Luke 17:22-37 Jesus talks about the "days of the Son of Man" He gives us specific information that we need to pay attention to:
We will long for it... waiting and waiting, until we are tempted to run after lesser things.
His coming will be unmistakeable. There will be no denying it when He comes.
Life will be similar to the days before Noah went into the ark and when Lot left Sodom. In both cases men were doing whatever they wanted to do and it was very corrupt and immoral. In both cases there was an opportunity to be saved, but only a few took it.
There will be only two possibilities - either we are taken or we are left. Received near or laid aside.
" Whoever seeks to keep his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life shall preserve it." Jesus warns.
keep - (peripoieomai) - to make around oneself, to acquire , purchase
life - (psuche) - soul/spirit
lose -(apollumi) - destroy, perish
preserve -(zoogoneo) - rescue, be saved from death.
When we claim our lives as belonging to ourselves; ignoring the fact that we have a Creator and Master; we will actually destroy ourselves. We see this every day in the lives of unbelievers around us. Our culture is full of prideful and arrogant men and women who think that they own themselves and will not held accountable for their sins. Why are we shocked when their lives unravel?
It is only those who "lay down their lives", taking up their crosses and following Jesus who will be saved from death; rescued, redeemed.
Jesus ends this discourse with these final words, " Where the body is, there also will the vultures
( eagles) be gathered." Matthew 24:28 says it this way, " Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather." There are several Old Testament references that help us to understand this better.
Job 39:27 - 30 " Is it at your command that the eagles mount up ....From there he spies out food; His eyes see it from afar. His young ones also suck up blood; and where the slain are, there he is."
Ezekiel 39:17 " And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God, 'Speak to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field, "Assemble and come, gather from every side to My sacrifice which I am going to sacrifice for you, as a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you many eat flesh and drink blood. "
This speaks of the day of great judgement. Armageddon. With the coming of Christ there will be a separation of those who believe in Him and those who have rejected Him.
Again the call to us is clear, we must come to Him humbly and repent. We must choose to follow Him. To walk in faith, giving glory to God with earnest thanksgiving for what He has done for us.
Father in heaven, we bless Your Name, we give glory and honor to You alone. You are our Creator and our Savior. You are our King and Master. We long for You. We wait for the return of Our Lord.
We lay down our lives, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, acceptable to You, for this is our spiritual service, our true worship. May we not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds, through Jesus Christ. That we may discern and do Your will as faithful servants. Complete Your purposes in our lives today we ask. Amen.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Luke 17:11-21 As Jesus heads towards Jerusalem He goes through Samaria. There He is met by 10 men, all afflicted with leprosy. Perhaps they heard that He was coming.. they waited, anxiously looking for Him to come. Their hearts pounding. Their hopes high. As they catch a glimpse of Him, their voices rise as one, " Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" They know who He is. They know what He can do. They make their petition with earnest hearts.
Jesus doesn't do what He has often done in the past.. He doesn't approach them or touch them. He simply instructs them to go to the priests, as required by the Law. So, they turn and go... all ten obey and all ten are cleansed of this terrible disease. Yet, only one turns back to give glory to God and thanks to Jesus. This one receives so much more than the other nine... for this expression of faith - this heart of praise and thanksgiving - brings a spiritual blessing, " .. your faith has made you well."
He is made whole. Whole in body and whole in spirit. Gratitude - (eucharisteo) - is an act of worship towards God. To give glory - (doxa) - honor and praise and worship. These two expressions of worship to God are evidence of this man's faith... and his path to wholeness.
Verses 20-21 The Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God is coming. They still want a sign. They want to see it with their physical eyes..... But, it isn't going to come with signs and commotion, Jesus tells them, ".. For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." It is within the heart of man. They can't see it, for they refuse to receive it by faith. What the Samaritan leper saw and received, the educated and powerful religious leaders could not have.
And neither can we. We must be humble like the poor, miserable leper... putting all of our hope in the One Who can save us. All the wisdom, knowledge, power, money, and prestige of this world will not make us whole. We come to Jesus in faith when we ask Him to have mercy on us. We express that faith when we turn to Him, giving glory to God and give thanksgiving with earnest hearts. True gratitude and thanksgiving will acknowledge the One from whom we have received. The One who has shown us mercy and given us His grace.
Our Father in heaven, we come to You with grateful hearts today. Thanking You for saving us from a worse disease than even leprosy - saving us from the vileness of sin and rebellion and self-righteousness. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus! You chose us in Him before the foundation of this world. You predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus, according to Your kind intentions. You freely bestowed Your grace on us, You redeemed us through His blood, forgiving us all of our sins. You have made known Your will, Your kind intentions, Your inheritance... all to the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We give You all our praise and all our thanks for Your grace towards us.
Amen.
Jesus doesn't do what He has often done in the past.. He doesn't approach them or touch them. He simply instructs them to go to the priests, as required by the Law. So, they turn and go... all ten obey and all ten are cleansed of this terrible disease. Yet, only one turns back to give glory to God and thanks to Jesus. This one receives so much more than the other nine... for this expression of faith - this heart of praise and thanksgiving - brings a spiritual blessing, " .. your faith has made you well."
He is made whole. Whole in body and whole in spirit. Gratitude - (eucharisteo) - is an act of worship towards God. To give glory - (doxa) - honor and praise and worship. These two expressions of worship to God are evidence of this man's faith... and his path to wholeness.
Verses 20-21 The Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God is coming. They still want a sign. They want to see it with their physical eyes..... But, it isn't going to come with signs and commotion, Jesus tells them, ".. For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." It is within the heart of man. They can't see it, for they refuse to receive it by faith. What the Samaritan leper saw and received, the educated and powerful religious leaders could not have.
And neither can we. We must be humble like the poor, miserable leper... putting all of our hope in the One Who can save us. All the wisdom, knowledge, power, money, and prestige of this world will not make us whole. We come to Jesus in faith when we ask Him to have mercy on us. We express that faith when we turn to Him, giving glory to God and give thanksgiving with earnest hearts. True gratitude and thanksgiving will acknowledge the One from whom we have received. The One who has shown us mercy and given us His grace.
Our Father in heaven, we come to You with grateful hearts today. Thanking You for saving us from a worse disease than even leprosy - saving us from the vileness of sin and rebellion and self-righteousness. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus! You chose us in Him before the foundation of this world. You predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus, according to Your kind intentions. You freely bestowed Your grace on us, You redeemed us through His blood, forgiving us all of our sins. You have made known Your will, Your kind intentions, Your inheritance... all to the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We give You all our praise and all our thanks for Your grace towards us.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Luke 17:5-10 The request of the disciples is reasonable and good, " Increase our faith!"
Faith, so that we can forgive others, so that we won't be stumbling blocks or be the ones who stumble. But, Jesus answers in a way that .... well, frankly, doesn't answer that request. He doesn't grant them bigger faith with a touch of His hand... instead He teaches them this:
"If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea; and it would obey you." If you have faith - conviction, reliance on Christ, assurance, belief, fidelity; constancy in the Truth... Then, the tree would obey... it would conform to your authority, submit to your command.
Then, Jesus gives them a parable of a master and his slave. The slave comes in from his work, either tending sheep or plowing in the field. The master does not have the slave come in and sit down and be served. No, the slave is then required to do the rest of his assignments - prepare food for the master, clothe himself properly and serve the meal. When he is finished with this, then he can eat his own supper. The slave does what he has been commanded to do. The master doesn't thank the slave for doing his job. It is expected and required.
Verse 10 - " So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.' "
According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary this teaching is about responsibility - the disciple of Jesus is responsible to have faith - and is also responsible to serve God humbly, without the need for "special praise from his master for doing his job." Matthew Henry adds this thought, " As with God nothing is impossible, so all things are possible to him that can believe. Our Lord showed His disciples their need of deep humility. The Lord has such a property right in every creature, as no man can have in another, he cannot be in debt to them for their services, nor do they deserve any return from him."
So... we belong to God, our Creator, our King, our Master. His command to us is to have faith. It is our responsibility to trust Him, to exercise the faith that we have, humbly obeying Him. That is our expected service as His slaves. Do we believe that everything is possible with Him? Do we believe that He has the authority to grant us authority? If we do then we can ask for the impossible and there will be compliance with our command...
That is ... well... a big step of faith!
That's the point, isn't it?
Father in Heaven, Almighty in power and in dominion and glory. All things are possible for You! I am Your unworthy servant, Lord. Complete the work in me that You desire to do. Help me to live and walk in faith, according to Your will. I ask this Jesus in Your Name. Amen
Faith, so that we can forgive others, so that we won't be stumbling blocks or be the ones who stumble. But, Jesus answers in a way that .... well, frankly, doesn't answer that request. He doesn't grant them bigger faith with a touch of His hand... instead He teaches them this:
"If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea; and it would obey you." If you have faith - conviction, reliance on Christ, assurance, belief, fidelity; constancy in the Truth... Then, the tree would obey... it would conform to your authority, submit to your command.
