Matthew 7 This chapter continues the message that Jesus preached to the multitudes.
He began by telling them what God requires to enter His kingdom: recognizing our spiritual poverty, mourning for our sins, humbling ourselves before Him... being transformed so that our hunger and thirst is for Him.. His righteousness, becoming merciful and pure, becoming a peacemaker and enduring persecution.
He expounded upon what it means to truly keep the commandments of God - going beyond the letter of the law, but having a righteousness that is greater than that..
Then Jesus addressed the difference between false religious practices, done for the praise of man, and true prayer, worship, giving, and obedience to God.
In chapter 7, Jesus gives us some more directions/ commands on how to live as a citizen of God's Kingdom:
1. Don't be a hypocrite. Don't judge others with a stricter measure than you judge yourself. Look to your own heart, then you can help others.
2. Be discerning.
3. Pray with faith.
4. Keep walking the narrow road.
5. Be aware of the fruit... good or bad.
6. Don't rely on your own accomplishments... rely only on knowing Jesus.
7. Act on His words so that you can keep standing.
More on this later...
Friday, June 28, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Matthew 6:8-13 The Lord is teaching me, once again, about true prevailing prayer. Effective praying that accomplishes much is our calling and God's will for us. Taking all that He has brought to my heart through this passage, this is my "translation":
Our Father, who sits on the lofty and exalted throne of heaven,
surrounded by radiance and beauty,
worshiped by the angels and elders,
with lightning and thunder and majestic glory:
Uphold the holiness of Your name.
May we (humankind) understand Who You are.
May we acknowledge and honor You in truth and with
godly fear.
Let Your kingdom come in power,
with Your glory and majesty manifested in us,
so that Your will is done fully on earth
as it is in heaven.
We pray that the wonders and glory and majesty that
are constant and perfect in heaven-
would be done right here, right now,
in us and in our family and in our church
and in our world!
May the Kingdom of Your Beloved Son
overcome the dominion of darkness....
Father, we ask that You, who knows what we need today,
will provide by Your gracious Hand.
We completely depend on You.
Thank You!
Father, forgive us for any sins, wrongs, debts...
anything that blocks the way between us and You.
Your Word says that if we confess our sins that
You are faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.
Thank You.
Father, is there is anything blocking my way to my
friend or brother or anyone?
I forgive them now and ask that You forgive me for
holding anything against that person.
Help me to make it right.
Father, keep me from being carried away by the lusts/desires
of the flesh. Help me not to be deceived by the worldly
pressures and passions that are empty cisterns and lead to death,
for You alone offer the Living Water that leads to life.
Rescue me, Lord, from the evil one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
Make me victorious through Christ Jesus
who is greater and who lives in me.
Amen.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Matthew 6: 8-13 The Message translates this prayer like this:
"Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you
and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."
The Passion translation writes it this way:
" Our heavenly Father, may the glory of your name
be the center on which our life turns.
May the Holy Spirit come upon us and cleanse us.
Manifest you kingdom on earth.
And give us our needed bread for the coming day.
Forgive our sins as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us .
And rescue us every time we face tribulations."
Jesus told us that our Father knows what we need. He knows we need food to eat. He knows we need clothing to cover us and shelter for our families. He tells us not to worry about these things, for our Father KNOWS! Jesus tells us to simply seek Him. Seek His Kingdom and His righteousness.
He will supply our needs. But, we are instructed here, to ask. We are to ask for "daily" bread, for what we need today... every day. We need to recognize and acknowledge our absolute dependance on the One who provides everything. This is the desire of our Father.
Jesus also wants us to keep a daily accounting of righteousness - do we need forgiveness? Do we need to forgive another? Our Father does not want us to go a day, or an hour.. with sin blocking the way between us and Him. He doesn't want us to have wrongs or debts or any kinds of sinful actions to block the way between us and our friends or family members. He has given us the way to restore our relationship with Him, " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ( I John 1:9) Jesus warns us that our lack of forgiveness toward others will result in no forgiveness from the Father. We need to confess that sin, so that we can make things right and be cleansed.
Finally, Jesus tells us to pray to be rescued from temptation and delivered from evil. James wrote, "...each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death." ( James 1:14-15)
He tells us, "Do not be deceived, my brethren." We are deceived when we think that giving into our desires will bring us life.. it only leads to death. God alone provides all that is good. We can rely on Him and walk in His ways. He will rescue us from lustful temptations which lead to death- if we keep abiding in His Truth. Satan, the evil one, is out to steal, kill, and destroy. ( John 10:10) Jesus came to give life. Our daily prayer is that our Father will keep us "safe from ourselves and the Devil."
Father, revolutionize our prayer lives. Your word tell us that " The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Jesus has given us the perfect example of effective praying. Help us to pray this way, in His name. Amen.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Matthew 6:8-13 The Common English Bible translates this prayer like this:
"Our Father who is in heaven,
uphold the holiness of your name.
Bring in your kingdom
so that your will is done on earth as it's done in heaven.
Give us the bread we need for today.
Forgive us for the ways we have wronged You,
just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.
And don't lead us into temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one."
As I wrote last week, we are addressing the Holy One Who sits on the throne, high above the heavens, in absolute glory and exaltation. We are coming to the One Who created us and Who holds our every breath in His hands. Jesus tells us that the "Father knows what [we] need." We don't need to pray repetitious incantations... we do need to come to Him in humble worship and in faith and truth.
