmer plants in the hills of Israel, you have a narrow path you walk along, and scatter seed along the plowed ground. Since it's terraced, the path is tight to the higher side of the hill, and is almost always right down to bare rock. Between the path and hillside a few weeds and briers grow up...sort of like weeds coming out of the cracks in the sidewalk. You can't but scatter some seed in the brush and along the path. Everything is so tight you can't avoid it. That's the way it is with people today. One person in the household is fertile ground, but they live with people who are hard ground, or ground with briers, etc.
That's might be why we have the parable of the weeds immediately following this passage. The weed and the wheat grow together. The point is that the seed grows in some, not in others, and we will all be growing together until the Lord returns.
Then, the next thought recorded is to motivate us by letting us think about heaven. So the parables of treasure in heaven help us get motivated to stay righteous.
Luke 8
The demon possessed man we've discussed previously, so I won't spend more time today on that thought.
Then we have the account of Jairus' daughter and the women w/bleeding. Sometimes our faith is tested twice. We need enough faith to accept that Jesus can heal our loved ones, and then the situation gets worse, and we need even more faith to combat disappointment. I would be pretty frustrated if I had to wait while Jesus was busy healing someone who has been sick for years, when all the time my little girl was dying. I would be thinking "she's made it for years....another day won't hurt...let's take of my daughter now, and then you can come back and deal with her later."
But Jesus is concerned with everyone, not just me. And my timeline isn't His timeline. Jesus isn't limited by what limits me, so He isn't worried when I'm worried, or afraid when I'm afraid. Time isn't as important to Jesus as it is to me. The reality is that we all are eternal beings, and we won't ever cease to exist, but we don't act like it most days. If Jairus had been thinking this way, he wouldn't have been as worried as he was. I love that Jesus turns to him and says "don't worry, she isn't really dead." I commit that to memory. When we leave earth, we aren't really dead.
The woman who was the cause of the delay simply clung to Jesus in faith and her faith was enough for Jesus. He healed her because of her steadfast belief in Him. Jairus' daughter was brought back from the dead because he believed. I pray that we have the same amount of faith...remember it starts small and begins to grow...
PR
Luke 11 and Matthew 12
October 21, 2014
Luke 11 on prayer: The Lord's Prayer is not meant to be a magical incantation that is recited without thought to somehow ward off evil and supply our every need. The words can be used just as written, but we have to understand what we are asking for. In my mind, the Lord's Prayer is telling us that we need to focus on simply asking for God to supply our daily needs, and then on the larger stage, ask that God will continue to work out His will... in His way... all over the earth...and especially in our lives. Of course, satan is prowling around, so we need to ask for protection from him.
No matter what words we use, these are the things that we should be concerned with. Jesus himself tells us that God will act on our behalf simply because we are His children and He loves us, even if for no other reason. Therefore, since God is predisposed to look at us with love and favor, we don't need to ask for every little thing. God knows what we need, and we can trust that He will provide it.
I wish I could tell you how many times God has provided for me when I haven't prayed specifically for what I needed. I can't do it, partially because I don't remember them all, and also there are more than I am even aware of. God always watches over us. Part of the Lord's Prayer is simply resting in and acknowledging that fact.
When I read today that the Pharisees and teachers of the Law accused Jesus of being a demon, and casting out demons using demonic power, I thought about our political process. It seems that our politicians "spin" everything. They have a whole staff employed whose sole responsibility it is to take bad news and make it sound good. And when it concerns their political opponent, they try to make anything good (or at least benign) sound toxic. This is what is happening to Jesus. The leaders of the day don't like that He insulted them (when He said "woe to you..."). I don't blame them for being hurt by that, even as I read it today I know that my skin would crawl if the same things were said to me. It would take humility and maturity to make the necessary in-course corrections to become righteous again. Sadly, the Pharisees and Teachers had neither attribute. Because of that, they try and "demonize" Jesus, just like the proud and arrogant among us today. Jesus offends them, so they try and discount the man and His teaching.
Matthew 12
What is okay to do on Sunday? Jesus says it's okay to "do good", even it you are the one who benefits...like pulling your donkey out of the pit...or your Dodge truck out of the ditch. No need to wait until Monday am...you can do it now and not be guilty. Exactly how much we can do on the Sabbath is somewhat of a mystery. Some take a very spartan view and don't do anything, others treat the day just like any other day. I suspect both sides are wrong, and that Jesus had in mind that the Sabbath would be a day in our week unlike any other day. The priority for the day would be glorifying God...all through scripture we are told that followers of God are identified by the Sabbath. So we should do something different on that day that sets us apart as followers of Jesus. Attending church, and helping others are two great examples. Spending the whole day with your kids and sleeping in will identify you as a good parent, maybe. But it won't identify you as a follower of Christ or as a good spiritual role model.
12:43 and following underscores the importance of following Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill the void left when satan is driven from our lives. If we don't, then we can expect to be overrun sometime later by even more demons. While they are driven from you, take the opportunity to reinforce your life with God's presence.
Speaking of which, the "unforgivable sin" is mentioned in this passage. I take it to mean that we are in danger of never being forgiven when we give credit for what God has done to any other person or claim that what is happening is coincidence or accident. I can't conceive of any sin that the blood of God himself is not able to atone for....but I think that the case here is that Jesus is saying "Look, I will forgive whatever you do or say....unless it is directed at discrediting the Godhead" It isn't that He can't forgive it, it's that He chooses not to. In either case, avoid anything that could even remotely be connected to the "unforgivable sin". Run from it like it's the black plague, or the ebola virus. Don't come near it, don't touch it, don't even think about it. Pray that it never comes to your house, or your town....or your country. The stain of being "unforgiven" is the worst possible fate of mankind.
PR
October 21, 2014
Luke 11 on prayer: The Lord's Prayer is not meant to be a magical incantation that is recited without thought to somehow ward off evil and supply our every need. The words can be used just as written, but we have to understand what we are asking for. In my mind, the Lord's Prayer is telling us that we need to focus on simply asking for God to supply our daily needs, and then on the larger stage, ask that God will continue to work out His will... in His way... all over the earth...and especially in our lives. Of course, satan is prowling around, so we need to ask for protection from him.
No matter what words we use, these are the things that we should be concerned with. Jesus himself tells us that God will act on our behalf simply because we are His children and He loves us, even if for no other reason. Therefore, since God is predisposed to look at us with love and favor, we don't need to ask for every little thing. God knows what we need, and we can trust that He will provide it.
I wish I could tell you how many times God has provided for me when I haven't prayed specifically for what I needed. I can't do it, partially because I don't remember them all, and also there are more than I am even aware of. God always watches over us. Part of the Lord's Prayer is simply resting in and acknowledging that fact.
When I read today that the Pharisees and teachers of the Law accused Jesus of being a demon, and casting out demons using demonic power, I thought about our political process. It seems that our politicians "spin" everything. They have a whole staff employed whose sole responsibility it is to take bad news and make it sound good. And when it concerns their political opponent, they try to make anything good (or at least benign) sound toxic. This is what is happening to Jesus. The leaders of the day don't like that He insulted them (when He said "woe to you..."). I don't blame them for being hurt by that, even as I read it today I know that my skin would crawl if the same things were said to me. It would take humility and maturity to make the necessary in-course corrections to become righteous again. Sadly, the Pharisees and Teachers had neither attribute. Because of that, they try and "demonize" Jesus, just like the proud and arrogant among us today. Jesus offends them, so they try and discount the man and His teaching.
Matthew 12
What is okay to do on Sunday? Jesus says it's okay to "do good", even it you are the one who benefits...like pulling your donkey out of the pit...or your Dodge truck out of the ditch. No need to wait until Monday am...you can do it now and not be guilty. Exactly how much we can do on the Sabbath is somewhat of a mystery. Some take a very spartan view and don't do anything, others treat the day just like any other day. I suspect both sides are wrong, and that Jesus had in mind that the Sabbath would be a day in our week unlike any other day. The priority for the day would be glorifying God...all through scripture we are told that followers of God are identified by the Sabbath. So we should do something different on that day that sets us apart as followers of Jesus. Attending church, and helping others are two great examples. Spending the whole day with your kids and sleeping in will identify you as a good parent, maybe. But it won't identify you as a follower of Christ or as a good spiritual role model.
12:43 and following underscores the importance of following Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill the void left when satan is driven from our lives. If we don't, then we can expect to be overrun sometime later by even more demons. While they are driven from you, take the opportunity to reinforce your life with God's presence.
Speaking of which, the "unforgivable sin" is mentioned in this passage. I take it to mean that we are in danger of never being forgiven when we give credit for what God has done to any other person or claim that what is happening is coincidence or accident. I can't conceive of any sin that the blood of God himself is not able to atone for....but I think that the case here is that Jesus is saying "Look, I will forgive whatever you do or say....unless it is directed at discrediting the Godhead" It isn't that He can't forgive it, it's that He chooses not to. In either case, avoid anything that could even remotely be connected to the "unforgivable sin". Run from it like it's the black plague, or the ebola virus. Don't come near it, don't touch it, don't even think about it. Pray that it never comes to your house, or your town....or your country. The stain of being "unforgiven" is the worst possible fate of mankind.
PR
Monday, October 20, 2014
Matthew 11
October 20, 2014
I have read this passage more times than I can count, and it all seems very familiar. John the Baptist is still baptizing people, and Jesus is teaching in another place nearby. What a wonderful time to have been alive! To be able to hear both John and Jesus speaking would really be something. Of course, there messages were very different. John spoke of repentance and the need to grieve because of our sin. Jesus spoke of celebrating and being free from sin. John is the day before we're saved, and Jesus is the day of our salvation.
That helps me make sense of the passage about "children playing in the square" which honestly, I generally read past quickly. The children in the square complain because the other kids didn't react the way they were supposed to. If we sing you a happy song, you should dance. If you don't, then we are confused.
The people should have mourned with John the Baptist, and celebrated with Jesus. Instead, they criticized John for his austerity and Jesus for his lavishness. The Jewish leaders were confused. They didn't expect to hear a message of repentance, because in their pride they believed themselves to be perfect. When a proud person hears the call to repent, they assume it's for someone else. When the speaker points specifically to you (as John did) then you either humble yourself or you discount the speaker. In this case, the Jewish leaders are proud, and they defame John. They have to, or they must repent. Since John points to Jesus, and Jesus supports and affirms John's message they cannot celebrate with Christ....because they have rejected John. So they now must defame Jesus as well. It's a web of lies and deceit that is all started by pride.
The identity of Christ, and the person-hood of God is revealed to the humble. In Jerusalem, there is a large church known as the church of the nativity. It is believed to be built over the place where Jesus was born. The door to the church was framed to be very large, and then blocked in so that you must bow to enter the building. The thought is "only the humble may enter here". I seem to remember bowing to enter the Garden tomb as well.
This message is in code, and only the humble discern the real meaning. To the proud, it makes little sense, and the parts that can be pieced together seem only to form a historical account of a man who made bold claims.
John's message was to help us understand that we are carrying a heavy burden, one that will cripple us, and cause us to never arrive at our destination. That would be a cruel message indeed, if it weren't for Jesus announcing loudly "come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." The messages of both John and Jesus were perfectly timed to lead the interested person into repentance and new life.