Then, Jesus gives them a parable of a master and his slave. The slave comes in from his work, either tending sheep or plowing in the field. The master does not have the slave come in and sit down and be served. No, the slave is then required to do the rest of his assignments - prepare food for the master, clothe himself properly and serve the meal. When he is finished with this, then he can eat his own supper. The slave does what he has been commanded to do. The master doesn't thank the slave for doing his job. It is expected and required.
Verse 10 - " So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.' "
According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary this teaching is about responsibility - the disciple of Jesus is responsible to have faith - and is also responsible to serve God humbly, without the need for "special praise from his master for doing his job." Matthew Henry adds this thought, " As with God nothing is impossible, so all things are possible to him that can believe. Our Lord showed His disciples their need of deep humility. The Lord has such a property right in every creature, as no man can have in another, he cannot be in debt to them for their services, nor do they deserve any return from him."
So... we belong to God, our Creator, our King, our Master. His command to us is to have faith. It is our responsibility to trust Him, to exercise the faith that we have, humbly obeying Him. That is our expected service as His slaves. Do we believe that everything is possible with Him? Do we believe that He has the authority to grant us authority? If we do then we can ask for the impossible and there will be compliance with our command...
That is ... well... a big step of faith!
That's the point, isn't it?
Father in Heaven, Almighty in power and in dominion and glory. All things are possible for You! I am Your unworthy servant, Lord. Complete the work in me that You desire to do. Help me to live and walk in faith, according to Your will. I ask this Jesus in Your Name. Amen
Friday, November 21, 2014
Luke 17: 1-4 Jesus tells His disciples and us, " It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come..." - the greek word here is skandalon - scandal - a trap or snare; a cause of stumbling or offense; an enticement to sin. Things that will trip us up.
The one who causes the other to stumble will be judged and it "would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these to little ones to stumble." ( Verse 2). These are pretty serious words! It would be better to suffer a violent death than cause someone else to stumble into sin. So...
"Be on your guard!...." Jesus tells us, "... If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent' forgive him." ( verses 3-4).
Be on your guard.. so that you are not a stumbling block! We do that by forgiving.... even if that means we do it over and over and over again! What kind of person can really DO that? Only the one who has received forgiveness himself. Only when we have humbled ourselves before God and have repented of our own sins; when we have understood the fullness of the grace He has lavished on us; and when we have opened our own hearts to His glorious light; only then will we be able to forgive those who have sinned against us over and over again...
If we aren't on our guard, we will stumble. We will hold their sins against them and allow bitterness and anger to take over our hearts. We will fall.
Be on your guard - prosecho - hold the mind; pay attention to; be cautious about; apply oneself to;
" Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove ( discern) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." ( Romans 12:2) To be on our guard against stumbling or against becoming a stumbling block... we need our minds renewed.. set on His Word and His Will. On that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Father in Heaven, renew our minds! Transform our lives! Fill our hearts with Your grace and mercy so that we will forgive others even as You have forgiven us our sins. We cannot do this by our own will power. We struggle to forgive even 1 offense, let alone 7 or 70... but in Christ our Lord we have strength. He is our model of forgiveness. Make us like Him! You are faithful and You have promised to establish us with Christ and anoint us and seal us by Your Spirit Who You have given to us as a pledge. To Your glory we ask these things. Amen.
The one who causes the other to stumble will be judged and it "would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these to little ones to stumble." ( Verse 2). These are pretty serious words! It would be better to suffer a violent death than cause someone else to stumble into sin. So...
"Be on your guard!...." Jesus tells us, "... If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent' forgive him." ( verses 3-4).
Be on your guard.. so that you are not a stumbling block! We do that by forgiving.... even if that means we do it over and over and over again! What kind of person can really DO that? Only the one who has received forgiveness himself. Only when we have humbled ourselves before God and have repented of our own sins; when we have understood the fullness of the grace He has lavished on us; and when we have opened our own hearts to His glorious light; only then will we be able to forgive those who have sinned against us over and over again...
If we aren't on our guard, we will stumble. We will hold their sins against them and allow bitterness and anger to take over our hearts. We will fall.
Be on your guard - prosecho - hold the mind; pay attention to; be cautious about; apply oneself to;
" Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove ( discern) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." ( Romans 12:2) To be on our guard against stumbling or against becoming a stumbling block... we need our minds renewed.. set on His Word and His Will. On that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Father in Heaven, renew our minds! Transform our lives! Fill our hearts with Your grace and mercy so that we will forgive others even as You have forgiven us our sins. We cannot do this by our own will power. We struggle to forgive even 1 offense, let alone 7 or 70... but in Christ our Lord we have strength. He is our model of forgiveness. Make us like Him! You are faithful and You have promised to establish us with Christ and anoint us and seal us by Your Spirit Who You have given to us as a pledge. To Your glory we ask these things. Amen.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Luke 16: 19 - 31 Jesus tells a story about two men. The first man, we are told, is rich and lives an extravagant life. He has the best of clothes and material goods. He eats well and enjoys himself.
The second man, Lazarus, is sickly and poor. His body is covered with sores. He is starving. He is laid at the gate of the rich man's house, but is never helped. Only the dogs pay attention to him.
Both men die.
Lazarus is "carried away to Abraham's bosom."
The rich man is buried and is found in Hades.
Lazarus is comforted in the arms of his family - Abraham himself has received this son into the kingdom.
But the man who had lived in greedy luxury, without compassion or care, was in agony. He was tormented. He was thirsty. He was in despair. Now it is he who is begging for mercy.
Gently addressing this man as "Child....", Abraham explains why no mercy will be given:
He had lived in luxury while Lazarus had suffered.
Lazarus was receiving comfort. Nothing would be taken away from him.
There is a chasm between them that cannot be crossed.
There is no way open to come into the Kingdom.
There is no more opportunities for repentance.
It is too late.
The man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to tell his brothers - to warn them of the reality of Hades, so that they might repent. But, Abraham tells him that they must hear the Word of God, the Law and the Prophets - and if they don't have ears to hear that, they will not listen to the one who comes back from the dead either.
Isn't it interesting that Jesus uses the name Lazarus in this story? John records for us ( John 11) the death of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus does raise Lazarus from the dead. Later on we learn that the Pharisees wanted to kill Lazarus again because people were hearing what he had to say. There were many who believed because of his testimony. But, there were also those who would not listen, even to one raised from the dead.
We do not know when it will be too late for us or for our loved ones.
Now is the day that we must come to our Lord Jesus and have ears to hear His Words.
We must not live as the rich man, caring only for ourselves, but we must live as humble servants of our Heavenly Father, ready to enter into His rest.
Father, You are holy and perfect in every way. You have given to us the Word of God so that we might repent and be received into Your Kingdom. Your Kingdom is everlasting. It is glorious and majestic and filled with splendor. We pray for Your Kingdom to come! But, O Lord, there are ones that we love that are not ready. Please change their hearts even now, this very day, that they will enter eternal comfort in Your arms and not eternal agony in hell. You are merciful, my Lord. Please have mercy on me and on my loved ones. I ask this in the Name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.
The second man, Lazarus, is sickly and poor. His body is covered with sores. He is starving. He is laid at the gate of the rich man's house, but is never helped. Only the dogs pay attention to him.
Both men die.
Lazarus is "carried away to Abraham's bosom."
The rich man is buried and is found in Hades.
Lazarus is comforted in the arms of his family - Abraham himself has received this son into the kingdom.
But the man who had lived in greedy luxury, without compassion or care, was in agony. He was tormented. He was thirsty. He was in despair. Now it is he who is begging for mercy.
Gently addressing this man as "Child....", Abraham explains why no mercy will be given:
He had lived in luxury while Lazarus had suffered.
Lazarus was receiving comfort. Nothing would be taken away from him.
There is a chasm between them that cannot be crossed.
There is no way open to come into the Kingdom.
There is no more opportunities for repentance.
It is too late.
The man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to tell his brothers - to warn them of the reality of Hades, so that they might repent. But, Abraham tells him that they must hear the Word of God, the Law and the Prophets - and if they don't have ears to hear that, they will not listen to the one who comes back from the dead either.
Isn't it interesting that Jesus uses the name Lazarus in this story? John records for us ( John 11) the death of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus does raise Lazarus from the dead. Later on we learn that the Pharisees wanted to kill Lazarus again because people were hearing what he had to say. There were many who believed because of his testimony. But, there were also those who would not listen, even to one raised from the dead.