Jesus tells us to ask God to "uphold the holiness of [His] name. " What an important request! Our world is becoming more and more irreverent. The sinful and rebellious human race seems to no longer have any respect for God's Name, for they do not know Him. Darkness is trying to cover the earth. The behaviors that at one time were hidden and done only in the darkness are now being flaunted in the streets of our cities and all over the airways. You can no longer walk down a street or in a store without encountering pictures that were once considered lewd and disgraceful. There is no concept of "holiness".. for nothing is considered sacred anymore.. Romans 1:21 is being fulfilled before our eyes, " For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." We must pray earnestly that God will" uphold the holiness of His name, " for without this true understanding of Who He is, we will only see the world become more and more depraved.. "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind to do those things which are not proper... worthy of death." ( Romans 1:28-32)
Jesus tells us to pray that the kingdom will come and that the Father's will be done. The kingdom- the powerful, sovereign realm and reign of God. Psalm 145 is one of my favorites. The psalmist writes this about God's kingdom.. " They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power; to make known to the sons of men Thy mighty acts, and the glory of the majesty of Thy kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations." ( v11-13)
"The kingdom of heaven is at hand.." Jesus told the crowds. Later on He told the Pharisees.... "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you." ( Matt. 12:28)
In Mark 9:1 Jesus told His disciples, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power." Many times Jesus used parables to describe what the kingdom of God is like. He told His disciples that they were being allowed "to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God..", but others would not see or understand. Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world.
Can we say that when we pray for God's kingdom to come, we are praying for the power and glory of God to rule? We are praying for the perfect will of God to happen. We are praying for the wonders and glory and majesty that are constant and perfect in heaven.. would be done right here and right now - in our lives, in our families, in our churches.. in our world! We are praying for the Kingdom of the Beloved Son to overpower the dominion of darkness!
This is a powerful prayer when we really begin to pray what Jesus means us to pray! But, we cannot merely recite it.. we must understand and embrace it fully.
Father, Almighty and All wise God, we ask that You would help us to pray like this. Amen.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Matthew 6 Jesus continues teaching the truths of God's kingdom.. and what God's people need to do, or not do. This chapter focuses on religious practices. Jesus teaches us the difference between what God's will is and what people do to show off!
People who show off their "righteousness" may:
blow a trumpet while they give to the poor... advertise their philanthropy..
pray in public so that they gain attention... advertise their supposed connection to God..
put on an act of gloominess while fasting, so everyone can see... seek attention for their great sacrifices.
Jesus tells us to give in secret, pray in secret, and fast in secret. Do these things so that only the Father can see. If we do these things for Him, then He will be pleased.. and He will even reward us.
But, if we do it for people.. then the only reward is from them.. which is meaningless.
Jesus also adds in here instructions about praying. Prayer is not supposed to be "meaningless repetitions". Words without a true relationship with God won't accomplish anything. The model that Jesus gives us is all about Him... not about our needs and wants.
Jesus says that we are praying to "Our Father, who is in heaven". We are coming into the throne room of heaven. Isaiah described his vision like this, " I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple." When Ezekiel had a vision of heaven he also describe this high throne, saying, " As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord." It caused him to fall on his face. John described Him like this, " And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance . " Lightning, thunder, angels, elders... and worship surround the Great Throne of our God. And we are invited.. even instructed.. to address our God as our Father in heaven.
How can we come so casually in prayer, listing all our needs and wants, without even stopping to think about Who we are addressing when we pray? I am guilty of this. Murmuring a few words of thanks over a meal. Reciting a list of loved ones and asking for His blessings.. Wanting the Lord God Almighty to do what I want... instead of coming before Him to worship. We are supposed to start with worship - to hallow His name means to both love and to revere Him. His Name is not like any other. He is the holy God, the Creator of heaven and earth, our Maker, our King, and our Gracious Father. We can at least think about this for a moment.. and acknowledge Him when we pray, can't we? WE MUST!
Father in heaven, You are holy and exalted. Forgive our ignorance and lack of reverence in our praying. We don't want to be praying words that have no meaning, in vain repetition. We want to come into Your Presence and worship You with hearts of love and devotion and deep reverence and respect. May we learn from our gracious Savior's example and pray like Him. Amen.
People who show off their "righteousness" may:
blow a trumpet while they give to the poor... advertise their philanthropy..
pray in public so that they gain attention... advertise their supposed connection to God..
put on an act of gloominess while fasting, so everyone can see... seek attention for their great sacrifices.
Jesus tells us to give in secret, pray in secret, and fast in secret. Do these things so that only the Father can see. If we do these things for Him, then He will be pleased.. and He will even reward us.
But, if we do it for people.. then the only reward is from them.. which is meaningless.
Jesus also adds in here instructions about praying. Prayer is not supposed to be "meaningless repetitions". Words without a true relationship with God won't accomplish anything. The model that Jesus gives us is all about Him... not about our needs and wants.
Jesus says that we are praying to "Our Father, who is in heaven". We are coming into the throne room of heaven. Isaiah described his vision like this, " I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple." When Ezekiel had a vision of heaven he also describe this high throne, saying, " As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord." It caused him to fall on his face. John described Him like this, " And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance . " Lightning, thunder, angels, elders... and worship surround the Great Throne of our God. And we are invited.. even instructed.. to address our God as our Father in heaven.
How can we come so casually in prayer, listing all our needs and wants, without even stopping to think about Who we are addressing when we pray? I am guilty of this. Murmuring a few words of thanks over a meal. Reciting a list of loved ones and asking for His blessings.. Wanting the Lord God Almighty to do what I want... instead of coming before Him to worship. We are supposed to start with worship - to hallow His name means to both love and to revere Him. His Name is not like any other. He is the holy God, the Creator of heaven and earth, our Maker, our King, and our Gracious Father. We can at least think about this for a moment.. and acknowledge Him when we pray, can't we? WE MUST!