PR
October 20, 2014
I have read this passage more times than I can count, and it all seems very familiar. John the Baptist is still baptizing people, and Jesus is teaching in another place nearby. What a wonderful time to have been alive! To be able to hear both John and Jesus speaking would really be something. Of course, there messages were very different. John spoke of repentance and the need to grieve because of our sin. Jesus spoke of celebrating and being free from sin. John is the day before we're saved, and Jesus is the day of our salvation.
That helps me make sense of the passage about "children playing in the square" which honestly, I generally read past quickly. The children in the square complain because the other kids didn't react the way they were supposed to. If we sing you a happy song, you should dance. If you don't, then we are confused.
The people should have mourned with John the Baptist, and celebrated with Jesus. Instead, they criticized John for his austerity and Jesus for his lavishness. The Jewish leaders were confused. They didn't expect to hear a message of repentance, because in their pride they believed themselves to be perfect. When a proud person hears the call to repent, they assume it's for someone else. When the speaker points specifically to you (as John did) then you either humble yourself or you discount the speaker. In this case, the Jewish leaders are proud, and they defame John. They have to, or they must repent. Since John points to Jesus, and Jesus supports and affirms John's message they cannot celebrate with Christ....because they have rejected John. So they now must defame Jesus as well. It's a web of lies and deceit that is all started by pride.
The identity of Christ, and the person-hood of God is revealed to the humble. In Jerusalem, there is a large church known as the church of the nativity. It is believed to be built over the place where Jesus was born. The door to the church was framed to be very large, and then blocked in so that you must bow to enter the building. The thought is "only the humble may enter here". I seem to remember bowing to enter the Garden tomb as well.
This message is in code, and only the humble discern the real meaning. To the proud, it makes little sense, and the parts that can be pieced together seem only to form a historical account of a man who made bold claims.
John's message was to help us understand that we are carrying a heavy burden, one that will cripple us, and cause us to never arrive at our destination. That would be a cruel message indeed, if it weren't for Jesus announcing loudly "come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." The messages of both John and Jesus were perfectly timed to lead the interested person into repentance and new life.
PR
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Luke 7 and Matthew 8
October 19, 2014
I noticed that the accounts of the Roman, official have differences. Luke says the Official sent envoys, and that Jesus traveled toward his home. Matthew says the Official came to Jesus personally, and doesn't mention that Jesus traveled at all. They seem to be recollections of the same account, because what Jesus says in each case is almost identical. So what should we believe? Well, we know for sure that a servant was ill, and that Jesus healed him on request without being in the servant's presence. We know that Jesus was very impressed with the faith of the Official, and we know that the Official was favorably disposed to the Jewish people. We also know that the Official cared about his servant, and realized that he was a servant as well, and he expected that Jesus would care about him. We cannot make any doctrinal beliefs based on the fact that he sent someone else, because we can't be sure of that. We can't insist that you must show up in person before Christ in order to be healed, because we can't be sure of that either. There's plenty of text that is identical into which we can "sink our teeth". Sometimes passages like this cause people to think that the Bible isn't true. However, any time two people see an event they will remember different parts, or get a detail or two wrong. Maybe that happened here, I don't know. We can establish several things that help us understand that the Bible is true: 1. There was a person named Jesus. 2. He performed powerful miracles 3. The man asking for help wasn't Jewish The passage is meant to show us that God has compassion on people other than Jews, and that His power extended beyond that of any human or any other prophet. In this passage we see the compassion of Christ.
The woman who is burying her only son touches the heart of Jesus. He saw her grief and pain, and was moved to action. Think of it....our grief touches God's heart and moves him to action.
In a small town your past follows you. Even after you accept Christ and change your behavior there will be some who will not forget the past. They will bring up actions all the way back to high school. The sinful woman who anoints the feet of Jesus is still in her sin....she hasn't changed her ways yet. I'm sure the women of town had plenty to say about her. And it would appear that she had the attention of the Pharisees as well. So then, everyone knew what kind of woman she was, and yet she dared to come into the Pharisee's home and attend to Jesus. That's really putting yourself out there...and Jesus rewards her sacrifice and her risk handsomely.
If I had been the Pharisee, I would be pretty upset. Jesus points out that He hasn't been welcomed very well. No doubt the meal was a thinly veiled attempt to interrogate Christ, not to honor Him. I certainly hope that I am more like the sinful woman than the Pharisee when it comes to expressing love and devotion to Jesus.
PR
October 19, 2014
I noticed that the accounts of the Roman, official have differences. Luke says the Official sent envoys, and that Jesus traveled toward his home. Matthew says the Official came to Jesus personally, and doesn't mention that Jesus traveled at all. They seem to be recollections of the same account, because what Jesus says in each case is almost identical. So what should we believe? Well, we know for sure that a servant was ill, and that Jesus healed him on request without being in the servant's presence. We know that Jesus was very impressed with the faith of the Official, and we know that the Official was favorably disposed to the Jewish people. We also know that the Official cared about his servant, and realized that he was a servant as well, and he expected that Jesus would care about him. We cannot make any doctrinal beliefs based on the fact that he sent someone else, because we can't be sure of that. We can't insist that you must show up in person before Christ in order to be healed, because we can't be sure of that either. There's plenty of text that is identical into which we can "sink our teeth". Sometimes passages like this cause people to think that the Bible isn't true. However, any time two people see an event they will remember different parts, or get a detail or two wrong. Maybe that happened here, I don't know. We can establish several things that help us understand that the Bible is true: 1. There was a person named Jesus. 2. He performed powerful miracles 3. The man asking for help wasn't Jewish The passage is meant to show us that God has compassion on people other than Jews, and that His power extended beyond that of any human or any other prophet. In this passage we see the compassion of Christ.
The woman who is burying her only son touches the heart of Jesus. He saw her grief and pain, and was moved to action. Think of it....our grief touches God's heart and moves him to action.
In a small town your past follows you. Even after you accept Christ and change your behavior there will be some who will not forget the past. They will bring up actions all the way back to high school. The sinful woman who anoints the feet of Jesus is still in her sin....she hasn't changed her ways yet. I'm sure the women of town had plenty to say about her. And it would appear that she had the attention of the Pharisees as well. So then, everyone knew what kind of woman she was, and yet she dared to come into the Pharisee's home and attend to Jesus. That's really putting yourself out there...and Jesus rewards her sacrifice and her risk handsomely.
If I had been the Pharisee, I would be pretty upset. Jesus points out that He hasn't been welcomed very well. No doubt the meal was a thinly veiled attempt to interrogate Christ, not to honor Him. I certainly hope that I am more like the sinful woman than the Pharisee when it comes to expressing love and devotion to Jesus.
PR
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Matthew 5-7
October 18, 2014
One of the many topics and events recorded in today's reading is the Beatitudes. Jesus taught them to his disciples and the crowd that followed Him onto the hill beside the Sea of Galilee. The hills around the sea are fairly steep, and everywhere that the ground does become level (or close to it) there are small villages. In Jesus' day they would have been fishing villages.
Today, there is a church built at the top of the hill called the Mount of Beatitudes. Every day thousands of people come to see this famous place, and walk around on the very ground where Jesus walked. I visited there myself some years ago, and as I wandered off the beaten path I sat and looked out over the sea of Galilee and wondered if Jesus might have done the same thing. From where I sat you could see a grove of banana trees not too far below. Capernaum was to my left as looked out over the water. It looked like it was a mile or so away, not far at all. And it was built right up to the water's edge. Many of the building are constructed with a white stone common to the area, so they really look very attractive, even though they are quite plain.
I think about how many people flood through this place every day, and I wonder how many of them could recite more than one of the beatitudes. I don't have the memorized myself....and from what I saw of the people milling through the site, they aren't living them out.
No one could have imagined at the time that Jesus was teaching how insightful and how challenging His words would be. Imagine the one who spoke us into existence saying to His creation "remember to be humble, and be meek, and put the needs of others ahead of your own". He went on "don't worry about what you will wear, or what you will eat..I will take care of all that". It was in this area that Jesus took a little boy's lunch and turned it into a meal for thousands. Just proving that we don't need to worry about food. He's got that covered.
Obviously we can't all quit working and sit overlooking the sea for the rest of our lives. We do have to work, and prepare for the future. There is some fair amount of thought that goes into planning for what we will eat, and what we will wear, etc. But don't you think it's possible that too much time and energy is being invested? The food and clothing industries are multi billion dollar behemoths that exist because we are obsessed with them. Pride, envy and jealousy are the foundation on which many of the clothing companies exist.
Of course, Jesus wasn't talking about clothing when He spoke here. He was talking about relationships. Don't be angry with one another, don't resent each other, you know...that sort of thing. How much more peaceful the world would be if we could just do the few things listed in Matthew 5.
PR
October 18, 2014
One of the many topics and events recorded in today's reading is the Beatitudes. Jesus taught them to his disciples and the crowd that followed Him onto the hill beside the Sea of Galilee. The hills around the sea are fairly steep, and everywhere that the ground does become level (or close to it) there are small villages. In Jesus' day they would have been fishing villages.Today, there is a church built at the top of the hill called the Mount of Beatitudes. Every day thousands of people come to see this famous place, and walk around on the very ground where Jesus walked. I visited there myself some years ago, and as I wandered off the beaten path I sat and looked out over the sea of Galilee and wondered if Jesus might have done the same thing. From where I sat you could see a grove of banana trees not too far below. Capernaum was to my left as looked out over the water. It looked like it was a mile or so away, not far at all. And it was built right up to the water's edge. Many of the building are constructed with a white stone common to the area, so they really look very attractive, even though they are quite plain.
I think about how many people flood through this place every day, and I wonder how many of them could recite more than one of the beatitudes. I don't have the memorized myself....and from what I saw of the people milling through the site, they aren't living them out.
No one could have imagined at the time that Jesus was teaching how insightful and how challenging His words would be. Imagine the one who spoke us into existence saying to His creation "remember to be humble, and be meek, and put the needs of others ahead of your own". He went on "don't worry about what you will wear, or what you will eat..I will take care of all that". It was in this area that Jesus took a little boy's lunch and turned it into a meal for thousands. Just proving that we don't need to worry about food. He's got that covered.
Obviously we can't all quit working and sit overlooking the sea for the rest of our lives. We do have to work, and prepare for the future. There is some fair amount of thought that goes into planning for what we will eat, and what we will wear, etc. But don't you think it's possible that too much time and energy is being invested? The food and clothing industries are multi billion dollar behemoths that exist because we are obsessed with them. Pride, envy and jealousy are the foundation on which many of the clothing companies exist.
Of course, Jesus wasn't talking about clothing when He spoke here. He was talking about relationships. Don't be angry with one another, don't resent each other, you know...that sort of thing. How much more peaceful the world would be if we could just do the few things listed in Matthew 5.
PR
Friday, October 17, 2014
Mark 3, Luke 6 and Matthew 12
October 17, 2014
It seems that the Pharisees and the Jewish leaders resented Jesus. Probably because the people liked Him more than they did the Pharisees. These leaders loved the limelight, and their poor behavior proves their immaturity. Also, they were extremely rigid in their religious practice. Rigidity would be fine, as long as we knew without a doubt that we were 100% right, but too often we insist on practices that aren't necessary.
I have become fond of telling people who don't go to church that you can't go to heaven just by going to church. They already know that, but they don't expect to hear it from a preacher. They see the church as being very narrow minded, and so I like to challenge that. The truth is, there is a great benefit to attending church, every one should go...but going to church alone won't get you into heaven. So, there's no reason to be so rigid about it. The Pharisees were hung up on the Sabbath. Jesus is fairly clear that He wants us to respect the Sabbath, so we should. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it, or do good for others. Sometimes I think we get a little out of balance.