We do not know when it will be too late for us or for our loved ones.
Now is the day that we must come to our Lord Jesus and have ears to hear His Words.
We must not live as the rich man, caring only for ourselves, but we must live as humble servants of our Heavenly Father, ready to enter into His rest.
Father, You are holy and perfect in every way. You have given to us the Word of God so that we might repent and be received into Your Kingdom. Your Kingdom is everlasting. It is glorious and majestic and filled with splendor. We pray for Your Kingdom to come! But, O Lord, there are ones that we love that are not ready. Please change their hearts even now, this very day, that they will enter eternal comfort in Your arms and not eternal agony in hell. You are merciful, my Lord. Please have mercy on me and on my loved ones. I ask this in the Name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Luke 16 A rich man had a steward who was accused of squandering the man's possessions. The man called the steward in and asked for an accounting. The steward called in those who owed the master and collected partial payments from the debtors. The master called the steward "shrewd". Shrewd - thoughtful, sagacious, discrete, intelligent, wise. Notice, Jesus says, ".. for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light." The steward was careful to make friends with those who could help him out after he is removed from his position.
How we conduct ourselves among our fellow men, especially our fellow believers, shows what is really in our hearts.
V. 10-13 -
If we are faithful in little things - we will be faithful in the big things.
If we are unrighteous in little things - we will be unrighteous with many things.
If we are not able to use earthly riches wisely, we will not be trusted with "true riches".
If we are too busy pleasing each other, we will miss what is really important - pleasing God.
Verse 16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since then the kingdom of God is preached and everyone is forcing his way into it." Or as Matthew records it, " And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force."
What does this mean? The term " taking it by force" means to snatch it away, pull it, take it. The religious leaders had their own definition of the Kingdom and they resisted the teaching of John and Jesus. But, Jesus tells them, they are not keeping the Law and they will be judged by the Law Giver. For example, they had viewed divorce according to their own definition... which was not God's way.
They justified themselves "in the sight of men", but Jesus tells them, " God knows your hearts."
The kingdom of God cannot be taken...
Not by the position or job that we hold.
Not by the money that we have.
Not even by the moral principles that we proclaim...
The only thing that is important .. is what is in our hearts.
It is coming home to our Heavenly Father, humble and repentant. Confessing our sins and receiving His forgiveness and love. This is the only true way into the Kingdom.
And it is ours through Christ alone.
Thank You Father, for such grace and mercy. That You gave Your Son to pay the price for our sins.
Thank You for leading us to the truth and shining Your holy light into our hearts. Help us to be wise stewards of all You have given us. Help us to be faithful in little and big things. Help us to be righteous in all we do and say. Help us to live our lives here on earth in ways that please You . Oh, may our hearts be filled with Your love and truth. We pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen
How we conduct ourselves among our fellow men, especially our fellow believers, shows what is really in our hearts.
V. 10-13 -
If we are faithful in little things - we will be faithful in the big things.
If we are unrighteous in little things - we will be unrighteous with many things.
If we are not able to use earthly riches wisely, we will not be trusted with "true riches".
If we are too busy pleasing each other, we will miss what is really important - pleasing God.
Verse 16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since then the kingdom of God is preached and everyone is forcing his way into it." Or as Matthew records it, " And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force."
What does this mean? The term " taking it by force" means to snatch it away, pull it, take it. The religious leaders had their own definition of the Kingdom and they resisted the teaching of John and Jesus. But, Jesus tells them, they are not keeping the Law and they will be judged by the Law Giver. For example, they had viewed divorce according to their own definition... which was not God's way.
They justified themselves "in the sight of men", but Jesus tells them, " God knows your hearts."
The kingdom of God cannot be taken...
Not by the position or job that we hold.
Not by the money that we have.
Not even by the moral principles that we proclaim...
The only thing that is important .. is what is in our hearts.
It is coming home to our Heavenly Father, humble and repentant. Confessing our sins and receiving His forgiveness and love. This is the only true way into the Kingdom.
And it is ours through Christ alone.
Thank You Father, for such grace and mercy. That You gave Your Son to pay the price for our sins.
Thank You for leading us to the truth and shining Your holy light into our hearts. Help us to be wise stewards of all You have given us. Help us to be faithful in little and big things. Help us to be righteous in all we do and say. Help us to live our lives here on earth in ways that please You . Oh, may our hearts be filled with Your love and truth. We pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Luke 15 The Pharisees and scribes derided Jesus because He received sinners. He accepted and welcomed them... He admitted them into His Presence - showing hospitality. Jesus gives 3 illustrations that show God's heart and will in this matter.
Verses 4-7 The lost sheep - these men could relate to the importance of finding even 1 missing sheep from their flock. They would rejoice when it was found. Yet they couldn't find any joy in one lost man coming to God. " I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Verses 8-10 The lost coin - A woman who has lost one coin is desperate to find it again. It is vital to her well-being. She rejoices when she finds it. Again Jesus tells them that all of heaven will rejoice over a sinner who repents.
Verses 11-32 - The lost son - The rebellious son who takes his inheritance, leaves his father and wastes all that he has... who then becomes destitute and returns home; humbled and repentant. This son is received with honor and great joy! He had been lost - but now is found! What joy this brought to the father's heart. Yet, we also see that the elder son has no joy in his brother's return.
The Pharisees and scribes had no joy in seeing sinners repent and be received by Jesus. Their hearts were so darkened that they couldn't see this fundamental Truth - that God desires all men to repent and come back to Him.
A footnote in my Bible says this, " In these three parables, one basic element is fundamental; the father who loses his son, the woman who loses her coin, and the shepherd who loses his sheep, do not give up the right of ownership. In the same manner, God is presented as still claiming His right of ownership even of those who are lost. When they are reclaimed, it is not He who becomes their Father or their rightful owner, but they become His again...."
The returning son illustrates what repentance really means -
He reconsiders his decisions and changes his mind about his life choices.
He turns back towards home and to his father.
He recognizes his father's ability to provide but also his unworthiness to receive.
He comes with humility, confessing his sinfulness and unworthiness.
And the father receives him fully! With joy and compassion. With perfect forgiveness and love.
Even more so, does our Heavenly Father receive us when we return to Him.
Which takes us back to that word - receive - ( prosdechomai) - to admit, to await, accept, allow, look for, take... to be hospitable towards. Romans 12:13 "... practicing hospitality" is something that we are to do as followers of Christ; as living sacrifices, with transformed lives and renewed minds. The Greek word for hospitality is philonexia - to entertain strangers; to be fond of guests. We recognize that philadelphia means brotherly love; and that philanthropy is a fondness for mankind. Hospitality pushes us a little further outside our comfort zone. To receive others... the lost, the strangers, the rebellious, the sinners - means that we admit them into our homes and into our hearts. We accept them and show kindness and love - fondness for them.
The older son could not do that even for his brother.
The Pharisees and scribes could not do that even for their fellow countrymen.
But, Jesus did it all the time. It is the Father's will. In Matthew 18:12-14 the parable of the lost sheep is presented again. But, Matthew adds these words in verse 14, " Thus, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish."
"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." ( Matthew 18:11)
We are to receive the those who humble themselves and come to Jesus just like a little child. We are to show love and fondness and kindness to brothers and to strangers.
This brings joy in heaven and will also bring joy to earth for those who love Jesus!
Heavenly Father, lead us in Your wonderful and kind ways. Forgive us for not loving and receiving strangers and friends as we should. Fill our hearts with Your love and grace and may we see others, especially the lost, through Your eyes and with Your love for them.
In Jesus we ask this,
Amen
Verses 4-7 The lost sheep - these men could relate to the importance of finding even 1 missing sheep from their flock. They would rejoice when it was found. Yet they couldn't find any joy in one lost man coming to God. " I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Verses 8-10 The lost coin - A woman who has lost one coin is desperate to find it again. It is vital to her well-being. She rejoices when she finds it. Again Jesus tells them that all of heaven will rejoice over a sinner who repents.
Verses 11-32 - The lost son - The rebellious son who takes his inheritance, leaves his father and wastes all that he has... who then becomes destitute and returns home; humbled and repentant. This son is received with honor and great joy! He had been lost - but now is found! What joy this brought to the father's heart. Yet, we also see that the elder son has no joy in his brother's return.
The Pharisees and scribes had no joy in seeing sinners repent and be received by Jesus. Their hearts were so darkened that they couldn't see this fundamental Truth - that God desires all men to repent and come back to Him.
A footnote in my Bible says this, " In these three parables, one basic element is fundamental; the father who loses his son, the woman who loses her coin, and the shepherd who loses his sheep, do not give up the right of ownership. In the same manner, God is presented as still claiming His right of ownership even of those who are lost. When they are reclaimed, it is not He who becomes their Father or their rightful owner, but they become His again...."
