I suppose that an entire year of sermons could be preached from the material contained in Matthew 5. Simply talking about the attitudes in the Sermon on the Mount would be daunting, let alone the commandments that follow. It all brings to mind one great question: "Who can possibly do all of this?" I mean, I might be able to walk the second mile and lend to those who are in need...but I'm not so sure about loving enemies, turning the other cheek and never having any impure thoughts. That's a tall order. Is the Bible really saying that I have to live like this all the time in order to go to heaven? Because if that's the case...I think I'm coming up short.
Well, if that's your thought today let me reassure you that God knows you are incapable of remaining obedient in your own strength. That's why He provided the Holy Spirit to come alongside us and help with this enormous task. Through the work of the Holy Spirit we are able to redeem our thought life, be kind to people who oppose us..etc. What is impossible for man is possible for God.
As you read Chapter 5 today, don't be discouraged that you don't measure up. Be encouraged that God has just shared with you the type of person that He wants you to be. And since God wants it, He will provide for it. That doesn't mean that you won't have to apply yourself, because you will. It may be quite difficult to shed some of the sins that beset you, but I remind you that you are fully equipped to be victorious in the battle. Therefore, since Jesus has painted for us a picture of what he wants our life to be like, let's boldly charge forward with this prayer on our lips "Heavenly Father, I cannot do this on my own, but I know it's what you want for me, so I am turning myself over to you today and asking that you through your Holy Spirit would enable me to be obedient to you in every way."
Excitedly,
PR
Friday, January 29, 2016
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Luke 6
I notice today that before Jesus selected the 12 he prayed all night. I didn't remember seeing that in the last passage. Whenever we have a big decision to make we need to spend some time praying about it. I wonder why it was "all night"? Is that how long it took to get an answer? Why wasn't it two days, or a week of praying? Why not an hour? Maybe we'll never know. But if the Son of God can spend a whole night talking to His Father about what to do next, then we should be able to imitate that for our big decisions as well.
This chapter is littered with commands on how to behave...I'm sure there will be time to blog about that in future readings. What grabs me this morning is the last passage.
In the NLT is says "46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?"
and then in verse 49 it says "anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation...." Obedience isn't just a good idea, it's a command. We MUST obey if we want to end up in heaven with Jesus.
Of course, obedience isn't easy, or painless. If you are like me, you don't become obedient in every area all at once. God takes you through different "rooms" of your life and tells you what He wants to happen there. You and I will likely spend our lifetime learning to become more and more obedient. I think Jesus says this to make sure we BEGIN the process. Once you know what you should do, you should begin obeying. The more you know, the more like Christ you should become. That thought takes us back to verse 43 and following where it says "good trees bear good fruit". If you are a Christian, your interest will be in obeying Jesus. If you would rather do what you want, and ignore what Jesus has to say on the subject, then you should consider carefully what foundation you are building on. It would be a shame to work at something your whole life only to arrive at judgment day and find out that you had no foundation, and can't enter into heaven.
Obedience to Jesus above all else!
PR
This chapter is littered with commands on how to behave...I'm sure there will be time to blog about that in future readings. What grabs me this morning is the last passage.
In the NLT is says "46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?"
and then in verse 49 it says "anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation...." Obedience isn't just a good idea, it's a command. We MUST obey if we want to end up in heaven with Jesus.
Of course, obedience isn't easy, or painless. If you are like me, you don't become obedient in every area all at once. God takes you through different "rooms" of your life and tells you what He wants to happen there. You and I will likely spend our lifetime learning to become more and more obedient. I think Jesus says this to make sure we BEGIN the process. Once you know what you should do, you should begin obeying. The more you know, the more like Christ you should become. That thought takes us back to verse 43 and following where it says "good trees bear good fruit". If you are a Christian, your interest will be in obeying Jesus. If you would rather do what you want, and ignore what Jesus has to say on the subject, then you should consider carefully what foundation you are building on. It would be a shame to work at something your whole life only to arrive at judgment day and find out that you had no foundation, and can't enter into heaven.
Obedience to Jesus above all else!
PR
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Mark 3
Whenever we read in the Bible that Jesus' disciples were with him, we think of the 12. However, it is far more likely that there were many more than 12 that followed him throughout his ministry. We know this because when the apostles decided to replace Judas one of the criteria was that you had to have been with Jesus during His ministry. As we see in this passage, it was the 12 who were selected for a higher honor. What strikes me this morning is this: The Son of God comes to earth and identifies 12 men as special among all the people of the earth...and there are some names on that list that I never hear about on the pages of Scripture. How can that be? Clearly these men had some significant ministry or mission to perform and yet it's not mentioned.
We know from other sources what happened to most of the disciples. I guess the point is that sometimes we may do our most significant work in obscurity. Jesus didn't promise that we would be famous if we were obedient. Sure, some will be famous...but many others will not. I think the reason that we don't know what happened to the disciples is because the book isn't about them. This is the account of how humans can reconnect with their Creator, and the consequences that decision brings.
What are you willing to do for Jesus even if you never get credit for it? Are you willing to work without recognition? I guess it could be pretty difficult to be commissioned by God for a special task and then go unrecognized on the pages of history. It's probably just as difficult to work hard at your local church and not be recognized. But remember, God never promises recognition, and that shouldn't be our motivation. When we begin to feel unappreciated, maybe that's a warning sign that we are losing sight of the real reason we are serving.
I should really memorize the names of the 12. I don't want to run into Thaddeus in heaven and not know he was a disciple. That would be embarrassing.
PR
We know from other sources what happened to most of the disciples. I guess the point is that sometimes we may do our most significant work in obscurity. Jesus didn't promise that we would be famous if we were obedient. Sure, some will be famous...but many others will not. I think the reason that we don't know what happened to the disciples is because the book isn't about them. This is the account of how humans can reconnect with their Creator, and the consequences that decision brings.
What are you willing to do for Jesus even if you never get credit for it? Are you willing to work without recognition? I guess it could be pretty difficult to be commissioned by God for a special task and then go unrecognized on the pages of history. It's probably just as difficult to work hard at your local church and not be recognized. But remember, God never promises recognition, and that shouldn't be our motivation. When we begin to feel unappreciated, maybe that's a warning sign that we are losing sight of the real reason we are serving.
I should really memorize the names of the 12. I don't want to run into Thaddeus in heaven and not know he was a disciple. That would be embarrassing.
PR
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Matthew 12
Tuesday, Jan 26, 2016
Yesterday's reading focused on Sabbath activities, so I won't belabor the point today, except to call attention to one thing: Legalism. Legalism creeps into our practice and worship so innocently that you almost don't realize it's there. Legalism is the mindset that says "the letter of the law must be obeyed in order to be right with God." It turns our relationship with Jesus into a list of "do's and don'ts". True relationship with Christ has the spirit of the law at it's heart, not the letter of the law. Should we obey the law? Sure, all the parts that are still applicable today should be obeyed. But as we see with the Sabbath law, there are times when the letter of the law is less important than the people who are being affected by it. A legalist is far more likely to condemn you, even if you are trying your best. The Pharisees are great examples of this. They knew the religious law inside and out, but they missed the point. In fact, they not only missed Jesus as the Son of God, they were willing to kill Him because He "broke the law". Good grief. It would be almost laughable if it weren't so serious....and if it didn't still go on today.
There are times when we insist on something that God is likely not as concerned about. For instance, I don't drink alcoholic beverages. If I see someone having a beer, and I say to myself "that person isn't going to heaven" I have become a legalist, because the Bible doesn't specifically say that. And, even if it did (as in the case of the Sabbath) there are situations in which it would be permissible. Anyway...I feel like I'm rambling...so I will stop.
On to another great passage. Beginning in verse 18 Matthew quotes a prophecy from Isaiah. Now, Isaiah lived 700 years before Christ. He made some declarations about what Jesus would look like, how He would act, where He would come from, etc. Everyone knew these prophecies, and Isaiah was a proven truthful, genuine prophet. So Matthew is simply saying here "Isaiah said he would do THIS, and that's what Jesus is doing". Of course, that doesn't prove that Jesus is God, because others could do the same thing. However, Isaiah isn't the only one to prophecy, there are others...many others. There are over 48 clear prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah (God becoming man) and guess what? Jesus fulfills every single one. Is Jesus the Messiah? Duh.
I like Isaiah's prophecy because in the NIV translation it says "a bruised reed I will not break and a smoldering wick I will not snuff out " This is a reference to the gentleness of Christ. It uses the imagery of a candle wick, which in Jesus' day was a thin straw, or reed. If the reed was bruised, it would produce a flickering, smoky light. The solution was to cut the reed off at the bruised part so it would be whole again. Jesus doesn't cut off the people who aren't performing at peak levels. He doesn't discard us when we don't measure up. He loves us too much for that.
The Indians who lived in my area in years past had a name for this valley. It was identified by the large plants that grew along the river. They grew so tall and so spindly that they often bent over and broke, so they called this place "Brokenstraw". I love it. Every time I hear it I remember Isaiah's prophecy about how God won't eliminate the Brokenstraw valley.
I don't see the sign of Jonah coming up again in the near future so let me comment on that quickly: it's obvious that Jesus is talking about the crucifixion and resurrection here. That's the definitive sign that He is the Messiah. I often come back to the passage about the demon leaving a person and then coming back with seven others even more wicked. I take several things away from this: 1. some demons are worse than others. 2. demons talk to each other, and plot together 3. Demons would rather be in people than in inanimate objects 4. once a demon is cast out, it doesn't mean you are safe forever. Knowing this, it is vitally important that when God removes the demons from our lives, that we immediately fill the space with the Holy Spirit. That way, when the demons return (and they will) they will not find the house empty, but occupied. When that occurs, the demons cannot re-enter. I have nothing to fear from demons as long as the Holy Spirit has complete control over my life. They can have no hold on me, because I belong to another.
Hopefully I will have a chance to comment of some of the rest of the material in Matt 12 when it comes back up in Luke 6 or Mark 3
blessings,
PR
Yesterday's reading focused on Sabbath activities, so I won't belabor the point today, except to call attention to one thing: Legalism. Legalism creeps into our practice and worship so innocently that you almost don't realize it's there. Legalism is the mindset that says "the letter of the law must be obeyed in order to be right with God." It turns our relationship with Jesus into a list of "do's and don'ts". True relationship with Christ has the spirit of the law at it's heart, not the letter of the law. Should we obey the law? Sure, all the parts that are still applicable today should be obeyed. But as we see with the Sabbath law, there are times when the letter of the law is less important than the people who are being affected by it. A legalist is far more likely to condemn you, even if you are trying your best. The Pharisees are great examples of this. They knew the religious law inside and out, but they missed the point. In fact, they not only missed Jesus as the Son of God, they were willing to kill Him because He "broke the law". Good grief. It would be almost laughable if it weren't so serious....and if it didn't still go on today.