It's possible that there will be people in heaven who know very little about the Bible, Christian behavior or religious practice. Depending on how long they were Christians before they died...they may not have had a chance to learn much.
In each of the three readings for today there is a section about "the unforgivable sin" which is identified as "blaspheming the Holy Spirit". I don't think this is as common as we might assume. I think this is taking credit for what God has done, or saying that you have done something that God has done. Discounting or discrediting the work of the Holy Spirit is a serious offense, so we should be careful. Here are a few things that I avoid (maybe they will help you)
1. I never give credit for the creation to evolution or chance. I always make sure to give God credit for everything that has been created. It was all created with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
2. I try not to mock the religious practices and worship practices of other groups that identify themselves as Christians. Some people are more emotional, or physical in their expression. If the Holy Spirit is carrying them along, I try not to criticize. If I feel that it isn't Spirit led, I may mention that....with some caution.
3. I try to always give credit to God for any good thing that happens that I am involved in. I probably forget sometimes, but I always mention my gratitude to the Holy Spirit for giving me the ability, etc. when I pray. I often admit in prayer that I am nothing without the Holy Spirit leading me...and I really mean it. If it weren't for God's great love and mercy, I wouldn't be here today.
Matthew 12 talks about the "smoldering wick and bruised reed". It was explained to me once that these were allusions to the oil lamp, which had a reed wick. If the wick was damaged it wouldn't draw oil correctly to maintain an even flame. It would flicker, smolder and smoke. The popular thing to do was to cut it off below the damage and begin again. Jesus says that he won't do that with us. We are damaged, and there are times when we put out a lot of smoke, stinging the eyes of all the people around us, and making the area around us hard to live in. Despite that, Jesus in His patience continues to deal with us, love us and counsel and guide us. How wonderfully patient our Heavenly Father is!
PR
October 17, 2014
It seems that the Pharisees and the Jewish leaders resented Jesus. Probably because the people liked Him more than they did the Pharisees. These leaders loved the limelight, and their poor behavior proves their immaturity. Also, they were extremely rigid in their religious practice. Rigidity would be fine, as long as we knew without a doubt that we were 100% right, but too often we insist on practices that aren't necessary.
I have become fond of telling people who don't go to church that you can't go to heaven just by going to church. They already know that, but they don't expect to hear it from a preacher. They see the church as being very narrow minded, and so I like to challenge that. The truth is, there is a great benefit to attending church, every one should go...but going to church alone won't get you into heaven. So, there's no reason to be so rigid about it. The Pharisees were hung up on the Sabbath. Jesus is fairly clear that He wants us to respect the Sabbath, so we should. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it, or do good for others. Sometimes I think we get a little out of balance.
It's possible that there will be people in heaven who know very little about the Bible, Christian behavior or religious practice. Depending on how long they were Christians before they died...they may not have had a chance to learn much.
In each of the three readings for today there is a section about "the unforgivable sin" which is identified as "blaspheming the Holy Spirit". I don't think this is as common as we might assume. I think this is taking credit for what God has done, or saying that you have done something that God has done. Discounting or discrediting the work of the Holy Spirit is a serious offense, so we should be careful. Here are a few things that I avoid (maybe they will help you)
1. I never give credit for the creation to evolution or chance. I always make sure to give God credit for everything that has been created. It was all created with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
2. I try not to mock the religious practices and worship practices of other groups that identify themselves as Christians. Some people are more emotional, or physical in their expression. If the Holy Spirit is carrying them along, I try not to criticize. If I feel that it isn't Spirit led, I may mention that....with some caution.
3. I try to always give credit to God for any good thing that happens that I am involved in. I probably forget sometimes, but I always mention my gratitude to the Holy Spirit for giving me the ability, etc. when I pray. I often admit in prayer that I am nothing without the Holy Spirit leading me...and I really mean it. If it weren't for God's great love and mercy, I wouldn't be here today.
Matthew 12 talks about the "smoldering wick and bruised reed". It was explained to me once that these were allusions to the oil lamp, which had a reed wick. If the wick was damaged it wouldn't draw oil correctly to maintain an even flame. It would flicker, smolder and smoke. The popular thing to do was to cut it off below the damage and begin again. Jesus says that he won't do that with us. We are damaged, and there are times when we put out a lot of smoke, stinging the eyes of all the people around us, and making the area around us hard to live in. Despite that, Jesus in His patience continues to deal with us, love us and counsel and guide us. How wonderfully patient our Heavenly Father is!
PR
John 5
October 15, 2014
This passage and others like it are responsible for starting wars, dividing churches and motivating people to heroic deeds.
Jesus heals a man at the pool who apparently had quit trying to be healed. The man didn't know who he was, and didn't have any faith that Jesus could heal him. There is no indication that the man was a "good" or "righteous" man either. He was healed because Jesus had compassion on him. If Jesus had healed him as a way to become well known, or to attract a crowd, he would have mentioned his name and said "go and tell your friends" but He doesn't. Jesus looks at us in our broken condition, when we are too tired or ignorant to seek help, and has compassion on us. Jesus doesn't become angry with us because we are hurting. He doesn't become frustrated or vindictive. He cares about us, and that is His overriding motivation to heal, to speak, to come and live among us....to die in our place. I don't know what's going on in your life, but I know this: Jesus cares.
Interestingly, the Jewish leaders did not care. Even though this man was one of their own, all they saw was someone "breaking the law". If a crippled man carries his mat home on a Sunday....rejoice that he can! Don't chastise him for doing what he was physically unable to do yesterday. A miracle has taken place, celebrate that! A man has been released from his bondage, celebrate that!
The reaction of the Jews is what happens when someone takes their eyes off of the goal, and begins to focus solely on the process. It isn't that we don't need to make sure we obey the law, the law is good and should be obeyed. Obedience is valued by God and we need to take that into consideration. But when we become so caught up in keeping the law that we miss the fact that someone has achieved the goal, we become critical...perhaps even jealous of them. Instead of being happy, we find fault. Instead of cheering them, we talk behind their back.
Here's the part of the text that starts wars: verses 19-30. Jesus makes the following claims and statements:
October 15, 2014
This passage and others like it are responsible for starting wars, dividing churches and motivating people to heroic deeds.
Jesus heals a man at the pool who apparently had quit trying to be healed. The man didn't know who he was, and didn't have any faith that Jesus could heal him. There is no indication that the man was a "good" or "righteous" man either. He was healed because Jesus had compassion on him. If Jesus had healed him as a way to become well known, or to attract a crowd, he would have mentioned his name and said "go and tell your friends" but He doesn't. Jesus looks at us in our broken condition, when we are too tired or ignorant to seek help, and has compassion on us. Jesus doesn't become angry with us because we are hurting. He doesn't become frustrated or vindictive. He cares about us, and that is His overriding motivation to heal, to speak, to come and live among us....to die in our place. I don't know what's going on in your life, but I know this: Jesus cares.
Interestingly, the Jewish leaders did not care. Even though this man was one of their own, all they saw was someone "breaking the law". If a crippled man carries his mat home on a Sunday....rejoice that he can! Don't chastise him for doing what he was physically unable to do yesterday. A miracle has taken place, celebrate that! A man has been released from his bondage, celebrate that!
The reaction of the Jews is what happens when someone takes their eyes off of the goal, and begins to focus solely on the process. It isn't that we don't need to make sure we obey the law, the law is good and should be obeyed. Obedience is valued by God and we need to take that into consideration. But when we become so caught up in keeping the law that we miss the fact that someone has achieved the goal, we become critical...perhaps even jealous of them. Instead of being happy, we find fault. Instead of cheering them, we talk behind their back.
Here's the part of the text that starts wars: verses 19-30. Jesus makes the following claims and statements:
- The Son does what the Father does. The Father shows the Son everything (19,20 and 30)
- The Son gives life, just like the Father (21 and 25)
- The Son is the one who Judges, not the Father (22, 27 and 29)
- If you don't honor the Son, then you don't honor the Father (23)
- The Son has life within himself, He doesn't have to rely on the Father for it (26)
and then:
Verse 38 says that you cannot be a Christian unless you believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Verse 39 says Scripture (meaning our Old Testament) is testimony about Jesus Christ.
Verse 40 implies that Jesus alone gives life.
In verses 45-47 Jesus mentions that Moses testified about Him. You will see several references in Moses writings that point to Jesus. Here are two quick examples: when Moses raised the bronze serpent in the desert on a staff, anyone who looked to it was saved. Jesus says in the New Testament that just like that bronze serpent, anyone who looks told him (and specifically to Christ crucified, "lifted up" will be saved). In Genesis 49:10 Jacob (Israel) tells his children that a ruler will come from the tribe of Judah some day. You may say "that's Jacob talking, and yet Jesus said that Moses is the one who testifies, why is that?" Good question. Here's the answer: Moses is the one who records the history of the nation and put it into print. Moses is the author of the first five books of the Bible, commonly called the Pentateuch. (pronounced "Pent-a-tuke" by me...)
In any case, Chapter 5 of John is a defining chapter for all Christians. It gives us some foundation on which we build many doctrines. Therefore, if a doctrine comes along that denies the truth of John 5, we know that doctrine isn't of Christ.
Be blessed,
PR
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Matthew 8-9, Mark 2
October 15, 2014
I hadn't realized how early in Christ's ministry the Centurion had come. This is before he goes to Peter's house to heal his mother in law. The 12 disciples aren't assembled yet. Word of Christ's ministry can't have traveled very far. There isn't any internet or television to spread the word, so it would still be local. And yet this Centurion has the insight into who Christ is to be able to say "I don't deserve to have you come under my roof". No wonder Jesus was amazed. Jesus goes on to say here that there will be Jews who don't make it into heaven, while many foreigners will.
I grieve that there will be some from the chosen race that don't make it, but I also celebrate the fact that we who are not Jewish are also invited.
Here in Matthew we are told that there are two demon possessed men. In Luke only one is mentioned. That doesn't mean the text is wrong, perhaps Luke only saw fit to mention the most provocative person in the story. In either case, whether it was one or two; the point of the story is the same...demons must listen to Jesus, as He is more powerful than they. Demons care only to destroy and harm, where Christ has come to rescue and preserve.
Just before this we see Jesus calming the waves. That's recorded for us so that we know that the one whom we serve has all power and authority. There isn't any circumstance in which God isn't able to speak and change it. Skipping over a few verses, in Chapter 9 we see that even death is subjected to him. From the beginning of his ministry Jesus was proving to the people that He had (and still has) authority over all things, even death itself.
By the way, a day or so ago we read where the Pharisees were asking for a sign, and Jesus said no sign would be given to them except that He would raise the temple in three days. Jesus says HE would raise himself from the dead...further proof that He and The Father are truly one, in some way that is beyond our ability to understand.
Before we leave this passage, we should touch on the "old wine and new wineskins" quote. That's because we are so often misquoting it, and getting the passage out of context. In this passage Jesus is talking about the need for the actions of the people to match the time. Grieve when it's time to grieve, and celebrate when it's time to celebrate. Don't celebrate when you should be grieving, and don't grieve when you should be celebrating. It doesn't have anything to do with a new teaching that cannot be contained by a previous generation, because they have become too old and inflexible to contain it. We are always talking about the "new wine" and thanking God for "new wineskins" which we take as young people who are more receptive to our ideas....and then we miss the verse in Luke 5:39 that says "no one after drinking the old wine wants the new, for he says 'the old is better'".
