Matthew 19 February 2, 2015
Those who have suffered through a divorce know that it always leaves some ragged edges. I must confess that there are times (when the couple aren't Christians) when it is probably better to divorce than to stay married, but that doesn't make it less of a sin. Jesus very emphatically said that divorce is sin, unless one of the partners has violated their vow and become unfaithful. Even then, it is recommended that we stay together if at all possible. If we were listening to Jesus in chapter 18 speak about forgiveness, then we know that it's possible.
Not everyone should be married. Some people are better suited to the independent life. That's certainly not a sin or a shortcoming. In fact, it can be a great advantage. So, we should give very careful thought to whether or not marriage is something God intends for us, BEFORE we get deeply involved with the opposite sex.
A good pre-marital counseling program can help us determine if the person we are dating is the right match for a lifetime commitment. It's best not to rush the process, make a very good decision up front, that way you avoid many arguments and lessen the possibility of divorce.
Divorce affects children, both sets of parents and friends on both sides of the marriage. The ragged edges of divorce often create traumatic experiences in high school. Children lose the benefit of advice from both parents, and even when both parents are involved they often bicker, which makes it even harder for the young person.
God said that he hates divorce in Malachi 2:16. That doesn't mean He hates us, I think He hates what divorce does to everyone involved. And when a church leader gets divorced, it seems to be a far larger circle of people affected. Divorce hurts us, so consider carefully who you marry. No wonder God said He hates it.
What if you are already married and then realize that the person you married isn't the right one? Well, unless it's an issue of unfaithfulness or abuse, it's better for you to ask God to change you and your partner to make the two of you more compatible. Nothing is impossible for God, and He is able to bless and keep you, and fill your life with significance even if you went outside His will to marry someone. Stay in your marriage, and pray that God will work in you so that you are a better partner.
PR
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Matthew 18 January 31
The question "who is the greatest?" is flawed from the beginning. The greatest is likely the most humble as well, and therefore would never think to ask the question. However, instead of saying "since you asked...it isn't you.." Jesus takes the opportunity to teach his disciples (us!) one of the finer points of being a christian. The practice of trusting obedience. As we grow into adulthood we tend to become less and less trusting. With good reason, mind you....we discover along the way that not everyone who says they are looking out for our interests really is. Occasionally we find out that the "new and improved" product is actually less product for more money, and the person who checked out our purchase also took our credit card number for their own personal use. The world is a trust defeating place....but heaven is different. No lie is ever told in heaven. Every single thing that God has ever said will be exactly as it was spoken. No one is trying to take advantage in heaven, no one is jealous, boastful or envious there.
And for the Christian, living here on earth is practice for heaven. If God can be trusted in heaven, then He can be trusted here. In fact, if we say we believe in Jesus, then we must trust Him here, as proof that our faith is genuine. You cannot enter into heaven where God's every word is obeyed if you are not willing to obey God's Word. Enter the Bible.
The Bible is God's spoken Word for you and I. As we read it, God is speaking. As God speaks, we obey. Not mindlessly, but with the same trust that a child has in his/her parents. Even if we don't understand why, we know that in the end it will work out for good.
I read verse 10 and consider that if the angels of the children always see the face of the Father, then they must be in good relationship. Therefore, all children (up to a certain age) enter into heaven.
It's my opinion, not necessarily doctrine. I would add to that, however, that I believe the age of accountability to be quite low. Knowing right from wrong is one of the first things we become aware of. I doubt that we need to have a complete understanding of who Jesus is before we can be accepted into His family. I have served him many years, and I still cannot completely understand who Jesus is, so that cannot be a criteria.
18:15-17 is often used by the church in helping to settle arguments...I mean discussions... among friends. The whole idea is that you don't blab to everyone, you go to your friend first.
18:18-20 I'm not sure we completely grasp the significance of this verse. I suspect that as heirs of the kingdom we have far more power and authority than we recognize or use. There is nothing that is beyond the ability of Jesus, and He says Himself that when we agree in prayer on anything, He is there among us.
Finally in this chapter, the discussion on forgiveness. Undoubtedly many compelling sermons have been based on this passage. Forgiveness is such an important part of our christian lives. Since God has forgiven us so much, (and He truly has!) we should then adopt that attitude and begin to forgive others in the same gracious and extravagant way. In fact, should we choose not to forgive others we deny the very attitude and character that allowed us to become Christians in the first place. How could we consider ourselves to be saved without reflecting the key tenet of the faith?