There are times when we insist on something that God is likely not as concerned about. For instance, I don't drink alcoholic beverages. If I see someone having a beer, and I say to myself "that person isn't going to heaven" I have become a legalist, because the Bible doesn't specifically say that. And, even if it did (as in the case of the Sabbath) there are situations in which it would be permissible. Anyway...I feel like I'm rambling...so I will stop.
On to another great passage. Beginning in verse 18 Matthew quotes a prophecy from Isaiah. Now, Isaiah lived 700 years before Christ. He made some declarations about what Jesus would look like, how He would act, where He would come from, etc. Everyone knew these prophecies, and Isaiah was a proven truthful, genuine prophet. So Matthew is simply saying here "Isaiah said he would do THIS, and that's what Jesus is doing". Of course, that doesn't prove that Jesus is God, because others could do the same thing. However, Isaiah isn't the only one to prophecy, there are others...many others. There are over 48 clear prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah (God becoming man) and guess what? Jesus fulfills every single one. Is Jesus the Messiah? Duh.
I like Isaiah's prophecy because in the NIV translation it says "a bruised reed I will not break and a smoldering wick I will not snuff out " This is a reference to the gentleness of Christ. It uses the imagery of a candle wick, which in Jesus' day was a thin straw, or reed. If the reed was bruised, it would produce a flickering, smoky light. The solution was to cut the reed off at the bruised part so it would be whole again. Jesus doesn't cut off the people who aren't performing at peak levels. He doesn't discard us when we don't measure up. He loves us too much for that.
The Indians who lived in my area in years past had a name for this valley. It was identified by the large plants that grew along the river. They grew so tall and so spindly that they often bent over and broke, so they called this place "Brokenstraw". I love it. Every time I hear it I remember Isaiah's prophecy about how God won't eliminate the Brokenstraw valley.
I don't see the sign of Jonah coming up again in the near future so let me comment on that quickly: it's obvious that Jesus is talking about the crucifixion and resurrection here. That's the definitive sign that He is the Messiah. I often come back to the passage about the demon leaving a person and then coming back with seven others even more wicked. I take several things away from this: 1. some demons are worse than others. 2. demons talk to each other, and plot together 3. Demons would rather be in people than in inanimate objects 4. once a demon is cast out, it doesn't mean you are safe forever. Knowing this, it is vitally important that when God removes the demons from our lives, that we immediately fill the space with the Holy Spirit. That way, when the demons return (and they will) they will not find the house empty, but occupied. When that occurs, the demons cannot re-enter. I have nothing to fear from demons as long as the Holy Spirit has complete control over my life. They can have no hold on me, because I belong to another.
Hopefully I will have a chance to comment of some of the rest of the material in Matt 12 when it comes back up in Luke 6 or Mark 3
blessings,
PR
Monday, January 25, 2016
John 5
Monday, Jan 24, 2016
I was in Jerusalem a while ago, and stopped by the sheep gate to see the pool of Bethesda. It's about 30 or 40 feet underground today (because every time they tore down the city they rebuilt on the ruins). It seems like the real significance of this passage is in the fact that Jesus has to power to heal. However, we also learn from His response to the injured man. He said "do you want to get well?" I wonder why Jesus said that. Of course the man wanted to get well, right? But come on...38 years and you haven't had the chance to be the one who gets into the water first? Maybe the man had become comfortable with his handicap. That happens sometimes...we become comfortable in our dysfunction and don't care if we get better or not. After a while, it seems like it takes too much effort to try and heal. Or maybe we don't think we can handle the disappoint of saying we want to get better, and then it never happens. Either way, Jesus made him restate his desire...it must be important.
By the way....does your Bible have John 5:4? some bibles don't. That's because it was in the earliest texts we had when the Bible was translated, but then in later years we discovered other manuscripts that appear to be earlier, and they don't have it. The general rule of thumb is: whatever is the earliest publication is considered to be most accurate. It's verse 4 that tells us the water would move, and people believed that an angel had "stirred the water"....so the first person into the water would be healed.
It's in this story that Jesus tells the man who was healed from lameness to "stop sinning or something even worse may happen to you" As I have said in church many times, Jesus doesn't ever want us to sin. In fact, he expects us to stop sinning...just as He told the crippled man. Of course, that's not possible in our own strength...but Jesus isn't asking us to do it in our own strength. That's why the Holy Spirit is here..to help us.
A quick word about working on Sunday... Jesus didn't have any problem doing good deeds on Sunday. In fact, He said "my Father is ALWAYS working..and so am I." If that's the case, then why does Genesis say that on the seventh day God rested? I don't think God rested because He was tired, but rather because He was setting precedent. He wanted us to take a break. I think He knew that when He designed us He knew that we would need rest, so He built that right into the covenant agreement. We weren't created so that we could follow rules and laws....the rules and laws were made to help us. People are the priority, not the law. Having said that, we honor the Lord when we observe the law. Jesus said that He would know we love Him when we obey. That's why we rest...to obey, and because we need it. So if there is an occasional good deed that needs to be accomplished and it happens to fall on Sunday, I don't think it violates the spirit of the law to participate...but we shouldn't make a habit of working every Sunday.
Pushing forward,
PR
I was in Jerusalem a while ago, and stopped by the sheep gate to see the pool of Bethesda. It's about 30 or 40 feet underground today (because every time they tore down the city they rebuilt on the ruins). It seems like the real significance of this passage is in the fact that Jesus has to power to heal. However, we also learn from His response to the injured man. He said "do you want to get well?" I wonder why Jesus said that. Of course the man wanted to get well, right? But come on...38 years and you haven't had the chance to be the one who gets into the water first? Maybe the man had become comfortable with his handicap. That happens sometimes...we become comfortable in our dysfunction and don't care if we get better or not. After a while, it seems like it takes too much effort to try and heal. Or maybe we don't think we can handle the disappoint of saying we want to get better, and then it never happens. Either way, Jesus made him restate his desire...it must be important.
By the way....does your Bible have John 5:4? some bibles don't. That's because it was in the earliest texts we had when the Bible was translated, but then in later years we discovered other manuscripts that appear to be earlier, and they don't have it. The general rule of thumb is: whatever is the earliest publication is considered to be most accurate. It's verse 4 that tells us the water would move, and people believed that an angel had "stirred the water"....so the first person into the water would be healed.
It's in this story that Jesus tells the man who was healed from lameness to "stop sinning or something even worse may happen to you" As I have said in church many times, Jesus doesn't ever want us to sin. In fact, he expects us to stop sinning...just as He told the crippled man. Of course, that's not possible in our own strength...but Jesus isn't asking us to do it in our own strength. That's why the Holy Spirit is here..to help us.
A quick word about working on Sunday... Jesus didn't have any problem doing good deeds on Sunday. In fact, He said "my Father is ALWAYS working..and so am I." If that's the case, then why does Genesis say that on the seventh day God rested? I don't think God rested because He was tired, but rather because He was setting precedent. He wanted us to take a break. I think He knew that when He designed us He knew that we would need rest, so He built that right into the covenant agreement. We weren't created so that we could follow rules and laws....the rules and laws were made to help us. People are the priority, not the law. Having said that, we honor the Lord when we observe the law. Jesus said that He would know we love Him when we obey. That's why we rest...to obey, and because we need it. So if there is an occasional good deed that needs to be accomplished and it happens to fall on Sunday, I don't think it violates the spirit of the law to participate...but we shouldn't make a habit of working every Sunday.
Pushing forward,
PR
Friday, January 22, 2016
Mark 2
Friday, Jan 22, 2016
I notice once again today that Jesus forgives the sins of the crippled man because He say "their" faith. Does that mean it was the faith of the 4 men, or was it the 4 men and the crippled guy? I ask because if the crippled man didn't have any faith and was healed anyway, then it doesn't require faith to be healed...or forgiven. We don't know the whole story, so we can only speculate. Let's say that the crippled man was simply hoping Jesus could heal him physically. He permitted his friends to carry him to Jesus for that reason, but he received far more than what he asked for. He left Jesus walking (just like he was hoping) but he also left a free man. Free from the penalty of sin.
You and I come to Jesus with our own expectations and brokenness. We have an idea of what we want Jesus to do for us. We think we know what would make us happy and functional again. Thankfully, Jesus repairs us in ways that we didn't even know we needed.
Jesus and Matthew. Matthew was a tax collector, and as such would have been detested by the
"righteous" Jews. The people who would associate with him were all out of favor with polite society. The Pharisees refer to Matthew's friends as "scum".
What makes a person "scum"? It is their job? Their lack of education? Perhaps the way they dress, or their personal hygiene habits? Maybe it's a combination of things, when combined together equal a non-productive part of society. If you don't "produce" are you scum? What if you can't work anymore, and you depend on the government to provide for you? Does that make you scum?
I am happy to report that Jesus doesn't see any of us as scum. When Jesus looks at us He sees His creation, people that He loves and wants to help. It wasn't any problem for Jesus to sit and eat with the tax collectors because they needed help and they knew it. That kind of attitude is refreshing to Jesus. Labels are something that we come up with. We create borders and nations and different time zones. Jesus sees beyond them, and loves us in spite of them.
One other thought....since Christ isn't "name calling" and "branding" people, maybe we shouldn't either.
PR
I notice once again today that Jesus forgives the sins of the crippled man because He say "their" faith. Does that mean it was the faith of the 4 men, or was it the 4 men and the crippled guy? I ask because if the crippled man didn't have any faith and was healed anyway, then it doesn't require faith to be healed...or forgiven. We don't know the whole story, so we can only speculate. Let's say that the crippled man was simply hoping Jesus could heal him physically. He permitted his friends to carry him to Jesus for that reason, but he received far more than what he asked for. He left Jesus walking (just like he was hoping) but he also left a free man. Free from the penalty of sin.
You and I come to Jesus with our own expectations and brokenness. We have an idea of what we want Jesus to do for us. We think we know what would make us happy and functional again. Thankfully, Jesus repairs us in ways that we didn't even know we needed.