So, when someone says they believe that Jesus is saying that he is the "new wine" remember that it's that same Jesus who says "the old is better". So, that interpretation can't be completely accurate.
Be blessed,
PR
October 15, 2014
I hadn't realized how early in Christ's ministry the Centurion had come. This is before he goes to Peter's house to heal his mother in law. The 12 disciples aren't assembled yet. Word of Christ's ministry can't have traveled very far. There isn't any internet or television to spread the word, so it would still be local. And yet this Centurion has the insight into who Christ is to be able to say "I don't deserve to have you come under my roof". No wonder Jesus was amazed. Jesus goes on to say here that there will be Jews who don't make it into heaven, while many foreigners will.
I grieve that there will be some from the chosen race that don't make it, but I also celebrate the fact that we who are not Jewish are also invited.
Here in Matthew we are told that there are two demon possessed men. In Luke only one is mentioned. That doesn't mean the text is wrong, perhaps Luke only saw fit to mention the most provocative person in the story. In either case, whether it was one or two; the point of the story is the same...demons must listen to Jesus, as He is more powerful than they. Demons care only to destroy and harm, where Christ has come to rescue and preserve.
Just before this we see Jesus calming the waves. That's recorded for us so that we know that the one whom we serve has all power and authority. There isn't any circumstance in which God isn't able to speak and change it. Skipping over a few verses, in Chapter 9 we see that even death is subjected to him. From the beginning of his ministry Jesus was proving to the people that He had (and still has) authority over all things, even death itself.
By the way, a day or so ago we read where the Pharisees were asking for a sign, and Jesus said no sign would be given to them except that He would raise the temple in three days. Jesus says HE would raise himself from the dead...further proof that He and The Father are truly one, in some way that is beyond our ability to understand.
Before we leave this passage, we should touch on the "old wine and new wineskins" quote. That's because we are so often misquoting it, and getting the passage out of context. In this passage Jesus is talking about the need for the actions of the people to match the time. Grieve when it's time to grieve, and celebrate when it's time to celebrate. Don't celebrate when you should be grieving, and don't grieve when you should be celebrating. It doesn't have anything to do with a new teaching that cannot be contained by a previous generation, because they have become too old and inflexible to contain it. We are always talking about the "new wine" and thanking God for "new wineskins" which we take as young people who are more receptive to our ideas....and then we miss the verse in Luke 5:39 that says "no one after drinking the old wine wants the new, for he says 'the old is better'".
So, when someone says they believe that Jesus is saying that he is the "new wine" remember that it's that same Jesus who says "the old is better". So, that interpretation can't be completely accurate.
Be blessed,
PR
John 2-4
October 14, 2014
Did Jesus really turn water into wine? Yes. And, it appears to have been a very good quality of wine, one that would have taken humans several years to ferment. The master of the banquet says "you saved the best for last". So Jesus' first miracle is wine-making. In many churches this wouldn't raise an eyebrow. But in our corner of the faith, we have chosen not to drink, because it leads to addiction, abuse, loss of income, etc. We simply cannot find a good reason to allow drinking when we know that it leads to serious trouble for many people. We say "better to leave it alone....Jesus didn't say that you have to drink". But that doesn't make having a glass of wine a sin either. I tell my friends that it's not a sin, but it's probably a bad idea, or at least exposing yourself to a bad habit. Having said all that, if Jesus himself offers me wine, I'm drinking it. If communion is wine, I'm taking it.
We sometimes get the details wrong as we attempt to work our our faith. One group defines themselves by what they drink, another group allows activity in the church that shouldn't be allowed. Jesus shows up at the temple and finds that they have begun buying and selling, trading cattle and sheep, exchanging money and all other sorts of carrying on.... The place has begun to look like a flea market more than a solemn place of worship. As soon as Jesus sees it, He clears the place out with a whip. I am surprised that no one tries to stop him. The temple area is a large place, and there is a lot of money and property flying around. Maybe they knew in their hearts that what they were doing wasn't right, so they didn't have the motivation to fight back. Maybe they were just caught off guard. Maybe Jesus was really, really good with the whip. I don't know.
I do wonder from time to time what Jesus would think if He came back to see the church today. I doubt that a bottle of wine would raise his hackles. But I wonder if He would approve of all our activities. Would there be enough of a balance between advertising prayer meeting and halloween fun? Would He be satisfied with the number of people who attend a small group? I haven't tried to change anything that we are doing here, so I guess I mostly feel that Jesus would be happy with what we are doing. He might even say that we take ourselves too seriously. I don't know for sure.
We can't leave this section without talking briefly about the Samaritan woman. This account isn't found elsewhere in scripture. Jesus breaks down several cultural barriers when he speaks with her, he shouldn't be in Samaria, he shouldn't be talking to a woman, and especially not a women of poor reputation. But because He does, a whole community has the opportunity to be saved. When we read the story think of ways that we can break down social barriers to get the gospel message to the people.....and then consider the point of view that says we are the "samaratians" who have received the message. Praise God that He and those who came after Him have stepped across the social barriers and shared the message! Where would we be without them?
PR
October 14, 2014
Did Jesus really turn water into wine? Yes. And, it appears to have been a very good quality of wine, one that would have taken humans several years to ferment. The master of the banquet says "you saved the best for last". So Jesus' first miracle is wine-making. In many churches this wouldn't raise an eyebrow. But in our corner of the faith, we have chosen not to drink, because it leads to addiction, abuse, loss of income, etc. We simply cannot find a good reason to allow drinking when we know that it leads to serious trouble for many people. We say "better to leave it alone....Jesus didn't say that you have to drink". But that doesn't make having a glass of wine a sin either. I tell my friends that it's not a sin, but it's probably a bad idea, or at least exposing yourself to a bad habit. Having said all that, if Jesus himself offers me wine, I'm drinking it. If communion is wine, I'm taking it.
We sometimes get the details wrong as we attempt to work our our faith. One group defines themselves by what they drink, another group allows activity in the church that shouldn't be allowed. Jesus shows up at the temple and finds that they have begun buying and selling, trading cattle and sheep, exchanging money and all other sorts of carrying on.... The place has begun to look like a flea market more than a solemn place of worship. As soon as Jesus sees it, He clears the place out with a whip. I am surprised that no one tries to stop him. The temple area is a large place, and there is a lot of money and property flying around. Maybe they knew in their hearts that what they were doing wasn't right, so they didn't have the motivation to fight back. Maybe they were just caught off guard. Maybe Jesus was really, really good with the whip. I don't know.
I do wonder from time to time what Jesus would think if He came back to see the church today. I doubt that a bottle of wine would raise his hackles. But I wonder if He would approve of all our activities. Would there be enough of a balance between advertising prayer meeting and halloween fun? Would He be satisfied with the number of people who attend a small group? I haven't tried to change anything that we are doing here, so I guess I mostly feel that Jesus would be happy with what we are doing. He might even say that we take ourselves too seriously. I don't know for sure.
We can't leave this section without talking briefly about the Samaritan woman. This account isn't found elsewhere in scripture. Jesus breaks down several cultural barriers when he speaks with her, he shouldn't be in Samaria, he shouldn't be talking to a woman, and especially not a women of poor reputation. But because He does, a whole community has the opportunity to be saved. When we read the story think of ways that we can break down social barriers to get the gospel message to the people.....and then consider the point of view that says we are the "samaratians" who have received the message. Praise God that He and those who came after Him have stepped across the social barriers and shared the message! Where would we be without them?
PR
John 1, Matthew 4, Luke 4-5
Posted: October 13, 2014
There are so many lessons to be learned in these passages that I don't know where to begin. Did you see that Jesus used Scripture to fight back against the devil? did you notice that the devil was using scripture as well, but twisting it to fit his own devices? That's why 2 Timothy 2:15 says "study to present yourself as one approved, a workman who correctly handles the Word of Truth". We must read, re-read and ponder on scripture. Discuss it with your friends, listen to sermons and read study materials that will take you through the Bible. Learn to correctly handle the Word, so that it will be useful and effective.
I used to think that Jesus would have been at his weakest point when satan came to tempt him. Having been 40 days without anything to eat, he would have to be starving. But having spent some time in fasting, I can tell you that you gain spiritual strength while you lose physical strength. If you say "no" to a desire for 40 days, at the end of 40 days you are more able to resist, not less able. I have found that the first day of a fast is the hardest one when you are not eating. Maybe day two as well....but the point is this: it becomes a little easier to say "no" as time goes on. The physical need to eat is there, but the learned response that says "I should eat something" is far less pronounced.
Luke 4 tells us that Jesus was rejected in his own hometown. I noticed that the people were content to allow him to sit in "Moses seat", the place where whoever is selected to read the Scripture is seated. They were content to allow him to say that He was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. But when He said that He wasn't going to do any miracles in His hometown, they rioted. How dare He come home and not do miracles? So....they tried to throw Him off a cliff. Good grief. Their actions are screaming that they aren't really disciples, only onlookers who want to see something fantastic happen. The same thing is repeated in Luke 5 when Jesus heals a paralytic. He tells the crippled man that his sins are forgiven, and the Pharisees and Teachers quickly understand that He is in fact saying that He is God. But as soon as He tells the crippled man to walk, they quiet down...and everyone goes home saying "we have seen remarkable things here today". Actually, far more remarkable was what they HEARD, but it seemed to have been overlooked because of the crippled man running around.
By the way, did you see that the crippled man is forgiven of his sins before he says a single word, or even acknowledges who Jesus is? It would appear that the motivation for Jesus to forgive his sins was the sacrifice of the friends. That's kind of interesting.
PR
Posted: October 13, 2014
There are so many lessons to be learned in these passages that I don't know where to begin. Did you see that Jesus used Scripture to fight back against the devil? did you notice that the devil was using scripture as well, but twisting it to fit his own devices? That's why 2 Timothy 2:15 says "study to present yourself as one approved, a workman who correctly handles the Word of Truth". We must read, re-read and ponder on scripture. Discuss it with your friends, listen to sermons and read study materials that will take you through the Bible. Learn to correctly handle the Word, so that it will be useful and effective.
I used to think that Jesus would have been at his weakest point when satan came to tempt him. Having been 40 days without anything to eat, he would have to be starving. But having spent some time in fasting, I can tell you that you gain spiritual strength while you lose physical strength. If you say "no" to a desire for 40 days, at the end of 40 days you are more able to resist, not less able. I have found that the first day of a fast is the hardest one when you are not eating. Maybe day two as well....but the point is this: it becomes a little easier to say "no" as time goes on. The physical need to eat is there, but the learned response that says "I should eat something" is far less pronounced.
Luke 4 tells us that Jesus was rejected in his own hometown. I noticed that the people were content to allow him to sit in "Moses seat", the place where whoever is selected to read the Scripture is seated. They were content to allow him to say that He was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. But when He said that He wasn't going to do any miracles in His hometown, they rioted. How dare He come home and not do miracles? So....they tried to throw Him off a cliff. Good grief. Their actions are screaming that they aren't really disciples, only onlookers who want to see something fantastic happen. The same thing is repeated in Luke 5 when Jesus heals a paralytic. He tells the crippled man that his sins are forgiven, and the Pharisees and Teachers quickly understand that He is in fact saying that He is God. But as soon as He tells the crippled man to walk, they quiet down...and everyone goes home saying "we have seen remarkable things here today". Actually, far more remarkable was what they HEARD, but it seemed to have been overlooked because of the crippled man running around.