Father in heaven, You are holy and exalted. Forgive our ignorance and lack of reverence in our praying. We don't want to be praying words that have no meaning, in vain repetition. We want to come into Your Presence and worship You with hearts of love and devotion and deep reverence and respect. May we learn from our gracious Savior's example and pray like Him. Amen.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Matthew 5 - Jesus is teaching to the multitude, Jewish men and women who gathered around Him to hear from Him, but also to receive from Him - healing, deliverance, and help.
Starting in verse 13, Matthew records for us some very strong statements - commandments, if you will - that Jesus teaches. He is not calling people to an easy life or to prosperity and riches. He calls those who want to follow Him to a higher standard - a life that must be completely surrendered and empowered by God.
v13 The nation of Israel was supposed to be salt - but had become "tasteless". They were supposed to be light - but they were hidden. Jesus says that this is worthless! He called them.. and us.. to let our "light shine before men in such a way that they might see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
How do we let our light shine? What good works? Jesus says that it is a "righteousness" that "surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees." - a life that doesn't abolish the Law, but that keeps it and teaches it - in His power, as He commands.
Jesus teaches us that fulfilling the Law, having a greater righteousness ... is going beyond " You shall not commit murder". He says.. He commands.. us to not be angry with our brother, to not curse him or call him a fool. He commands us to reconcile with our brothers and to make friends with our opponents.
Likewise, Jesus commands that we take our thoughts under control - not just avoiding the act of adultery but the thoughts that lead up to it. Even if we have to sacrifice an eye or a hand.. In other words, we are to seriously, diligently, even violently protect our thought-life and remain pure.
Jesus teaches the sacredness of marriage and the sinfulness of divorce. He commands us to keep our vows. In fact, He teaches us that we should not make vows by swearing on things that we don't control anyway. In other words, stop lying! Stop making promises that you won't keep!
Jesus commands us to "not resist him who is evil" - don't fight back. The evil person who wants to fight, the one who wants to take your shirt, the one who wants to use you as a slave, or the one who wants to borrow from you.... yield, surrender, give... willingly.
Jesus commands us to love our enemies. To pray for them. To copy our Father's gracious example.
To be like Him.. perfect.
This is what the righteousness of Jesus looks like. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless, righteous life.. to be our perfect example. He knows we are unable to live this kind of life on our own. But, by His death and resurrection, we have been given His righteousness. A free gift... that covers us completely, when we receive it though faith..
Oh how great is our God! Write Your commands on our hearts and engrave them in our minds that we might walk in the righteousness of Jesus our Lord! May the righteousness of Jesus fill us completely.. even as the Word tells us: " For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you ( we) have been made complete ( full) and He is the head over all rule and authority.."
Colossians 2:9-10) You have canceled our debt! You have paid the price we owe. We are hidden in You, Jesus! We are covered by Your righteousness! Thank You ! Amen and Amen!
Starting in verse 13, Matthew records for us some very strong statements - commandments, if you will - that Jesus teaches. He is not calling people to an easy life or to prosperity and riches. He calls those who want to follow Him to a higher standard - a life that must be completely surrendered and empowered by God.
v13 The nation of Israel was supposed to be salt - but had become "tasteless". They were supposed to be light - but they were hidden. Jesus says that this is worthless! He called them.. and us.. to let our "light shine before men in such a way that they might see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
How do we let our light shine? What good works? Jesus says that it is a "righteousness" that "surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees." - a life that doesn't abolish the Law, but that keeps it and teaches it - in His power, as He commands.
Jesus teaches us that fulfilling the Law, having a greater righteousness ... is going beyond " You shall not commit murder". He says.. He commands.. us to not be angry with our brother, to not curse him or call him a fool. He commands us to reconcile with our brothers and to make friends with our opponents.
Likewise, Jesus commands that we take our thoughts under control - not just avoiding the act of adultery but the thoughts that lead up to it. Even if we have to sacrifice an eye or a hand.. In other words, we are to seriously, diligently, even violently protect our thought-life and remain pure.
Jesus teaches the sacredness of marriage and the sinfulness of divorce. He commands us to keep our vows. In fact, He teaches us that we should not make vows by swearing on things that we don't control anyway. In other words, stop lying! Stop making promises that you won't keep!
Jesus commands us to "not resist him who is evil" - don't fight back. The evil person who wants to fight, the one who wants to take your shirt, the one who wants to use you as a slave, or the one who wants to borrow from you.... yield, surrender, give... willingly.
Jesus commands us to love our enemies. To pray for them. To copy our Father's gracious example.
To be like Him.. perfect.
This is what the righteousness of Jesus looks like. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless, righteous life.. to be our perfect example. He knows we are unable to live this kind of life on our own. But, by His death and resurrection, we have been given His righteousness. A free gift... that covers us completely, when we receive it though faith..
Oh how great is our God! Write Your commands on our hearts and engrave them in our minds that we might walk in the righteousness of Jesus our Lord! May the righteousness of Jesus fill us completely.. even as the Word tells us: " For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you ( we) have been made complete ( full) and He is the head over all rule and authority.."
Colossians 2:9-10) You have canceled our debt! You have paid the price we owe. We are hidden in You, Jesus! We are covered by Your righteousness! Thank You ! Amen and Amen!
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Matthew 5 begins what we call the Sermon on the Mount. Broken into 3 chapters, Matthew writes down for us the message that Jesus taught as He traveled through Galilee and beyond. This message is key to understanding the "gospel of the kingdom".
To be "blessed" - fully satisfied; being certain of salvation and thus a member of the Kingdom of God ( Holman's Bible Dictionary) - we MUST:
First, be "poor in spirit" - recognizing our absolute spiritual poverty, helpless to save ourselves.
We must "mourn" - genuinely sorrow over our sinful condition; not just regret, but mourning;
We must become "gentle" - humble - putting down any self-righteousness and pride.