The returning son illustrates what repentance really means -
He reconsiders his decisions and changes his mind about his life choices.
He turns back towards home and to his father.
He recognizes his father's ability to provide but also his unworthiness to receive.
He comes with humility, confessing his sinfulness and unworthiness.
And the father receives him fully! With joy and compassion. With perfect forgiveness and love.
Even more so, does our Heavenly Father receive us when we return to Him.
Which takes us back to that word - receive - ( prosdechomai) - to admit, to await, accept, allow, look for, take... to be hospitable towards. Romans 12:13 "... practicing hospitality" is something that we are to do as followers of Christ; as living sacrifices, with transformed lives and renewed minds. The Greek word for hospitality is philonexia - to entertain strangers; to be fond of guests. We recognize that philadelphia means brotherly love; and that philanthropy is a fondness for mankind. Hospitality pushes us a little further outside our comfort zone. To receive others... the lost, the strangers, the rebellious, the sinners - means that we admit them into our homes and into our hearts. We accept them and show kindness and love - fondness for them.
The older son could not do that even for his brother.
The Pharisees and scribes could not do that even for their fellow countrymen.
But, Jesus did it all the time. It is the Father's will. In Matthew 18:12-14 the parable of the lost sheep is presented again. But, Matthew adds these words in verse 14, " Thus, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish."
"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." ( Matthew 18:11)
We are to receive the those who humble themselves and come to Jesus just like a little child. We are to show love and fondness and kindness to brothers and to strangers.
This brings joy in heaven and will also bring joy to earth for those who love Jesus!
Heavenly Father, lead us in Your wonderful and kind ways. Forgive us for not loving and receiving strangers and friends as we should. Fill our hearts with Your love and grace and may we see others, especially the lost, through Your eyes and with Your love for them.
In Jesus we ask this,
Amen
Monday, November 17, 2014
Luke 14:7-35 Jesus teaches through parables and we need to hear and heed the messages.
Verses 7-11 Be humble. The person who exalts himself by taking the place of honor, will be disgraced when he is asked to move to the lowest place. But, the person who humbles himself may find himself asked to move up. Romans 12: 3 "For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgement...." And verse 16 says, " ... do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly; Do not be wise in your own estimation." Jesus is our ultimate example of humility. He did not insist on His rights as the Son of God. He emptied Himself and took on the form of a slave. A servant.
Who is it that we place ourselves over? Who is it that we think is "lower" than us? This Word from our Lord is not an easy one to heed. We think we know more... than the under-educated; we think we are more important than the under-privileged. We think we are more righteous than the unbeliever. But, we need to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds". The will of God is for us to be humble. Jesus came to serve all men, women, and children. He died for all of us. The rich and the poor. The healthy and the weak. The atheist, the muslim, the Jew... and the Christian. We all have sinned and come short of His glory. We MUST humble ourselves.
Verses 12-15 Be a servant. In the times that Jesus lived, dining together was an important part of the culture. Having those who were the most respected and important as your guests would boost your standing in the community. But, Jesus says, invite the unimportant - the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. They can't repay you. They won't add to your reputation in the community. But, you will be rewarded in eternity. That is what really counts.
Verses 16-24 tells the parable of a man who gives a dinner. The invited guests all make excuses and do not come. So the man sends his servants out to invite others, and they fill the house with "the poor and crippled and lame." They search the streets and then go out to the highways and "compel them to come in". The first group miss the dinner. The second group will sit at his table with him.
We know this is what our Father in heaven will do. Those too proud, who reject His invitation, will miss out on His Kingdom. But those who respond to the call- to the invitation to come, will be welcomed into the Heavenly Kingdom for eternity!
What obstacles stand in our way? Is it our pride that keeps us from completely forsaking it all for Him? Is it our family? Jesus says we must "hate" them if they keep us from following Him.
We must calculate the cost.
We must take time to think of the future.
We must be willing to lay down all our possessions.
We must take up our crosses and lay down our lives... for Him.
Father in Heaven, You are worthy of all our worship. You are our King. All we are and all we have comes from You. We want to walk according to Your Word. To realize that we are poor, blind, lame, and crippled; yet You have invited us in to Your Kingdom. Help us to forsake every obstacle that keeps us from entering Your Way. We know that there is a cost - our own lives. We know that we must give up all our earthly possessions - they are yours. We are willing to do just that, for Your promises are True and we have an eternity in Your Presence that is worth it all. Thank You Lord.
Let Your will be done and Your Kingdom come.
In Jesus' Name we pray.
amen.
Verses 7-11 Be humble. The person who exalts himself by taking the place of honor, will be disgraced when he is asked to move to the lowest place. But, the person who humbles himself may find himself asked to move up. Romans 12: 3 "For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgement...." And verse 16 says, " ... do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly; Do not be wise in your own estimation." Jesus is our ultimate example of humility. He did not insist on His rights as the Son of God. He emptied Himself and took on the form of a slave. A servant.
Who is it that we place ourselves over? Who is it that we think is "lower" than us? This Word from our Lord is not an easy one to heed. We think we know more... than the under-educated; we think we are more important than the under-privileged. We think we are more righteous than the unbeliever. But, we need to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds". The will of God is for us to be humble. Jesus came to serve all men, women, and children. He died for all of us. The rich and the poor. The healthy and the weak. The atheist, the muslim, the Jew... and the Christian. We all have sinned and come short of His glory. We MUST humble ourselves.
Verses 12-15 Be a servant. In the times that Jesus lived, dining together was an important part of the culture. Having those who were the most respected and important as your guests would boost your standing in the community. But, Jesus says, invite the unimportant - the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. They can't repay you. They won't add to your reputation in the community. But, you will be rewarded in eternity. That is what really counts.
Verses 16-24 tells the parable of a man who gives a dinner. The invited guests all make excuses and do not come. So the man sends his servants out to invite others, and they fill the house with "the poor and crippled and lame." They search the streets and then go out to the highways and "compel them to come in". The first group miss the dinner. The second group will sit at his table with him.
We know this is what our Father in heaven will do. Those too proud, who reject His invitation, will miss out on His Kingdom. But those who respond to the call- to the invitation to come, will be welcomed into the Heavenly Kingdom for eternity!
What obstacles stand in our way? Is it our pride that keeps us from completely forsaking it all for Him? Is it our family? Jesus says we must "hate" them if they keep us from following Him.
We must calculate the cost.
We must take time to think of the future.
We must be willing to lay down all our possessions.
We must take up our crosses and lay down our lives... for Him.
Father in Heaven, You are worthy of all our worship. You are our King. All we are and all we have comes from You. We want to walk according to Your Word. To realize that we are poor, blind, lame, and crippled; yet You have invited us in to Your Kingdom. Help us to forsake every obstacle that keeps us from entering Your Way. We know that there is a cost - our own lives. We know that we must give up all our earthly possessions - they are yours. We are willing to do just that, for Your promises are True and we have an eternity in Your Presence that is worth it all. Thank You Lord.
Let Your will be done and Your Kingdom come.
In Jesus' Name we pray.
amen.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Luke 13: 22 - 30 Someone asks Jesus an important question. "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" Jesus gives us an answer that the world needs to hear:
There is a narrow door - According to Strong's, this word for narrow "stenos" means narrow from obstacles standing close about. There are many obstacles in this world that keep us from entering the Kingdom. We have to "strive" to enter, Jesus tells us. Strive - "agonizomai" -struggle, contend, compete-as for a prize; endeavor to accomplish; fight, labor fervently. " ... for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." They won't be able, because they wait too long. They let the obstacles keep them from following Jesus. The door is closed. The Master will not open it again.
"There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth there... " On the outside, looking in. With regret and sorrow, they will see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, along with the prophets and believers who will come from the east, west, north and south. All eating at the table in the Kingdom of God.
This is a sobering and vital message. None can enter the Kingdom of God without first finding the narrow way and then striving to enter through it. That reminds me of the letters to the churches in the book of Revelations; Over and over again Jesus says, " He who overcomes..."
Rev. 2: 7 " To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God."
2:11 "He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."
2:17 "To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows, but he who receives it."
2:26 " And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations."
3:5 "He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."
3:12 " He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new Name."
3:21 "He who overcomes, I grant to him to sit down with My Father on His throne."
Jesus precedes each promise to the overcomes with these words, " He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Entering the Kingdom of God is simple but it is not easy. We enter by being born again, by believing in Jesus and following Him. But, we must persevere. We must strive. We must be overcomers.
We must hear what God is saying and we must heed His Words. We must be intentional and active followers of Christ. Every day!
