Luke 9:46-62
The disciples start arguing about which one of them is the greatest. Perhaps Peter, James, and John were feeling prideful since they had been on the mountain with Jesus. Perhaps the others were trying to make into the top 3... whatever the problem was, Jesus had a powerful lesson that He wanted them to learn....
"But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side."
Picture it.. a little boy or girl, innocent, unaware of the tensions surrounding them... perhaps dirty and neglected... perhaps a member of one of their families. Children were not regarded as worth much in that culture. Remember when the disciples tried to send them away? Here Jesus takes this child to His side ( Mark records that Jesus took him in His arms) and says, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great."
The disciples were considering their own degree of importance... Jesus wanted them to consider the importance of this one small child. To accept a child in Jesus' name is to accept Jesus... and to accept Jesus is to accept the Father. God measures greatness by willing service... the willingness to welcome a child.. to regard him as Christ Himself would. Greatness is not found in rank or power.. but in sacrifice and humility.
John brings up a matter of someone, not of the 12, who was casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus assures John that "... he who is not against you is for you." The position of apostle was never meant to leave others out of ministry , but to bring others into the Kingdom.
Luke tells us that from this point on Jesus "was journeying with His face toward Jerusalem." Going through a Samaritan village, the group are refused lodging. James and John are angry and want to burn the place down. But again Jesus rebukes their wrong thinking.. " You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. "
Following Jesus, being His disciple is not always easy, Jesus teaches. To follow Him means letting go of everything else.. even home, family, wealth, or even your life. Lowliness, not greatness. Humble service, not power and authority. Jesus is heading to Jerusalem to die.. the ultimate act of humility from the One who came to save us all.
Father in heaven , we come to bow before You, to rest in Your loving arms, to receive You and the Beloved Savior. Let us rest in Your arms, Lord Jesus, knowing that You will cover us with Your salvation and carry us into the Glory of Heaven. We are willing to be Your servants, to serve others in Your Name, for we know that this is Your will for us. Strengthen us by Your Spirit that we might fulfill all Your purposes for us. In the Name of Jesus our Lord we pray, amen.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Luke 9 To be a disciple of Jesus while He walked this earth was challenging and exhilarating . The disciples were sent out to preach and heal and cast out demons and that was amazing. But the next thing that happened was daunting... Jesus asked them to feed 5000 people! " You give them something to eat!" He commands. "We have no more than 5 loaves and two fish..." was their reply.
They had come from doing impossible things.. miraculous works of healing and deliverance. But, food? For 5000 men plus their families? Impossible! Or so they thought. Jesus pushes their faith a bit farther.. They have the crowd sit down in smaller groups. Then, Jesus blesses the loaves and fish, "and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the multitude."
Everyone is fed and 12 baskets full of leftovers are picked up!
From challenging to exhilarating in 60 minutes!
Jesus tells His disciples that the life of being His disciple requires a daily sacrifice of one's self, a willingness to lose your life for Him, a focus on spiritual gains instead of worldly profits. He will come in "His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels" one day. He does not want to be ashamed of His own disciples when He returns.
V28-36 Peter, James, and John are taken up on a mountain with Jesus to pray. "and while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah." What would you do if you were able to witness this? Well, apparently Peter, James, and John... fell asleep! They were overwhelmed! Yet, they did wake up and see this amazing glimpse into the "kingdom of God". They saw and they heard... for out of the cloud "a voice came... saying 'This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him."
Listen. This is the emphasis that we keep coming back to over and over again... We need to deliberately pay attention to the Word. To the Living Word, Jesus Christ, who speaks to us through the written Word.
As Jesus and the 3 descend from the mountain, they meet a great multitude of people. There is a man whose son is demon possessed and the 9 disciples have been unable to help him. Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and heals the boy. The problem of unbelief has raised up a "perverse generation". A turned around, corrupt, distorted culture.. filled with misunderstanding. The disciples still had much to learn. They were in need of more faith.
This is the challenge for all of us, isn't it? To think according to the Word and not according to the culture. To believe and not turn away from Jesus and His Truth. For "all things are possible to him who believes." ( Mark 9:23). Like the boy's father, we need to cry out to Jesus, " I do believe; help my unbelief".
Father in heaven, You are God and there is no other. You have given to us Your Spirit to challenge us, lead us, teach us, and grow our faith. Yet, we are constantly challenged by our culture and our own unbelief. . Forgive us! Help us, Mighty God, to hear and believe.. to trust You and obey Your Word. We long to see Your glory when Christ returns.. but we pray that He will not be ashamed of us for our lack of faith. Fill us once again, Lord Jesus, with Your Spirit. Amen.
They had come from doing impossible things.. miraculous works of healing and deliverance. But, food? For 5000 men plus their families? Impossible! Or so they thought. Jesus pushes their faith a bit farther.. They have the crowd sit down in smaller groups. Then, Jesus blesses the loaves and fish, "and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the multitude."
Everyone is fed and 12 baskets full of leftovers are picked up!
From challenging to exhilarating in 60 minutes!
Jesus tells His disciples that the life of being His disciple requires a daily sacrifice of one's self, a willingness to lose your life for Him, a focus on spiritual gains instead of worldly profits. He will come in "His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels" one day. He does not want to be ashamed of His own disciples when He returns.
V28-36 Peter, James, and John are taken up on a mountain with Jesus to pray. "and while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah." What would you do if you were able to witness this? Well, apparently Peter, James, and John... fell asleep! They were overwhelmed! Yet, they did wake up and see this amazing glimpse into the "kingdom of God". They saw and they heard... for out of the cloud "a voice came... saying 'This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him."
Listen. This is the emphasis that we keep coming back to over and over again... We need to deliberately pay attention to the Word. To the Living Word, Jesus Christ, who speaks to us through the written Word.
As Jesus and the 3 descend from the mountain, they meet a great multitude of people. There is a man whose son is demon possessed and the 9 disciples have been unable to help him. Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and heals the boy. The problem of unbelief has raised up a "perverse generation". A turned around, corrupt, distorted culture.. filled with misunderstanding. The disciples still had much to learn. They were in need of more faith.
This is the challenge for all of us, isn't it? To think according to the Word and not according to the culture. To believe and not turn away from Jesus and His Truth. For "all things are possible to him who believes." ( Mark 9:23). Like the boy's father, we need to cry out to Jesus, " I do believe; help my unbelief".
Father in heaven, You are God and there is no other. You have given to us Your Spirit to challenge us, lead us, teach us, and grow our faith. Yet, we are constantly challenged by our culture and our own unbelief. . Forgive us! Help us, Mighty God, to hear and believe.. to trust You and obey Your Word. We long to see Your glory when Christ returns.. but we pray that He will not be ashamed of us for our lack of faith. Fill us once again, Lord Jesus, with Your Spirit. Amen.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Luke 9 Jesus sends out His twelve apostles to preach and to heal, giving them the power and authority over demons and diseases. They obey His directions, not even taking any supplies but fully trusting in the Lord's provisions.
Verse 7-9 Herod hears about Jesus and all He is doing. He hears the rumor that Jesus is John, risen from the dead. John, who Herod himself had ordered him to be beheaded. The rumors also suggested that Jesus was Elijah or another prophet who had been resurrected from the dead. The disciples had also heard these rumors, and told this in answer to the Lord's question ( v 18-19). But, when Jesus asked the disciples "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, " The Christ of God". The Messiah, the anointed One. They were beginning to understand. They were finally hearing and receiving the truth.
So, Jesus gives them a new revelation.. one that would stop them in their tracks and confuse them until after His resurrection. " The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed, and be raised up on the third day."
Jesus had shown them His authority over all of creation. He had calmed the sea, cast out demons, raised the dead, multiplied the bread, and healed the sick. He was definitely not John, Elijah, or another resurrected prophet. He is the Christ, the Son of God, anointed to come and save His people.
But, the disciples still couldn't see the bigger picture. The good news wasn't that Jesus would rescue Israel from Rome or any other enemy. The good news is that Jesus would save all that would believe in Him from sin and death and hell! It was beyond their understanding... and they weren't ready to hear it with understanding.
Jesus gives them these instructions :
v 23 "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
Trying to save yourself won't work - losing you life for His sake - is the only way to salvation. ( v24)
Gaining the "whole world" means nothing if your give up your soul. (v25)
Being ashamed of His Word will result in the greatest loss ever - Jesus would be "ashamed" of him.
Ashamed - feeling humiliated, embarrassed; shame - a painful feeling of having lost the respect of others because of the improper behavior, incompetence etc. ; dishonor, disgrace, ( Dictionary definition )
Brings to mind the Word in Genesis 2:25 " And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." But, after they ate the forbidden fruit, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. " And they hid themselves from the Lord, for with sin - shame entered the world.
Are we embarrassed by His Words? Are we unwilling to deny ourselves and follow the One Who has given Himself up for us? Are we trying to hold on to our own selves? Are we risking our souls for some temporary pleasures in this world? Do we feel shame for our sins or for the Savior who came to save us from them? We really need to HEAR what Jesus is saying to us.
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Savior and Lord, Messiah, do not be ashamed of me. I do not ever want to dishonor You or Your Word. I do not want You to be disgraced by my failures and disobedience. You alone are Lord. You are the Great High Priest who intercedes for me before the throne of God. Bring me into Your Presence that I might walk with You, laying down my life and taking up my cross to follow Your Word. Fill me with Your Spirit I pray. Amen.