We can then become hungry and thirsty for true righteousness, that which Christ alone can provide.
We will begin to reflect His mercy, His purity, and His peace.
We will also face His persecution, insults, and false accusations.
Recently read this quote attributed to D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones about true repentance: " Repentance means that you realize that you are a guilty , vile sinner in the presence of God, that you deserve the wrath and punishment of God, that you are hell-bound. It means that you begin to realize the this thing called sin is in you, that you long to get rid of it, and that you turn your back on it in every shape and form. You renounce the world whatever the cost, the world in its mind and outlook as well as its practice, and you deny yourself, and take up the cross and go after Christ. "
Our Christ calls us to true repentance so that we might enter His Kingdom. He calls for us to do more than walk an aisle or sign a paper. We must recognize the fact that we are deserving the full wrath of our Holy God, that we have no way to change our situation, and that unless He saves us, we will suffer eternal damnation. Oh, the grace and mercy of our God!! He has sent His Beloved Son, to bring us to true repentance, so that we can find in Him forgiveness of all our sin. He has given us His righteousness. He alone saves those who place their faith completely in Him.
Father in heaven, we hallow Your Name. We desire Your Kingdom and Your will. Thank You for calling us to Yourself so that we can be saved. Teach us all of Your ways and strengthen us by Your Spirit so that we may walk in step with Jesus Christ, our Lord. amen.
To be "blessed" - fully satisfied; being certain of salvation and thus a member of the Kingdom of God ( Holman's Bible Dictionary) - we MUST:
First, be "poor in spirit" - recognizing our absolute spiritual poverty, helpless to save ourselves.
We must "mourn" - genuinely sorrow over our sinful condition; not just regret, but mourning;
We must become "gentle" - humble - putting down any self-righteousness and pride.
We can then become hungry and thirsty for true righteousness, that which Christ alone can provide.
We will begin to reflect His mercy, His purity, and His peace.
We will also face His persecution, insults, and false accusations.
Recently read this quote attributed to D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones about true repentance: " Repentance means that you realize that you are a guilty , vile sinner in the presence of God, that you deserve the wrath and punishment of God, that you are hell-bound. It means that you begin to realize the this thing called sin is in you, that you long to get rid of it, and that you turn your back on it in every shape and form. You renounce the world whatever the cost, the world in its mind and outlook as well as its practice, and you deny yourself, and take up the cross and go after Christ. "
Our Christ calls us to true repentance so that we might enter His Kingdom. He calls for us to do more than walk an aisle or sign a paper. We must recognize the fact that we are deserving the full wrath of our Holy God, that we have no way to change our situation, and that unless He saves us, we will suffer eternal damnation. Oh, the grace and mercy of our God!! He has sent His Beloved Son, to bring us to true repentance, so that we can find in Him forgiveness of all our sin. He has given us His righteousness. He alone saves those who place their faith completely in Him.
Father in heaven, we hallow Your Name. We desire Your Kingdom and Your will. Thank You for calling us to Yourself so that we can be saved. Teach us all of Your ways and strengthen us by Your Spirit so that we may walk in step with Jesus Christ, our Lord. amen.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Matthew 4 Jesus went into the wilderness, led by the Spirit - to be tempted. He fasted for 40 days.
He became hungry.. and then the "tempter came".
Jesus was not tempted to turn rocks into bread, because He lived by the Word of God alone.
Jesus was not tempted to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the temple, because He would not test His Father.
Jesus would not worship Satan, even for the reward of receiving all the nations, for He worshiped and served His Father only.
We can find strength to resist temptations in the example of our Savior;
We must live by the Word of God.
We must trust in Him alone.
And we must worship and serve Him always.
Satan focuses outward - to physical needs, physical well-being, and material possessions.
Jesus brings our focus to God - His Word, His Faithfulness, and His Sovereignty. We have no need of anything that the world or Satan can offer us. We need only that which our God has already provided..
Father in heaven, may we live according to Your Word, in faith, by Your grace.. and to Your glory. Amen.
He became hungry.. and then the "tempter came".
Jesus was not tempted to turn rocks into bread, because He lived by the Word of God alone.
Jesus was not tempted to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the temple, because He would not test His Father.
Jesus would not worship Satan, even for the reward of receiving all the nations, for He worshiped and served His Father only.
We can find strength to resist temptations in the example of our Savior;
We must live by the Word of God.
We must trust in Him alone.
And we must worship and serve Him always.
Satan focuses outward - to physical needs, physical well-being, and material possessions.
Jesus brings our focus to God - His Word, His Faithfulness, and His Sovereignty. We have no need of anything that the world or Satan can offer us. We need only that which our God has already provided..
Father in heaven, may we live according to Your Word, in faith, by Your grace.. and to Your glory. Amen.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Matthew 1-3 Decisions are important...
Joseph decided to protect Mary.
He listened to the warnings - first taking Mary to be his wife; then taking her to Bethlehem; then to Egypt and then to Nazareth.
Mary chose to submit to the Lord's will and give birth to the Son of God.
The wise men chose to follow the star and to worship the King.
Herod chose to kill all the children in Bethlehem..
John preached repentance.
He baptized those who confessed their sins.
But, when the Pharisees and Sadducees came, he warned them that true repentance would result in good fruit and they were being false. Judgement comes to the hypocrites.
Jesus came to John and submitted to his baptism in obedience to the Father.
He had no need for repentance for he had no sin. He fulfilled " all righteousness " by obeying.
As Jesus came out of the water of baptism ( overwhelmed by the water) - He was "overwhelmed" by the Spirit, who descended like a dove and came upon Him.
The Father responded, " This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased."
So, what do we hear the Lord saying to us? How do we obey?