Our Wonderful Father, Your promises are great! We long for the day when we will join the saints in the Kingdom of Light, when we will eat at Your table and be in Your Presence forever more. Help us to continue on this path along the narrow way. Remove the temptations that become obstacles and chains that so easily bind us. Lead us in the ways of righteousness and deliver us from evil. Make our paths straight and strengthen us by Your Spirit today we pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
There is a narrow door - According to Strong's, this word for narrow "stenos" means narrow from obstacles standing close about. There are many obstacles in this world that keep us from entering the Kingdom. We have to "strive" to enter, Jesus tells us. Strive - "agonizomai" -struggle, contend, compete-as for a prize; endeavor to accomplish; fight, labor fervently. " ... for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." They won't be able, because they wait too long. They let the obstacles keep them from following Jesus. The door is closed. The Master will not open it again.
"There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth there... " On the outside, looking in. With regret and sorrow, they will see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, along with the prophets and believers who will come from the east, west, north and south. All eating at the table in the Kingdom of God.
This is a sobering and vital message. None can enter the Kingdom of God without first finding the narrow way and then striving to enter through it. That reminds me of the letters to the churches in the book of Revelations; Over and over again Jesus says, " He who overcomes..."
Rev. 2: 7 " To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God."
2:11 "He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."
2:17 "To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows, but he who receives it."
2:26 " And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations."
3:5 "He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."
3:12 " He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new Name."
3:21 "He who overcomes, I grant to him to sit down with My Father on His throne."
Jesus precedes each promise to the overcomes with these words, " He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Entering the Kingdom of God is simple but it is not easy. We enter by being born again, by believing in Jesus and following Him. But, we must persevere. We must strive. We must be overcomers.
We must hear what God is saying and we must heed His Words. We must be intentional and active followers of Christ. Every day!
Our Wonderful Father, Your promises are great! We long for the day when we will join the saints in the Kingdom of Light, when we will eat at Your table and be in Your Presence forever more. Help us to continue on this path along the narrow way. Remove the temptations that become obstacles and chains that so easily bind us. Lead us in the ways of righteousness and deliver us from evil. Make our paths straight and strengthen us by Your Spirit today we pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Luke 13:10-17 and 14:1-6 Jesus addresses healing on the Sabbath. In the first situation, Jesus is teaching in a synagogue and sees a woman who was doubled over and could not straighten up. She had been like this for 18 years. Jesus calls her over and heals her of this sickness, which was caused by a spirit. When the synagogue official complains and begins to tell the multitude to come on other days for healing, Jesus brings them to shame by pointing out their hypocrisy. They would lead an ox or donkey to water on the Sabbath, but keep this poor woman suffering one more day because of their own indignation! That's not what the Law is about! They valued their rules and regulations more than hurting people. God does not desire that kind of thinking.
In the second passage, Jesus is eating at the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees and it is the Sabbath. They bring in a man with dropsy and watch what Jesus does. He engages them in the debate. " Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" he asks. They refuse to answer. Jesus touches the man, heals him, and sends him away. This man needed compassion. He did not need to be used by the Pharisees. Jesus then addresses the group, " Which one of you, shall have a son or an ox fall in a well and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?" Again, they would not answer.
The attitude of the Pharisees needed to be adjusted. They needed to repent of their unloving and judgmental ways. Luke records a series of parables about the Kingdom that Jesus teaches. These parables focus on the right attitude and actions for those who belong to the Kingdom of God.
Luke 13: 18-19 The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed... not big and showy, it is small but powerful. The seed is thrown into the garden, yet it grows into a tree that provides a place for birds to nest. When the kingdom is sowed into our lives, it will grow and it will serve those in need.
Verses 20-21 The kingdom is compared to leaven that a woman used to make her bread rise. It is small and hidden, but it affects all that come into contact with it.
Father in heaven, let your kingdom come. Penetrate our lives with Your love and goodness. May we seek Your will and live in light of your truth. Soften our hearts we pray. Amen
In the second passage, Jesus is eating at the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees and it is the Sabbath. They bring in a man with dropsy and watch what Jesus does. He engages them in the debate. " Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" he asks. They refuse to answer. Jesus touches the man, heals him, and sends him away. This man needed compassion. He did not need to be used by the Pharisees. Jesus then addresses the group, " Which one of you, shall have a son or an ox fall in a well and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?" Again, they would not answer.
The attitude of the Pharisees needed to be adjusted. They needed to repent of their unloving and judgmental ways. Luke records a series of parables about the Kingdom that Jesus teaches. These parables focus on the right attitude and actions for those who belong to the Kingdom of God.
Luke 13: 18-19 The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed... not big and showy, it is small but powerful. The seed is thrown into the garden, yet it grows into a tree that provides a place for birds to nest. When the kingdom is sowed into our lives, it will grow and it will serve those in need.
Verses 20-21 The kingdom is compared to leaven that a woman used to make her bread rise. It is small and hidden, but it affects all that come into contact with it.
Father in heaven, let your kingdom come. Penetrate our lives with Your love and goodness. May we seek Your will and live in light of your truth. Soften our hearts we pray. Amen
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Luke 13:1-9 Here, Jesus addresses a situation that we all have questions about. Why do bad things happen? A group of Galileans were killed and Pilate was responsible. There had also been a bad accident where a tower fell and eighteen people were killed in Siloam. Were the people who told Jesus about this concerned? Or were the hoping that Jesus would take revenge on Pilate? Were those people deserving of such awful deaths?
Jesus says, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." He says the same thing about the group in Siloam. He refocuses their attention from the injustice and awfulness of violent death- to the reality that we must be ready to face death by repenting from our sins. Yes, there are violent and unjust deaths, and there are accidental tragic deaths... but ultimately we all die and what is vital is that we are ready to face judgement when the time comes.
Jesus tells another parable. A man plants a fig tree in his vineyard. When he comes looking for fruit on it, he finds none. Three years of waiting for fruit - and nothing, so he tells the keeper to cut it down. The man asks that the owner give it one more year, to fertilize and care for it. A last chance before it is cut down. The gardener knows what is needed to make the tree fruitful.
A fruitless tree or a tree that bears bad fruit is useless to the Lord. Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." And, Matthew 3:10 " And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Jesus makes it clear that fruit matters on a fruit tree! "Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance" John preached. Jesus agreed with this. In Matthew 21 we read about the fig tree that withered after Jesus found no fruit on it. The parable in Luke 13 emphasizes that true repentance produces fruit in our lives. If there is no fruit then there has not been repentance. And if there is no repentance there will be a time of judgement when we are cut down and thrown into the fire.
We see this same situation in today's world. Unbelievers make the same arguments in order to avoid the truth - that they are sinners who need to repent and give up their sinful ways. "Why should we believe in a God Who allows bad things to happen?" they argue. Here is the answer - because a life without true repentance, a life that bears no good fruit; is a life that will face judgement and be thrown into the fire. We do not know if another year will be given or if we have used up our chances to repent. The Galileans and the men in Siloam did not know that they would die the way they did or at the times that they did. We do not know either. We must repent now. Be ready now.
Father, You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. That You should send Your Son to die in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins, is proof of Your Greatness and Love. Thank You! Father, You are the gardener in our lives. Oh may our lives bear good fruit in keeping with true repentance . Lord, we yield to Your pruning away of all dead works and unbelief. We trust You to do all that You need to do, so that we may be fruitful and useful in Your kingdom. Help us, Lord, to hear and to obey Your Word today. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Jesus says, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." He says the same thing about the group in Siloam. He refocuses their attention from the injustice and awfulness of violent death- to the reality that we must be ready to face death by repenting from our sins. Yes, there are violent and unjust deaths, and there are accidental tragic deaths... but ultimately we all die and what is vital is that we are ready to face judgement when the time comes.
Jesus tells another parable. A man plants a fig tree in his vineyard. When he comes looking for fruit on it, he finds none. Three years of waiting for fruit - and nothing, so he tells the keeper to cut it down. The man asks that the owner give it one more year, to fertilize and care for it. A last chance before it is cut down. The gardener knows what is needed to make the tree fruitful.
A fruitless tree or a tree that bears bad fruit is useless to the Lord. Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." And, Matthew 3:10 " And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Jesus makes it clear that fruit matters on a fruit tree! "Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance" John preached. Jesus agreed with this. In Matthew 21 we read about the fig tree that withered after Jesus found no fruit on it. The parable in Luke 13 emphasizes that true repentance produces fruit in our lives. If there is no fruit then there has not been repentance. And if there is no repentance there will be a time of judgement when we are cut down and thrown into the fire.