Jesus tells his disciples a story that ends with the unforgiving man being thrown into prison, and then in verse 35 he says very plainly "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart", Forgiveness isn't always easy, in fact sometimes it's impossible without the Holy Spirit's help. But God has promised to help us, so we have no reason not to forgive. If forgiving others is difficult for you, then ask God to help you. Often it's just a matter of perspective. When God changes your view of the situation, you will find it easier to forgive.
Be blessed,
PR
The question "who is the greatest?" is flawed from the beginning. The greatest is likely the most humble as well, and therefore would never think to ask the question. However, instead of saying "since you asked...it isn't you.." Jesus takes the opportunity to teach his disciples (us!) one of the finer points of being a christian. The practice of trusting obedience. As we grow into adulthood we tend to become less and less trusting. With good reason, mind you....we discover along the way that not everyone who says they are looking out for our interests really is. Occasionally we find out that the "new and improved" product is actually less product for more money, and the person who checked out our purchase also took our credit card number for their own personal use. The world is a trust defeating place....but heaven is different. No lie is ever told in heaven. Every single thing that God has ever said will be exactly as it was spoken. No one is trying to take advantage in heaven, no one is jealous, boastful or envious there.
And for the Christian, living here on earth is practice for heaven. If God can be trusted in heaven, then He can be trusted here. In fact, if we say we believe in Jesus, then we must trust Him here, as proof that our faith is genuine. You cannot enter into heaven where God's every word is obeyed if you are not willing to obey God's Word. Enter the Bible.
The Bible is God's spoken Word for you and I. As we read it, God is speaking. As God speaks, we obey. Not mindlessly, but with the same trust that a child has in his/her parents. Even if we don't understand why, we know that in the end it will work out for good.
I read verse 10 and consider that if the angels of the children always see the face of the Father, then they must be in good relationship. Therefore, all children (up to a certain age) enter into heaven.
It's my opinion, not necessarily doctrine. I would add to that, however, that I believe the age of accountability to be quite low. Knowing right from wrong is one of the first things we become aware of. I doubt that we need to have a complete understanding of who Jesus is before we can be accepted into His family. I have served him many years, and I still cannot completely understand who Jesus is, so that cannot be a criteria.
18:15-17 is often used by the church in helping to settle arguments...I mean discussions... among friends. The whole idea is that you don't blab to everyone, you go to your friend first.
18:18-20 I'm not sure we completely grasp the significance of this verse. I suspect that as heirs of the kingdom we have far more power and authority than we recognize or use. There is nothing that is beyond the ability of Jesus, and He says Himself that when we agree in prayer on anything, He is there among us.
Finally in this chapter, the discussion on forgiveness. Undoubtedly many compelling sermons have been based on this passage. Forgiveness is such an important part of our christian lives. Since God has forgiven us so much, (and He truly has!) we should then adopt that attitude and begin to forgive others in the same gracious and extravagant way. In fact, should we choose not to forgive others we deny the very attitude and character that allowed us to become Christians in the first place. How could we consider ourselves to be saved without reflecting the key tenet of the faith?
Jesus tells his disciples a story that ends with the unforgiving man being thrown into prison, and then in verse 35 he says very plainly "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart", Forgiveness isn't always easy, in fact sometimes it's impossible without the Holy Spirit's help. But God has promised to help us, so we have no reason not to forgive. If forgiving others is difficult for you, then ask God to help you. Often it's just a matter of perspective. When God changes your view of the situation, you will find it easier to forgive.
Be blessed,
PR
Monday, February 9, 2015
Matthew 17, Friday Jan 30
The mountain of transfiguration is a brief glimpse of eternal reality. The body of Christ was somehow changed, and yet remained the same. It's similar to what happened to Moses, on Mount Sinai, but probably not exactly the same. Speaking of Moses, he was there on the Mount with Jesus, Peter, James and John. And Elijah, whose life span doesn't overlap Moses's at all is there as well.
This hints that our bodies are not abandoned to the grave, but are alive in another place. Is it paradise? I suppose it is. How wonderful it must be to converse with Moses, Elijah and other personalities from across the ages! How ill equipped I would be to speak with them! I wonder, how I could possibly carry on a conversation with one of these spiritual giants? What could I possibly say that would be interesting to them? What have I done that compares to parting the Red Sea?