We decide to follow Jesus as He leads us - in relationships, in locations, and in truth.
We need to be acknowledge our sins and truly repent, lest we just go through the motions like the hypocrites do.
We need to submit to being overwhelmed by the Lord - to be baptized for repentance and to be baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Conscious.. deliberate.. decisions to walk in obedience to the Word of God.
Father, we want to live by faith so that we might please You. Overwhelm us with the Spirit of our Lord so that we might have eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to obey. May we bear the fruit of righteousness. May Your name be exalted in all the earth as Your children walk in the ways of Your Beloved Son. Amen.
Joseph decided to protect Mary.
He listened to the warnings - first taking Mary to be his wife; then taking her to Bethlehem; then to Egypt and then to Nazareth.
Mary chose to submit to the Lord's will and give birth to the Son of God.
The wise men chose to follow the star and to worship the King.
Herod chose to kill all the children in Bethlehem..
John preached repentance.
He baptized those who confessed their sins.
But, when the Pharisees and Sadducees came, he warned them that true repentance would result in good fruit and they were being false. Judgement comes to the hypocrites.
Jesus came to John and submitted to his baptism in obedience to the Father.
He had no need for repentance for he had no sin. He fulfilled " all righteousness " by obeying.
As Jesus came out of the water of baptism ( overwhelmed by the water) - He was "overwhelmed" by the Spirit, who descended like a dove and came upon Him.
The Father responded, " This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased."
So, what do we hear the Lord saying to us? How do we obey?
We decide to follow Jesus as He leads us - in relationships, in locations, and in truth.
We need to be acknowledge our sins and truly repent, lest we just go through the motions like the hypocrites do.
We need to submit to being overwhelmed by the Lord - to be baptized for repentance and to be baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Conscious.. deliberate.. decisions to walk in obedience to the Word of God.
Father, we want to live by faith so that we might please You. Overwhelm us with the Spirit of our Lord so that we might have eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to obey. May we bear the fruit of righteousness. May Your name be exalted in all the earth as Your children walk in the ways of Your Beloved Son. Amen.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Genesis 46-50 Jacob/Israel and all that belonged to him - all his sons and daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; all the sheep and cattle; - moved to Egypt. Joseph arranged for his family to settle in the land of Goshen, in the northern delta area of Egypt.
The most touching part of these chapters is the reunion between Joseph and his father. Jacob was 130 years old when he met Pharaoh in Egypt. He lived until the age of 147, 17 years . He called all of his sons together to bless them before he died. Perhaps thinking back to the days of his own father's blessing.. receiving it deceptively.. Jacob was very deliberate in his final actions.
He gave Joseph the double portion usually allotted to the oldest son.
He made Judah, the 3rd oldest, head of the family because of the things that Reuben, Simeon and Levi had done in their youth.
"He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him."
Jacob was embalmed by the Egyptians and taken to Canaan and buried in the tomb where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Leah were buried. Later, Joseph died at the age of 110. He made his family swear to take his bones back to the same place when they returned to live in the promised land. Over 400 years would pass before this would happen.
Jacob and Joseph both spoke of the promises of God. " God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here." Centuries passed, but God did fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his sons. Not only did He bring them to their promised land, but He gave them an Eternal King.. Jesus Christ. One day, all of Israel will again know the promises of God and the fulfillment of all His word.
Father, we look for the return of our Savior to establish His rule and reign forever. Even as Jacob and Joseph looked ahead, not knowing how long that sojourn in Egypt would take, we look ahead to an eternal future with You. Thank You for being patient and waiting for more to come to salvation, Lord. Open doors for ministry that the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus will be made known throughout our world today. May Your will be done and Your kingdom come. Glory to Your Holy Name. Amen.
The most touching part of these chapters is the reunion between Joseph and his father. Jacob was 130 years old when he met Pharaoh in Egypt. He lived until the age of 147, 17 years . He called all of his sons together to bless them before he died. Perhaps thinking back to the days of his own father's blessing.. receiving it deceptively.. Jacob was very deliberate in his final actions.
He gave Joseph the double portion usually allotted to the oldest son.
He made Judah, the 3rd oldest, head of the family because of the things that Reuben, Simeon and Levi had done in their youth.
"He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him."
Jacob was embalmed by the Egyptians and taken to Canaan and buried in the tomb where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Leah were buried. Later, Joseph died at the age of 110. He made his family swear to take his bones back to the same place when they returned to live in the promised land. Over 400 years would pass before this would happen.
Jacob and Joseph both spoke of the promises of God. " God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here." Centuries passed, but God did fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his sons. Not only did He bring them to their promised land, but He gave them an Eternal King.. Jesus Christ. One day, all of Israel will again know the promises of God and the fulfillment of all His word.
Father, we look for the return of our Savior to establish His rule and reign forever. Even as Jacob and Joseph looked ahead, not knowing how long that sojourn in Egypt would take, we look ahead to an eternal future with You. Thank You for being patient and waiting for more to come to salvation, Lord. Open doors for ministry that the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus will be made known throughout our world today. May Your will be done and Your kingdom come. Glory to Your Holy Name. Amen.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Genesis 41-45 Joseph goes from being forgotten in prison to being second in authority over all of Egypt. God's plan had Joseph in place for 13 years before he was moved into the position that would fulfill the dreams he was given when he was a young boy. Joseph's love for his family never wavered. Even though they had treated him terribly, he did not hold it against them. He did, however, test them. The fact that both Reuben and Judah stepped up to intervene on behalf of Benjamin, shows a remarkable change.
Sometimes I wonder why God wanted Israel in Egypt at all. It was in His plan all along, but it seems it would have been so much better if they would have stayed in Canaan. God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not like ours at all. Bringing the nation of Israel out of Egypt with the powerful works of His might... wouldn't have happened if they had not gone down to Egypt in the first place.