We see this same situation in today's world. Unbelievers make the same arguments in order to avoid the truth - that they are sinners who need to repent and give up their sinful ways. "Why should we believe in a God Who allows bad things to happen?" they argue. Here is the answer - because a life without true repentance, a life that bears no good fruit; is a life that will face judgement and be thrown into the fire. We do not know if another year will be given or if we have used up our chances to repent. The Galileans and the men in Siloam did not know that they would die the way they did or at the times that they did. We do not know either. We must repent now. Be ready now.
Father, You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. That You should send Your Son to die in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins, is proof of Your Greatness and Love. Thank You! Father, You are the gardener in our lives. Oh may our lives bear good fruit in keeping with true repentance . Lord, we yield to Your pruning away of all dead works and unbelief. We trust You to do all that You need to do, so that we may be fruitful and useful in Your kingdom. Help us, Lord, to hear and to obey Your Word today. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Luke 12:49-59 Jesus' message takes on a somber tone in this section. " I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled."
Fire will come, we are told, in judgement... over and over again, in the Old Testament and the New, fire is associated mostly with judgement and hell. Unquenchable fire. Fire that never goes out. A lake of fire. Only in one sense is fire used in a positive way, and that is when it is a refining fire.. the Holy Spirit's fire. And even then, it is a fire that burns away the chaff, the unholy and unacceptable.
Jesus continues, " Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you no, but rather division." ( v51). This does not sound like the message we are used to hearing and that makes us happy - the message of unity and togetherness. Jesus tells us that the message of the Gospel is not a great Kum-by-ya message. It is a message that divides. It divides families. Even the closest of relationships. It divides because some will believe and follow Him, putting Him before their father or son; mother or daughter. It will divide because some will reject Him and go their own way, leaving behind their believing family. We each must make that choice on our own. Jesus will not take every religion and philosophy and wrap it all together in one happy family. There is only ONE way and that is through Him.
Again, Jesus reminds the crowd that they must be alert and ready. They can look at the sky and tell if rain is coming or if it will be a hot day. They must learn to look and "analyze" the times. They must be making good judgements and decisions on their own. Decide to be the faithful servant, doing the will of the Master, and ready for His return.
Verses 58-59 give us another parable. A man going to court with his opponent is wise to settle the problem before he gets to court. Otherwise, he will end up in prison and unable to ever get out until the full debt is repaid. Matthew records this story in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, while Jesus is speaking about forgiveness and love and going beyond the letter of the Law. Fulfilling the true heart of the Law by reconciling with your opponent. Luke's placement of this story here is a little perplexing. How is this action related to being ready and alert for the Lord's return? I guess it would be an example of someone who is ready - someone doing the Father's will. Someone who has chosen the better way; following Jesus and prepared for His return.
Father, open our eyes to see and our ears to hear Your Word. Help us to listen and to obey. Guide us into all Truth through Your Holy Spirit who dwells in the heart of every believer. Help us to be wise and aware of the times that we live in. To be willing to persevere in our faith even when that means a division in our families. Even when that means reconciliation with those who have done us wrong.
Let Your Word and Power fill our lives to overflowing. With Your Love and Your grace. With Your kindness that serves others. May we be found doing Your will when You return. We love You and desire to please You in all we do. Amen.
Fire will come, we are told, in judgement... over and over again, in the Old Testament and the New, fire is associated mostly with judgement and hell. Unquenchable fire. Fire that never goes out. A lake of fire. Only in one sense is fire used in a positive way, and that is when it is a refining fire.. the Holy Spirit's fire. And even then, it is a fire that burns away the chaff, the unholy and unacceptable.
Jesus continues, " Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you no, but rather division." ( v51). This does not sound like the message we are used to hearing and that makes us happy - the message of unity and togetherness. Jesus tells us that the message of the Gospel is not a great Kum-by-ya message. It is a message that divides. It divides families. Even the closest of relationships. It divides because some will believe and follow Him, putting Him before their father or son; mother or daughter. It will divide because some will reject Him and go their own way, leaving behind their believing family. We each must make that choice on our own. Jesus will not take every religion and philosophy and wrap it all together in one happy family. There is only ONE way and that is through Him.
Again, Jesus reminds the crowd that they must be alert and ready. They can look at the sky and tell if rain is coming or if it will be a hot day. They must learn to look and "analyze" the times. They must be making good judgements and decisions on their own. Decide to be the faithful servant, doing the will of the Master, and ready for His return.
Verses 58-59 give us another parable. A man going to court with his opponent is wise to settle the problem before he gets to court. Otherwise, he will end up in prison and unable to ever get out until the full debt is repaid. Matthew records this story in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, while Jesus is speaking about forgiveness and love and going beyond the letter of the Law. Fulfilling the true heart of the Law by reconciling with your opponent. Luke's placement of this story here is a little perplexing. How is this action related to being ready and alert for the Lord's return? I guess it would be an example of someone who is ready - someone doing the Father's will. Someone who has chosen the better way; following Jesus and prepared for His return.
Father, open our eyes to see and our ears to hear Your Word. Help us to listen and to obey. Guide us into all Truth through Your Holy Spirit who dwells in the heart of every believer. Help us to be wise and aware of the times that we live in. To be willing to persevere in our faith even when that means a division in our families. Even when that means reconciliation with those who have done us wrong.
Let Your Word and Power fill our lives to overflowing. With Your Love and Your grace. With Your kindness that serves others. May we be found doing Your will when You return. We love You and desire to please You in all we do. Amen.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Luke 12:35-48 Luke groups together several different discourses in this chapter. Verse 35 introduces the new topic. " Be dressed in readiness and keep your lamps alight."
Verses 36 - 38 give us a parable - a master is returning from the wedding feast. The slaves are waiting for him and ready to open the door as soon as he arrives. They are on the alert. This is an example of readiness. The slaves would surely know that their master is coming.. with his new bride, even though they might not know the exact time of the day. They would be excited and anticipating the joyful return. Jesus tells us that we are to be like that.. on the alert, ready, and waiting with anticipation. When we are, then, we will be blessed.. ".. truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve and have them recline at the table and will come up and wait on them."
"Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves." ( verse 38) The master may not come at a convenient time. The second watch would be from 9pm to midnight and the third watch is midnight until 3 am. The slaves would grow weary and tired. It is hard to keep waiting.. and waiting.. and waiting. But, the blessing to come is worth the wait, Jesus tells us!
Verses 39-40 give us a different picture of the waiting - "And be sure of this that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." The first parable is positive - ready and excited men who are anticipating their master. The second is negative - men don't know when a thief will break in to their homes; if they could know that, then it wouldn't take them by surprise. Jesus is coming at a time that we cannot know. We need to be ready.
Verses 41-48 - Peter asks Jesus if this applies to them or to everyone. Jesus indicates that those who have been given more responsibility will face more consequences. In verse 42, He talks about a servant who is a steward... put in charge of other servants. The job of the steward is to give rations to all the others at the proper times. " Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes."
But, the steward who is not faithful and sensible, the one who begins to think the master is not coming back and who treats his fellow slaves cruelly... will be punished severely when the master comes. " And the slave who knew his master's will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, shall receive many lashes."
Verse 48b - "and from everyone who has been given much shall much be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." To answer Peter's question - Yes, they need to be ready for His coming too - even more is expected of those who have been given the privilege to serve as a steward over others. Keeping faithful and wise and ready - absolutely vital!
Father in heaven, You are our Almighty God and You have given to us the promise that Jesus is coming back to take us to be with You. We know that He is coming even though we do not know the hour or the day. Help us to be alert and wait with excited anticipation. May we be faithful servants, doing Your will, ready for his return. Guide our steps. Fill our hearts. Transform us by the renewing of our minds so that we can discern Your good and acceptable and perfect will. Take our lives.. as we offer ourselves to You - living and holy sacrifices - Your slaves. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Verses 36 - 38 give us a parable - a master is returning from the wedding feast. The slaves are waiting for him and ready to open the door as soon as he arrives. They are on the alert. This is an example of readiness. The slaves would surely know that their master is coming.. with his new bride, even though they might not know the exact time of the day. They would be excited and anticipating the joyful return. Jesus tells us that we are to be like that.. on the alert, ready, and waiting with anticipation. When we are, then, we will be blessed.. ".. truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve and have them recline at the table and will come up and wait on them."
"Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves." ( verse 38) The master may not come at a convenient time. The second watch would be from 9pm to midnight and the third watch is midnight until 3 am. The slaves would grow weary and tired. It is hard to keep waiting.. and waiting.. and waiting. But, the blessing to come is worth the wait, Jesus tells us!
Verses 39-40 give us a different picture of the waiting - "And be sure of this that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." The first parable is positive - ready and excited men who are anticipating their master. The second is negative - men don't know when a thief will break in to their homes; if they could know that, then it wouldn't take them by surprise. Jesus is coming at a time that we cannot know. We need to be ready.