Jesus and Matthew. Matthew was a tax collector, and as such would have been detested by the
"righteous" Jews. The people who would associate with him were all out of favor with polite society. The Pharisees refer to Matthew's friends as "scum".
What makes a person "scum"? It is their job? Their lack of education? Perhaps the way they dress, or their personal hygiene habits? Maybe it's a combination of things, when combined together equal a non-productive part of society. If you don't "produce" are you scum? What if you can't work anymore, and you depend on the government to provide for you? Does that make you scum?
I am happy to report that Jesus doesn't see any of us as scum. When Jesus looks at us He sees His creation, people that He loves and wants to help. It wasn't any problem for Jesus to sit and eat with the tax collectors because they needed help and they knew it. That kind of attitude is refreshing to Jesus. Labels are something that we come up with. We create borders and nations and different time zones. Jesus sees beyond them, and loves us in spite of them.
One other thought....since Christ isn't "name calling" and "branding" people, maybe we shouldn't either.
PR
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Matthew 8 !
Thursday, Jan 21, 2015
Soooo, we're reading through the New Testament chronologically, and my "reading guide" tells me that today we are reading Matthew 8...which is the end of the sermon on the mount. I'm pretty sure that isn't chronologically correct, since I haven't read the beginning of the sermon on the mount. I'm not sure why Matt 8 is suggested for today, but I guess it isn't terribly important anyway. I only mention it so you would know I caught it too!
The big picture in Matthew 8 is "Jesus has power". He heals leprosy with a touch, then he heals from a distance, he heals small things like fever, and large things like demon possession and every other kind of sickness. Towards the end of the chapter he calms the seas with a word. I think He calmed the seas to continue teaching the disciples about who He was. A short time after the sea had been calmed he faced down two men who were raging with demon possession. Again, with a word he calmed the human heart. As I think about it, the one thing that all of these situations have in common is that "Jesus spoke". The same voice that uttered "let dry ground appear" was calming the sea. The same voice that said to Moses "take off your shoes, because the ground on which you are walking is holy" spoke to the Roman officer. These were the hands that originally shaped man from the dust of the ground. Now they touched the leper and made him whole again.
Simply put, there isn't anything that Jesus cannot do. Anything broken He can fix. Anything that is dysfunctional or inoperative he can repair. He makes all things "new". And He isn't just fixing the visible, human things...but the spiritual ones as well. He is forgiving sin, and repairing our relationship with the Father. He is Jehovah Rapha (the Lord our healer). He is the Great Physician. (Exodus 15).
Those who put their faith in Him will see their oceans calmed, their loved ones healed and their communities restored. At the same time, we should remember that there is a cost involved. In return for taking us on this amazing journey, and restoring our relationship with the Father, Jesus asks that we follow Him (immediately) and leave behind whatever He chooses to separate us from.
What do we have to lose? the comfort of a home that we could never keep anyway, and the financial security of a "large herd of pigs"?
That's a good deal without question. It's worth it.
PR
Soooo, we're reading through the New Testament chronologically, and my "reading guide" tells me that today we are reading Matthew 8...which is the end of the sermon on the mount. I'm pretty sure that isn't chronologically correct, since I haven't read the beginning of the sermon on the mount. I'm not sure why Matt 8 is suggested for today, but I guess it isn't terribly important anyway. I only mention it so you would know I caught it too!
The big picture in Matthew 8 is "Jesus has power". He heals leprosy with a touch, then he heals from a distance, he heals small things like fever, and large things like demon possession and every other kind of sickness. Towards the end of the chapter he calms the seas with a word. I think He calmed the seas to continue teaching the disciples about who He was. A short time after the sea had been calmed he faced down two men who were raging with demon possession. Again, with a word he calmed the human heart. As I think about it, the one thing that all of these situations have in common is that "Jesus spoke". The same voice that uttered "let dry ground appear" was calming the sea. The same voice that said to Moses "take off your shoes, because the ground on which you are walking is holy" spoke to the Roman officer. These were the hands that originally shaped man from the dust of the ground. Now they touched the leper and made him whole again.
Simply put, there isn't anything that Jesus cannot do. Anything broken He can fix. Anything that is dysfunctional or inoperative he can repair. He makes all things "new". And He isn't just fixing the visible, human things...but the spiritual ones as well. He is forgiving sin, and repairing our relationship with the Father. He is Jehovah Rapha (the Lord our healer). He is the Great Physician. (Exodus 15).
Those who put their faith in Him will see their oceans calmed, their loved ones healed and their communities restored. At the same time, we should remember that there is a cost involved. In return for taking us on this amazing journey, and restoring our relationship with the Father, Jesus asks that we follow Him (immediately) and leave behind whatever He chooses to separate us from.
What do we have to lose? the comfort of a home that we could never keep anyway, and the financial security of a "large herd of pigs"?
That's a good deal without question. It's worth it.
PR
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
John 4
Wednesday, Jan 20, 2016
Let's assume that you are already familiar with the account of the woman at the well. That allows me to discuss some of the peripheral events. For instance, have you ever wondered where the Samaritans came from? For instance: God gave the whole area to Israel, and they moved through it conquering it (beginning with Jericho, etc.) and then many years later David became king over the whole area, and his son Solomon subdued an even greater area. There wasn't any "Samaria" then...where did it come from? The Samaritans were created by a series of events that began when Israel turned to idol worship. It goes like this: Israel begins to worship idols, God becomes angry and punishes them by allowing the country to be conquered by the Babylonians. After several campaigns they finally conquer the entire area, and march the people off into captivity. However, they leave a few folks behind to work the land, and they move new people into the area to populate it. These Jews who were left in the land gradually compromised their religious identity, and adopted some of the pagan practices of the people around them. They considered themselves Jewish, but they didn't practice pure Judaism. 70 years later the captives are released from Babylon by Cyrus the Persian, and they return home to rebuild the temple, etc. They find their "lost brothers" have intermarried with the surrounding people, and have begun to worship idols, and other false gods. Of course, they immediately reject them. The Samaritans react by building their own temple on Mount Gerazim, and they begin revising the religious history by saying that they are the true remnant, not the exiles, and that their temple is the correct one in which to worship Yahweh, not the temple in Jerusalem. This is heresy to the Jews, but what can they do? they are no longer a sovereign nation who can field an army and rout the infidels. They have to put up with them. So they do the next best thing...they shun them. No self respecting Jew will set foot in Samaria, they consider even the ground it tainted there. Samaritans are godless people, bound for hell because they have twisted and distorted God's Word.
While all of this is true, it doesn't seem to bother Jesus! Samaria is about 50 miles north of Jerusalem, and when Jesus leaves Jerusalem and heads toward Galilee he plots a course right through Samaria. The disciples are flabbergasted, they would prefer to walk the long way around, and avoid the area... after all, that's what we have done for years.
Worse yet, Jesus approaches a woman while He is in the middle of this detestable country, and on top of that...she's a woman of poor reputation. This seems to be going from bad to worse. Had the disciples been there, they certainly would have done whatever they could to prevent this from happening. As it turns out, it's a good thing they were gone!
Prejudice has long been the enemy of true evangelism. In fact, overcoming our own prejudices may well be the most important part of preparing us to share the Gospel. I think we are better prepared to tell others about Christ's love once we realize that God loves everyone equally...even those we have a problem with. God even loves the people who are distorting and manipulating His Word. While we allow our anger and indignation to carry us into acts of violence, Jesus is working to reach out to the very same people so that they may be rescued from eternal damnation.
I pray that I will always be open and sensitive enough to God's leading that I don't have to be sent on a "chow run" so that God can get something done.
PR
Let's assume that you are already familiar with the account of the woman at the well. That allows me to discuss some of the peripheral events. For instance, have you ever wondered where the Samaritans came from? For instance: God gave the whole area to Israel, and they moved through it conquering it (beginning with Jericho, etc.) and then many years later David became king over the whole area, and his son Solomon subdued an even greater area. There wasn't any "Samaria" then...where did it come from? The Samaritans were created by a series of events that began when Israel turned to idol worship. It goes like this: Israel begins to worship idols, God becomes angry and punishes them by allowing the country to be conquered by the Babylonians. After several campaigns they finally conquer the entire area, and march the people off into captivity. However, they leave a few folks behind to work the land, and they move new people into the area to populate it. These Jews who were left in the land gradually compromised their religious identity, and adopted some of the pagan practices of the people around them. They considered themselves Jewish, but they didn't practice pure Judaism. 70 years later the captives are released from Babylon by Cyrus the Persian, and they return home to rebuild the temple, etc. They find their "lost brothers" have intermarried with the surrounding people, and have begun to worship idols, and other false gods. Of course, they immediately reject them. The Samaritans react by building their own temple on Mount Gerazim, and they begin revising the religious history by saying that they are the true remnant, not the exiles, and that their temple is the correct one in which to worship Yahweh, not the temple in Jerusalem. This is heresy to the Jews, but what can they do? they are no longer a sovereign nation who can field an army and rout the infidels. They have to put up with them. So they do the next best thing...they shun them. No self respecting Jew will set foot in Samaria, they consider even the ground it tainted there. Samaritans are godless people, bound for hell because they have twisted and distorted God's Word.
While all of this is true, it doesn't seem to bother Jesus! Samaria is about 50 miles north of Jerusalem, and when Jesus leaves Jerusalem and heads toward Galilee he plots a course right through Samaria. The disciples are flabbergasted, they would prefer to walk the long way around, and avoid the area... after all, that's what we have done for years.
Worse yet, Jesus approaches a woman while He is in the middle of this detestable country, and on top of that...she's a woman of poor reputation. This seems to be going from bad to worse. Had the disciples been there, they certainly would have done whatever they could to prevent this from happening. As it turns out, it's a good thing they were gone!
Prejudice has long been the enemy of true evangelism. In fact, overcoming our own prejudices may well be the most important part of preparing us to share the Gospel. I think we are better prepared to tell others about Christ's love once we realize that God loves everyone equally...even those we have a problem with. God even loves the people who are distorting and manipulating His Word. While we allow our anger and indignation to carry us into acts of violence, Jesus is working to reach out to the very same people so that they may be rescued from eternal damnation.
I pray that I will always be open and sensitive enough to God's leading that I don't have to be sent on a "chow run" so that God can get something done.