We wonder why God moves us to places and puts us in circumstances that are difficult sometimes. We can have the assurance that His plan is for our good and it will reveal Him in ways that we couldn't know otherwise.
Father, thank You for being in control and for knowing what is best for me. Thank You for revealing Your love and power and grace to me through all circumstances that You have led me into. May I be melted, moved, molded, and reformed into the likeness of my Lord Jesus, by Your power and in Your loving kindness. Amen.
Sometimes I wonder why God wanted Israel in Egypt at all. It was in His plan all along, but it seems it would have been so much better if they would have stayed in Canaan. God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not like ours at all. Bringing the nation of Israel out of Egypt with the powerful works of His might... wouldn't have happened if they had not gone down to Egypt in the first place.
We wonder why God moves us to places and puts us in circumstances that are difficult sometimes. We can have the assurance that His plan is for our good and it will reveal Him in ways that we couldn't know otherwise.
Father, thank You for being in control and for knowing what is best for me. Thank You for revealing Your love and power and grace to me through all circumstances that You have led me into. May I be melted, moved, molded, and reformed into the likeness of my Lord Jesus, by Your power and in Your loving kindness. Amen.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Genesis 37 Joseph, Rachel's son, was Jacob's favorite. Rachel had been the love of his life and Jacob favored Joseph, probably because of that reason. But, also Joseph was special. There was something in him that the others did not have. He shared the dreams with his brothers and he innocently went to them as instructed by his father. The fact that they plotted to kill him, shows the sinfulness of their hearts. Only Reuben, the oldest, seems to have any compassion for Joseph, yet he had committed an awful offense of his own.
Jacob, now known as Israel, was to father a nation that would be the people of God... yet all of his sons were evil, except for Joseph! ( and maybe Benjamin.. ) Jacob's sorrow for the loss of his son Joseph was tragic beyond what the brothers could have imagined. But, did they care?
Genesis 38 is a story about Judah, again revealing his sinful character.. with sons so evil that the Lord took the lives of the first two.. who knows what happened to the third one. He has twin boys, born to his daughter-in-law, after failing to provide for her as he should have. Not a man of godly character at all.
Genesis 39-40 tells us about the beginnings of Joseph's life in Egypt. The most important thing is that the Lord was with Joseph. As a servant and as a prisoner, Joseph was blessed by the Lord. Because of God's kindness and blessing, Joseph was favored by those in authority over him. God does a unique work in Joseph, and we finally see someone from Abraham's descendants who actually has a relationship with Him.
Father in heaven, be with us as You were with Joseph, that we might serve You faithfully as he did. No matter where we are and no matter who is against us.. may we know without doubt that You are for us and You will not forsake us. Let our faith be multiplied and our love grow deeper. We are Your children and we want to serve You with integrity, honesty, and humility. Draw us close to You, closer every day we pray. Amen!
Jacob, now known as Israel, was to father a nation that would be the people of God... yet all of his sons were evil, except for Joseph! ( and maybe Benjamin.. ) Jacob's sorrow for the loss of his son Joseph was tragic beyond what the brothers could have imagined. But, did they care?
Genesis 38 is a story about Judah, again revealing his sinful character.. with sons so evil that the Lord took the lives of the first two.. who knows what happened to the third one. He has twin boys, born to his daughter-in-law, after failing to provide for her as he should have. Not a man of godly character at all.
Genesis 39-40 tells us about the beginnings of Joseph's life in Egypt. The most important thing is that the Lord was with Joseph. As a servant and as a prisoner, Joseph was blessed by the Lord. Because of God's kindness and blessing, Joseph was favored by those in authority over him. God does a unique work in Joseph, and we finally see someone from Abraham's descendants who actually has a relationship with Him.
Father in heaven, be with us as You were with Joseph, that we might serve You faithfully as he did. No matter where we are and no matter who is against us.. may we know without doubt that You are for us and You will not forsake us. Let our faith be multiplied and our love grow deeper. We are Your children and we want to serve You with integrity, honesty, and humility. Draw us close to You, closer every day we pray. Amen!
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Genesis 36 This chapter gives all the details of Esau's descendants. After Isaac died and Jacob and Esau buried him, both sons prospered until there was not enough room for them both. Esau, who had given up his birthright and missed out on the blessing.. did the right thing and moved away. The Lord made him and his descendants a nation - Edom. Modern day Jordan is located where Edom once was...
Family. Twin brothers. Yet, God had a plan for Jacob/Israel that was so different than His plan for Esau. God knew them both from before they were born. He knew the choices they would make and the legacies they would leave. We are never told whether or not Esau worshiped the Lord. I hope he did. I hope that his choice to move away and let Jacob stay in the promised land is a sign that he came to believe and obey the Lord.
God knows us each by name. He knows our hearts and He knows the choices we have made and those we will make in the future. I am reminded again that He is always calling us to walk with Him and abide in Christ.. but it is up to us to hear His voice and obey.
Father, may we not harden our hearts or close our ears to Your voice. May we seek You, because You have said that when we seek You, we will find You. May we walk in faith, committed to the truth, covered by Your righteousness, and standing firm in the peace that You alone can give. Amen.
Family. Twin brothers. Yet, God had a plan for Jacob/Israel that was so different than His plan for Esau. God knew them both from before they were born. He knew the choices they would make and the legacies they would leave. We are never told whether or not Esau worshiped the Lord. I hope he did. I hope that his choice to move away and let Jacob stay in the promised land is a sign that he came to believe and obey the Lord.
God knows us each by name. He knows our hearts and He knows the choices we have made and those we will make in the future. I am reminded again that He is always calling us to walk with Him and abide in Christ.. but it is up to us to hear His voice and obey.