Verses 41-48 - Peter asks Jesus if this applies to them or to everyone. Jesus indicates that those who have been given more responsibility will face more consequences. In verse 42, He talks about a servant who is a steward... put in charge of other servants. The job of the steward is to give rations to all the others at the proper times. " Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes."
But, the steward who is not faithful and sensible, the one who begins to think the master is not coming back and who treats his fellow slaves cruelly... will be punished severely when the master comes. " And the slave who knew his master's will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, shall receive many lashes."
Verse 48b - "and from everyone who has been given much shall much be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." To answer Peter's question - Yes, they need to be ready for His coming too - even more is expected of those who have been given the privilege to serve as a steward over others. Keeping faithful and wise and ready - absolutely vital!
Father in heaven, You are our Almighty God and You have given to us the promise that Jesus is coming back to take us to be with You. We know that He is coming even though we do not know the hour or the day. Help us to be alert and wait with excited anticipation. May we be faithful servants, doing Your will, ready for his return. Guide our steps. Fill our hearts. Transform us by the renewing of our minds so that we can discern Your good and acceptable and perfect will. Take our lives.. as we offer ourselves to You - living and holy sacrifices - Your slaves. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, November 7, 2014
Luke 12:13-34 A man in the crowd asks Jesus to make his brother share the inheritance with him. Jesus uses this situation to teach a very important lesson about life.. about what is really necessary.
Verse 15 - Life is not about what you own. ".. for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." So guard against greed.
Verses16-21 Life is not under your control. The rich man thought he had it all because he was wealthy... but he died and left it all behind. God calls him "foolish". "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." So stop worrying about what you do or don't have.
Verses 22-30 Life is under God's control. He feeds the birds, He clothes the lilies. He arrays the grass. He provides for you. " And do not seek what you shall eat and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying..... But your Father knows that you need all these things." You are more valuable to God than birds. You are more important to Him than grass. So stop being anxious about the things you can't change.. trust Him! He's got this!
Verses 31-34 Life is found in the Kingdom of God. Seek His kingdom. Don't be afraid. Give away any earthly possessions. Make room for treasure that will never be stolen, will never break, and will never wear out - a treasure that is unfailing - in heaven. " For where your treasure is there will your heart be also."
How do we lay up treasure in heaven? By seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness. By being men and women of faith. Believe that God is King and that He rules! He rules in righteousness - He always does what is right and good and fair and just. Seek Him. Don't seek for stuff - not even the necessary stuff, like food and clothing. Seek Him. Treasure Him. Obey Him and Trust Him. He has promised to provide what we need and all we have to do is ask. He is our Father and He is a good Father. Actively seek His rule in your life. Make your life not about what you own or think you have control over.... for in reality, you don't own anything that He hasn't given you and you can't control anything.. not even your own life. Make your life about belonging to a Gracious Father in heaven Who loves you and wants you to live with Him forever. That is the treasure that will never fail.
Father in heaven, thank You for loving us this much! Thank You for being infinitely good and desiring our highest welfare. Thank You for being infinitely wise and planning the very best for each of us. Thank You for being infinitely powerful and able to do all things -including accomplishing the plans You have made for us. You are our treasure that we seek. You are our all in all! May we find life in You.. in our walk today, may we stop worrying about things we cannot change and trust You to provide all we need. Lead us in paths of righteousness. Increase our faith. We look to You, our God and King. Be magnified in us and through us we pray. Amen
Verse 15 - Life is not about what you own. ".. for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." So guard against greed.
Verses16-21 Life is not under your control. The rich man thought he had it all because he was wealthy... but he died and left it all behind. God calls him "foolish". "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." So stop worrying about what you do or don't have.
Verses 22-30 Life is under God's control. He feeds the birds, He clothes the lilies. He arrays the grass. He provides for you. " And do not seek what you shall eat and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying..... But your Father knows that you need all these things." You are more valuable to God than birds. You are more important to Him than grass. So stop being anxious about the things you can't change.. trust Him! He's got this!
Verses 31-34 Life is found in the Kingdom of God. Seek His kingdom. Don't be afraid. Give away any earthly possessions. Make room for treasure that will never be stolen, will never break, and will never wear out - a treasure that is unfailing - in heaven. " For where your treasure is there will your heart be also."
How do we lay up treasure in heaven? By seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness. By being men and women of faith. Believe that God is King and that He rules! He rules in righteousness - He always does what is right and good and fair and just. Seek Him. Don't seek for stuff - not even the necessary stuff, like food and clothing. Seek Him. Treasure Him. Obey Him and Trust Him. He has promised to provide what we need and all we have to do is ask. He is our Father and He is a good Father. Actively seek His rule in your life. Make your life not about what you own or think you have control over.... for in reality, you don't own anything that He hasn't given you and you can't control anything.. not even your own life. Make your life about belonging to a Gracious Father in heaven Who loves you and wants you to live with Him forever. That is the treasure that will never fail.
Father in heaven, thank You for loving us this much! Thank You for being infinitely good and desiring our highest welfare. Thank You for being infinitely wise and planning the very best for each of us. Thank You for being infinitely powerful and able to do all things -including accomplishing the plans You have made for us. You are our treasure that we seek. You are our all in all! May we find life in You.. in our walk today, may we stop worrying about things we cannot change and trust You to provide all we need. Lead us in paths of righteousness. Increase our faith. We look to You, our God and King. Be magnified in us and through us we pray. Amen
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Luke 12:1-12 The multitude is so large that the people are "stepping on one another", Luke tells us. Yet, Jesus addresses His disciples.
Verse 1 " ... Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Luke takes this statement, which is recorded in Matthew 16 and pairs it with a teaching that Matthew recorded in Chapter 10. Matthew explains that the "leaven" that Jesus is referring to is the "teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." But Luke says here that the "leaven of the Pharisees" is hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy - to act or to speak under a false part; pretending; deceitful; is like leaven - it ferments and boils up - it expands and penetrates all that it touches. So does false teaching.
The teaching that Luke records next makes sense here. " But there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." Just as leaven is hidden in the dough and is quite evident as it begins to work; so the hypocrisy of a man will be seen in his life, through his words and actions. What you say "in the dark" will be heard in the light. What you whisper in your house, will be "proclaimed upon the housetops". ( Just ask any politician.) Secrets are really hard to keep.
Besides the fact that you can only fake your true self for so long.. lies are found out; darkness in the heart will not produce light in our lives. As James tells us, a bitter root won't produce good fruit.
So what do we do? How do we make sure that we are not being hypocritical too?
Verses 4-5 We fear God and not man. We believe and trust the One who is the ultimate authority over all of life and death. We don't need to put on a mask for God; we can't - He sees us just the way we are anyway.
Verses 6-7 We trust God. He cares for the sparrows and He cares for us even more. We are valuable to Him. He knows us intimately.. We need to KNOW that and TRUST!
Verses 8-9 We acknowledge Jesus - we have a Savior Who will confess that He knows us - "before the angels of God" - if we confess Him before men.
Verses 10-12 We rely on the Holy Spirit. We are careful to never speak against Him. We allow Him to give us the words to say when we are being persecuted.
Father in heaven, You know us very well. You know what is in our hearts, even better than we know ourselves. Will You remove any leaven from our hearts? Any false beliefs, any pretending, anything fake in us... We want to be pure and holy before You and before others. Take out every bitter root and shine Your Light to overcome any darkness in us, Lord. We will fear You alone. We want to please You and walk in a manner worthy of Your calling. We will trust You. You know us very well. You know our physical, emotional, personal, financial, and relational needs. We ask that You will provide our "daily bread". Our needs for today. We confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord! We believe in our hearts that He is the Messiah, the chosen One, the Son of God. We believe that He died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the 3rd day, just as He said. We believe that all authority in heaven and on the earth belongs to Him. And Father, we rely on Your Holy Spirit to fill us with Your Words, with love, with power and with sound thinking.
Thank You for Your Word and for Your grace to us.
In Jesus' Name we pray.
amen
Verse 1 " ... Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Luke takes this statement, which is recorded in Matthew 16 and pairs it with a teaching that Matthew recorded in Chapter 10. Matthew explains that the "leaven" that Jesus is referring to is the "teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." But Luke says here that the "leaven of the Pharisees" is hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy - to act or to speak under a false part; pretending; deceitful; is like leaven - it ferments and boils up - it expands and penetrates all that it touches. So does false teaching.
The teaching that Luke records next makes sense here. " But there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." Just as leaven is hidden in the dough and is quite evident as it begins to work; so the hypocrisy of a man will be seen in his life, through his words and actions. What you say "in the dark" will be heard in the light. What you whisper in your house, will be "proclaimed upon the housetops". ( Just ask any politician.) Secrets are really hard to keep.