Verse 7-9 Herod hears about Jesus and all He is doing. He hears the rumor that Jesus is John, risen from the dead. John, who Herod himself had ordered him to be beheaded. The rumors also suggested that Jesus was Elijah or another prophet who had been resurrected from the dead. The disciples had also heard these rumors, and told this in answer to the Lord's question ( v 18-19). But, when Jesus asked the disciples "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, " The Christ of God". The Messiah, the anointed One. They were beginning to understand. They were finally hearing and receiving the truth.
So, Jesus gives them a new revelation.. one that would stop them in their tracks and confuse them until after His resurrection. " The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed, and be raised up on the third day."
Jesus had shown them His authority over all of creation. He had calmed the sea, cast out demons, raised the dead, multiplied the bread, and healed the sick. He was definitely not John, Elijah, or another resurrected prophet. He is the Christ, the Son of God, anointed to come and save His people.
But, the disciples still couldn't see the bigger picture. The good news wasn't that Jesus would rescue Israel from Rome or any other enemy. The good news is that Jesus would save all that would believe in Him from sin and death and hell! It was beyond their understanding... and they weren't ready to hear it with understanding.
Jesus gives them these instructions :
v 23 "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
Trying to save yourself won't work - losing you life for His sake - is the only way to salvation. ( v24)
Gaining the "whole world" means nothing if your give up your soul. (v25)
Being ashamed of His Word will result in the greatest loss ever - Jesus would be "ashamed" of him.
Ashamed - feeling humiliated, embarrassed; shame - a painful feeling of having lost the respect of others because of the improper behavior, incompetence etc. ; dishonor, disgrace, ( Dictionary definition )
Brings to mind the Word in Genesis 2:25 " And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." But, after they ate the forbidden fruit, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. " And they hid themselves from the Lord, for with sin - shame entered the world.
Are we embarrassed by His Words? Are we unwilling to deny ourselves and follow the One Who has given Himself up for us? Are we trying to hold on to our own selves? Are we risking our souls for some temporary pleasures in this world? Do we feel shame for our sins or for the Savior who came to save us from them? We really need to HEAR what Jesus is saying to us.
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, Savior and Lord, Messiah, do not be ashamed of me. I do not ever want to dishonor You or Your Word. I do not want You to be disgraced by my failures and disobedience. You alone are Lord. You are the Great High Priest who intercedes for me before the throne of God. Bring me into Your Presence that I might walk with You, laying down my life and taking up my cross to follow Your Word. Fill me with Your Spirit I pray. Amen.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Luke 8 Jesus tells another parable - about a lamp. If we have a lamp and light it, we wouldn't then cover it or hide it. We put it where we can use it and "see the light". In fact, He says, " For nothing is hidden that shall not become evident, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light." Jesus goes on to say, " Therefore take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him."
The Bible Knowledge Commentary explains this as an extension of the previous parable. "The emphasis is once again on hearing, or, as it is put here, on listening. If one understands the Word of God his life should reflect that understanding." God was giving the secrets, the "mysteries of the kingdom of God" to those who have ears to hear. Those who were actively listening and preserving in the Word.. to them more truth would be given.. and they were to make it known to others, not hide it under a bushel... or allow Satan to snatch it away. Those who didn't receive the Word wholly would lose everything.
So what does that mean for us? We have been given the Word of God, the Bible. We have been given the Way, the Truth, and the Life.. Jesus Christ. He wants us to be careful in how we listen to His Word. If we treat the Word of God as a lamp ( which it is.. a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet).. then we will learn more and more, for He will give us more truth, more life, more understanding. But if we take the Word and hide it, cover it, ignore it, refuse it, or never take it seriously.. we will end up with nothing. A life with no fruitfulness, unworthy of all that our Father desires to give us.
When Mary and Jesus' brothers try to get through the crowd to see Jesus, they are unable. Jesus says this, " My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." Those who continually take care to listen to God's Word and to actively practice all that He is willing for us to do... those are the ones who will be brought into the very family of Christ! What a marvelous truth!
Luke adds 4 miraculous examples of Jesus exerting His authority -
He reveals His authority over nature by stilling the stormy sea.
He reveals His authority over the evil spirits by commanding them to leave the demoniac.
He reveals His authority over diseases by the healing of the woman in the midst of the crowd.
He reveals His authority over death by raising Jairus' daughter.
Hear what He says to His disciples ;
v25 "Where is your faith?"
v39 " Return to your house and describe the great things God has done for you."
v48 "Daughter, your faith has made you well."
v50 " Do not be afraid and longer, only believe and she shall be made well."
Brings to mind these words from Paul:
" So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ"! (Romans 10:17)
The Word says to- believe.. believe... believe.. and don't hide your faith under a bushel.. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Father in heaven, let Your Word dwell in us richly, deeply, and continually, that You would be glorified as our lives bear fruit according to Your Spirit at work in us. To the praise and honor of Your Name. In the holy Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary explains this as an extension of the previous parable. "The emphasis is once again on hearing, or, as it is put here, on listening. If one understands the Word of God his life should reflect that understanding." God was giving the secrets, the "mysteries of the kingdom of God" to those who have ears to hear. Those who were actively listening and preserving in the Word.. to them more truth would be given.. and they were to make it known to others, not hide it under a bushel... or allow Satan to snatch it away. Those who didn't receive the Word wholly would lose everything.
So what does that mean for us? We have been given the Word of God, the Bible. We have been given the Way, the Truth, and the Life.. Jesus Christ. He wants us to be careful in how we listen to His Word. If we treat the Word of God as a lamp ( which it is.. a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet).. then we will learn more and more, for He will give us more truth, more life, more understanding. But if we take the Word and hide it, cover it, ignore it, refuse it, or never take it seriously.. we will end up with nothing. A life with no fruitfulness, unworthy of all that our Father desires to give us.
When Mary and Jesus' brothers try to get through the crowd to see Jesus, they are unable. Jesus says this, " My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." Those who continually take care to listen to God's Word and to actively practice all that He is willing for us to do... those are the ones who will be brought into the very family of Christ! What a marvelous truth!
Luke adds 4 miraculous examples of Jesus exerting His authority -
He reveals His authority over nature by stilling the stormy sea.
He reveals His authority over the evil spirits by commanding them to leave the demoniac.
He reveals His authority over diseases by the healing of the woman in the midst of the crowd.
He reveals His authority over death by raising Jairus' daughter.
Hear what He says to His disciples ;
v25 "Where is your faith?"
v39 " Return to your house and describe the great things God has done for you."
v48 "Daughter, your faith has made you well."
v50 " Do not be afraid and longer, only believe and she shall be made well."
Brings to mind these words from Paul:
" So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ"! (Romans 10:17)
The Word says to- believe.. believe... believe.. and don't hide your faith under a bushel.. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Father in heaven, let Your Word dwell in us richly, deeply, and continually, that You would be glorified as our lives bear fruit according to Your Spirit at work in us. To the praise and honor of Your Name. In the holy Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Luke 8:4-15 The parable of the Sower. When the disciples ask Jesus why He is now speaking in parables.. the answer is a bit mysterious, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, in order that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand."
Jesus is quoting here from Isaiah 6:9. The context in Isaiah is the vision where Isaiah sees the Lord and is commissioned to go and speak for the Him. Isaiah is to go and speak, but told that the people will not see and not hear and not believe. Our natural response to that is " Why bother?" But that can't be right... so we need to go deeper...
Jesus, we are told, calls out, " He who has ears to hear , let him hear." ( This statement is also included in Revelations.. in the letters to the churches.) According to my study Bible these two phrases have two tenses: "has ears to hear" is in the present participle - which expresses continuous or repeated action - our ears continually hear; " let him hear" is in the present imperative, which is a command to do something in the future and is continuous and repeated.
The seed being sowed, Jesus tells us, is the Word.
The seed that lands on the foot path and is trampled, is like the Word that is heard but snatched away immediately. Here the action of hearing is not continuous. It "goes in one ear and out the other". There is no effort to grasp it, think about it, or pay attention to it. Jesus says that "the devil comes and takes it away... so that they may not believe and be saved."
The seed that lands among the rocks, is like the Word that is heard once and "received with joy" but doesn't have a "firm root" so it withers away. It is enjoyed in the season, but quickly forgotten when other things arise. It is indefinite and questionable. The listener didn't keep on listening.. but turned away to whatever temptations were more important to them.
The seed that lands among the thorns, is like the Word that is heard... again a one time action, but this time choked out "with worries and riches and pleasures of this life". There is a passive tense used here. The word and the worries are hand in hand and no action is taken against the worries.. or riches or pleasures. It just happens. Therefore, no fruit can be produced.
The seed that lands on the good soil is like the word that is heard by "an honest and good heart". These are ones that "hold it fast"- to keep in the memory, to possess, retain, seize .. These are the ones who "bear fruit with perseverance."
In Isaiah, the listeners would not pay attention to what they heard or saw. Therefore they would not understand. The same thing was happening in Jesus' time.. the people who seized upon the Words that Jesus was speaking, like the disciples, would "know the mysteries", but they had to make the effort to hear and keep on hearing.. to persevere. This is the same message given to the churches in Revelation - make an effort to really hear and grasp what the Word is saying.
The Word of God is vital to Life, real life in God's Kingdom.
We cannot just let it pass in one ear and out the other.
We cannot just be happy with the sermon or the singing, or whatever on Sunday and then go our merry way with the things of the world all the rest of our week.
We cannot remain unchanged by the Word, being passive about it, and expect to be fruitful Christians.
No, we need to be actively holding onto and keeping the Word in our minds and hearts, holding it fast.. like a life vest in a stormy ocean. We need to work at not only reading the Word, but understanding what the Lord is saying to us individually... every day of our lives.. steadfastly and with perseverance. Then, and only then will we live fruitful lives that please the Lord.