PR
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
John 3
Tuesday, Jan 19, 2016
Nicodemus is one of my favorite accounts. Did you notice that he comes at night? probably to protect his reputation with the others. He calls Jesus "Rabbi" which means "teacher"...but not "Lord" in the sense that He has already made up his mind about who Jesus is. So Nicodemus is a seeker. In his day, the Holy Spirit hadn't been given freely to everyone as He is now, so Nicodemus couldn't understand the concept of being "born again". The idea that God would cleanse our very soul from any blemish of sin, taking away all the evil consequences that it had in mind for us...was beyond his ability. Some days, I struggle to imagine it myself. Why would God, all powerful creator of the universe care about someone like me? Why not just start over? That would seem to be easier. There are several theories floating around out there, but I guess we won't ever know for sure until we get to heaven. One thing we can be sure about: Jesus loves us.
In John 3:16 it says "this is how God loved the world..." You probably have heard it phrased "for God so loved the world.." I recently heard a professor say that this phase isn't meant to say "God loved us so much..." but rather "God demonstrated His love in this manner...." It's discussing the way He showed His love, not measuring quantity. It's an interesting thought...worth meditating on.
Beginning in verse 22 I see that Jesus was baptizing people. If you're reading the Kings James version you could believe that it was the disciples baptizing, and Jesus watching. Somehow it seems strange to me that the disciples would be comfortable with that. I would rather be baptized by the one who is greater...that is if Jesus would permit it. When you read John 4, you discover that He had the disciples do it. Probably to avoid anyone ever bragging that they were baptized by Jesus.
On the topic of baptism, a very significant event occurs here. A "discussion" ensues between a disciple and one of the Jews. It sounds to me like the devil was trying to derail the good work that was happening. I say that, because that's often how the devil works. He gets one person offended (generally they aren't even the one involved) and they begin grumbling and it spreads to another (generally that person has more influence) and from there it becomes a battle. Of course, it doesn't evolve that quickly...it could take months or years. John heads it off expertly. His humility and insight are worth emulating. He doesn't blink an eye at the report that others are baptizing, and his "congregation" is shrinking. John recognizes his place in the ministry, and is comfortable with it. They tell me it's hard to surrender the spotlight to someone else, and that once you have been in power it's difficult to let go of it. John was the "go to" guy for a year or more, and now his ministry is beginning to wane, but he doesn't complain or try and grab attention. No wonder Jesus says of John the Baptist "among men born of women there isn't anyone greater than John". High praise.
One last quick thought: in verse 36 it says that you not only have to believe in God's Son, but also obey. Belief and obedience go hand in hand. Without obedience (motivated by belief) we won't inherit eternal life.
PR
Nicodemus is one of my favorite accounts. Did you notice that he comes at night? probably to protect his reputation with the others. He calls Jesus "Rabbi" which means "teacher"...but not "Lord" in the sense that He has already made up his mind about who Jesus is. So Nicodemus is a seeker. In his day, the Holy Spirit hadn't been given freely to everyone as He is now, so Nicodemus couldn't understand the concept of being "born again". The idea that God would cleanse our very soul from any blemish of sin, taking away all the evil consequences that it had in mind for us...was beyond his ability. Some days, I struggle to imagine it myself. Why would God, all powerful creator of the universe care about someone like me? Why not just start over? That would seem to be easier. There are several theories floating around out there, but I guess we won't ever know for sure until we get to heaven. One thing we can be sure about: Jesus loves us.
In John 3:16 it says "this is how God loved the world..." You probably have heard it phrased "for God so loved the world.." I recently heard a professor say that this phase isn't meant to say "God loved us so much..." but rather "God demonstrated His love in this manner...." It's discussing the way He showed His love, not measuring quantity. It's an interesting thought...worth meditating on.
Beginning in verse 22 I see that Jesus was baptizing people. If you're reading the Kings James version you could believe that it was the disciples baptizing, and Jesus watching. Somehow it seems strange to me that the disciples would be comfortable with that. I would rather be baptized by the one who is greater...that is if Jesus would permit it. When you read John 4, you discover that He had the disciples do it. Probably to avoid anyone ever bragging that they were baptized by Jesus.
On the topic of baptism, a very significant event occurs here. A "discussion" ensues between a disciple and one of the Jews. It sounds to me like the devil was trying to derail the good work that was happening. I say that, because that's often how the devil works. He gets one person offended (generally they aren't even the one involved) and they begin grumbling and it spreads to another (generally that person has more influence) and from there it becomes a battle. Of course, it doesn't evolve that quickly...it could take months or years. John heads it off expertly. His humility and insight are worth emulating. He doesn't blink an eye at the report that others are baptizing, and his "congregation" is shrinking. John recognizes his place in the ministry, and is comfortable with it. They tell me it's hard to surrender the spotlight to someone else, and that once you have been in power it's difficult to let go of it. John was the "go to" guy for a year or more, and now his ministry is beginning to wane, but he doesn't complain or try and grab attention. No wonder Jesus says of John the Baptist "among men born of women there isn't anyone greater than John". High praise.
One last quick thought: in verse 36 it says that you not only have to believe in God's Son, but also obey. Belief and obedience go hand in hand. Without obedience (motivated by belief) we won't inherit eternal life.
PR
Monday, January 18, 2016
John 2
Monday, January 18, 2015
Two of the most well known, and most controversial things that Jesus ever did are mentioned in this chapter. 1. He turned water into wine 2. He chased everyone out of the temple using a whip
It's kind of funny that Jesus walking on water, or claiming to be God isn't that controversial...but when he turns water into wine....well, that seems to be a bridge too far.
For those among us who have completely sworn off the use of alcoholic beverages (myself included) it challenges our beliefs to see Jesus making wine. So, we sometimes hear arguments like "it didn't have alcohol in it". But the master of the feast would surely have recognized that. He says differently. He identifies that this is "the good stuff". In the long view, Jesus didn't see drinking wine to be a problem, as long as it didn't violate the rest of scripture. That means not becoming addicted to drinking, and not becoming drunk. Proverbs 23:31 is very clear that we shouldn't allow our desire for alcoholic beverages to gain control over us. In my case, the best way to accomplish that is to not have any. I know some Christians who drink occasionally. Some seem not to be affected by it...but I think it holds others back.
It wasn't so long ago that I felt that Diet Coke had too much of a hold on me, so I swore off of it completely. That's because the Bible says "don't be addicted". It doesn't matter how much alcohol content it has...you can be addicted to many things that don't have any inherent addictive properties.
It all comes down to control. Who's going to be in charge of you? Who will have the final say? Is it going to be you, or is it going to be Scripture?
I may add more to this thought tomorrow....but right now it's time to go skiing.
PR
Well, skiing was great, but I realized I am getting older. Too bad. The good news is that soon I will be able to sit around with the other old guys and tell stories about my exploits as a "young man".
Back to business: Jesus cleared the temple with a whip. Was He angry? Yes. Anger isn't a sin. There are times when we should be angry. Be angry about the things that cause people to sin. Be angry about the trash they put on TV, and government that promotes immoral behavior. But in your anger, don't sin. Be angry, and turn it over to God to deal with. The battle belongs to Him, not you. When Jesus cleared the temple, it was righteous anger for His Father's house. He was angry on behalf of God's House, and what the people were doing there. (they were making it hard to worship and offer sacrifices, taking advantage of others). Most often, our anger is motivated by circumstances that have caused US grief or discomfort. We can see Christianity persecuted, but if you persecute US, well, we are going to respond in anger. That isn't what Jesus was doing. Jesus never responded in anger when He was personally persecuted...and He was God.
If we were to follow this example, I suspect that we would be angry far less often.
PR
Two of the most well known, and most controversial things that Jesus ever did are mentioned in this chapter. 1. He turned water into wine 2. He chased everyone out of the temple using a whip
It's kind of funny that Jesus walking on water, or claiming to be God isn't that controversial...but when he turns water into wine....well, that seems to be a bridge too far.
For those among us who have completely sworn off the use of alcoholic beverages (myself included) it challenges our beliefs to see Jesus making wine. So, we sometimes hear arguments like "it didn't have alcohol in it". But the master of the feast would surely have recognized that. He says differently. He identifies that this is "the good stuff". In the long view, Jesus didn't see drinking wine to be a problem, as long as it didn't violate the rest of scripture. That means not becoming addicted to drinking, and not becoming drunk. Proverbs 23:31 is very clear that we shouldn't allow our desire for alcoholic beverages to gain control over us. In my case, the best way to accomplish that is to not have any. I know some Christians who drink occasionally. Some seem not to be affected by it...but I think it holds others back.
It wasn't so long ago that I felt that Diet Coke had too much of a hold on me, so I swore off of it completely. That's because the Bible says "don't be addicted". It doesn't matter how much alcohol content it has...you can be addicted to many things that don't have any inherent addictive properties.
It all comes down to control. Who's going to be in charge of you? Who will have the final say? Is it going to be you, or is it going to be Scripture?
I may add more to this thought tomorrow....but right now it's time to go skiing.
PR
Well, skiing was great, but I realized I am getting older. Too bad. The good news is that soon I will be able to sit around with the other old guys and tell stories about my exploits as a "young man".
Back to business: Jesus cleared the temple with a whip. Was He angry? Yes. Anger isn't a sin. There are times when we should be angry. Be angry about the things that cause people to sin. Be angry about the trash they put on TV, and government that promotes immoral behavior. But in your anger, don't sin. Be angry, and turn it over to God to deal with. The battle belongs to Him, not you. When Jesus cleared the temple, it was righteous anger for His Father's house. He was angry on behalf of God's House, and what the people were doing there. (they were making it hard to worship and offer sacrifices, taking advantage of others). Most often, our anger is motivated by circumstances that have caused US grief or discomfort. We can see Christianity persecuted, but if you persecute US, well, we are going to respond in anger. That isn't what Jesus was doing. Jesus never responded in anger when He was personally persecuted...and He was God.
If we were to follow this example, I suspect that we would be angry far less often.
PR
Friday, January 15, 2016
Luke 5
Friday, Jan 15, 2015
The thing I marvel at the most in the account of the calling of the disciples is the speed at which they made their decision to follow Jesus. The way it's written it appears as if they made immediate decisions to leave everything and follow Him. Simon Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen...today they were unsuccessful fishermen. I would imagine that they were wondering how they would pay the bills if they didn't bring in some fish. If any case, cleaning out the nets is hard work, because you have to pick out every single piece of sea weed and sticks and whatever else was in the net. Of course, the net is slightly tangled, because the sticks are catching in two or three places, making it more difficult. They were probably ready for some rest. I don't know if they were listening to Jesus while they were cleaning nets, or if they had finished cleaning, or left the cleaning until later...either way, they weren't looking to go back out right now.