By the way, did you see that the crippled man is forgiven of his sins before he says a single word, or even acknowledges who Jesus is? It would appear that the motivation for Jesus to forgive his sins was the sacrifice of the friends. That's kind of interesting.
PR
Monday, October 13, 2014
Mark 1, Luke 3, Matthew 3
Posted: October 12, 2014
Three key things are discussed in each of these passages: The ministry of John the Baptist, The baptism of Christ and the calling of the first several disciples.
From this passage we understand that there is a trinity. God the Father who is speaking from heaven, and God the Holy Spirit who is settling upon God the Son. This isn't the first time we have seen the presence of the three working in harmony in Scripture. In the very beginning of Genesis we see God the Father speaking the world into existence, and "the Spirit of God hovering over the waters". In John chapter one it says "through Him (meaning Jesus) all things were created".
John's ministry is an incredible part of the fabric of the salvation message. How incredible it would have been to be present when John said "behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". But John was such a powerful speaker, I wonder if most people realized the significance of the moment. I also wonder if a few people said "of course he pointed out one of his relatives as the Messiah....how convenient". It just goes to show that sometimes powerful and important moments happen and we don't even recognize them.
I'm glad John stayed close enough in his personal walk with God to recognize Jesus when He appeared on the scene.
Speaking of not missing an important moment, John and Andrew seem to be the first two men to answer the invitation of Jesus to become disciples. It was a rather bland invitation, nothing compelling about it, really. "come and see" doesn't say much about all the exciting things these men would see, the miracles that they would experience, and the absolutely incredible legacy that these twelve would leave behind. Jesus says nothing about any of this. He simply says "follow me".
I believe that Jesus offers the same invitation today. I really don't think Jesus is trying very hard to sell it. He simply says "come and follow me" and the rewards and blessing are poured out on all those who respond. No one could ever imagine how rich and fulfilling a life lived with Christ at the center would be. And we haven't even scratched the surface of what heaven's going to be like.
PR
Posted: October 12, 2014
Three key things are discussed in each of these passages: The ministry of John the Baptist, The baptism of Christ and the calling of the first several disciples.
From this passage we understand that there is a trinity. God the Father who is speaking from heaven, and God the Holy Spirit who is settling upon God the Son. This isn't the first time we have seen the presence of the three working in harmony in Scripture. In the very beginning of Genesis we see God the Father speaking the world into existence, and "the Spirit of God hovering over the waters". In John chapter one it says "through Him (meaning Jesus) all things were created".
John's ministry is an incredible part of the fabric of the salvation message. How incredible it would have been to be present when John said "behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". But John was such a powerful speaker, I wonder if most people realized the significance of the moment. I also wonder if a few people said "of course he pointed out one of his relatives as the Messiah....how convenient". It just goes to show that sometimes powerful and important moments happen and we don't even recognize them.
I'm glad John stayed close enough in his personal walk with God to recognize Jesus when He appeared on the scene.
Speaking of not missing an important moment, John and Andrew seem to be the first two men to answer the invitation of Jesus to become disciples. It was a rather bland invitation, nothing compelling about it, really. "come and see" doesn't say much about all the exciting things these men would see, the miracles that they would experience, and the absolutely incredible legacy that these twelve would leave behind. Jesus says nothing about any of this. He simply says "follow me".
I believe that Jesus offers the same invitation today. I really don't think Jesus is trying very hard to sell it. He simply says "come and follow me" and the rewards and blessing are poured out on all those who respond. No one could ever imagine how rich and fulfilling a life lived with Christ at the center would be. And we haven't even scratched the surface of what heaven's going to be like.
PR
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Matthew 2 and Luke 2:39-52
Posted: October 11, 2014
In our reading today, we get the only glimpse of what happened in Jesus’ life between the time of his birth until he is ready to begin his ministry. He was dedicated at the temple, circumcised as was the custom on the eighth day, and then they had to leave and live in Egypt until Herod died and they could come back to Judah.
When Jesus was 12 years old they were making an annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover. Don’t let it slip by you that this occurred during Passover, because it gives us a little insight into the customs and traditions Jesus would have learned growing up. Jerusalem would have been a city he was familiar with.
But I have to say, as a mother, I can’t imagine how frightened Mary and Joseph would have been over discovering Jesus missing. I lost my oldest daughter in a store for 20 minutes and thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown… 3 days they searched for him… 3 days. Interesting… As we read the stories throughout the gospels, I try to imagine what it must have felt like to be the mother of God… and I just can’t get my head around it. How she must have been confused, yet blessed; her patience tried, yet what peace would have surrounded her. How could you argue with Jesus’ logic?
I imagine her faith was tested time and time again. “Is this really happening? Is my son the long awaited Messiah?” Life as the parent of Jesus would have been very complicated, but God knew who he chose and he chose them for a reason. Is God choosing you for a special task? It may not always be easy, actually you may have to endure many hardships along the way but in the end the reward is incredible.
Blessings
Pastor Kathy
Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-38
Posted: October 10, 2014
Reading through genealogies often seem a bit tedious, even trying to pronounce all those name, I have to admit that many times I start to skip over them, but this time reading the beginning of Matthew, as I read many of the names of the Kings in his line, I remembered some of the stories surrounding them. It was like... I know that guy he was terrible, or he did a lot of good.
But one name jumped out at me and that was Rahab. Rahab was the prostitute who saved the spies sent out by Joshua when the Israelites were ready to capture Jericho. (When they were about to enter the Promised Land.) Rahab apparently after being rescued marries Salmon an Israelite and becomes the mother of Boaz, who was the wealthy guy who rescued Ruth.
So Ruth’s grandmother-in-law, was Rahab. I would have liked to have heard some of their conversations about how God rescued them. (I don’t know if she was still living at the time, but I would just like to think that the stories might have been shared among two women who knew what it was like to be at the bottom of life and to be rescued through God’s loving and generous hand.)
Now fast forward to our reading today and the way God is proving a way for all of us to be rescued, through his son, Jesus the Christ. This is the culmination of the greatest love story ever known to mankind. How God has worked in our lives from the beginning of time to set us back into a right relationship with Him. To provide the means of the greatest rescue.
This reading today, may seem very familiar (we hear it every year at Christmas time) but I challenge you to read the story of the birth of Christ with your heart and not just your head. Listen to what God is telling you – see how he is providing a way to rescue you from whatever challenges you have, whatever problems you may be facing and remember how throughout history he has never abandon those who were faithful to him. He didn’t abandon Rahab, he didn’t abandon Ruth, he didn’t abandon Joseph and Mary as he provided an escape for them into Egypt. And here is the good news…. He will not abandon you if you remain faithful and obedient. That is a promise I am holding on to today.
Blessings
Pastor Kathy
Friday, October 10, 2014
John 1
Posted: October 10, 2014
John 1 mirrors the same message as the beginning of Genesis. God was present in the beginning. And, if our mind can accept such things...before the beginning. Jesus was introduced to us in human form in a cattle stall several thousand years ago, but He was God before that. Along with the rest of the Godhead He is responsible for the creation. He is the manifestation of the Word. Therefore, when we read the Bible, and especially when it is spoken aloud, we are hearing from Jesus Christ. He IS the message of salvation, the fulcrum on which all human history pivots, .
John denies being Elijah, but Malachi says that he will go on "in the spirit of Elijah". That would mean he would be a prophet (which he is).
John defends his ministry to the priests and Levites when they were sent to ask him if he was the Christ by quoting a passage from Isaiah. John knew his role in this grand production. He knew how his ministry would dovetail into the greater message.
I can't imagine a clearer introduction than the one John gave to Jesus. He literally says several times "Look, there He is". If you respected John's message at all, then you would immediately recognize Jesus. I wonder why John didn't lose every single one of his disciples that day? When John says someone greater than him is here, and then points them out...why not follow Him? John would certainly not have objected. Maybe it's the same mindset that causes us to follow pastors instead of Christ.
Jesus was identified by John with the name "Lamb of God" , and who can miss the significance of it? Only the lamb can take away the sin stain from our soul. A lamb was the preferred offering before the time of Christ's appearing to atone for sin. (Leviticus 4:32). In Revelation we see a person "looking like a lamb that has been slain" entering the very center of heaven and breaking the seals on the scroll. No one could do it, except for the Lamb.
By the way, the old testament specifies a female lamb. Further proof that although God appeared to humans in the male form, He is more than male or female. All our characteristics come from Him, both male and female. Therefore, He is more clearly and accurately seen by men and women worshiping together than by men or women worshiping alone.
The calling of the first disciples is recorded here: John (the disciple and author of this book) and Andrew were disciples of John the Baptist. They were the first two disciples to hear and follow Christ. Andrew runs and tells his brother Peter, and along the way they pick up Phillip. Phillip immediately tells his friend Nathaniel, which makes five.
It's interesting, because Nathaniel is one of the first disciples, like Andrew....but we don't know very much about them.
PR
Posted: October 10, 2014
John 1 mirrors the same message as the beginning of Genesis. God was present in the beginning. And, if our mind can accept such things...before the beginning. Jesus was introduced to us in human form in a cattle stall several thousand years ago, but He was God before that. Along with the rest of the Godhead He is responsible for the creation. He is the manifestation of the Word. Therefore, when we read the Bible, and especially when it is spoken aloud, we are hearing from Jesus Christ. He IS the message of salvation, the fulcrum on which all human history pivots, .
John denies being Elijah, but Malachi says that he will go on "in the spirit of Elijah". That would mean he would be a prophet (which he is).
John defends his ministry to the priests and Levites when they were sent to ask him if he was the Christ by quoting a passage from Isaiah. John knew his role in this grand production. He knew how his ministry would dovetail into the greater message.
I can't imagine a clearer introduction than the one John gave to Jesus. He literally says several times "Look, there He is". If you respected John's message at all, then you would immediately recognize Jesus. I wonder why John didn't lose every single one of his disciples that day? When John says someone greater than him is here, and then points them out...why not follow Him? John would certainly not have objected. Maybe it's the same mindset that causes us to follow pastors instead of Christ.
Jesus was identified by John with the name "Lamb of God" , and who can miss the significance of it? Only the lamb can take away the sin stain from our soul. A lamb was the preferred offering before the time of Christ's appearing to atone for sin. (Leviticus 4:32). In Revelation we see a person "looking like a lamb that has been slain" entering the very center of heaven and breaking the seals on the scroll. No one could do it, except for the Lamb.
By the way, the old testament specifies a female lamb. Further proof that although God appeared to humans in the male form, He is more than male or female. All our characteristics come from Him, both male and female. Therefore, He is more clearly and accurately seen by men and women worshiping together than by men or women worshiping alone.
The calling of the first disciples is recorded here: John (the disciple and author of this book) and Andrew were disciples of John the Baptist. They were the first two disciples to hear and follow Christ. Andrew runs and tells his brother Peter, and along the way they pick up Phillip. Phillip immediately tells his friend Nathaniel, which makes five.
It's interesting, because Nathaniel is one of the first disciples, like Andrew....but we don't know very much about them.