Father in heaven, hallowed is Your Name. You are amazing and Your Word is precious to me.. more precious than diamonds, sweeter than honey, more vital than bread alone! Teach me Lord to live and walk according to Your Word, fill me by Your Spirit, may I have ears to hear and understand. Will You be glorified in my life as I bear fruit in every good work. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
Jesus is quoting here from Isaiah 6:9. The context in Isaiah is the vision where Isaiah sees the Lord and is commissioned to go and speak for the Him. Isaiah is to go and speak, but told that the people will not see and not hear and not believe. Our natural response to that is " Why bother?" But that can't be right... so we need to go deeper...
Jesus, we are told, calls out, " He who has ears to hear , let him hear." ( This statement is also included in Revelations.. in the letters to the churches.) According to my study Bible these two phrases have two tenses: "has ears to hear" is in the present participle - which expresses continuous or repeated action - our ears continually hear; " let him hear" is in the present imperative, which is a command to do something in the future and is continuous and repeated.
The seed being sowed, Jesus tells us, is the Word.
The seed that lands on the foot path and is trampled, is like the Word that is heard but snatched away immediately. Here the action of hearing is not continuous. It "goes in one ear and out the other". There is no effort to grasp it, think about it, or pay attention to it. Jesus says that "the devil comes and takes it away... so that they may not believe and be saved."
The seed that lands among the rocks, is like the Word that is heard once and "received with joy" but doesn't have a "firm root" so it withers away. It is enjoyed in the season, but quickly forgotten when other things arise. It is indefinite and questionable. The listener didn't keep on listening.. but turned away to whatever temptations were more important to them.
The seed that lands among the thorns, is like the Word that is heard... again a one time action, but this time choked out "with worries and riches and pleasures of this life". There is a passive tense used here. The word and the worries are hand in hand and no action is taken against the worries.. or riches or pleasures. It just happens. Therefore, no fruit can be produced.
The seed that lands on the good soil is like the word that is heard by "an honest and good heart". These are ones that "hold it fast"- to keep in the memory, to possess, retain, seize .. These are the ones who "bear fruit with perseverance."
In Isaiah, the listeners would not pay attention to what they heard or saw. Therefore they would not understand. The same thing was happening in Jesus' time.. the people who seized upon the Words that Jesus was speaking, like the disciples, would "know the mysteries", but they had to make the effort to hear and keep on hearing.. to persevere. This is the same message given to the churches in Revelation - make an effort to really hear and grasp what the Word is saying.
The Word of God is vital to Life, real life in God's Kingdom.
We cannot just let it pass in one ear and out the other.
We cannot just be happy with the sermon or the singing, or whatever on Sunday and then go our merry way with the things of the world all the rest of our week.
We cannot remain unchanged by the Word, being passive about it, and expect to be fruitful Christians.
No, we need to be actively holding onto and keeping the Word in our minds and hearts, holding it fast.. like a life vest in a stormy ocean. We need to work at not only reading the Word, but understanding what the Lord is saying to us individually... every day of our lives.. steadfastly and with perseverance. Then, and only then will we live fruitful lives that please the Lord.
Father in heaven, hallowed is Your Name. You are amazing and Your Word is precious to me.. more precious than diamonds, sweeter than honey, more vital than bread alone! Teach me Lord to live and walk according to Your Word, fill me by Your Spirit, may I have ears to hear and understand. Will You be glorified in my life as I bear fruit in every good work. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Luke 7-8
Happy Thanksgiving! Looking back at yesterday's passage I wrote, " Simon, one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to dinner". Simon's invitation didn't include the hospitality normally shown to a visitor. Paul wrote in Romans 12:13 " ... practicing hospitality" in his list of the ways we show love... "without hypocrisy".
Hospitality - [philonexia] - entertain strangers; fond of guests, friendly.
The dictionary defines it as - "friendly, kind, and solicitous toward guests". Solicitude - caring and concern ( I had to look it up). The words hospital and hospice are related to hospitable - a place for rest, for shelter, for care of the sick or poor, the infirm, the orphan..
Without hypocrisy - not playing a part, not acting a certain way - not being like Simon, who's invitation doesn't appear to have anything to do with caring about Jesus.
Luke 8:1-3 talks about the women who followed Jesus, " contributing to their support out of their private means". These women cared. They had been forgiven much, delivered from sin and in Mary Magdalene's case, delivered from "seven demons". They loved much.. expressing this love with their gifts.. their solicitude.
This Thanksgiving day, many of us will have guests at our tables. We will practice hospitality - hopefully without hypocrisy! God has blessed us greatly! He has forgiven us much.. May we show our love to Him as we show kindness to others in His name.
Father, be glorified in Your children's lives today. Help us to genuinely love and care for others, in Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving! Looking back at yesterday's passage I wrote, " Simon, one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to dinner". Simon's invitation didn't include the hospitality normally shown to a visitor. Paul wrote in Romans 12:13 " ... practicing hospitality" in his list of the ways we show love... "without hypocrisy".
Hospitality - [philonexia] - entertain strangers; fond of guests, friendly.
The dictionary defines it as - "friendly, kind, and solicitous toward guests". Solicitude - caring and concern ( I had to look it up). The words hospital and hospice are related to hospitable - a place for rest, for shelter, for care of the sick or poor, the infirm, the orphan..
Without hypocrisy - not playing a part, not acting a certain way - not being like Simon, who's invitation doesn't appear to have anything to do with caring about Jesus.
Luke 8:1-3 talks about the women who followed Jesus, " contributing to their support out of their private means". These women cared. They had been forgiven much, delivered from sin and in Mary Magdalene's case, delivered from "seven demons". They loved much.. expressing this love with their gifts.. their solicitude.
This Thanksgiving day, many of us will have guests at our tables. We will practice hospitality - hopefully without hypocrisy! God has blessed us greatly! He has forgiven us much.. May we show our love to Him as we show kindness to others in His name.
Father, be glorified in Your children's lives today. Help us to genuinely love and care for others, in Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Luke 7:36-50 Simon, one of the Pharisees, invites Jesus to dinner. Jesus comes and reclines at the table. We find out that Simon does not offer the common courtesies that would he should have... water to wash His feet, a kiss of greeting, an anointing of oil. But, a woman, who had a reputation as a "sinner", entered the house and proceeded to - "wet His feet with her tears, wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet, and anointing them with the perfume."
Simon is quick to judge, both the woman and Jesus. Jesus addressed what Simon was thinking by telling a parable about two debtors. One debtor owed 500 denarii, the other 50. Both are completely forgiven. Then, Jesus asks, " Which of them will love him more?"
Simon knows the answer.
Jesus says, " For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Then Jesus tells the woman, "Your sins have been forgiven.... Your faith has saved you; go in peace." ( v48,50)
Simon was no less a sinner than the woman. But, she recognized her sinfulness and repented. She showed her love to Jesus with an outward expression of that love. She found forgiveness and salvation in Jesus. Simon showed only a hard heart, towards the woman and towards Jesus. Did he ever learn the truth? Did he ever repent and follow Jesus? He had every opportunity.
Like us.. we have every opportunity to come to Jesus and find forgiveness and salvation in Him. If we come to Him, He will forgive every sin. He loves us. He will give us His peace. May we not be like Simon, who, in the very Presence of the Holy One, failed to receive Him.
Father in heaven, come and visit us with Your Holy Presence, that we might know You more. May we humble ourselves before You and express our love and adoration freely .. for You have forgiven us our sins through Jesus Christ. What a marvelous truth, that You love us and want us.. that You have bought us with the precious blood of the Lamb. Thank You. We bow at Your feet and worship You, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Simon is quick to judge, both the woman and Jesus. Jesus addressed what Simon was thinking by telling a parable about two debtors. One debtor owed 500 denarii, the other 50. Both are completely forgiven. Then, Jesus asks, " Which of them will love him more?"
Simon knows the answer.
Jesus says, " For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Then Jesus tells the woman, "Your sins have been forgiven.... Your faith has saved you; go in peace." ( v48,50)
Simon was no less a sinner than the woman. But, she recognized her sinfulness and repented. She showed her love to Jesus with an outward expression of that love. She found forgiveness and salvation in Jesus. Simon showed only a hard heart, towards the woman and towards Jesus. Did he ever learn the truth? Did he ever repent and follow Jesus? He had every opportunity.
Like us.. we have every opportunity to come to Jesus and find forgiveness and salvation in Him. If we come to Him, He will forgive every sin. He loves us. He will give us His peace. May we not be like Simon, who, in the very Presence of the Holy One, failed to receive Him.
Father in heaven, come and visit us with Your Holy Presence, that we might know You more. May we humble ourselves before You and express our love and adoration freely .. for You have forgiven us our sins through Jesus Christ. What a marvelous truth, that You love us and want us.. that You have bought us with the precious blood of the Lamb. Thank You. We bow at Your feet and worship You, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Luke 7 [continued]
Verses 11-17 Jesus is on the road again. As He enters the gates of Nain they encounter a funeral procession. There is a large crowd of people with Him and a large crowd from the city with the mother of the dead man. In the midst of all this, Jesus sees this weeping mother and "He felt compassion for her".
Then, Jesus did another one of those unacceptable things... He touched the coffin. Again, I sense that there must have been a hush fall on that crowd. The wailing stopped, those carrying the coffin froze, and the mother's heart pounded. Then He spoke, " Young man, I say to you arise!"
And, he did.
The people knew that God was there in that little town that day. They gave all the glory to Him, even as great fear "gripped them all".
Jesus has displayed His authority over nature, over evil, over the law, and now over death. Luke wrote this book "so that you might know the exact truth about the things your have been taught" (1:4). He is systematically laying out the revelation of who Jesus really is - the Lord over all.