Jesus was a rabbi (as far as they knew). Not a fisherman. Fishermen fish, Rabbis teach. If you want to catch fish, you don't ask the Rabbi...you ask the fishermen. Peter demonstrates the most important character trait that you can have when he responds to Jesus.
He says "I don't understand...but because it's YOU asking, I will do it." I don't think that we can do any better than that, no matter how far we come in life. Just be obedient.
Interestingly enough, the catch is enormous, too much for him to handle. And he leaves it all on the shore and follows Jesus.
What was important 6 hours ago has become unimportant. What was impossible has become possible, and what was unknown..or even unimagined...has become reality. Peter has a new vision and hope for the future, one that causes him to leave everything that used be important behind, and pursue a new way of life, and a new way of thinking.
Maybe I will blog about the rest of the things that happen in this account when they are mentioned in another reading.
PR
The thing I marvel at the most in the account of the calling of the disciples is the speed at which they made their decision to follow Jesus. The way it's written it appears as if they made immediate decisions to leave everything and follow Him. Simon Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen...today they were unsuccessful fishermen. I would imagine that they were wondering how they would pay the bills if they didn't bring in some fish. If any case, cleaning out the nets is hard work, because you have to pick out every single piece of sea weed and sticks and whatever else was in the net. Of course, the net is slightly tangled, because the sticks are catching in two or three places, making it more difficult. They were probably ready for some rest. I don't know if they were listening to Jesus while they were cleaning nets, or if they had finished cleaning, or left the cleaning until later...either way, they weren't looking to go back out right now.
Jesus was a rabbi (as far as they knew). Not a fisherman. Fishermen fish, Rabbis teach. If you want to catch fish, you don't ask the Rabbi...you ask the fishermen. Peter demonstrates the most important character trait that you can have when he responds to Jesus.
He says "I don't understand...but because it's YOU asking, I will do it." I don't think that we can do any better than that, no matter how far we come in life. Just be obedient.
Interestingly enough, the catch is enormous, too much for him to handle. And he leaves it all on the shore and follows Jesus.
What was important 6 hours ago has become unimportant. What was impossible has become possible, and what was unknown..or even unimagined...has become reality. Peter has a new vision and hope for the future, one that causes him to leave everything that used be important behind, and pursue a new way of life, and a new way of thinking.
Maybe I will blog about the rest of the things that happen in this account when they are mentioned in another reading.
PR
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Luke 4
Thursday, Jan 14, 2016
No need to blog about the temptation of Jesus, that's familiar from yesterday.
Beginning in verse 14, 2 things happen when Jesus "goes home". First, He shows up at the synagogue and reads a passage from Isaiah 61. The backstory on that is interesting: every time the men gathered to worship, one person was selected to read. The person who read would move to the front of the room and sit in a large chair called "Moses seat". A second person would go to the cabinet in the room and take out a scroll (most places had only one, or a part of one) and carry it to the reader. Generally, the reader didn't pick his own passage to read...they began where the last person left off, and made their way through the scroll that way. I don't know if Jesus changed that, or if He knew that what they chose to read would be applicable to Him. "What a coincidence" that Jesus just happened to be the reader on a day that they "just happened" to be reading from Isaiah, and it was a prophecy that he was fulfilling as He read it.
Second, he tells the crowd that He isn't going to do any miracles in His hometown. Of course, that makes them furious. Intellectually, I know that Jesus doesn't need me to believe in Him in order to work. There are several instances in Scripture when Jesus healed people who didn't even know who He was. However, there is something to be said about Jesus preferring to work in areas where He is going to get the credit. We learn in Exodus 20 that "I the Lord your God am a jealous God"...meaning that He isn't willing to share His glory with anyone. Bottom line: if you want to see God working around you, believe that He can and will, and be sure to give Him credit for anything that is already happening.
There are lots of other things to comment on in Luke 4, but let me leave today's blog with one last comment. In the last paragraph the crowds are begging Jesus not to leave them. I can understand that. Jesus has healed their people, shared good news with them....things are good. It would be nice if He would just settle down and get comfortable and live right here. That way, any time we had a problem in the future He could take care of it. But Jesus reminds the crowd (and us) that He didn't come to make us comfortable. There are many towns out there where help is needed. There are hundreds of thousands of people who hurting and desperate, and aren't aware that help is available. Jesus wants to reach them too.
Since we are His children, and pattern our lives after Him, and desire to think and act like Him....we should be just as concerned about sharing the Gospel with others. We should be developing a pattern of "going out" rather than "keeping to ourselves". We act like Jesus when we share with others, help others and remind others that there is a hope and a future for all who believe in Him.
Serving Him,
PR
No need to blog about the temptation of Jesus, that's familiar from yesterday.
Beginning in verse 14, 2 things happen when Jesus "goes home". First, He shows up at the synagogue and reads a passage from Isaiah 61. The backstory on that is interesting: every time the men gathered to worship, one person was selected to read. The person who read would move to the front of the room and sit in a large chair called "Moses seat". A second person would go to the cabinet in the room and take out a scroll (most places had only one, or a part of one) and carry it to the reader. Generally, the reader didn't pick his own passage to read...they began where the last person left off, and made their way through the scroll that way. I don't know if Jesus changed that, or if He knew that what they chose to read would be applicable to Him. "What a coincidence" that Jesus just happened to be the reader on a day that they "just happened" to be reading from Isaiah, and it was a prophecy that he was fulfilling as He read it.
Second, he tells the crowd that He isn't going to do any miracles in His hometown. Of course, that makes them furious. Intellectually, I know that Jesus doesn't need me to believe in Him in order to work. There are several instances in Scripture when Jesus healed people who didn't even know who He was. However, there is something to be said about Jesus preferring to work in areas where He is going to get the credit. We learn in Exodus 20 that "I the Lord your God am a jealous God"...meaning that He isn't willing to share His glory with anyone. Bottom line: if you want to see God working around you, believe that He can and will, and be sure to give Him credit for anything that is already happening.
There are lots of other things to comment on in Luke 4, but let me leave today's blog with one last comment. In the last paragraph the crowds are begging Jesus not to leave them. I can understand that. Jesus has healed their people, shared good news with them....things are good. It would be nice if He would just settle down and get comfortable and live right here. That way, any time we had a problem in the future He could take care of it. But Jesus reminds the crowd (and us) that He didn't come to make us comfortable. There are many towns out there where help is needed. There are hundreds of thousands of people who hurting and desperate, and aren't aware that help is available. Jesus wants to reach them too.
Since we are His children, and pattern our lives after Him, and desire to think and act like Him....we should be just as concerned about sharing the Gospel with others. We should be developing a pattern of "going out" rather than "keeping to ourselves". We act like Jesus when we share with others, help others and remind others that there is a hope and a future for all who believe in Him.
Serving Him,
PR
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Matthew 4
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Who led Jesus into the wilderness (desert)? The Holy Spirit. Why did He lead Him out there? To be tempted by the devil.
It must have taken 40 days of training and preparation for what was about to happen next. The evil one would come and try to convince God the Son to worship him. Our eternal destiny hangs in the balance. I used to think satan was especially sneaky and crafty, given that he used bread to tempt a man who had not eaten in 40 days. I haven't fasted for that length of time, but I have fasted... and I can tell you that day one and two are the hardest days. After that, your will seems to win the battle over your desires. You still want to eat, but it isn't quite as tempting. I wonder if by the end of 40 days of saying "no" to food, and knowing that this "all important day" was coming, Jesus didn't find this to be the easiest of the temptations. I'm sure none of the temptations were easy...but you get my point. Looking back at it, the Holy Spirit set Jesus up for success. He does the same thing today for you and me.
Fasting and self denial are an integral part of the Christian life. In fact, I would say that without denying self you cannot be a Christian. I would also add to that: the more that you indulge yourself the less you will grow. I think that's because our "self" is in rebellion against God. When you read the Lord's Prayer, it expresses a desire to have what God wants, not what we want. "Your will be done" is the heart cry of the Christian.
I found myself wondering how these events were ever recorded in the Bible. Have you ever thought of that? There weren't any disciples yet...no one knew anything about Jesus being divine, He hadn't done any miracles yet. Matthew, who wrote this, wouldn't join him for weeks yet...maybe months.
There's only one explanation. Jesus must have told them. I imagine Jesus sitting around a small campfire at night, or perhaps leaning back against a stone, sitting in the grass looking out over the sea of Galilee, and sharing these stories with His disciples. We can all agree that we don't know everything that Jesus said and did. There are stories of healing, and miracles that we don't know anything about. We only have enough to help us draw the right conclusion: Jesus is God the Son, who came to offer himself as a sacrifice for our sins, so that anyone who believes in Him can be free from sin and inherit eternal life.
I look forward to hearing the rest of the story in heaven..
PR
Who led Jesus into the wilderness (desert)? The Holy Spirit. Why did He lead Him out there? To be tempted by the devil.
It must have taken 40 days of training and preparation for what was about to happen next. The evil one would come and try to convince God the Son to worship him. Our eternal destiny hangs in the balance. I used to think satan was especially sneaky and crafty, given that he used bread to tempt a man who had not eaten in 40 days. I haven't fasted for that length of time, but I have fasted... and I can tell you that day one and two are the hardest days. After that, your will seems to win the battle over your desires. You still want to eat, but it isn't quite as tempting. I wonder if by the end of 40 days of saying "no" to food, and knowing that this "all important day" was coming, Jesus didn't find this to be the easiest of the temptations. I'm sure none of the temptations were easy...but you get my point. Looking back at it, the Holy Spirit set Jesus up for success. He does the same thing today for you and me.
Fasting and self denial are an integral part of the Christian life. In fact, I would say that without denying self you cannot be a Christian. I would also add to that: the more that you indulge yourself the less you will grow. I think that's because our "self" is in rebellion against God. When you read the Lord's Prayer, it expresses a desire to have what God wants, not what we want. "Your will be done" is the heart cry of the Christian.
I found myself wondering how these events were ever recorded in the Bible. Have you ever thought of that? There weren't any disciples yet...no one knew anything about Jesus being divine, He hadn't done any miracles yet. Matthew, who wrote this, wouldn't join him for weeks yet...maybe months.