Father, may we not harden our hearts or close our ears to Your voice. May we seek You, because You have said that when we seek You, we will find You. May we walk in faith, committed to the truth, covered by Your righteousness, and standing firm in the peace that You alone can give. Amen.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Genesis 33-35 Jacob and his family finally meet with Esau.. which goes way better than Jacob expected.. Then they move to Shechem, which turns into a mess! Finally, God directs Jacob, now called Israel, back to Bethel.. back to the place they first met.
Israel experiences more sorrows.. Rachel, his most beloved wife, dies in childbirth and his father Isaac dies at the age of 180; and his son Reuben sleeps with Bilhah..
But, Israel also receives the promises of God.. the promise of a nation, of "a company of nations"; and the promise of a land and kings from his people.
More struggles are ahead for the man Israel.. and many for the nation Israel.
Father, may we learn, like Jacob to keep coming back to You.. through the trials and through the joys of life.. may we draw ever closer to You. Keep us from turning away in fear, worry, or doubt. May we rest on Your promises, knowing that You are faithful. Help us to be overcomers... clinging to Your word and walking in obedience. Amen.
Israel experiences more sorrows.. Rachel, his most beloved wife, dies in childbirth and his father Isaac dies at the age of 180; and his son Reuben sleeps with Bilhah..
But, Israel also receives the promises of God.. the promise of a nation, of "a company of nations"; and the promise of a land and kings from his people.
More struggles are ahead for the man Israel.. and many for the nation Israel.
Father, may we learn, like Jacob to keep coming back to You.. through the trials and through the joys of life.. may we draw ever closer to You. Keep us from turning away in fear, worry, or doubt. May we rest on Your promises, knowing that You are faithful. Help us to be overcomers... clinging to Your word and walking in obedience. Amen.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Genesis 29-32 Jacob lived in Haran for 20 years. He left with 4 wives, 11 sons and 1 daughter, great numbers of sheep, goats, camels, and cattle, plus many servants. Laban had used and deceived Jacob and Jacob deceived Laban by leaving without warning. It is not until Jacob settles the matter between him and Laban that he starts to think about confronting Esau.
Jacob prepared for this fearful confrontation..
He sent gifts ahead.
He sent his family away from him for safety.
And, he stayed alone.... perhaps preparing himself for what lay ahead.
At this turning point in his life, Jacob meets God and wrestles with Him. He has already been told by God that He would be with him and prosper him... But, here is something deeper, something more profound. Two things stand out: first, Jacob's name is changed to Israel ( he who strives with God); and secondly, his hip is dislocated as he wrestled. Two permanent reminders of God's presence and sovereignty in his life.
Jacob learned that he had to hold on to God. God would be with him, but he needed to do something too - hold on! Isn't this what God desires for all of us? Hold on! Persevere! Run the race! Fight the good fight! Be steadfast! Don't turn away. Don't get distracted by lesser things. Don't lose your first love. Don't be deceived. Be diligent... trust and obey!
Father, may Your Spirit give us understanding and strength that we might abide in You. Direct our hearts into Your love and into the steadfastness of Christ our Savior. May we be faithful until the end, in Him who gives us faith and hope and love. Amen.
Jacob prepared for this fearful confrontation..
He sent gifts ahead.
He sent his family away from him for safety.
And, he stayed alone.... perhaps preparing himself for what lay ahead.
At this turning point in his life, Jacob meets God and wrestles with Him. He has already been told by God that He would be with him and prosper him... But, here is something deeper, something more profound. Two things stand out: first, Jacob's name is changed to Israel ( he who strives with God); and secondly, his hip is dislocated as he wrestled. Two permanent reminders of God's presence and sovereignty in his life.
Jacob learned that he had to hold on to God. God would be with him, but he needed to do something too - hold on! Isn't this what God desires for all of us? Hold on! Persevere! Run the race! Fight the good fight! Be steadfast! Don't turn away. Don't get distracted by lesser things. Don't lose your first love. Don't be deceived. Be diligent... trust and obey!
Father, may Your Spirit give us understanding and strength that we might abide in You. Direct our hearts into Your love and into the steadfastness of Christ our Savior. May we be faithful until the end, in Him who gives us faith and hope and love. Amen.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Genesis 27-28 God chose Jacob and not Esau. He knew that Jacob would take the birthright and the blessing from their father Isaac... away from his brother. God knew about the deception and trickery that would be used. But, he still chose Jacob. Even when Jacob had the dream where he met God and saw the ladder to heaven, and wasn't the kind of man that he should be... at least what we think he should have been... God was choosing Jacob.
God had a plan for Jacob. That plan would be accomplished in ways that were beyond Jacob's ability to bring about. God also gave Jacob a promise and established a covenant with him. There would come a time when Jacob would truly worship the Lord with his heart and not just with his mouth, when he would no longer be known as a deceiver. But it would be in God's time and through difficulties that he would be transformed into the man called Israel.
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, Holy and righteous are You. Your plans are perfect and beyond our understanding. You know each of us completely.. and You know what we will become as we are transformed by Your power and love and grace.. Accomplish Your good and perfect will in us today. May Christ be all! Amen.
God had a plan for Jacob. That plan would be accomplished in ways that were beyond Jacob's ability to bring about. God also gave Jacob a promise and established a covenant with him. There would come a time when Jacob would truly worship the Lord with his heart and not just with his mouth, when he would no longer be known as a deceiver. But it would be in God's time and through difficulties that he would be transformed into the man called Israel.