PR
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Luke 1
Posted: October 9, 2014
1-4 Each person must make their own careful search in order to discover the truth. Since God reveals himself through His Word, the person seeking Christ will find Him revealed there. In study our faith is increased.
5-25 Zechariah and Elizabeth were both godly and "blameless" and yet she was still barren. Looking back we know why, but it must have been frustrating to be a young woman and not know why you couldn't have children. Children took care of their parents in old age, but this was not the case for Zechariah. Shouldering their own burden must have been part of the sacrifice they made for God. Zechariah was chosen by lot, but God was really in charge of it...there are no coincidences with God.
John was filled with the Spirit from birth. Several men have been set apart in a similar fashion. This "higher calling" was referred to as the Nazarite vow. More information on it is found in Numbers 6. Samson was a Nazarite, but he broke the vow by touching dead things, drinking wine and having his hair cut.
John's purpose is not have superhuman powers like Samson, but rather to have a powerful message that stirs a community back to serving God. The Spirit settles upon people differently to effect his purpose.
John is to be filled with "the spirit and power of Elijah". This is prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6, although I think it will be fulfilled again just prior to the second coming.
Zechariah doubted, and that earned him almost a year of silence. But God used the silence (or the breaking of the silence) to further underscore that this child is special. I suspect that Zechariah looked back at his life and considered that "it was worth it all".
Elizabeth felt that having the child "took away her disgrace" but in fact she had never been disgraced. It only seemed that way because she hadn't seen the end of the story. I think that we also draw incorrect conclusions before we have heard the whole story. Who's to say what the impact and effect of someone's life has been? How can we possibly know that, given the number of people who could have been helped by any one of us? Maybe we should be careful about drawing conclusions like Elizabeth ...when we don't know the whole story.
26-38 Mary doesn't doubt...although I can't imagine why. It's easier for me to believe that an old man and his wife will have a child than it is to believe that a woman will have a virgin birth. Of course, Zechariah wasn't given the choice of what to believe, and of the two, he had the easier scenario. It all serves to underscore what deep faith Mary must have had.
39-56 In this passage Mary isn't directed to go and visit Elizabeth. Maybe since the angel mentioned it, Mary decides to see for herself. That would certainly encourage and bolster the faith of a young pregnant woman. It would be a life changing experience to sit with Elizabeth while she shared experiences from a life filled with disappointment (barren) and the questions that would naturally come from that. Listening to her while she is pregnant, and hearing her testify that God is faithful would certainly help Mary deal with the difficulties that lie ahead of her.
Mary's song (the Magnificat) has been set to music by some of the worlds greatest composers, such as Bach and Mozart. It is a clear and powerful hymn of praise and faith. It also tells us that Luke spent time interviewing Mary, because that's the only way he would have this kind of detail. He wouldn't know what Mary was thinking, or what the angel said to her when she was alone unless he spoke to her personally. What a conversation that would have been. Mary would have a perspective that no one else could share.
57-80 Zechariah remains faithful to name his child as he was told. The crowd doesn't understand, because the crowd rarely understands. They want to do what has always been done, having not been part of the revelation, Zechariah and Elizabeth's actions don't make sense to them.
Zechariah shares his own powerful statement of faith, but for some reason it isn't as popular as Mary's. However, since it came from the same Holy Spirit, it should be.
Since Zechariah and Elizabeth were old when John was born, I wonder how long it was before they died and John as on his own? Who raised him? Did they survive until he was a teen and able to fend for himself? I wonder why we don't have any details on the childhood of either John or Jesus. That would be so interesting to know.
PR
Posted: October 9, 2014
1-4 Each person must make their own careful search in order to discover the truth. Since God reveals himself through His Word, the person seeking Christ will find Him revealed there. In study our faith is increased.
5-25 Zechariah and Elizabeth were both godly and "blameless" and yet she was still barren. Looking back we know why, but it must have been frustrating to be a young woman and not know why you couldn't have children. Children took care of their parents in old age, but this was not the case for Zechariah. Shouldering their own burden must have been part of the sacrifice they made for God. Zechariah was chosen by lot, but God was really in charge of it...there are no coincidences with God.
John was filled with the Spirit from birth. Several men have been set apart in a similar fashion. This "higher calling" was referred to as the Nazarite vow. More information on it is found in Numbers 6. Samson was a Nazarite, but he broke the vow by touching dead things, drinking wine and having his hair cut.
John's purpose is not have superhuman powers like Samson, but rather to have a powerful message that stirs a community back to serving God. The Spirit settles upon people differently to effect his purpose.
John is to be filled with "the spirit and power of Elijah". This is prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6, although I think it will be fulfilled again just prior to the second coming.
Zechariah doubted, and that earned him almost a year of silence. But God used the silence (or the breaking of the silence) to further underscore that this child is special. I suspect that Zechariah looked back at his life and considered that "it was worth it all".
Elizabeth felt that having the child "took away her disgrace" but in fact she had never been disgraced. It only seemed that way because she hadn't seen the end of the story. I think that we also draw incorrect conclusions before we have heard the whole story. Who's to say what the impact and effect of someone's life has been? How can we possibly know that, given the number of people who could have been helped by any one of us? Maybe we should be careful about drawing conclusions like Elizabeth ...when we don't know the whole story.
26-38 Mary doesn't doubt...although I can't imagine why. It's easier for me to believe that an old man and his wife will have a child than it is to believe that a woman will have a virgin birth. Of course, Zechariah wasn't given the choice of what to believe, and of the two, he had the easier scenario. It all serves to underscore what deep faith Mary must have had.
39-56 In this passage Mary isn't directed to go and visit Elizabeth. Maybe since the angel mentioned it, Mary decides to see for herself. That would certainly encourage and bolster the faith of a young pregnant woman. It would be a life changing experience to sit with Elizabeth while she shared experiences from a life filled with disappointment (barren) and the questions that would naturally come from that. Listening to her while she is pregnant, and hearing her testify that God is faithful would certainly help Mary deal with the difficulties that lie ahead of her.
Mary's song (the Magnificat) has been set to music by some of the worlds greatest composers, such as Bach and Mozart. It is a clear and powerful hymn of praise and faith. It also tells us that Luke spent time interviewing Mary, because that's the only way he would have this kind of detail. He wouldn't know what Mary was thinking, or what the angel said to her when she was alone unless he spoke to her personally. What a conversation that would have been. Mary would have a perspective that no one else could share.
57-80 Zechariah remains faithful to name his child as he was told. The crowd doesn't understand, because the crowd rarely understands. They want to do what has always been done, having not been part of the revelation, Zechariah and Elizabeth's actions don't make sense to them.
Zechariah shares his own powerful statement of faith, but for some reason it isn't as popular as Mary's. However, since it came from the same Holy Spirit, it should be.
Since Zechariah and Elizabeth were old when John was born, I wonder how long it was before they died and John as on his own? Who raised him? Did they survive until he was a teen and able to fend for himself? I wonder why we don't have any details on the childhood of either John or Jesus. That would be so interesting to know.
PR
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Psalm 126
Posted: October 7, 2014
"the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy"
Everyone of us can relate to this passage. We have all received from God more than we deserved, and we have all strayed from His commands.
Those of us who have returned can testify that God is patient and loving and forgiving. He doesn't hold a grudge against us because of our sins, and He doesn't withhold his love and favor from us when we repent. In fact, He is quick to bless us and encourage us.
Only God can restore what our sin (or the sins of others) has taken from us. He alone has the power of restoration. In Him lives are restored, families are restored, homes are restored, fortunes are restored and nations are restored. Everything entrusted to Christ is made better and more durable.
Be blessed today by entrusting yourself completely to Him!
PR
Posted: October 7, 2014
"the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy"
Everyone of us can relate to this passage. We have all received from God more than we deserved, and we have all strayed from His commands.
Those of us who have returned can testify that God is patient and loving and forgiving. He doesn't hold a grudge against us because of our sins, and He doesn't withhold his love and favor from us when we repent. In fact, He is quick to bless us and encourage us.
Only God can restore what our sin (or the sins of others) has taken from us. He alone has the power of restoration. In Him lives are restored, families are restored, homes are restored, fortunes are restored and nations are restored. Everything entrusted to Christ is made better and more durable.
Be blessed today by entrusting yourself completely to Him!
PR
Malachi 1-4
Posted October 8, 2014
Having just read through these four chapters again, I think this is one of the richest parts of the Old Testament. Every passage gives some guidance, delivers a promise or points out an area that should be addressed. Let's take a quick look:
Chapter 1: God doesn't hate, so when He says He "hated Esau" what is meant is that He showed preference to Jacob over Esau. The punishments that are falling upon the Edomites are deserved because of their rebellious and prideful actions. It isn't because God chooses to create, and then destroy without cause or reason.
The idea of "what did you bring to sacrifice?" is key here. God is looking at the value and quality of what we offer. Consider that your actions, your finances, your talents and your time are all a part of your sacrifice. What quality are you offering? Is it the best of your time, or the time you have left over....if you have any left over? Do you use your skills and abilities to create wealth for yourself, and not for God? How have you used your skills to bring glory to God?
Bringing to the Lord what is left over only serves to incur His wrath. Better not to sacrifice at all, Giving a bad sacrifice is kind of like leaving a few coins for a tip at an expensive restaurant..after you have received good service. It lets the wait staff know that you didn't forget, but you don't really appreciate their service either. It would be better if you hadn't tipped at all. At least then they wouldn't be insulted.
Taking that thought a step further: it would be more like walking out of the restaurant and only paying a portion of the bill.....because God is due the sacrifice. it isn't a "tip".
In Chapter 2 the priests are charged with marrying foreign women, and abandoning their wives.
After the time of Nehemiah the people were pretty much left to govern themselves with regard to their religion. That is to say no one is forcing them to marry other women. They are doing this voluntarily, and no one is protesting. I'm not sure what the allure of foreign women was to the Israelites, but I know that it was a real stumbling block for the priests. In fact, it remains a stumbling block still today for ministers and other church leaders.
Chapter 3 is a pointed discussion about not paying your tithe. If we don't contribute back to the Lord the portion He has asked of us, then we have no right to assume He is going to give us His blessing.
Chapter 4 is a reminder that God is returning to reward the faithful and punish the wicked. The thought here is "since God will return, we should do what is right...so we will be rewarded, not punished when He shows up unexpectedly". I know that John the Baptist fulfills the passage about Elijah coming before the day of the Lord, but maybe it will be fulfilled again by another witness in the last days. In Johns day God certainly did come, but it wasn't to judge the earth, as is mentioned here. I suspect that we should look for another similar witness crying out and preparing the way. Perhaps that person is already doing their work.
PR
Posted October 8, 2014
Having just read through these four chapters again, I think this is one of the richest parts of the Old Testament. Every passage gives some guidance, delivers a promise or points out an area that should be addressed. Let's take a quick look:
Chapter 1: God doesn't hate, so when He says He "hated Esau" what is meant is that He showed preference to Jacob over Esau. The punishments that are falling upon the Edomites are deserved because of their rebellious and prideful actions. It isn't because God chooses to create, and then destroy without cause or reason.
The idea of "what did you bring to sacrifice?" is key here. God is looking at the value and quality of what we offer. Consider that your actions, your finances, your talents and your time are all a part of your sacrifice. What quality are you offering? Is it the best of your time, or the time you have left over....if you have any left over? Do you use your skills and abilities to create wealth for yourself, and not for God? How have you used your skills to bring glory to God?