There's only one explanation. Jesus must have told them. I imagine Jesus sitting around a small campfire at night, or perhaps leaning back against a stone, sitting in the grass looking out over the sea of Galilee, and sharing these stories with His disciples. We can all agree that we don't know everything that Jesus said and did. There are stories of healing, and miracles that we don't know anything about. We only have enough to help us draw the right conclusion: Jesus is God the Son, who came to offer himself as a sacrifice for our sins, so that anyone who believes in Him can be free from sin and inherit eternal life.
I look forward to hearing the rest of the story in heaven..
PR
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Luke 3
Tuesday, January 12, 2015
Thinking of baptism, it isn't just "getting into the water" that cleanses you, it's the idea that you make a decision to change. John called it "produce fruit in keeping with repentance". Baptism implies that you are turning over control of your life to God, so that you will change. (there is no permanent change without His involvement) The Holy Spirit changes the way you act, the way you think, what you support and who your friends are.
Isaiah's prophecy says that the earth will be leveled. But he isn't referring to a literal leveling of the earth. He's talking about relationship. It used to be difficult to be forgiven and to be obedient. There were countless rules to follow, and very specific sacrifices that had to be made. They could only be made at certain times, and by certain people. It was really an "uphill battle" to stay pure before God. But now the time was coming when the roadblocks would be removed. In a short time, none of the sacrifices would be necessary. Priests would be outdated, and the trek to the temple would be history. On top of all this, no more listening to someone else read the Bible as your only exposure to it. Now, the Holy Spirit would begin to teach each and every believer directly from God. Truly, the road is becoming "smooth"!
I have always admired John. I mean, Jesus said of him "among women born of men there isn't anyone greater than John" (my translation). What's not to love? But after reading through the chapter this time I find myself thinking that being a prophet must have been a lonely job at times. God had a special calling on John's life, but it came at a price. I wonder how many friends John had? I don't see a wife mentioned, either. His message would have been difficult to hear, which doesn't bode well for the number of people who "hung out" with him. I wonder if he even had a home...it sounds like he lived very simply. I take away from this passage that God doesn't call us to a life of luxury or indulgence. John had next to nothing, but is considered great by God. He did what he was supposed to do...that's what made him great. You and I can do the same thing!
On a completely different note: I counted 75 generations from Adam to Jesus. If each generation was 40 years, that would be 3,000 years. However, we would be mistaken if we thought that the earth was 3,000 years old...because there were several hundred years between some of the earliest generations. In fact Bishop James Ussher (17th century Irish priest) did extensive research and set the date of creation at 4,004 BC. That would make the earth around 6,000 years old. The genealogy that Mark provides simply helps make the case for a young earth, instead of one that is millions of years old.
praying that you have a great day,
PR
Thinking of baptism, it isn't just "getting into the water" that cleanses you, it's the idea that you make a decision to change. John called it "produce fruit in keeping with repentance". Baptism implies that you are turning over control of your life to God, so that you will change. (there is no permanent change without His involvement) The Holy Spirit changes the way you act, the way you think, what you support and who your friends are.
Isaiah's prophecy says that the earth will be leveled. But he isn't referring to a literal leveling of the earth. He's talking about relationship. It used to be difficult to be forgiven and to be obedient. There were countless rules to follow, and very specific sacrifices that had to be made. They could only be made at certain times, and by certain people. It was really an "uphill battle" to stay pure before God. But now the time was coming when the roadblocks would be removed. In a short time, none of the sacrifices would be necessary. Priests would be outdated, and the trek to the temple would be history. On top of all this, no more listening to someone else read the Bible as your only exposure to it. Now, the Holy Spirit would begin to teach each and every believer directly from God. Truly, the road is becoming "smooth"!
I have always admired John. I mean, Jesus said of him "among women born of men there isn't anyone greater than John" (my translation). What's not to love? But after reading through the chapter this time I find myself thinking that being a prophet must have been a lonely job at times. God had a special calling on John's life, but it came at a price. I wonder how many friends John had? I don't see a wife mentioned, either. His message would have been difficult to hear, which doesn't bode well for the number of people who "hung out" with him. I wonder if he even had a home...it sounds like he lived very simply. I take away from this passage that God doesn't call us to a life of luxury or indulgence. John had next to nothing, but is considered great by God. He did what he was supposed to do...that's what made him great. You and I can do the same thing!
On a completely different note: I counted 75 generations from Adam to Jesus. If each generation was 40 years, that would be 3,000 years. However, we would be mistaken if we thought that the earth was 3,000 years old...because there were several hundred years between some of the earliest generations. In fact Bishop James Ussher (17th century Irish priest) did extensive research and set the date of creation at 4,004 BC. That would make the earth around 6,000 years old. The genealogy that Mark provides simply helps make the case for a young earth, instead of one that is millions of years old.
praying that you have a great day,
PR
Monday, January 11, 2016
Mark 1
Monday, Jan 11, 2015
Mark is widely thought to be the earliest gospel to have been written. Mark doesn't spend any time on the birth of Christ, or the genealogy. He gets right to the heart of the matter. Maybe that's why the other authors included it...Mark wrote first and left it out, so they added it in.
John the Baptist spent his time baptizing people (go figure). In Jerusalem around the temple area there are large holes cut into the bedrock. They have steps going down into them, sometimes there were two sets of steps. I was told that these were filled with water so the priests going into the temple could ceremonially cleanse themselves before entering the temple. They would exit on the clean steps, so they didn't become contaminated again. It was just ceremony, there wasn't any actual bathing going on there...but it adds some depth to what John was doing. The idea that everyone needed to be cleaned and prepared for "ministry" was a fresh and welcome idea.
In verse 12 you will notice it was the Spirit that sent Jesus into the desert where he was tempted. God doesn't ever tempt us, but he does allow us to be tempted. That's so we can resist, and build our spiritual strength. I have a theory that Jesus came out of the desert very hungry and probably physically weak, but spiritually very strong. Oddly enough, that's when the devil shows up to tempt him (we'll get to that on Wednesday).
As I have mentioned before, the word "Gospel" means "good news", and the good news is summarized partly in verse 15. "The time is now! if we repent of our sins, God will forgive us and restore us to a right relationship with Him, and we will inherit everything that His children are supposed to". (again, only part of that message is here, but Mark records the beginning of it)
Did you notice that the disciples left "immediately" when Jesus called. I think this is a key teaching. Okay, maybe you didn't obey as soon as you should have...but you can begin immediately NOW. So, wherever God is prompting you to obey....just do it. If it means sacrifice on your part, don't be afraid, God is able to make it up to you many times over.
Simon (also called Peter) and Andrew were brothers. Apparently Peter was married and his mother-in-law lived with them. Actually that could have been common in biblical times. Families were much closer together than they are today, here in the U.S. The Jews today often live in small very close communities called a "kibbutz". Each one had it's own "home school teachers" and every resident of the kibbutz had a job to support the rest. The one I saw was very communal, but it worked very well. The kibbutz is fairly recent (last 150 years) I wonder if they are popular because the Jews are so family oriented. It sort of reminded me of the Amish in our area.
In verse 40 Jesus heals a man but instructs him not to talk about it. I think He did that so that He could move around more easily, without crowds slowing Him. Of course, this kind of good news is going to get out no matter what you say. On the other hand...why would he have to instruct the demons not to give credit to Him? I don't think they wanted to, but because of who He is, they were compelled to acknowledge Him! Jesus tells the man to offer the sacrifices (or to give them to the priests who will receive and offer them) so that the priests will be made aware of his healing.
This is important, because this guy can't rejoin his family until he is cleared by the priests. Although he doesn't need the approval to be healed, he is told to obey the Old Testament law as a witness to those who haven't heard yet.
Is it possible that God is asking you to do something that you know you don't have to do in order to be saved (or healed), but that you should do anyway....perhaps as a witness to others?
enjoying the quiet moment and the Word of God,
PR
Mark is widely thought to be the earliest gospel to have been written. Mark doesn't spend any time on the birth of Christ, or the genealogy. He gets right to the heart of the matter. Maybe that's why the other authors included it...Mark wrote first and left it out, so they added it in.
John the Baptist spent his time baptizing people (go figure). In Jerusalem around the temple area there are large holes cut into the bedrock. They have steps going down into them, sometimes there were two sets of steps. I was told that these were filled with water so the priests going into the temple could ceremonially cleanse themselves before entering the temple. They would exit on the clean steps, so they didn't become contaminated again. It was just ceremony, there wasn't any actual bathing going on there...but it adds some depth to what John was doing. The idea that everyone needed to be cleaned and prepared for "ministry" was a fresh and welcome idea.
In verse 12 you will notice it was the Spirit that sent Jesus into the desert where he was tempted. God doesn't ever tempt us, but he does allow us to be tempted. That's so we can resist, and build our spiritual strength. I have a theory that Jesus came out of the desert very hungry and probably physically weak, but spiritually very strong. Oddly enough, that's when the devil shows up to tempt him (we'll get to that on Wednesday).
As I have mentioned before, the word "Gospel" means "good news", and the good news is summarized partly in verse 15. "The time is now! if we repent of our sins, God will forgive us and restore us to a right relationship with Him, and we will inherit everything that His children are supposed to". (again, only part of that message is here, but Mark records the beginning of it)
Did you notice that the disciples left "immediately" when Jesus called. I think this is a key teaching. Okay, maybe you didn't obey as soon as you should have...but you can begin immediately NOW. So, wherever God is prompting you to obey....just do it. If it means sacrifice on your part, don't be afraid, God is able to make it up to you many times over.
Simon (also called Peter) and Andrew were brothers. Apparently Peter was married and his mother-in-law lived with them. Actually that could have been common in biblical times. Families were much closer together than they are today, here in the U.S. The Jews today often live in small very close communities called a "kibbutz". Each one had it's own "home school teachers" and every resident of the kibbutz had a job to support the rest. The one I saw was very communal, but it worked very well. The kibbutz is fairly recent (last 150 years) I wonder if they are popular because the Jews are so family oriented. It sort of reminded me of the Amish in our area.
In verse 40 Jesus heals a man but instructs him not to talk about it. I think He did that so that He could move around more easily, without crowds slowing Him. Of course, this kind of good news is going to get out no matter what you say. On the other hand...why would he have to instruct the demons not to give credit to Him? I don't think they wanted to, but because of who He is, they were compelled to acknowledge Him! Jesus tells the man to offer the sacrifices (or to give them to the priests who will receive and offer them) so that the priests will be made aware of his healing.
This is important, because this guy can't rejoin his family until he is cleared by the priests. Although he doesn't need the approval to be healed, he is told to obey the Old Testament law as a witness to those who haven't heard yet.