7:18-35 Now, John the Baptist is in prison. His disciples come and "reported to him about all these things." So John sends 2 of his disciples to Jesus to ask "Are You the Expected One or do we look for someone else?" It seems strange that John would have any doubts about who Jesus was. After all, he had seen the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus, and he had heard the voice of God declare Him to be His Son. Perhaps John, like all of us really, expected something different... perhaps he didn't expect to be stuck in prison while the Messiah walked the earth.
Jesus' answer to John's disciples is also unexpected. " Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up , the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me." Jesus points John back to the Word of God. It's like He is saying, " Remember what Isaiah wrote, John? Here's what he said, and here's what I am doing... don't get tripped up on this. Don't go by your own expectations, look at the Word of God!"
After John's disciples left, Jesus talked to the crowd about John. "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at?"
They didn't go to see the grass.
They didn't go to see a king.
They went to see a prophet... and that's who John was. Yet John is no different than anyone else.
John needed to believe in Jesus too.
"But the Pharisees and the lawyers," Jesus says, " rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John."
They criticized John for his lifestyle of "eating no bread and drinking no wine;"
And they criticized Jesus for eating and drinking with sinners.
"Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children." v35
Who had true wisdom? The Pharisees and religious leaders who refused to repent, who rejected the message of John and of Jesus?
or
Those who had repented and been baptized, accepting the message of John and the authority of Jesus?
Father in heaven, You have given us Your Word and shown us the power and authority of Jesus Christ our Lord. O, may we be faithful to follow Jesus and to accept Your purposes for us. In His Name we pray, amen.
Verses 11-17 Jesus is on the road again. As He enters the gates of Nain they encounter a funeral procession. There is a large crowd of people with Him and a large crowd from the city with the mother of the dead man. In the midst of all this, Jesus sees this weeping mother and "He felt compassion for her".
Then, Jesus did another one of those unacceptable things... He touched the coffin. Again, I sense that there must have been a hush fall on that crowd. The wailing stopped, those carrying the coffin froze, and the mother's heart pounded. Then He spoke, " Young man, I say to you arise!"
And, he did.
The people knew that God was there in that little town that day. They gave all the glory to Him, even as great fear "gripped them all".
Jesus has displayed His authority over nature, over evil, over the law, and now over death. Luke wrote this book "so that you might know the exact truth about the things your have been taught" (1:4). He is systematically laying out the revelation of who Jesus really is - the Lord over all.
7:18-35 Now, John the Baptist is in prison. His disciples come and "reported to him about all these things." So John sends 2 of his disciples to Jesus to ask "Are You the Expected One or do we look for someone else?" It seems strange that John would have any doubts about who Jesus was. After all, he had seen the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus, and he had heard the voice of God declare Him to be His Son. Perhaps John, like all of us really, expected something different... perhaps he didn't expect to be stuck in prison while the Messiah walked the earth.
Jesus' answer to John's disciples is also unexpected. " Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up , the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me." Jesus points John back to the Word of God. It's like He is saying, " Remember what Isaiah wrote, John? Here's what he said, and here's what I am doing... don't get tripped up on this. Don't go by your own expectations, look at the Word of God!"
After John's disciples left, Jesus talked to the crowd about John. "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at?"
They didn't go to see the grass.
They didn't go to see a king.
They went to see a prophet... and that's who John was. Yet John is no different than anyone else.
John needed to believe in Jesus too.
"But the Pharisees and the lawyers," Jesus says, " rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John."
They criticized John for his lifestyle of "eating no bread and drinking no wine;"
And they criticized Jesus for eating and drinking with sinners.
"Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children." v35
Who had true wisdom? The Pharisees and religious leaders who refused to repent, who rejected the message of John and of Jesus?
or
Those who had repented and been baptized, accepting the message of John and the authority of Jesus?
Father in heaven, You have given us Your Word and shown us the power and authority of Jesus Christ our Lord. O, may we be faithful to follow Jesus and to accept Your purposes for us. In His Name we pray, amen.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Luke 7 : 1-10
Jesus goes back to Capernaum... home after preaching around the country. Some Jewish elders come to Him to ask Him to save the life of a centurion's slave. They say:
"He is worthy for you to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue."
But, as Jesus starts to accompany the elders to the centurion's house, he sends a message to Jesus saying, " .. I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
The Jews called the centurion, "worthy" - [axioo] - entitled, deserving of a reward:
But, the centurion calls himself, " not worthy" - [hikanos]- not fit in character, not ample, not enough, not good; ( v6) and not deserving (v7).
The centurion had authority - ability, competency, jurisdiction - to command soldiers and slaves. He understood the authority of those over him. Here, he is admitting that he believed in the authority of Jesus Christ. He is putting himself under the authority of the One who IS worthy...
Jesus says, " I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." This Roman soldier understood Who Jesus was, understood and believed in His authority, and received the answer to his request.. his servant was completely healed. I would think it is safe to say that this man of faith would also receive the gift of salvation.
The Jewish elders, on the other hand, did not understand what was important here. To them this man was important.. because of his money and his love of their country.. that made him "worthy". They were looking at the outward appearance. The good works. They wanted to coerce Jesus into healing the servant so that the centurion would keep investing in their town and synagogue. They wanted Jesus to reward the man for his good works. They might have thought that they were the ones with authority. They were still lost, blind, and unbelieving.
Father in heaven, You are Lord and there is no other! You alone are worthy of all our faith, of all our worship, and of all of our love! Let us grasp these truths in new and deeper ways.. the complete authority of Jesus Christ our Lord, Who has come to save us forever! Praise and honor and glory to His Name. Rule over our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies today , dear Lord. For we submit to Your complete sovereignty over each and every one of us, Your creation, Your children, Your slaves.
amen.
Jesus goes back to Capernaum... home after preaching around the country. Some Jewish elders come to Him to ask Him to save the life of a centurion's slave. They say:
"He is worthy for you to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue."
But, as Jesus starts to accompany the elders to the centurion's house, he sends a message to Jesus saying, " .. I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
The Jews called the centurion, "worthy" - [axioo] - entitled, deserving of a reward:
But, the centurion calls himself, " not worthy" - [hikanos]- not fit in character, not ample, not enough, not good; ( v6) and not deserving (v7).
The centurion had authority - ability, competency, jurisdiction - to command soldiers and slaves. He understood the authority of those over him. Here, he is admitting that he believed in the authority of Jesus Christ. He is putting himself under the authority of the One who IS worthy...
Jesus says, " I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." This Roman soldier understood Who Jesus was, understood and believed in His authority, and received the answer to his request.. his servant was completely healed. I would think it is safe to say that this man of faith would also receive the gift of salvation.
The Jewish elders, on the other hand, did not understand what was important here. To them this man was important.. because of his money and his love of their country.. that made him "worthy". They were looking at the outward appearance. The good works. They wanted to coerce Jesus into healing the servant so that the centurion would keep investing in their town and synagogue. They wanted Jesus to reward the man for his good works. They might have thought that they were the ones with authority. They were still lost, blind, and unbelieving.
Father in heaven, You are Lord and there is no other! You alone are worthy of all our faith, of all our worship, and of all of our love! Let us grasp these truths in new and deeper ways.. the complete authority of Jesus Christ our Lord, Who has come to save us forever! Praise and honor and glory to His Name. Rule over our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies today , dear Lord. For we submit to Your complete sovereignty over each and every one of us, Your creation, Your children, Your slaves.
amen.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Luke 6 [continued]
The message that Jesus teaches here is so profound... and so impossible to do on our own. To love our enemies, to return good for evil, to give and give and give...
And, He is has more for us to ponder:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
If you don't judge others, you won't be judged.
If you don't condemn others, you won't be condemned.
If you do pardon others, you will be pardoned.
"Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. "
In other words, we reap what we sow. If we sow mercy and forgiveness, if we love and give gracious ly.. our Father will treat us in the same way. But, if we are judgmental and condemning... then we will get that back. We need to be aware of what is coming out of our hearts.. and our mouths ( v45)
"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."
We won't find our way, Jesus says, by blindly following a blind guide!
We need to be fully trained by a teacher who will teach us the right way. Jesus is the Way and we need to carefully follow Him. By doing what He says, we will build an unshakable foundation for our lives...
Here is the test of what is in our hearts --- good fruit will come from a good tree and a good heart.
Bad fruit will not come from a good heart.
Good fruit will not come from a bad heart.
What is inside of us... will come to light.. we cannot hide our true character.
How do we change our hearts? We don't - He does! That's what the good news is all about! He will fill our hearts with good when we repent and allow Him to take the logs out of our eyes! When we are made new creatures through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Father in heaven, You have shown us mercy and forgiven our sin. Thank You. We choose to show mercy and forgiveness to others. You have given us this powerful teaching and we choose now to not only hear it.. but to act on it... to do what Jesus says.. to love, to give, to forgive, and to show compassion. We choose to not condemn or judge others, to deal with our own sins and not be hypocritical by focusing on the sins of others. I confess to You, Lord, that I have not been merciful to all as You have called me to be, nor have I acted on Your word as You have called me to... forgive me, Lord. Help me to be Your faithful.. and good servant I pray, in Your Name, the Name of Jesus, my Lord, amen.
The message that Jesus teaches here is so profound... and so impossible to do on our own. To love our enemies, to return good for evil, to give and give and give...
And, He is has more for us to ponder:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
If you don't judge others, you won't be judged.
If you don't condemn others, you won't be condemned.
If you do pardon others, you will be pardoned.
"Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. "
In other words, we reap what we sow. If we sow mercy and forgiveness, if we love and give gracious ly.. our Father will treat us in the same way. But, if we are judgmental and condemning... then we will get that back. We need to be aware of what is coming out of our hearts.. and our mouths ( v45)
"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."
We won't find our way, Jesus says, by blindly following a blind guide!
We need to be fully trained by a teacher who will teach us the right way. Jesus is the Way and we need to carefully follow Him. By doing what He says, we will build an unshakable foundation for our lives...
Here is the test of what is in our hearts --- good fruit will come from a good tree and a good heart.
Bad fruit will not come from a good heart.
Good fruit will not come from a bad heart.
What is inside of us... will come to light.. we cannot hide our true character.
How do we change our hearts? We don't - He does! That's what the good news is all about! He will fill our hearts with good when we repent and allow Him to take the logs out of our eyes! When we are made new creatures through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Father in heaven, You have shown us mercy and forgiven our sin. Thank You. We choose to show mercy and forgiveness to others. You have given us this powerful teaching and we choose now to not only hear it.. but to act on it... to do what Jesus says.. to love, to give, to forgive, and to show compassion. We choose to not condemn or judge others, to deal with our own sins and not be hypocritical by focusing on the sins of others. I confess to You, Lord, that I have not been merciful to all as You have called me to be, nor have I acted on Your word as You have called me to... forgive me, Lord. Help me to be Your faithful.. and good servant I pray, in Your Name, the Name of Jesus, my Lord, amen.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Luke 6 Jesus declared to us in Luke 5 that He came to do a New work. He wasn't putting a patch on the old system, He wasn't filling the old wineskin with new wine... He came to make all things new.
In verses 1-11 Jesus reveals a new identity - " The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath". As the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus taught that it was indeed lawful to "do good", to "save a life"... and He demonstrated it by healing the man with a withered hand.
In verses 12-19 Jesus reveals a new leadership team - 12 apostles, delegates, ambassadors, that He commissioned to preach the gospel. Jesus included Judas in this group, fully knowing that he would be the betrayer.
In verses 20-49 Jesus preaches a new message... perhaps written here as a consolidation of all His teaching as He went from synagogue to synagogue... Luke takes much of this from Matthew's account, but condenses some of it and expands on some of it. It is packed full of truths that we need to meditate on and live by:
1. The poor are blessed for they will inherit God's kingdom, (v20) but the rich have already received all the they are going to get. (v24)
2. Those who are hungry now will be satisfied (v21); but those who are well-fed now will go hungry later ( v25)
3. Those who weep now will find joy ( v21); but those who are laughing now will weep later ( v25)
4. Those who are hated and insulted now will leap for joy at their great reward in heaven ( v22-23); but those who are treated well will be cursed one day ( v26)
Jesus wants us to:
Love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.(v27)
Bless those who curse us and pray for those who abuse us (v28)
Turn our cheek to those who hit us, give our shirts to those who take our coats.
Give to everyone who asks or takes from you.
And to treat others as we would like to be treated.
He wants us to love when it isn't easy.
He wants us to do good to those who aren't good.
He wants us to lend to those who we know won't return it.
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men." (v35)
Jesus wants to make us new creations, new people who live in a whole new way - His way.
Father in heaven, You are Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider, and we praise You for the new life that You have given us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Complete this work in us, Lord God... for we cannot on our own. . Change our hearts O God, that what comes forth will be good and pleasing in Your eyes.
We seek to build our lives on the foundation of the Word, that we may stand fast in Christ all the days of our lives. It is in the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
In verses 1-11 Jesus reveals a new identity - " The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath". As the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus taught that it was indeed lawful to "do good", to "save a life"... and He demonstrated it by healing the man with a withered hand.
In verses 12-19 Jesus reveals a new leadership team - 12 apostles, delegates, ambassadors, that He commissioned to preach the gospel. Jesus included Judas in this group, fully knowing that he would be the betrayer.
In verses 20-49 Jesus preaches a new message... perhaps written here as a consolidation of all His teaching as He went from synagogue to synagogue... Luke takes much of this from Matthew's account, but condenses some of it and expands on some of it. It is packed full of truths that we need to meditate on and live by:
1. The poor are blessed for they will inherit God's kingdom, (v20) but the rich have already received all the they are going to get. (v24)
2. Those who are hungry now will be satisfied (v21); but those who are well-fed now will go hungry later ( v25)
3. Those who weep now will find joy ( v21); but those who are laughing now will weep later ( v25)
4. Those who are hated and insulted now will leap for joy at their great reward in heaven ( v22-23); but those who are treated well will be cursed one day ( v26)
Jesus wants us to:
Love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.(v27)
Bless those who curse us and pray for those who abuse us (v28)
Turn our cheek to those who hit us, give our shirts to those who take our coats.
Give to everyone who asks or takes from you.
And to treat others as we would like to be treated.
He wants us to love when it isn't easy.
He wants us to do good to those who aren't good.
He wants us to lend to those who we know won't return it.
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men." (v35)
Jesus wants to make us new creations, new people who live in a whole new way - His way.
Father in heaven, You are Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider, and we praise You for the new life that You have given us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Complete this work in us, Lord God... for we cannot on our own. . Change our hearts O God, that what comes forth will be good and pleasing in Your eyes.
We seek to build our lives on the foundation of the Word, that we may stand fast in Christ all the days of our lives. It is in the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Luke 5 Three years ago (Oct. 7.2014) I wrote this in the margin of my Bible: Jesus reveals His power/authority/willingness/purpose/ and mission. Looking back at the entry in this blog, I wrote about :
How Jesus revealed His power and authority to His disciples as He told them to put down their nets and they drew in so many fish that it threatened to sink two boats - and how this brought 4 disciples to faith, so that they "left everything and followed Him." ( v11)
How Jesus revealed His willingness to meet the need of the leper, even touching him who was untouchable. And, how then faith was stirred in multitudes of needy people who came to hear Him and to be healed.
How then, Jesus revealed His purpose, by forgiving the sins of the paralyzed man, whose friends came in faith, tearing open the roof above His head to bring this man to Jesus. And how, Jesus graciously revealed that healing a body was nothing in comparison to healing a soul.
And finally, how Jesus revealed His mission, coming to call sinners to repentance, not the "righteous" who didn't feel they needed it. How the work He came to do was a new work, not a patch on a worn out one.
"No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment;" Jesus tells the Pharisees.
I just had a flash back to the early 70's, when I was in college. The fad then was to wear patched up jeans. I had at least one worn out pair that must have had a dozen or more patches made of various materials.. cut out of rejected items from the basement of the dorm. I wouldn't have taken a new dress or garment and used it to make a patch! That would be ridiculous. That's what Jesus is saying!
He didn't come to patch up the Jewish people, nation, religion, or Law., or the world... He came to bring a brand new life to people.. and He has the authority, the power, the willingness, and the purpose to do it! It was and is His mission..
He did not come to fill our old "wineskins" with new wine.... our old selves will not do, we can't remain unchanged and be filled with Him. He came to make us brand new, inside and out. O, may we not foolishly cling to the old, saying "The old is good enough".
Jesus, You are Lord. You came for us! You came for each of us and have revealed Yourself to us. All power and authority is Yours in Heaven and on the earth. You see our desperate need, as we are all like the leper.. unclean, untouchable, unacceptable.. and You reach out and touch us and tell us You are willing to make us clean! You forgive our sins and make us whole. You came to call us sinners to repentance and to make us brand new! How we praise You, Lord! Thanks and praise to the Father, Almighty and Holy One, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit! Amen.
How Jesus revealed His power and authority to His disciples as He told them to put down their nets and they drew in so many fish that it threatened to sink two boats - and how this brought 4 disciples to faith, so that they "left everything and followed Him." ( v11)
How Jesus revealed His willingness to meet the need of the leper, even touching him who was untouchable. And, how then faith was stirred in multitudes of needy people who came to hear Him and to be healed.
How then, Jesus revealed His purpose, by forgiving the sins of the paralyzed man, whose friends came in faith, tearing open the roof above His head to bring this man to Jesus. And how, Jesus graciously revealed that healing a body was nothing in comparison to healing a soul.
And finally, how Jesus revealed His mission, coming to call sinners to repentance, not the "righteous" who didn't feel they needed it. How the work He came to do was a new work, not a patch on a worn out one.
"No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment;" Jesus tells the Pharisees.
I just had a flash back to the early 70's, when I was in college. The fad then was to wear patched up jeans. I had at least one worn out pair that must have had a dozen or more patches made of various materials.. cut out of rejected items from the basement of the dorm. I wouldn't have taken a new dress or garment and used it to make a patch! That would be ridiculous. That's what Jesus is saying!
He didn't come to patch up the Jewish people, nation, religion, or Law., or the world... He came to bring a brand new life to people.. and He has the authority, the power, the willingness, and the purpose to do it! It was and is His mission..
He did not come to fill our old "wineskins" with new wine.... our old selves will not do, we can't remain unchanged and be filled with Him. He came to make us brand new, inside and out. O, may we not foolishly cling to the old, saying "The old is good enough".
Jesus, You are Lord. You came for us! You came for each of us and have revealed Yourself to us. All power and authority is Yours in Heaven and on the earth. You see our desperate need, as we are all like the leper.. unclean, untouchable, unacceptable.. and You reach out and touch us and tell us You are willing to make us clean! You forgive our sins and make us whole. You came to call us sinners to repentance and to make us brand new! How we praise You, Lord! Thanks and praise to the Father, Almighty and Holy One, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit! Amen.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Luke 4 ( part 3)
After the time in the wilderness and the time in Nazareth, Jesus traveled to Capernaum. This would become His new home and base of operations, in seems. Jesus started where He always did, in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Here, when He taught, the people were "amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority". (v32)
"What is this message?" the people asked each other. Jesus rebuked the "unclean demon" that was in a man in the synagogue . The demons knew who Jesus was, but Jesus would not let them speak, here or in verse 41, when He delivered many more. The people saw the power and authority that Jesus had to command the demons to come out. They heard His message, spoken with authority. They were amazed.. and unlike the people in Nazareth, they were not offended.. but brought "all who had any sick with various diseases to Him ; "
They even searched for Him early in the morning, not wanting Him to leave their town. Quite a different reaction then those who knew Him in Nazareth.