Bringing to the Lord what is left over only serves to incur His wrath. Better not to sacrifice at all, Giving a bad sacrifice is kind of like leaving a few coins for a tip at an expensive restaurant..after you have received good service. It lets the wait staff know that you didn't forget, but you don't really appreciate their service either. It would be better if you hadn't tipped at all. At least then they wouldn't be insulted.
Taking that thought a step further: it would be more like walking out of the restaurant and only paying a portion of the bill.....because God is due the sacrifice. it isn't a "tip".
In Chapter 2 the priests are charged with marrying foreign women, and abandoning their wives.
After the time of Nehemiah the people were pretty much left to govern themselves with regard to their religion. That is to say no one is forcing them to marry other women. They are doing this voluntarily, and no one is protesting. I'm not sure what the allure of foreign women was to the Israelites, but I know that it was a real stumbling block for the priests. In fact, it remains a stumbling block still today for ministers and other church leaders.
Chapter 3 is a pointed discussion about not paying your tithe. If we don't contribute back to the Lord the portion He has asked of us, then we have no right to assume He is going to give us His blessing.
Chapter 4 is a reminder that God is returning to reward the faithful and punish the wicked. The thought here is "since God will return, we should do what is right...so we will be rewarded, not punished when He shows up unexpectedly". I know that John the Baptist fulfills the passage about Elijah coming before the day of the Lord, but maybe it will be fulfilled again by another witness in the last days. In Johns day God certainly did come, but it wasn't to judge the earth, as is mentioned here. I suspect that we should look for another similar witness crying out and preparing the way. Perhaps that person is already doing their work.
PR
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Nehemiah 11-13
Posted: October 6, 2014
From these three chapters the most salient thing that I see is found at the end of Chapter 12 and throughout chapter 13. In Chapter 12:44 it begins to describe the logistical plan for the upkeep of the temple. You know, who's in charge of what, how the food will be distributed, and who will receive it. We learn in Chapter 13 that somewhere after the temple was built, and presumably after the wall had been built, that Tobiah (yes, the very same Tobiah who was a close friend of Sanballat) had been given a room inside the temple. It sounds like he had personal household goods stored in the temple. He was using God's house as a storage unit. That's outrageous! And it was the priest who was in charge of the storerooms who had allowed it to happen.
It's almost discouraging to me when I read that Nehemiah left town for about a year, and upon his return the leaders had allowed the community to drift away from obedience. They had intermarried, withheld food from others and as I mentioned earlier, even rented out the temple.
What's wrong with us? Why do we continually drift right back into the same bad habits that we had before? Yesterday I wrote about repenting "being sorry enough to change". I wonder how common that response really is. From what I see of the Israelites they were sorry enough in the moment, but they didn't seem to genuinely change. As soon as they weren't being forced to behave correctly, they were right back to dating the wrong women and cheating their friends. Buying and selling on Sunday.
I have to assume that they are are foreshadowing of our own behavior, we don't appear to be much different. I see people who were raised in the church drift into inappropriate relationships, I see addicts who turned their lives over to Christ returning to their old habits after a year or two.
But wait...I also see a few who don't go back. There are some who make the radical commitment and their lives are genuinely different from that moment on. I want to stand with that group. I think that I belong with those folks. And as I look at the text, I see that a number of men had taken other wives, but not all of them. I suspect that there will always be a crowd who compromises their faith, yet continues to hang around. The question is "what do we do about it?"
Nehemiah rebukes them and gets them back on the "straight and narrow". And the leader that had compromised his position? He was removed from office. Someone who would take the job more seriously took his place. Nehemiah filled the role of leader by commanding that the gates to the city be closed on the Sabbath, and threatened to punish any vendor who hung around outside looking for an errant soul to sell something to. As leaders I think we need to do likewise.
I guess sometimes that's what it takes. I'm willing to bet that there were people in Jerusalem who considered themselves righteous that didn't really like Nehemiah all that much. I'm not sure how Nehemiah felt about them, but I can sense his passion for the law in his writing. I doubt that he was easily swayed by public opinion. That's not to say that he didn't care about the people, I know for a fact that he did. He gave freely of his resources for their benefit. I'm just saying that there were times when it probably looked like "tough love".
Seriously, it's really too bad that we need constant prodding to remain in our faith. Thankfully, God is patient and kind and forgiving, and for some reason loves us so much that he sticks it out with us. I consider the people of Israel, and I think about my own behavior, and I am mystified at why God loves us so much. I know He does, I just cannot understand why.
But I'm glad that He does!
PR
Posted: October 6, 2014
From these three chapters the most salient thing that I see is found at the end of Chapter 12 and throughout chapter 13. In Chapter 12:44 it begins to describe the logistical plan for the upkeep of the temple. You know, who's in charge of what, how the food will be distributed, and who will receive it. We learn in Chapter 13 that somewhere after the temple was built, and presumably after the wall had been built, that Tobiah (yes, the very same Tobiah who was a close friend of Sanballat) had been given a room inside the temple. It sounds like he had personal household goods stored in the temple. He was using God's house as a storage unit. That's outrageous! And it was the priest who was in charge of the storerooms who had allowed it to happen.
It's almost discouraging to me when I read that Nehemiah left town for about a year, and upon his return the leaders had allowed the community to drift away from obedience. They had intermarried, withheld food from others and as I mentioned earlier, even rented out the temple.
What's wrong with us? Why do we continually drift right back into the same bad habits that we had before? Yesterday I wrote about repenting "being sorry enough to change". I wonder how common that response really is. From what I see of the Israelites they were sorry enough in the moment, but they didn't seem to genuinely change. As soon as they weren't being forced to behave correctly, they were right back to dating the wrong women and cheating their friends. Buying and selling on Sunday.
I have to assume that they are are foreshadowing of our own behavior, we don't appear to be much different. I see people who were raised in the church drift into inappropriate relationships, I see addicts who turned their lives over to Christ returning to their old habits after a year or two.
But wait...I also see a few who don't go back. There are some who make the radical commitment and their lives are genuinely different from that moment on. I want to stand with that group. I think that I belong with those folks. And as I look at the text, I see that a number of men had taken other wives, but not all of them. I suspect that there will always be a crowd who compromises their faith, yet continues to hang around. The question is "what do we do about it?"
Nehemiah rebukes them and gets them back on the "straight and narrow". And the leader that had compromised his position? He was removed from office. Someone who would take the job more seriously took his place. Nehemiah filled the role of leader by commanding that the gates to the city be closed on the Sabbath, and threatened to punish any vendor who hung around outside looking for an errant soul to sell something to. As leaders I think we need to do likewise.
I guess sometimes that's what it takes. I'm willing to bet that there were people in Jerusalem who considered themselves righteous that didn't really like Nehemiah all that much. I'm not sure how Nehemiah felt about them, but I can sense his passion for the law in his writing. I doubt that he was easily swayed by public opinion. That's not to say that he didn't care about the people, I know for a fact that he did. He gave freely of his resources for their benefit. I'm just saying that there were times when it probably looked like "tough love".
Seriously, it's really too bad that we need constant prodding to remain in our faith. Thankfully, God is patient and kind and forgiving, and for some reason loves us so much that he sticks it out with us. I consider the people of Israel, and I think about my own behavior, and I am mystified at why God loves us so much. I know He does, I just cannot understand why.
But I'm glad that He does!
PR
Nehemiah 8-10
Posted for: October 5, 2014
If I were going to preach on this passage I would entitle it "Three Essentials for New Life" (probably not the most compelling title...whatever...
and I would have three points: 1. Hear and Obey 2. Confess 3. Commit
Chapter 8 speaks of how the people listened and opened their hearts. They didn't just listen passively, they were listening for action points. As soon as they heard that they weren't celebrating the festival correctly they went out and gathered branches. That's active listening. Sitting in a pew (or chair) and enjoying what is said without ever acting on it isn't helpful. That's why our church has "next steps" for each sermon. We ask "what do you plan to do with the information you have received today?
Confession can be a "next step". We must recognize our guilt and own it, taking responsibility for our failure. Each of us is responsible to admit before God that we have fallen short. Our responsibility doesn't end with admitting it...we must ask to be forgiven. These two actions confirm that we have accepted two truths: 1. God is the authority, not us. 2. God is able to fix it, not us. There is a third, and probably most important truth: 3. God exists. Unless we cry out to God we cannot be saved. The people recognized their sin, recognized that God would forgive if they asked, and were willing to do so.
The third thing I see here is commitment. Saying your sorry is one thing, but agreeing to change is the next step. In the church we call it repentance. Repenting means saying your sorry, and being willing to change and not repeat the behavior. Actually, if you keep doing what you were doing, you might be a little sorry, but not sorry enough to quit (or change). And unless you repent, you aren't forgiven. So we can't just commit sin after sin and smile toward heaven and say "Sorry" and believe that God is going to overlook it. Having said that, some addictions and habits are hard to change and take a long time to overcome. It may require a genuine apology before God many times before the habit is broken. Trust me, I know from experience.
God can deliver you from whatever your problem or habit is immediately. And sometimes He does. But it seems to me that there are other times when He doesn't. I'm not sure why, I'll have to remember to ask when I get to heaven...if it still seems important then.
PR
Posted for: October 5, 2014
If I were going to preach on this passage I would entitle it "Three Essentials for New Life" (probably not the most compelling title...whatever...
and I would have three points: 1. Hear and Obey 2. Confess 3. Commit
Chapter 8 speaks of how the people listened and opened their hearts. They didn't just listen passively, they were listening for action points. As soon as they heard that they weren't celebrating the festival correctly they went out and gathered branches. That's active listening. Sitting in a pew (or chair) and enjoying what is said without ever acting on it isn't helpful. That's why our church has "next steps" for each sermon. We ask "what do you plan to do with the information you have received today?
Confession can be a "next step". We must recognize our guilt and own it, taking responsibility for our failure. Each of us is responsible to admit before God that we have fallen short. Our responsibility doesn't end with admitting it...we must ask to be forgiven. These two actions confirm that we have accepted two truths: 1. God is the authority, not us. 2. God is able to fix it, not us. There is a third, and probably most important truth: 3. God exists. Unless we cry out to God we cannot be saved. The people recognized their sin, recognized that God would forgive if they asked, and were willing to do so.
The third thing I see here is commitment. Saying your sorry is one thing, but agreeing to change is the next step. In the church we call it repentance. Repenting means saying your sorry, and being willing to change and not repeat the behavior. Actually, if you keep doing what you were doing, you might be a little sorry, but not sorry enough to quit (or change). And unless you repent, you aren't forgiven. So we can't just commit sin after sin and smile toward heaven and say "Sorry" and believe that God is going to overlook it. Having said that, some addictions and habits are hard to change and take a long time to overcome. It may require a genuine apology before God many times before the habit is broken. Trust me, I know from experience.
God can deliver you from whatever your problem or habit is immediately. And sometimes He does. But it seems to me that there are other times when He doesn't. I'm not sure why, I'll have to remember to ask when I get to heaven...if it still seems important then.
PR
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Nehemiah 6-7
Posted: October 4, 2014
This reading is a clear example of how leaders are attacked when working for the Lord. First, the opposition tries to get you "off focus" by asking you to a meeting. Think about it. No meeting is required. We are building a wall, we have all the help we need, and every hand is needed. having the leader wander off to a meeting with the opposition sends a wrong message. 1. the leader isn't working as well "lead by example", and 2. The leader is favorably disposed toward the opposition.