Besides the fact that you can only fake your true self for so long.. lies are found out; darkness in the heart will not produce light in our lives. As James tells us, a bitter root won't produce good fruit.
So what do we do? How do we make sure that we are not being hypocritical too?
Verses 4-5 We fear God and not man. We believe and trust the One who is the ultimate authority over all of life and death. We don't need to put on a mask for God; we can't - He sees us just the way we are anyway.
Verses 6-7 We trust God. He cares for the sparrows and He cares for us even more. We are valuable to Him. He knows us intimately.. We need to KNOW that and TRUST!
Verses 8-9 We acknowledge Jesus - we have a Savior Who will confess that He knows us - "before the angels of God" - if we confess Him before men.
Verses 10-12 We rely on the Holy Spirit. We are careful to never speak against Him. We allow Him to give us the words to say when we are being persecuted.
Father in heaven, You know us very well. You know what is in our hearts, even better than we know ourselves. Will You remove any leaven from our hearts? Any false beliefs, any pretending, anything fake in us... We want to be pure and holy before You and before others. Take out every bitter root and shine Your Light to overcome any darkness in us, Lord. We will fear You alone. We want to please You and walk in a manner worthy of Your calling. We will trust You. You know us very well. You know our physical, emotional, personal, financial, and relational needs. We ask that You will provide our "daily bread". Our needs for today. We confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord! We believe in our hearts that He is the Messiah, the chosen One, the Son of God. We believe that He died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the 3rd day, just as He said. We believe that all authority in heaven and on the earth belongs to Him. And Father, we rely on Your Holy Spirit to fill us with Your Words, with love, with power and with sound thinking.
Thank You for Your Word and for Your grace to us.
In Jesus' Name we pray.
amen
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Luke 37-53 Jesus is invited to a Pharisee's home for lunch. This begins a precise analysis of the "darkness" that the Pharisee's are living in and refuse to see... Jesus strips away all their pretenses:
They are focused on the ceremonial washing of their hands, cups, and dishes - but the real problem is on the inside, full of robbery and wickedness. ( v 39)
They make a show of tithing every little herb and rue - but they are unjust and unloving ( v42).
They love the prominence and respect they have in the synagogues - but they are dead inside.
The lawyers speak up - and Jesus includes them in the discussion:
They weigh people down with " burdens hard to bear" - and never help anyone. ( v46)
They build monuments for the prophets - but never confess that their own fathers were the ones who killed them. ( v47)
They have "taken away the key to knowledge" They don't know the Truth and they hinder others who would seek it. ( v52).
What would Jesus rather see them do?
Verse 41 "But give that which is within as charity and then all things are clean for you." Compassion from the heart that is filled with the pure Light of God.
Verse 42 "... but these things you should have done without neglecting the others." - Justice and love + tithing appropriately.
When the inside is right - "full of light" - when the "eye is clear" - there will be compassion, justice, and love;
there won't be concern about prominence and washing of hands;
there won't be a heaping on of petty laws that become a burden;
there won't be cover-ups of murders;
The scribes and Pharisees were insulted and became hostile towards Jesus. They refused to let the Truth - the Light - come in and cleanse their hard hearts. They missed the fact that the Light of the World was right there in front of them. They would not confess their sins or repent.
Oh Father in Heaven, open our eyes to Your Light, to the Truth of Your word, the sword of the Spirit that reveals the darkness in us. May we welcome Your light and confess our sins and repent of our trespasses. May we have compassion and love. May we love mercy and do justice and walk humbly with You, our God. Blessed is Your Name and we honor You, Lord of heaven and earth, our Creator and our Father, through Jesus Christ the Son. May Your will be done in us today.
Amen.
They are focused on the ceremonial washing of their hands, cups, and dishes - but the real problem is on the inside, full of robbery and wickedness. ( v 39)
They make a show of tithing every little herb and rue - but they are unjust and unloving ( v42).
They love the prominence and respect they have in the synagogues - but they are dead inside.
The lawyers speak up - and Jesus includes them in the discussion:
They weigh people down with " burdens hard to bear" - and never help anyone. ( v46)
They build monuments for the prophets - but never confess that their own fathers were the ones who killed them. ( v47)
They have "taken away the key to knowledge" They don't know the Truth and they hinder others who would seek it. ( v52).
What would Jesus rather see them do?
Verse 41 "But give that which is within as charity and then all things are clean for you." Compassion from the heart that is filled with the pure Light of God.
Verse 42 "... but these things you should have done without neglecting the others." - Justice and love + tithing appropriately.
When the inside is right - "full of light" - when the "eye is clear" - there will be compassion, justice, and love;
there won't be concern about prominence and washing of hands;
there won't be a heaping on of petty laws that become a burden;
there won't be cover-ups of murders;
The scribes and Pharisees were insulted and became hostile towards Jesus. They refused to let the Truth - the Light - come in and cleanse their hard hearts. They missed the fact that the Light of the World was right there in front of them. They would not confess their sins or repent.
Oh Father in Heaven, open our eyes to Your Light, to the Truth of Your word, the sword of the Spirit that reveals the darkness in us. May we welcome Your light and confess our sins and repent of our trespasses. May we have compassion and love. May we love mercy and do justice and walk humbly with You, our God. Blessed is Your Name and we honor You, Lord of heaven and earth, our Creator and our Father, through Jesus Christ the Son. May Your will be done in us today.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Luke 11:29 - 36 Jesus issues a warning and a judgement against the "this generation". He calls them "a wicked generation " for seeking a sign. He will not be manipulated into performing miracles on demand, just for their purposes. The Father's purposes are His priority - so a sign will be given - one that should be sufficient for any man, any generation - "the sign of Jonah". "... so shall the Son of Man be to this generation." How was Jonah a sign to the Ninevites? Jonah reluctantly preached judgement to the Ninevites, and they repented. Was the fact that they had heard his story about being in the belly of a whale for 3 days a factor in their repentance? Possibly. We know Jesus would spend 3 days in the grave before He is resurrected... that "sign" is the only one needed for men to repent of their sins and turn to God.
Jesus makes 2 proclamations;
Verse 31 - "something greater that Solomon is here."
Verse 32 - " and behold something greater than Jonah is here,"
In Matthew 12: 6 Jesus also says that " something greater than the temple is here."
The main point seems to be that these things - Solomon's wisdom, Jonah's testimony, and the temple's splendor - are great things - but nothing in comparison to the Presence of the Son of God Who has come to provide eternal salvation. The fact that "this generation" is rejecting Him will bring a judgment greater than anything other.
Verses 33-36 - Jesus talks about light and the eye -
We don't hide a burning light.
The eye is the lamp of the body.
Through a healthy eye - light comes in.
Through a bad eye - darkness remains.
" Then watch out that the light in you may not be darkness."(v35)
The Light of the world - Jesus had come to earth and was consistently preaching the Truth. No greater light had ever been given to men, and this generation had the opportunity to see it first hand. Nevertheless, they remained in darkness, rejecting the true Light.
We each have that same choice. We can open our eyes and receive the Word, which is a light to our feet and a lamp for our path - to the Light of the World. Or we can remain in darkness.
Father in heaven, You have given us the Light... "In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it" O Lord of all creation - open our eyes to fully receive the Light and the life in Jesus Christ. May we comprehend the greater One - receive Him and be filled with the His Spirit. Make our lives a reflection of this great Light.
We offer ourselves to You, through Him, amen.
Jesus makes 2 proclamations;
Verse 31 - "something greater that Solomon is here."
Verse 32 - " and behold something greater than Jonah is here,"
In Matthew 12: 6 Jesus also says that " something greater than the temple is here."
The main point seems to be that these things - Solomon's wisdom, Jonah's testimony, and the temple's splendor - are great things - but nothing in comparison to the Presence of the Son of God Who has come to provide eternal salvation. The fact that "this generation" is rejecting Him will bring a judgment greater than anything other.
Verses 33-36 - Jesus talks about light and the eye -
We don't hide a burning light.
The eye is the lamp of the body.
Through a healthy eye - light comes in.
Through a bad eye - darkness remains.
" Then watch out that the light in you may not be darkness."(v35)
The Light of the world - Jesus had come to earth and was consistently preaching the Truth. No greater light had ever been given to men, and this generation had the opportunity to see it first hand. Nevertheless, they remained in darkness, rejecting the true Light.
We each have that same choice. We can open our eyes and receive the Word, which is a light to our feet and a lamp for our path - to the Light of the World. Or we can remain in darkness.
Father in heaven, You have given us the Light... "In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it" O Lord of all creation - open our eyes to fully receive the Light and the life in Jesus Christ. May we comprehend the greater One - receive Him and be filled with the His Spirit. Make our lives a reflection of this great Light.
We offer ourselves to You, through Him, amen.
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