Is it possible that God is asking you to do something that you know you don't have to do in order to be saved (or healed), but that you should do anyway....perhaps as a witness to others?
enjoying the quiet moment and the Word of God,
PR
Friday, January 8, 2016
Matthew 3
Jan 8, 2016
The ancient traditions held that Elijah (Israel's greatest prophet) would return to usher in the time of the Messiah. Isaiah, a great prophet in his own time, said as much in the quote contained in this chapter. But later, when Jesus is questioned on the subject he says that Elijah has already come. (Matthew 17:12) meaning that John the Baptist is the one who came "in the Spirit of Elijah" (which is to say "John came filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the exact same Spirit that filled Elijah".)
John's clothes are mentioned because they were the standard garb of a prophet. Matthew is telling us that "John was a prophet, like the prophets of old". I wonder if Christians today can be recognized by the way they dress, or talk, or the places that they go....you could look at John the Baptist and know that he was someone set apart. God ordained that, and I have to imagine that God approved of the clothing that he wore. Does any of that carry forward to today? I don't care to develop the thought much further now...I'm just thinking in print.
Jesus was obedient to be baptized by John, just as His Father wanted. Verse 15 tells us that. Obedience is key to maintaining the relationship with God. Jesus says to us in John 15:10 that if we love Him we will obey.
We never know when our obedience to God will reap great dividends, that's why we need to remain obedient all the time. Even when we think it doesn't matter, or no one is looking. Obedience is always rewarded, and disobedience always sets us back, and stalls our growth.
On a completely different note: I have mentioned before when blogging that this passage helps us understand the existence of the Trinity. Jesus is in the water, a voice comes from heaven, and at the same time a fluttering presence descends on Jesus. Three distinct representations of God.
Blessings,
PR
The ancient traditions held that Elijah (Israel's greatest prophet) would return to usher in the time of the Messiah. Isaiah, a great prophet in his own time, said as much in the quote contained in this chapter. But later, when Jesus is questioned on the subject he says that Elijah has already come. (Matthew 17:12) meaning that John the Baptist is the one who came "in the Spirit of Elijah" (which is to say "John came filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the exact same Spirit that filled Elijah".)
John's clothes are mentioned because they were the standard garb of a prophet. Matthew is telling us that "John was a prophet, like the prophets of old". I wonder if Christians today can be recognized by the way they dress, or talk, or the places that they go....you could look at John the Baptist and know that he was someone set apart. God ordained that, and I have to imagine that God approved of the clothing that he wore. Does any of that carry forward to today? I don't care to develop the thought much further now...I'm just thinking in print.
Jesus was obedient to be baptized by John, just as His Father wanted. Verse 15 tells us that. Obedience is key to maintaining the relationship with God. Jesus says to us in John 15:10 that if we love Him we will obey.
We never know when our obedience to God will reap great dividends, that's why we need to remain obedient all the time. Even when we think it doesn't matter, or no one is looking. Obedience is always rewarded, and disobedience always sets us back, and stalls our growth.
On a completely different note: I have mentioned before when blogging that this passage helps us understand the existence of the Trinity. Jesus is in the water, a voice comes from heaven, and at the same time a fluttering presence descends on Jesus. Three distinct representations of God.
Blessings,
PR
Matthew 2
Jan 7, 2016
The only account of the wise men given to us is recorded in Matthew. Thanks, Matt.
You have probably heard most of the conjecture on this passage before, but I will jot a few things down just in case.
There were likely more than three wise men, we only depict three because three gifts were mentioned. In reality, there were probably many gifts, and a caravan of people. The wise men could have been astrologers, or they could have been court officials, or something similar. Probably astrologers, since they noted the star appearing.
The three gifts they brought have been compared to the three offices that Christ held. Gold for a King (a ruler) and Frankincense for a Priest. Myrrh was a burial spice, and a pain killer so it speaks to Christ as the sacrifice. Jesus is the only person who fulfilled all three roles. For instance, the king was never allowed to be the priest....when Saul tried it and took upon himself Samuel's role (1 Samuel 13) God punished him by removing him as king.
One more thing that is interesting to me.. When I visited Bethlehem we went to the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest buildings in the region. The reason that the marauding Arabs didn't destroy it when they conquered the area is because there were images of three Arabs carved into the entryway door. (the wise men from the east were probably from Iran or Iraq...maybe north from Turkey...but they were recognized by the invaders). That adds a dimension to the Christmas account. Jesus didn't come just for the Jews, he came for everybody. The journey of the wise men to worship the new King tells us that.
I found myself wondering when Herod died.... since that's when Jesus, Mary and Joseph returned from Egypt. As it turns out, Herod didn't live long after Christ was born. If Jesus was born around 3 BC, then Herod fell from power and died around 1 BC. The Bible doesn't say that Joseph returned the same month, but it would have been within that year, probably. So the holy family wasn't in Egypt for more than a year or two at the very most. The gifts that the wise men brought likely sustained them during their travel..and some think that they provided for Mary for the rest of her life. But there's nothing written about that.
Stray thought: the gifts of the Magi weren't all meant to be used immediately. sometimes God gives us today what will be needed tomorrow...or maybe much later.
Have a great day,
PR
The only account of the wise men given to us is recorded in Matthew. Thanks, Matt.
You have probably heard most of the conjecture on this passage before, but I will jot a few things down just in case.
There were likely more than three wise men, we only depict three because three gifts were mentioned. In reality, there were probably many gifts, and a caravan of people. The wise men could have been astrologers, or they could have been court officials, or something similar. Probably astrologers, since they noted the star appearing.
The three gifts they brought have been compared to the three offices that Christ held. Gold for a King (a ruler) and Frankincense for a Priest. Myrrh was a burial spice, and a pain killer so it speaks to Christ as the sacrifice. Jesus is the only person who fulfilled all three roles. For instance, the king was never allowed to be the priest....when Saul tried it and took upon himself Samuel's role (1 Samuel 13) God punished him by removing him as king.
One more thing that is interesting to me.. When I visited Bethlehem we went to the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest buildings in the region. The reason that the marauding Arabs didn't destroy it when they conquered the area is because there were images of three Arabs carved into the entryway door. (the wise men from the east were probably from Iran or Iraq...maybe north from Turkey...but they were recognized by the invaders). That adds a dimension to the Christmas account. Jesus didn't come just for the Jews, he came for everybody. The journey of the wise men to worship the new King tells us that.
I found myself wondering when Herod died.... since that's when Jesus, Mary and Joseph returned from Egypt. As it turns out, Herod didn't live long after Christ was born. If Jesus was born around 3 BC, then Herod fell from power and died around 1 BC. The Bible doesn't say that Joseph returned the same month, but it would have been within that year, probably. So the holy family wasn't in Egypt for more than a year or two at the very most. The gifts that the wise men brought likely sustained them during their travel..and some think that they provided for Mary for the rest of her life. But there's nothing written about that.
Stray thought: the gifts of the Magi weren't all meant to be used immediately. sometimes God gives us today what will be needed tomorrow...or maybe much later.
Have a great day,
PR
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Luke 2
Luke 2, January 6, 2015
For some reason the first thing that caught my eye as I read this very familiar account was the absence of the flight to Egypt. When you read Luke's account, it's as if it never happened. I mean, verse 39 says "they did what they needed to do, and then returned to Nazareth" (my words). There isn't even a mention that for months, or maybe a year? they were out of the country. Luke is a smart guy, he knew very well that they were in Egypt. Why leave it out? Some scholars speculate that it was because of the audience to which the letter was written. Matthew wrote to the Jewish people, who would have known that Herod's murderous anger was prophesied. Luke was writing to a Gentile audience...specifically to a gentleman named Theophilus. (Luke and Acts are companion letters). There was no need to mention the flight to Egypt to a Gentile, it would have required further explanation, and wouldn't have reinforced the story line at all. Therefore, Luke skips right over it.
It reminds me that there are undoubtedly other things that Jesus said and did that have escaped the pages of scripture. We won't know about them until we get to heaven, I guess.
Before I close this thought, I want to comment on Simeon and Anna. These two saints were praying and fasting in the temple for years...Anna had been there almost her whole adult life. From what I see written here, it was primarily for this purpose, to call attention to Jesus. I take away from this account that God would is pleased to allow some to remain in obscurity for many years, with only a 2-3 minute window of "fame". Anna wasn't looking to be famous, she was focused on being obedient, and while she was serving the Lord, and enjoying His presence, she was blessed with a special honor...to meet and prophesy over the Deliverer. It is a completely worthwhile use of a lifetime to remain obedient to the Lord, even if it means serving in obscurity. Also, the lack of fame and fortune are not indicators that God is displeased. Anna appears to have had little, but her name and her message are remembered and repeated more than any sermon you will ever hear.
Most of us (myself included) have enjoyed many confirmations of our ministry. Our friends encourage us and cheer us on. We see the results of our ministry all around us. Sure, we wish we were even more effective, but we see some effectiveness. I wonder if Simeon and Anna endured many years of wondering what their purpose in life was, or if they were really in God's will, while they waited for their moment. I wonder if Simeon ever prayed "how much longer, God?" or "Lord, did you already appear and I missed it?"
In any case, I celebrate and marvel at the faithfulness and dedication of these two faithful servants who remained holy for many years and spoke the right word at the right time. What satisfaction it must have brought to their soul as they realized that God was speaking through them.
Blessings,
PR
For some reason the first thing that caught my eye as I read this very familiar account was the absence of the flight to Egypt. When you read Luke's account, it's as if it never happened. I mean, verse 39 says "they did what they needed to do, and then returned to Nazareth" (my words). There isn't even a mention that for months, or maybe a year? they were out of the country. Luke is a smart guy, he knew very well that they were in Egypt. Why leave it out? Some scholars speculate that it was because of the audience to which the letter was written. Matthew wrote to the Jewish people, who would have known that Herod's murderous anger was prophesied. Luke was writing to a Gentile audience...specifically to a gentleman named Theophilus. (Luke and Acts are companion letters). There was no need to mention the flight to Egypt to a Gentile, it would have required further explanation, and wouldn't have reinforced the story line at all. Therefore, Luke skips right over it.
It reminds me that there are undoubtedly other things that Jesus said and did that have escaped the pages of scripture. We won't know about them until we get to heaven, I guess.