The second wave of resistance is the threatening letters. Fear mongering. "The king will hear that you are trying to make yourself into a king and he will come and destroy you". Again, think about it. Nehemiah is cupbearer to the king, and has letters from the king giving him authority to rebuild. The person who has the most to lose is Sanballat, who will lose influence and power if the Jewish people are called to support Jerusalem, and not his interests. The letter is unsealed, so that others may read it along the way, and start their own rumors.
Third wave. Since the other attacks haven't worked very well, Sanballat starts talking to people he knows that are inside the city. In fact, he has probably been talking to them all along. Many of these people are beholden to Sanballat. As a key leader in the area, the nobles and others would have aligned themselves with him. It seems that he is part of the "upper crust" of society in this area. So Sanballat has these friends of his go and tell Nehemiah what a good guy he is. He has one friend try and get Nehemiah to go into hiding. (that would diminish his leadership influence, as well as be illegal by religious law. Nehemiah isn't allowed inside the inner temple...only priests). These same friends report back to Sanballat everything the Nehemiah says. They are almost like enemy spies inside the camp. The difference is, they don't intend evil, they are just so easily manipulated that they do whatever is suggested.
Fourth wave. The prophets and wise men forcast and prophecy doom for the project. "God has not spoken" they cry out. "This project will end in failure and bloodshed....and you will be made a laughingstock". To be sure, I cannot say that the four things happen in exactly this order, but they all happen. Perhaps overlapping, etc.
Here's the point: If you set out to do something for the Lord, to be obedient to whatever He has asked you to do...you will experience opposition. The greater the task, the more forceful the opposition. People will call your decision into question, they will try and make you afraid, they will use their friends as double agents to try and get to you. They will make phone calls and have conversations behind your back that are unflattering about your ability and capability.
Some of your friends will fall away because of your decision. Some who promised they could be relied upon will desert you. There will be lonely days, and perhaps sleepless nights. But there will also be inexpressible joy and a sense of fulfillment that cannot be fully described by my limited vocabulary. You will have a sense of satisfaction that outweighs the soreness of muscles and the sting of losing a friend.
So I say to you: Go and do what God has called you to do. Who cares what the resistance thinks? So what if you lose a friend along the way. Do it anyway. Maybe you will be sore. Maybe you won't survive the effort....do it anyway. Better to die in service to God than to be sitting idly by while others are doing accomplishing great things. Maybe it will add stress to your life. So what. Learn to deal with it.
One more thing. Learn not to hate the people who are less committed than you. Don't take revenge upon those who oppose you. Leave that to God, He can work that out. As for the people who are supposed to have your back, who continually let you down, or seem to work against you. Determine if they are really being intentionally malicious in their efforts...and if they aren't then love them anyway. They don't have the benefit of the vision and passion that you do. They don't see the work the way you do, and they don't burn with a desire to see it fulfilled like you do. They will need your constant cheering and instruction in order to stay the course. So cheer them on, and don't resent them. If they are still clinging to relationships that are harmful to them, or to the mission; show them a better way and encourage them to grow with you.
If they are deliberately trying to derail the project, and aren't willing to change, don't be afraid to send them out the door. Sure, you may lose them and the people who support them, but you won't lose the blessing of God, who called you to the project in the first place. Don't be cruel, but be firm.
One more thing. Follow Nehemiah's example and work in full view of everyone. Don't hoard resources to yourself while others have little. And don't go into hiding and set a bad example. As the Lord said to Joshua before he sent him off on his mission to conquer the promised land..."be bold and courageous".
PR
Posted: October 4, 2014
This reading is a clear example of how leaders are attacked when working for the Lord. First, the opposition tries to get you "off focus" by asking you to a meeting. Think about it. No meeting is required. We are building a wall, we have all the help we need, and every hand is needed. having the leader wander off to a meeting with the opposition sends a wrong message. 1. the leader isn't working as well "lead by example", and 2. The leader is favorably disposed toward the opposition.
The second wave of resistance is the threatening letters. Fear mongering. "The king will hear that you are trying to make yourself into a king and he will come and destroy you". Again, think about it. Nehemiah is cupbearer to the king, and has letters from the king giving him authority to rebuild. The person who has the most to lose is Sanballat, who will lose influence and power if the Jewish people are called to support Jerusalem, and not his interests. The letter is unsealed, so that others may read it along the way, and start their own rumors.
Third wave. Since the other attacks haven't worked very well, Sanballat starts talking to people he knows that are inside the city. In fact, he has probably been talking to them all along. Many of these people are beholden to Sanballat. As a key leader in the area, the nobles and others would have aligned themselves with him. It seems that he is part of the "upper crust" of society in this area. So Sanballat has these friends of his go and tell Nehemiah what a good guy he is. He has one friend try and get Nehemiah to go into hiding. (that would diminish his leadership influence, as well as be illegal by religious law. Nehemiah isn't allowed inside the inner temple...only priests). These same friends report back to Sanballat everything the Nehemiah says. They are almost like enemy spies inside the camp. The difference is, they don't intend evil, they are just so easily manipulated that they do whatever is suggested.
Fourth wave. The prophets and wise men forcast and prophecy doom for the project. "God has not spoken" they cry out. "This project will end in failure and bloodshed....and you will be made a laughingstock". To be sure, I cannot say that the four things happen in exactly this order, but they all happen. Perhaps overlapping, etc.
Here's the point: If you set out to do something for the Lord, to be obedient to whatever He has asked you to do...you will experience opposition. The greater the task, the more forceful the opposition. People will call your decision into question, they will try and make you afraid, they will use their friends as double agents to try and get to you. They will make phone calls and have conversations behind your back that are unflattering about your ability and capability.
Some of your friends will fall away because of your decision. Some who promised they could be relied upon will desert you. There will be lonely days, and perhaps sleepless nights. But there will also be inexpressible joy and a sense of fulfillment that cannot be fully described by my limited vocabulary. You will have a sense of satisfaction that outweighs the soreness of muscles and the sting of losing a friend.
So I say to you: Go and do what God has called you to do. Who cares what the resistance thinks? So what if you lose a friend along the way. Do it anyway. Maybe you will be sore. Maybe you won't survive the effort....do it anyway. Better to die in service to God than to be sitting idly by while others are doing accomplishing great things. Maybe it will add stress to your life. So what. Learn to deal with it.
One more thing. Learn not to hate the people who are less committed than you. Don't take revenge upon those who oppose you. Leave that to God, He can work that out. As for the people who are supposed to have your back, who continually let you down, or seem to work against you. Determine if they are really being intentionally malicious in their efforts...and if they aren't then love them anyway. They don't have the benefit of the vision and passion that you do. They don't see the work the way you do, and they don't burn with a desire to see it fulfilled like you do. They will need your constant cheering and instruction in order to stay the course. So cheer them on, and don't resent them. If they are still clinging to relationships that are harmful to them, or to the mission; show them a better way and encourage them to grow with you.
If they are deliberately trying to derail the project, and aren't willing to change, don't be afraid to send them out the door. Sure, you may lose them and the people who support them, but you won't lose the blessing of God, who called you to the project in the first place. Don't be cruel, but be firm.
One more thing. Follow Nehemiah's example and work in full view of everyone. Don't hoard resources to yourself while others have little. And don't go into hiding and set a bad example. As the Lord said to Joshua before he sent him off on his mission to conquer the promised land..."be bold and courageous".
PR
Friday, October 3, 2014
Nehemiah 1-5
Posted: October 3, 2014
Whole sermon series are preached on Nehemiah, so I won't try and cover all the details of five chapters in what is supposed to be simple devotional reflections.
But, I do take away some valuable lessons here:
1. Nehemiah cares. He allows his heart to be broken for a community he is no longer a part of. He's safe and content where he is, but he chooses to set that aside to help others. I doubt that any leader can achieve true significance without doing the same. This same concern is reflected in his refusal of pay. He also distributes food to a large number of people every day from his own personal resources. In chapter 5 he notes that other rulers before him have taken advantage of the people.
2. The wall wasn't built by any one group. All the people worked, and they worked from sun-up until sun-down. Some families built a few feet, and others built several hundred yards, but everyone did what they could. The gates they are talking about are about 30 or 40 feet deep, with covered roofs and side rooms. The wall itself was at least 20 feet thick, with stone on each side and stone and dirt packed on the inside. In some cases, the homes would be built into the wall, and if there was an attack, the home would be filled with dirt and stone to reinforce the wall.
3. When the task grew tiresome, attack came on three fronts: The people where tired and wanted to quit, the enemies threatened to attack the city in force, and the people living in outlying areas came crying out in fear that they would be destroyed no matter where they turned.
I feel for Nehemiah here. He is working as hard as he can, has sacrificed greatly and has taken nothing for himself. At the same time people begin saying they want to quit. there are others from the community who are trying to make everyone afraid. Sometimes the fear mongers are hard to love. You have to consider that they might not be doing it because they are deliberately trying to derail the project. They may simply be looking for attention, or they could be genuinely afraid...even if the threat isn't as great as they say. In Nehemiah's case, the threat was very real, and Nehemiah had to take immediate action to bolster the confidence of the people.
4. (back to before he left for Jerusalem) Nehemiah prays, then asks the king. Pray first and pray during. The real supplier of the need is Jesus, and we need to constantly stay in touch with Him. He will provide wisdom, and physical and emotional strength.
PR
Posted: October 3, 2014
Whole sermon series are preached on Nehemiah, so I won't try and cover all the details of five chapters in what is supposed to be simple devotional reflections.
But, I do take away some valuable lessons here:
1. Nehemiah cares. He allows his heart to be broken for a community he is no longer a part of. He's safe and content where he is, but he chooses to set that aside to help others. I doubt that any leader can achieve true significance without doing the same. This same concern is reflected in his refusal of pay. He also distributes food to a large number of people every day from his own personal resources. In chapter 5 he notes that other rulers before him have taken advantage of the people.
2. The wall wasn't built by any one group. All the people worked, and they worked from sun-up until sun-down. Some families built a few feet, and others built several hundred yards, but everyone did what they could. The gates they are talking about are about 30 or 40 feet deep, with covered roofs and side rooms. The wall itself was at least 20 feet thick, with stone on each side and stone and dirt packed on the inside. In some cases, the homes would be built into the wall, and if there was an attack, the home would be filled with dirt and stone to reinforce the wall.
3. When the task grew tiresome, attack came on three fronts: The people where tired and wanted to quit, the enemies threatened to attack the city in force, and the people living in outlying areas came crying out in fear that they would be destroyed no matter where they turned.
I feel for Nehemiah here. He is working as hard as he can, has sacrificed greatly and has taken nothing for himself. At the same time people begin saying they want to quit. there are others from the community who are trying to make everyone afraid. Sometimes the fear mongers are hard to love. You have to consider that they might not be doing it because they are deliberately trying to derail the project. They may simply be looking for attention, or they could be genuinely afraid...even if the threat isn't as great as they say. In Nehemiah's case, the threat was very real, and Nehemiah had to take immediate action to bolster the confidence of the people.
4. (back to before he left for Jerusalem) Nehemiah prays, then asks the king. Pray first and pray during. The real supplier of the need is Jesus, and we need to constantly stay in touch with Him. He will provide wisdom, and physical and emotional strength.
PR
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