Jesus told them, " I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose." In Mark's account of this event, he writes that Jesus said, " The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." ( Mark 1:15)
So, what exactly is the "gospel" that Jesus preached? We know that the word means "good news". Yet we usually associate the word with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, right? Yet, Jesus is speaking here... so what good news is He bringing?
Holman's Bible dictionary helps me to understand this a little better. In Hebrew the word [bisar] means to proclaim good news. It was used to "describe the report of victory in battle". There is a religious connotation added because of the fact that God was actively involved in Israel's military actions... "To proclaim the good news of Israel's success in battle was to proclaim God's triumph over God's enemies." The word [bisar] also was used in a personal context. " .. individuals ought also to proclaim good news when God delivered then from personal distress." In both military and individual experiences of God's deliverance- an announcement of what God had done - is Good News!
By the time of the prophet Isaiah the word gospel was used "to describe the anticipated deliverance and salvation which would come from the hand of God when the long-awaited Messiah appeared to deliver Israel." He would be "a Deliverer who would both triumph over the earthly enemies of God's people and usher in a new age of salvation." When Jesus preaches the good news of God's reign - His Kingdom - He is saying that "God has intervened on their behalf through [Him]"
People could not overcome the power of sin, nor the power of the evil one, the enemy, on their own. But God chose to "initiate and complete" the work of reconciliation Himself.. Good News!
" God's grace, which Jesus bears within Himself.. overcomes sin's power and offers forgiveness for individual sins... While God offers grace freely to everyone, this grace is not effective in overcoming the power of sin in a person's life until that person accepts it. Because Jesus bears God's grace in Himself, grace is accepted only by receiving Him. The marks of having accepted Jesus are repentance and a changed life. The fact that forgiveness, freedom from sin, and a new life are possible is good news."
So, when Jesus preached, He proclaim the good news that God has come to reign.. His Kingdom was near, His Kingdom was here! The Deliverer, Jesus, had come to triumph over the enemy, over the power of the evil one, over the power of the demons.. and over the power of sin. As the people heard this message they also witnessed the demons coming out of people at the command of Jesus. It was proof in front of their eyes. What a message! What power and authority! What Good News!
Father in Heaven, Holy, holy, holy are You! Praise to our God who initiated deliverance for us through Jesus Christ the Son of God! We were blind, but now we see. We were prisoners of sin and evil, but now we are set free through Jesus! Thank You for this good news. Thank You for the victory that Jesus won over the enemy of our souls. Lord, You are God alone and we desire to live for You and to share this good news with those who have not yet heard... there is forgiveness, there is freedom from sin, and there is new life in Christ Jesus! Amen and amen!
After the time in the wilderness and the time in Nazareth, Jesus traveled to Capernaum. This would become His new home and base of operations, in seems. Jesus started where He always did, in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Here, when He taught, the people were "amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority". (v32)
"What is this message?" the people asked each other. Jesus rebuked the "unclean demon" that was in a man in the synagogue . The demons knew who Jesus was, but Jesus would not let them speak, here or in verse 41, when He delivered many more. The people saw the power and authority that Jesus had to command the demons to come out. They heard His message, spoken with authority. They were amazed.. and unlike the people in Nazareth, they were not offended.. but brought "all who had any sick with various diseases to Him ; "
They even searched for Him early in the morning, not wanting Him to leave their town. Quite a different reaction then those who knew Him in Nazareth.
Jesus told them, " I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose." In Mark's account of this event, he writes that Jesus said, " The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." ( Mark 1:15)
So, what exactly is the "gospel" that Jesus preached? We know that the word means "good news". Yet we usually associate the word with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, right? Yet, Jesus is speaking here... so what good news is He bringing?
Holman's Bible dictionary helps me to understand this a little better. In Hebrew the word [bisar] means to proclaim good news. It was used to "describe the report of victory in battle". There is a religious connotation added because of the fact that God was actively involved in Israel's military actions... "To proclaim the good news of Israel's success in battle was to proclaim God's triumph over God's enemies." The word [bisar] also was used in a personal context. " .. individuals ought also to proclaim good news when God delivered then from personal distress." In both military and individual experiences of God's deliverance- an announcement of what God had done - is Good News!
By the time of the prophet Isaiah the word gospel was used "to describe the anticipated deliverance and salvation which would come from the hand of God when the long-awaited Messiah appeared to deliver Israel." He would be "a Deliverer who would both triumph over the earthly enemies of God's people and usher in a new age of salvation." When Jesus preaches the good news of God's reign - His Kingdom - He is saying that "God has intervened on their behalf through [Him]"
People could not overcome the power of sin, nor the power of the evil one, the enemy, on their own. But God chose to "initiate and complete" the work of reconciliation Himself.. Good News!
" God's grace, which Jesus bears within Himself.. overcomes sin's power and offers forgiveness for individual sins... While God offers grace freely to everyone, this grace is not effective in overcoming the power of sin in a person's life until that person accepts it. Because Jesus bears God's grace in Himself, grace is accepted only by receiving Him. The marks of having accepted Jesus are repentance and a changed life. The fact that forgiveness, freedom from sin, and a new life are possible is good news."
So, when Jesus preached, He proclaim the good news that God has come to reign.. His Kingdom was near, His Kingdom was here! The Deliverer, Jesus, had come to triumph over the enemy, over the power of the evil one, over the power of the demons.. and over the power of sin. As the people heard this message they also witnessed the demons coming out of people at the command of Jesus. It was proof in front of their eyes. What a message! What power and authority! What Good News!
Father in Heaven, Holy, holy, holy are You! Praise to our God who initiated deliverance for us through Jesus Christ the Son of God! We were blind, but now we see. We were prisoners of sin and evil, but now we are set free through Jesus! Thank You for this good news. Thank You for the victory that Jesus won over the enemy of our souls. Lord, You are God alone and we desire to live for You and to share this good news with those who have not yet heard... there is forgiveness, there is freedom from sin, and there is new life in Christ Jesus! Amen and amen!
Friday, November 10, 2017
Luke 4 [continued]
Jesus went to the wilderness "by the Spirit" , then He returned to Galilee "in the power of the Spirit".
He traveled to His home town of Nazareth and went to the synagogue there. We are told that it was His custom to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. He stood up to read and was handed the scroll with the book of Isaiah. He found the place that He wanted to read - Chapter 61, verses 1-2. Picture this... unrolling the scroll to almost the end.. to read this:
Jesus went to the wilderness "by the Spirit" , then He returned to Galilee "in the power of the Spirit".
He traveled to His home town of Nazareth and went to the synagogue there. We are told that it was His custom to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. He stood up to read and was handed the scroll with the book of Isaiah. He found the place that He wanted to read - Chapter 61, verses 1-2. Picture this... unrolling the scroll to almost the end.. to read this:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel
to the poor,
He has sent Me to proclaim
Release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are downtrodden,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord."
Jesus then closed the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. Luke writes, " .. and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him." There must have been a holy silence in that place, I think. Matthew 13:54 tells us that "they became astonished" at His teaching.
Jesus' next words are explosive, " Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Some say "Praise the Lord!" But, this crowd is divided. Some begin to murmur , " Is this not Jospeh's son?" They knew His mother and brothers and sisters.. and they were offended.. outraged.. and ready to throw Him off a cliff...
The word offended in the Greek is skandalizo- where we get our word -scandalize; it means to trip up, stumble, occasion to fall or sin; a stumbling block; The people in Nazareth could not believe that the man they had known all His life could be anything more than themselves. It was a stumbling block to their faith. Jesus understood their problem. " Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his home town." Matthew tells us that Jesus would "not do many miracles there because of their unbelief."
Here is what I hear the Shepherd speaking to me today:
Jesus made it His custom to be in the synagogue [church] on the Sabbath. So must we.
Jesus knew the Scriptures thoroughly. So must we.
Jesus understood those who would stumble or be offended by Him. So must we.
We are His followers and we, like Him, must choose to be faithful to the Word and to love in spite of those who will be outraged at our beliefs.
Father in heaven, You sent Your Son to "preach the gospel", to tell us the good news, to "proclaim release.. recovery of sight.. to set free those who are downtrodden..". He came to seek and save the lost.. to redeem the sinner and to bring us back to You. Oh, how we praise You and thank You for this amazing gospel! We are poor.. but You have given us the riches of glory! We were captive, but You have set us free! We were blind, but You have opened our eyes to see You. Thank You Father.
May we be faithful to follow our Savior in every way, every day. Fill us Spirit Divine! For we pray in the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Luke 4
Jesus goes 3 places:
The wilderness - for 40 days, being tempted by satan.
Nazareth - teaching in the synagogues, announcing the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
Capernaum, teaching and healing and casting out demons.
Verses 1-13 present an important event as Jesus faces Satan. I have heard this before and again this past weekend, how this is compared to the temptation of Adam and Eve in the garden.
1. The temptation to make bread out of stones - Eve "saw that the tree was good for food"
2. The temptation to gain the kingdoms of the world by worshipping satan - Eve delighted in the beauty of the fruit and she wanted it.