Before I close this thought, I want to comment on Simeon and Anna. These two saints were praying and fasting in the temple for years...Anna had been there almost her whole adult life. From what I see written here, it was primarily for this purpose, to call attention to Jesus. I take away from this account that God would is pleased to allow some to remain in obscurity for many years, with only a 2-3 minute window of "fame". Anna wasn't looking to be famous, she was focused on being obedient, and while she was serving the Lord, and enjoying His presence, she was blessed with a special honor...to meet and prophesy over the Deliverer. It is a completely worthwhile use of a lifetime to remain obedient to the Lord, even if it means serving in obscurity. Also, the lack of fame and fortune are not indicators that God is displeased. Anna appears to have had little, but her name and her message are remembered and repeated more than any sermon you will ever hear.
Most of us (myself included) have enjoyed many confirmations of our ministry. Our friends encourage us and cheer us on. We see the results of our ministry all around us. Sure, we wish we were even more effective, but we see some effectiveness. I wonder if Simeon and Anna endured many years of wondering what their purpose in life was, or if they were really in God's will, while they waited for their moment. I wonder if Simeon ever prayed "how much longer, God?" or "Lord, did you already appear and I missed it?"
In any case, I celebrate and marvel at the faithfulness and dedication of these two faithful servants who remained holy for many years and spoke the right word at the right time. What satisfaction it must have brought to their soul as they realized that God was speaking through them.
Blessings,
PR
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Matthew 1
Tuesday, Jan 5, 2016
There are three sets of 14 generations mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. I did some quick math and determined that a generation in the first set (Abraham to David) is 31 years. In the second set, a generation was 33 years, and in the 3rd set a generation is 38 years. There are some people who say that all the generations aren't listed here, or they are incomplete... I find that hard to believe, since any additional family members would have the generational line down in the 20's, or even lower. Except for the Exodus, we can clearly track Jesus's lineage all the way back to Abraham. That's important because prophecy clearly says that the Messiah would come from the clan of Judah, and this lineage proves it. It also demonstrates that God doesn't need us to be perfect in order to work through us. Rahab was a prostitute who turned traitor on her own country and hid several Israelite spies. Solomon was born to Bathsheeba, who slept with David while her husband Uriah was away at war. Okay, you probably can't deny the king when he commands you, but I am not trying to place blame. I'm just saying that God can use anyone. David and Bathsheeba weren't a couple that God put together, but after David repents, God clearly blesses him and his wife.
Moving on to Joseph, I recall that there isn't much written about him. This is one of the few passages we have. I wonder what happened to Joseph. I know he survives for their trip back from Egypt, and he and Mary have other children, but he disappears off the pages of history after that.
Was he an older man to begin with? Did God take him home to heaven so he wouldn't be here to see his son tortured? And if that's the case, why not take Mary? Why allow her to suffer? Maybe there wasn't a reason, maybe it was simply "his time".
In any case, I learn from Joseph that God's ways are beyond my understanding. I need only to trust his guidance and do my best to remain obedient. He will see to the rest.
It had to be difficult to look at Mary thinking she had been with someone else...and then later to think that she had given birth to the Messiah...to God himself. What God commands isn't always comfortable...but it's always worth it.
PR
There are three sets of 14 generations mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. I did some quick math and determined that a generation in the first set (Abraham to David) is 31 years. In the second set, a generation was 33 years, and in the 3rd set a generation is 38 years. There are some people who say that all the generations aren't listed here, or they are incomplete... I find that hard to believe, since any additional family members would have the generational line down in the 20's, or even lower. Except for the Exodus, we can clearly track Jesus's lineage all the way back to Abraham. That's important because prophecy clearly says that the Messiah would come from the clan of Judah, and this lineage proves it. It also demonstrates that God doesn't need us to be perfect in order to work through us. Rahab was a prostitute who turned traitor on her own country and hid several Israelite spies. Solomon was born to Bathsheeba, who slept with David while her husband Uriah was away at war. Okay, you probably can't deny the king when he commands you, but I am not trying to place blame. I'm just saying that God can use anyone. David and Bathsheeba weren't a couple that God put together, but after David repents, God clearly blesses him and his wife.
Moving on to Joseph, I recall that there isn't much written about him. This is one of the few passages we have. I wonder what happened to Joseph. I know he survives for their trip back from Egypt, and he and Mary have other children, but he disappears off the pages of history after that.
Was he an older man to begin with? Did God take him home to heaven so he wouldn't be here to see his son tortured? And if that's the case, why not take Mary? Why allow her to suffer? Maybe there wasn't a reason, maybe it was simply "his time".
In any case, I learn from Joseph that God's ways are beyond my understanding. I need only to trust his guidance and do my best to remain obedient. He will see to the rest.
It had to be difficult to look at Mary thinking she had been with someone else...and then later to think that she had given birth to the Messiah...to God himself. What God commands isn't always comfortable...but it's always worth it.
PR
John 1
Monday, Jan 4, 2015
Our second reading for this new year is the first chapter of John's Gospel. The Gospel of John is different than the other Gospels, as we will discover in the next few weeks. John was the last of the disciples to pen his letter, we speculate that he delayed because Jesus had given him care of his mother (See John 19:27). Maybe John waited until Mary had passed before he took time to publish his account. In any case, by the time John writes, the other three Gospels have been circulating for some time. John doesn't see a need to reiterate everything they said, so he takes a different approach. In his Gospel, the purpose is to prove to the reader that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God. So, the miracles that John mentions and the prophecies that he addresses, and the things that Jesus said (such as "I Am" seven different times) are all highlighted by John.
Some have said that in the first chapter of John we have the whole Bible in condensed version. It begins almost the same way as Genesis, reminding us that before the earth was ever created, God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were communing together in perfect harmony. It was our creation, and our eventual sin that necessitated the insertion of Jesus into our timeline.
Today allow the powerful images of Jesus as the light of the world, and Jesus as the Word of God in human form to soak into your consciousness. All wisdom begins in Him, and He alone holds the key to the future. He is the center of everything that happens in all of human history. Before we can understand or appreciate anything that is written, we have to accept this basic truth.
Having established this fact, John skips over all mention of the birth of Jesus. There are no wise men in his account, no shepherds, no mention of Mary and Joseph. Why? Because that has already been written. John goes straight for the most important point. John the Baptist was the one who was miraculously born to an elderly couple in order to call attention to, and prepare the way for the Messiah.
Then you will notice that John immediately moves to the selection of the disciples. Wouldn't it be nice to know if John or Jesus saw each other at family reunions, or walked together on trips to Jerusalem for Passover? Sure, that would be interesting, but it isn't important. John has limited time and space in which to make his case, and is going to stick to the main themes.
Sometimes people call attention to the gaps in Biblical history and try to plant seeds of doubt because of it. "it isn't complete" they say. "How can we believe that valuable information hasn't been left out?" My response is always "what has been written by different authors provides a seamless account of everything that is important to know for salvation". Sure, there are other events that we don't know about, but even if we knew them, it wouldn't change anything.
The Word has become flesh and chosen to live among us. And, in our time, the Word has chosen to live INSIDE us. What a wonderful time in human history to be alive!
PR
Our second reading for this new year is the first chapter of John's Gospel. The Gospel of John is different than the other Gospels, as we will discover in the next few weeks. John was the last of the disciples to pen his letter, we speculate that he delayed because Jesus had given him care of his mother (See John 19:27). Maybe John waited until Mary had passed before he took time to publish his account. In any case, by the time John writes, the other three Gospels have been circulating for some time. John doesn't see a need to reiterate everything they said, so he takes a different approach. In his Gospel, the purpose is to prove to the reader that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God. So, the miracles that John mentions and the prophecies that he addresses, and the things that Jesus said (such as "I Am" seven different times) are all highlighted by John.
Some have said that in the first chapter of John we have the whole Bible in condensed version. It begins almost the same way as Genesis, reminding us that before the earth was ever created, God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were communing together in perfect harmony. It was our creation, and our eventual sin that necessitated the insertion of Jesus into our timeline.
Today allow the powerful images of Jesus as the light of the world, and Jesus as the Word of God in human form to soak into your consciousness. All wisdom begins in Him, and He alone holds the key to the future. He is the center of everything that happens in all of human history. Before we can understand or appreciate anything that is written, we have to accept this basic truth.
Having established this fact, John skips over all mention of the birth of Jesus. There are no wise men in his account, no shepherds, no mention of Mary and Joseph. Why? Because that has already been written. John goes straight for the most important point. John the Baptist was the one who was miraculously born to an elderly couple in order to call attention to, and prepare the way for the Messiah.
Then you will notice that John immediately moves to the selection of the disciples. Wouldn't it be nice to know if John or Jesus saw each other at family reunions, or walked together on trips to Jerusalem for Passover? Sure, that would be interesting, but it isn't important. John has limited time and space in which to make his case, and is going to stick to the main themes.
Sometimes people call attention to the gaps in Biblical history and try to plant seeds of doubt because of it. "it isn't complete" they say. "How can we believe that valuable information hasn't been left out?" My response is always "what has been written by different authors provides a seamless account of everything that is important to know for salvation". Sure, there are other events that we don't know about, but even if we knew them, it wouldn't change anything.
The Word has become flesh and chosen to live among us. And, in our time, the Word has chosen to live INSIDE us. What a wonderful time in human history to be alive!
PR
Friday, January 1, 2016
And so it begins.. Jan 1, 2016
Luke 1
The first two chapters of Luke are the only details we get from the good doctor on the details surrounding Christ's birth. And of that, more is written about John the Baptist than about Jesus. That's curious.
It seems that Luke gives us enough information to let us know that prophecy was fulfilled and that miracles of several types surrounded the birth. As for the other details, all the Gospel authors leave them unaddressed. It isn't that they wouldn't have some value, or be interesting...it's just that we have limited time and material with which to write, and we must quickly move to the most important things.
Even still, I find myself marveling at the way God works. Zechariah was a righteous man, and so was his wife...what must they have thought about being barren? How long ago did Zechariah quit praying for a child, only to have an angel show up in his old age speaking to him as if he had prayed only yesterday? The angel told Zechariah that he would be mute until the baby was born, and yet when John was born, Zechariah remained mute for another week...until the baby was named. I'll bet that was a long week for Zechariah, wondering if he would ever be able to speak again. I wonder if he was disappointed or afraid when he wasn't able to speak immediately after the birth of John.
The lives of Zechariah, Elizabeth and John are models of faithfulness in spite of circumstances. These were not followers whose faith was shaken every time things didn't go the way they expected. Instead, they remained devoted without regard to the current circumstances. A good example for all of us.
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