I wonder why Jesus didn't want anyone to know what they had seen on the mountain? And, how did that conversation go when they arrived at the other disciples? "What did you guys do up there"? "Oh, nothing..." Nobody likes to be kept out of secret. I wonder if it bothered Judas more than others. He wasn't as mature as the others, apparently.
Another good piece of information is found in 17:10. Tradition was correct in saying that "Elijah comes before the Messiah, to announce His reign". but it was incorrect in assuming that the prophecy was literal. Sometimes the prophecy is figurative, as it was in this case. John the Baptist was the "Elijah" that was to come. Not a reincarnation of Elijah, because the first Elijah was in paradise, chatting with Moses. He is still alive, and retains all the memories and experiences that makes him himself. John the Baptist carries on in the Spirit of Elijah, which is the Holy Spirit.
Beginning in verse 14 Jesus teaches his disciples about the power of faith. I can barely grasp the idea that faith makes all things possible. That's because my mind has been clouded by a lifetime of science. Science isn't bad, but it says that some things are not possible...simply because they cannot be proven by humans, or caused by humans. Any Christian has to believe in miracles, which by definition refute science. It seems a fools errand to try and make the two compatible. It's hard to set aside everything that you have been taught to believe in, and accept as truth something that you have never seen in person. But that's the essence of faith. And Jesus himself says that those who believe in Him, having never seen Him in person...will be blessed. Simply by believing in Him, and in His power I receive a blessing.
I find myself praying for the ability to have greater faith. I want to be able to ask for spiritually significant things, and receive them. However, I struggle with the fear that I am asking with impure motives. I don't want to ask God for anything that will cause me to become proud. That would be worse than having never received.
Lord, keep us humble, and increase our faith in You!
PR
The mountain of transfiguration is a brief glimpse of eternal reality. The body of Christ was somehow changed, and yet remained the same. It's similar to what happened to Moses, on Mount Sinai, but probably not exactly the same. Speaking of Moses, he was there on the Mount with Jesus, Peter, James and John. And Elijah, whose life span doesn't overlap Moses's at all is there as well.
This hints that our bodies are not abandoned to the grave, but are alive in another place. Is it paradise? I suppose it is. How wonderful it must be to converse with Moses, Elijah and other personalities from across the ages! How ill equipped I would be to speak with them! I wonder, how I could possibly carry on a conversation with one of these spiritual giants? What could I possibly say that would be interesting to them? What have I done that compares to parting the Red Sea?
I wonder why Jesus didn't want anyone to know what they had seen on the mountain? And, how did that conversation go when they arrived at the other disciples? "What did you guys do up there"? "Oh, nothing..." Nobody likes to be kept out of secret. I wonder if it bothered Judas more than others. He wasn't as mature as the others, apparently.
Another good piece of information is found in 17:10. Tradition was correct in saying that "Elijah comes before the Messiah, to announce His reign". but it was incorrect in assuming that the prophecy was literal. Sometimes the prophecy is figurative, as it was in this case. John the Baptist was the "Elijah" that was to come. Not a reincarnation of Elijah, because the first Elijah was in paradise, chatting with Moses. He is still alive, and retains all the memories and experiences that makes him himself. John the Baptist carries on in the Spirit of Elijah, which is the Holy Spirit.
Beginning in verse 14 Jesus teaches his disciples about the power of faith. I can barely grasp the idea that faith makes all things possible. That's because my mind has been clouded by a lifetime of science. Science isn't bad, but it says that some things are not possible...simply because they cannot be proven by humans, or caused by humans. Any Christian has to believe in miracles, which by definition refute science. It seems a fools errand to try and make the two compatible. It's hard to set aside everything that you have been taught to believe in, and accept as truth something that you have never seen in person. But that's the essence of faith. And Jesus himself says that those who believe in Him, having never seen Him in person...will be blessed. Simply by believing in Him, and in His power I receive a blessing.
I find myself praying for the ability to have greater faith. I want to be able to ask for spiritually significant things, and receive them. However, I struggle with the fear that I am asking with impure motives. I don't want to ask God for anything that will cause me to become proud. That would be worse than having never received.
Lord, keep us humble, and increase our faith in You!
PR
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