3. The temptation to test God by jumping off the temple and making the angels catch Him - Eve desired to gain wisdom to be like God.
John calls these, " .. the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life."
( I John 2:15) These are "all that is in the world". These are signs of loving the world and not the Father. These are "from the world" which is "passing away" .
" But the one who does the will of God abides forever".
Lust - [epithumia] - a longing for what is forbidden; to set the heart upon, to covet; desire; long for;
Flesh- body; carnal; external; physical;
The lust of the flesh is the uncensored, natural ( unsaved) man's desires for whatever his body craves.
The forbidden fruit was what Eve craved.
Jesus was hungry, but He craved only what the Father would provide. He did not crave bread to feed His flesh, but the Word of God, which came from His Father.
Paul wrote, " But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." ( Romans 13:14) In this context , Paul is speaking of the lusts of "carousing and drunkenness...sexual promiscuity and sensuality... strife and jealousy." ( v13)
The lust of the eyes - Proverbs 27:20 says "Sheol and Abandon are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied." Ecclesiastes 4:8 "... Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches..." and Ecclesiastes 1:8 " All things are wearisome; man is not able to tell it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing.."
Eve was not satisfied with all the other fruit from all the other trees in the garden - she wanted the beautiful fruit from the forbidden tree.
Jesus may have desired all the kingdoms of this world, for they belong to Him rightfully.. but He would not ever worship satan to gain them.. Jesus would worship only the Lord and serve Him only. He was satisfied with the will of His Father and desired nothing else.
The pride of life - boasting -self-confidence, as opposed to confidence in God; James 4:15-16 "Instead, you ought to say,' If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.' But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil."
Eve ate the fruit so that she could have "wisdom". She desired to be independent of God instead of under submission to His will and authority.
Jesus willingly submitted to the Father's will and would not test Him, would not try to prove Him in any way.
Luke 4:13 " And when the devil had finished every temptation, he departed..."
These 3 categories are important for us to go back to and prayerfully ask the Lord to search us... "Search me, O God and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." ( Psalm 139:23-24)
Father in heaven, Your will be done...
I put on Jesus Christ and make no provision for my flesh and its lusts. May my every desire be for You, to seek You first and Your kingdom and Your righteousness.. as You provide all that I need according to Your will and plan for me. May I be ever satisfied with and thankful for Your provision for me. May I learn to be like Paul who "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" he was in, relying fully on You who gives strength to me as needed, by Your unending grace. Father, I humble myself before You, submitting to Your will. I will trust You will all my heart.. putting my confidence in You and not in myself. I will acknowledge You in all my ways, knowing that You are with me every step of the way and that You will make my path straight and right. I will not be wise in my own eyes, but fear You and turn away from evil. ( Proverbs 3:5-7) Jesus, I ask these things in Your Name as You have instructed me. Thank You. Amen.
Jesus goes 3 places:
The wilderness - for 40 days, being tempted by satan.
Nazareth - teaching in the synagogues, announcing the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
Capernaum, teaching and healing and casting out demons.
Verses 1-13 present an important event as Jesus faces Satan. I have heard this before and again this past weekend, how this is compared to the temptation of Adam and Eve in the garden.
1. The temptation to make bread out of stones - Eve "saw that the tree was good for food"
2. The temptation to gain the kingdoms of the world by worshipping satan - Eve delighted in the beauty of the fruit and she wanted it.
3. The temptation to test God by jumping off the temple and making the angels catch Him - Eve desired to gain wisdom to be like God.
John calls these, " .. the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life."
( I John 2:15) These are "all that is in the world". These are signs of loving the world and not the Father. These are "from the world" which is "passing away" .
" But the one who does the will of God abides forever".
Lust - [epithumia] - a longing for what is forbidden; to set the heart upon, to covet; desire; long for;
Flesh- body; carnal; external; physical;
The lust of the flesh is the uncensored, natural ( unsaved) man's desires for whatever his body craves.
The forbidden fruit was what Eve craved.
Jesus was hungry, but He craved only what the Father would provide. He did not crave bread to feed His flesh, but the Word of God, which came from His Father.
Paul wrote, " But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." ( Romans 13:14) In this context , Paul is speaking of the lusts of "carousing and drunkenness...sexual promiscuity and sensuality... strife and jealousy." ( v13)
The lust of the eyes - Proverbs 27:20 says "Sheol and Abandon are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied." Ecclesiastes 4:8 "... Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches..." and Ecclesiastes 1:8 " All things are wearisome; man is not able to tell it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing.."
Eve was not satisfied with all the other fruit from all the other trees in the garden - she wanted the beautiful fruit from the forbidden tree.
Jesus may have desired all the kingdoms of this world, for they belong to Him rightfully.. but He would not ever worship satan to gain them.. Jesus would worship only the Lord and serve Him only. He was satisfied with the will of His Father and desired nothing else.
The pride of life - boasting -self-confidence, as opposed to confidence in God; James 4:15-16 "Instead, you ought to say,' If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.' But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil."
Eve ate the fruit so that she could have "wisdom". She desired to be independent of God instead of under submission to His will and authority.
Jesus willingly submitted to the Father's will and would not test Him, would not try to prove Him in any way.
Luke 4:13 " And when the devil had finished every temptation, he departed..."
These 3 categories are important for us to go back to and prayerfully ask the Lord to search us... "Search me, O God and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." ( Psalm 139:23-24)
Father in heaven, Your will be done...
I put on Jesus Christ and make no provision for my flesh and its lusts. May my every desire be for You, to seek You first and Your kingdom and Your righteousness.. as You provide all that I need according to Your will and plan for me. May I be ever satisfied with and thankful for Your provision for me. May I learn to be like Paul who "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" he was in, relying fully on You who gives strength to me as needed, by Your unending grace. Father, I humble myself before You, submitting to Your will. I will trust You will all my heart.. putting my confidence in You and not in myself. I will acknowledge You in all my ways, knowing that You are with me every step of the way and that You will make my path straight and right. I will not be wise in my own eyes, but fear You and turn away from evil. ( Proverbs 3:5-7) Jesus, I ask these things in Your Name as You have instructed me. Thank You. Amen.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Luke 3
John, who has been living in the wilderness, or desert, receives "the word of God". He has been in waiting.. he has grown up. He "continued to grow and to become strong in spirit" (1:80) Now, the time has come for him to make "His paths straight".
John's message is forthright and focused. It is not sugar-coated. He preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;" ( 3:3)
Baptism - to make overwhelmed; the root word in Greek is bapto- to cover wholly.. to stain, as with dye;
Covered, overwhelmed, stained.. by repentance- metanoia - compunction - the pricking of the conscience ; the sting of guilt bringing remorse and regret, which leads to a change of thinking, a reversal, a reconsideration, a reformation.
For the forgiveness of sin. For the deliverance, the pardon, the remission, the liberty - the sending away of sin. The cancellation or release of the debt, the penalty - of sin.
The people came to John to be baptized in the Jordan. Yet, John called them vipers. Poisonous snakes that hide themselves in their surroundings, camouflaged by their outward appearance. John preaches that true repentance will "bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance". It will bear "good fruit" or it will be destroyed.
" Then what shall we do?"
The multitudes asked - and John said to "share with him who has none" - share food, clothing, etc. with those in need. BE LOVING
The tax-gatherers asked - and John said, " Collect no more than you have been ordered". BE JUST
The soldiers asked - and John said, " Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages." BE RIGHTEOUS
True repentance changes us - completely! Genuine remorse and regret is the beginning . The reversal of our way of thinking then makes a change in our outward behavior. It is not the outward behavior that changes us or brings the forgiveness from our sin - that's viper behavior - poisonous and deadly. It is the genuine change in our hearts as we are overwhelmed, and completely, wholly covered - baptized by repentance - that is needed.
This was the message that John preached in preparation for the coming of the Lamb of God.
Jesus came to John and was baptized in the Jordan. He was not overwhelmed with repentance, for He had no sin. He was overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit who "descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove." The Father's voice was heard from Heaven, " Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased."
Luke finishes out this chapter with the genealogy of Joseph. One thing that stuck out to me today, that I hadn't really paid attention to before was in verse 31, ".. the son of Nathan, the son of David."
Nathan was the brother of Solomon. His mother was Bathsheba. Matthew's account includes Solomon in the genealogy. Interesting... need to look at this closer. ( Another time)
Father in Heaven, Your Word is Truth. We are to walk in the Light of this Truth. We need genuine repentance for the forgiveness of our sins. We must come to Jesus and be baptized by Your Holy Spirit.. by the fire that He alone covers us with. The Refiner's fire that removes the chaff, burns out the impurities, and purifies us completely. Purify us now.. continue that great work of sanctification for us who have believed and been saved. Father, in Your great mercy, will You also bring the baptism of repentance upon those loved ones who are still living as vipers? May they have compunction.. prick their consciences, bring the sting of guilt that leads to remorse and a change of heart. May they come to Jesus and find forgiveness of sin in Him, the Beloved Son of God. For I ask it in His powerful Name. Amen.
John, who has been living in the wilderness, or desert, receives "the word of God". He has been in waiting.. he has grown up. He "continued to grow and to become strong in spirit" (1:80) Now, the time has come for him to make "His paths straight".
John's message is forthright and focused. It is not sugar-coated. He preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;" ( 3:3)
Baptism - to make overwhelmed; the root word in Greek is bapto- to cover wholly.. to stain, as with dye;
Covered, overwhelmed, stained.. by repentance- metanoia - compunction - the pricking of the conscience ; the sting of guilt bringing remorse and regret, which leads to a change of thinking, a reversal, a reconsideration, a reformation.
For the forgiveness of sin. For the deliverance, the pardon, the remission, the liberty - the sending away of sin. The cancellation or release of the debt, the penalty - of sin.
The people came to John to be baptized in the Jordan. Yet, John called them vipers. Poisonous snakes that hide themselves in their surroundings, camouflaged by their outward appearance. John preaches that true repentance will "bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance". It will bear "good fruit" or it will be destroyed.
" Then what shall we do?"
The multitudes asked - and John said to "share with him who has none" - share food, clothing, etc. with those in need. BE LOVING
The tax-gatherers asked - and John said, " Collect no more than you have been ordered". BE JUST
The soldiers asked - and John said, " Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages." BE RIGHTEOUS
True repentance changes us - completely! Genuine remorse and regret is the beginning . The reversal of our way of thinking then makes a change in our outward behavior. It is not the outward behavior that changes us or brings the forgiveness from our sin - that's viper behavior - poisonous and deadly. It is the genuine change in our hearts as we are overwhelmed, and completely, wholly covered - baptized by repentance - that is needed.
This was the message that John preached in preparation for the coming of the Lamb of God.
Jesus came to John and was baptized in the Jordan. He was not overwhelmed with repentance, for He had no sin. He was overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit who "descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove." The Father's voice was heard from Heaven, " Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased."
Luke finishes out this chapter with the genealogy of Joseph. One thing that stuck out to me today, that I hadn't really paid attention to before was in verse 31, ".. the son of Nathan, the son of David."
Nathan was the brother of Solomon. His mother was Bathsheba. Matthew's account includes Solomon in the genealogy. Interesting... need to look at this closer. ( Another time)
Father in Heaven, Your Word is Truth. We are to walk in the Light of this Truth. We need genuine repentance for the forgiveness of our sins. We must come to Jesus and be baptized by Your Holy Spirit.. by the fire that He alone covers us with. The Refiner's fire that removes the chaff, burns out the impurities, and purifies us completely. Purify us now.. continue that great work of sanctification for us who have believed and been saved. Father, in Your great mercy, will You also bring the baptism of repentance upon those loved ones who are still living as vipers? May they have compunction.. prick their consciences, bring the sting of guilt that leads to remorse and a change of heart. May they come to Jesus and find forgiveness of sin in Him, the Beloved Son of God. For I ask it in His powerful Name. Amen.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Luke 2 Here Luke gives an account of the birth of Jesus. Then he skips to the trip to Jerusalem for Jesus to be presented to the Lord in the temple and then he skips again to the time when Jesus is 12 and stays behind in the temple. It makes me curious then, why Luke, who has stated his intention to give a careful account "in consecutive order" of all the events.. chooses to skip the visit by the wise men and the time in Egypt.
However, the things that he does include are given to us in great detail.
The trip to Bethlehem.
The revelation to the shepherds.
The testimony of Simeon.
The witness of Anna.
The return to Nazareth.
The visit to Jerusalem at the age of 12.
We are told twice in this chapter that Mary "treasured all these things in her heart."
She pondered the testimony of the shepherds who told her that the angels appeared to them with this message, " .. I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
She pondered the testimony of Simeon who said " .. for my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Thy people Israel." And she pondered Simeon's private words to her, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed- and a sword will pierce even your own soul - to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
Mary pondered the words of Anna, as this godly woman began to give "thanks to God and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."
Mary also pondered the words of her Son, who spent 3 days in the temple talking and listening to the teachers, amazing them with His " understanding and His answers," He said to her, " Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?"
Wouldn't we love to know more about the life of Jesus during those years as He "kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men," ?
Mary did come to know for herself the sword that pierced her soul as she watched Jesus hang on a cross.. as she came to know the great joy of salvation when He rose from the dead and fulfilled all His Father's will for the redemption of Israel and for the whole world.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary, Did you Know?" Did she know that night when she gave birth to a Son, that He would do the things that He did? No... but she did know that the world would be forever changed by this Child, who was and is the Savior of the world, the King of all nations, the Son of God. What a journey she went on through her life!
Father in Heaven, how great is Your Name in all the earth! Thank You for the Savior, Jesus Christ, Who came in perfect humility and obedience, to do Your complete will.. for ALL people.. and for me, personally. He is my Lord and King and I submit to His rule and reign in my life today and every day. Your will be done and Your Kingdom come! Lord, let us go deeper into Your love and into the steadfastness of Jesus Christ as we journey through this day. I ask this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.
However, the things that he does include are given to us in great detail.
The trip to Bethlehem.
The revelation to the shepherds.
The testimony of Simeon.
The witness of Anna.
The return to Nazareth.
The visit to Jerusalem at the age of 12.
We are told twice in this chapter that Mary "treasured all these things in her heart."
She pondered the testimony of the shepherds who told her that the angels appeared to them with this message, " .. I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
She pondered the testimony of Simeon who said " .. for my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Thy people Israel." And she pondered Simeon's private words to her, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed- and a sword will pierce even your own soul - to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
Mary pondered the words of Anna, as this godly woman began to give "thanks to God and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."
Mary also pondered the words of her Son, who spent 3 days in the temple talking and listening to the teachers, amazing them with His " understanding and His answers," He said to her, " Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?"
Wouldn't we love to know more about the life of Jesus during those years as He "kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men," ?
Mary did come to know for herself the sword that pierced her soul as she watched Jesus hang on a cross.. as she came to know the great joy of salvation when He rose from the dead and fulfilled all His Father's will for the redemption of Israel and for the whole world.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary, Did you Know?" Did she know that night when she gave birth to a Son, that He would do the things that He did? No... but she did know that the world would be forever changed by this Child, who was and is the Savior of the world, the King of all nations, the Son of God. What a journey she went on through her life!
Father in Heaven, how great is Your Name in all the earth! Thank You for the Savior, Jesus Christ, Who came in perfect humility and obedience, to do Your complete will.. for ALL people.. and for me, personally. He is my Lord and King and I submit to His rule and reign in my life today and every day. Your will be done and Your Kingdom come! Lord, let us go deeper into Your love and into the steadfastness of Jesus Christ as we journey through this day. I ask this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Luke 1 ( continued) As Luke begins his chronological account, he tells about the birth of John the baptist and the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. Gabriel, " who stands in the presence of God", was sent to speak to Zacharias in the temple and to Mary in the town of Nazareth.
This well known event starts out with Gabriel "coming in" and greeting Mary with these words, "Hail, favored one! the Lord is with you." Mary has "found favor with God", Gabriel tells her.
Favor - "charis" - grace. It is a title of honor. It speaks of graciousness, being acceptable, being spiritually or divinely influenced. Mary was a remarkable young woman.
Think how she must have felt as she heard God's plan for her!
She would conceive a son..
She would name Him Jesus.
She would be carrying the Son of the Most High; the King of Israel; the "holy offspring"
She would be made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Who would "come upon" her.
This had to be mind-blowing and beyond comprehension !
Yet, this young woman, engaged to Joseph and preparing for a wedding.. agrees to give her whole self to the Lord, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word."
Could I do that? Would you? It is what our Lord calls us to do! " I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." ( Romans 12:1) Mary was a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice and she was highly favored to be called to bear the Son of God. We, also, are His bondslaves.
May it be done in us also, according to His Word.
Mary goes to visit Elizabeth and the two are filled by the Holy Spirit, as is John, still in his mother's womb . Mary rejoices with a beautiful song of exaltation to the Lord. God is at work, not only in her life, but in Israel and in all the world. His mercy has come. His mighty arm is moving. The world would never be the same again.. for Jesus, the Son of God was coming!
Father in heaven, we raise our voices to sing with Mary, "For the Mighty One has done great things for me." You have shown us mercy. You have scattered the enemy. You have brought down the rulers from their thrones. You have exalted the humble. You have fed the hungry and helped the needy.
Thank You for the salvation purchased through the Life and Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. May we, like Mary, be willing servants.. giving our whole selves to You. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may continue to follow Jesus every day. For it is in His name we pray. Amen
This well known event starts out with Gabriel "coming in" and greeting Mary with these words, "Hail, favored one! the Lord is with you." Mary has "found favor with God", Gabriel tells her.
Favor - "charis" - grace. It is a title of honor. It speaks of graciousness, being acceptable, being spiritually or divinely influenced. Mary was a remarkable young woman.
Think how she must have felt as she heard God's plan for her!
She would conceive a son..
She would name Him Jesus.
She would be carrying the Son of the Most High; the King of Israel; the "holy offspring"
She would be made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Who would "come upon" her.
This had to be mind-blowing and beyond comprehension !
Yet, this young woman, engaged to Joseph and preparing for a wedding.. agrees to give her whole self to the Lord, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word."
Could I do that? Would you? It is what our Lord calls us to do! " I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." ( Romans 12:1) Mary was a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice and she was highly favored to be called to bear the Son of God. We, also, are His bondslaves.
May it be done in us also, according to His Word.
Mary goes to visit Elizabeth and the two are filled by the Holy Spirit, as is John, still in his mother's womb . Mary rejoices with a beautiful song of exaltation to the Lord. God is at work, not only in her life, but in Israel and in all the world. His mercy has come. His mighty arm is moving. The world would never be the same again.. for Jesus, the Son of God was coming!
Father in heaven, we raise our voices to sing with Mary, "For the Mighty One has done great things for me." You have shown us mercy. You have scattered the enemy. You have brought down the rulers from their thrones. You have exalted the humble. You have fed the hungry and helped the needy.
Thank You for the salvation purchased through the Life and Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. May we, like Mary, be willing servants.. giving our whole selves to You. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may continue to follow Jesus every day. For it is in His name we pray. Amen
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