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, Holy and righteous are You. Your plans are perfect and beyond our understanding. You know each of us completely.. and You know what we will become as we are transformed by Your power and love and grace.. Accomplish Your good and perfect will in us today. May Christ be all! Amen.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Genesis 24-26 Abraham sent his servant to Mesopotamia to find a bride for Isaac from his family. He finds Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, the granddaughter of Nahor ( Abraham's brother) and Milcah.
Isaac and Rebekah become the parents of twin boys, Esau and Jacob. These two are so different from one another that they don't even appear to be brothers, let alone twins. Isaac, like his father Abraham, wanders all over the land. He also pulls the same kind of stunt as Abraham before Abimelech... calling Rebekah his sister instead of his wife. Nevertheless, God chose to bless Isaac and he became rich and powerful. He seems to finally find a place to settle down - Beersheba.
We are never told that Isaac had great faith or that he accomplished anything in particular for the Lord. He did call upon the name of the Lord and build an altar at one point( 26:25), and the blessing of the Lord was apparent to others. ( 26:29)
Isaac was blessed by the Lord because the Lord chose to bless him. It is through his son Jacob that his line will lead to Jesus. We do well to remember that it is the Lord who is sovereign and all wise. He chooses us so that we might come to Him and find faith and salvation. All of grace!
Father in heaven, we bow before You and worship You. We call on Your name and seek Your face. We are thankful for every blessing that You pour out upon us. We are thankful for every trial or trouble that causes us to draw closer to You and works out for our good. Just as You moved Isaac to where he should be, You move us. You see our past and those who came before us and see our future and those who will come after us. May we be faithful. Help us to trust and obey, even as these men of old did. We are dependent upon You.. for grace and mercy, just like they were. Be exalted in our lives as You have been in theirs. In Christ Jesus we abide and in His name we pray. Amen.
Isaac and Rebekah become the parents of twin boys, Esau and Jacob. These two are so different from one another that they don't even appear to be brothers, let alone twins. Isaac, like his father Abraham, wanders all over the land. He also pulls the same kind of stunt as Abraham before Abimelech... calling Rebekah his sister instead of his wife. Nevertheless, God chose to bless Isaac and he became rich and powerful. He seems to finally find a place to settle down - Beersheba.
We are never told that Isaac had great faith or that he accomplished anything in particular for the Lord. He did call upon the name of the Lord and build an altar at one point( 26:25), and the blessing of the Lord was apparent to others. ( 26:29)
Isaac was blessed by the Lord because the Lord chose to bless him. It is through his son Jacob that his line will lead to Jesus. We do well to remember that it is the Lord who is sovereign and all wise. He chooses us so that we might come to Him and find faith and salvation. All of grace!
Father in heaven, we bow before You and worship You. We call on Your name and seek Your face. We are thankful for every blessing that You pour out upon us. We are thankful for every trial or trouble that causes us to draw closer to You and works out for our good. Just as You moved Isaac to where he should be, You move us. You see our past and those who came before us and see our future and those who will come after us. May we be faithful. Help us to trust and obey, even as these men of old did. We are dependent upon You.. for grace and mercy, just like they were. Be exalted in our lives as You have been in theirs. In Christ Jesus we abide and in His name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Genesis 20-23 Abraham seems to wander around the country once again. He goes south and stays a while in Gerar (20:1) There he deceives Abimelech by telling him that Sarah is his sister. But, God protects Sarah and straightens it all out... Then, Sarah gives birth to Isaac and Hagar is sent away with Ishmael again. Abraham settles in Beersheba for a while.
When God tells Abraham to offer Isaac, he is led to Mount Moriah.. to the north. By the time of Sarah's death, Abraham is again living in Hebron, where he buys the land to bury her. Eventually Abraham remarries and has 6 more sons. When he dies Isaac and Ishmael, together, bury him in the cave with Sarah.
Abraham had his share of blunders and mistakes.. but God chose to bless him for the times he made the right choices.. when he believed God's promises and when he obeyed God's commands.
God was not easy on Abraham:
God asked Abraham to leave his country and travel to an unknown place.
He made Abraham wait until he and Sarah were too old to have children and then gave them a son.
He allowed Sarah to send Hagar and Ishmael away, although it is apparent that Abraham loved his son.
He experienced wars, famines, and struggles.
Then, God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac.. and Abraham obeyed, until the angel stopped him.
The promises to Abraham were kept, but he did not live long enough to see even the beginning of the nation that would proceed from him. Hebrews 11 includes Abraham, who by faith, left his country:
lived "as an alien in the land of promise"; and "was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
The greatest thing that Abraham did was that last one... looking forward to eternity with God Himself. The land, the riches, the nation of people, the fame... these were secondary and had no meaning except that God would be glorified...
Our lives are as much in God's hands as Abraham's was. Life on planet earth is not easy. We move here and there. We deal with relationship issues. We struggle with financial, emotional, and social problems. We are disappointed and discouraged at times. We feel like aliens in our world.. more and more as we become separated to God and belong to the Kingdom of Christ.
Father in heaven, may we have faith, like Abraham.. to obey Your every command, to stay firm in our faith in You; and to keep our eyes on the Kingdom that is to come. Lord Jesus, come quickly!
amen.
When God tells Abraham to offer Isaac, he is led to Mount Moriah.. to the north. By the time of Sarah's death, Abraham is again living in Hebron, where he buys the land to bury her. Eventually Abraham remarries and has 6 more sons. When he dies Isaac and Ishmael, together, bury him in the cave with Sarah.
Abraham had his share of blunders and mistakes.. but God chose to bless him for the times he made the right choices.. when he believed God's promises and when he obeyed God's commands.
God was not easy on Abraham:
God asked Abraham to leave his country and travel to an unknown place.
He made Abraham wait until he and Sarah were too old to have children and then gave them a son.
He allowed Sarah to send Hagar and Ishmael away, although it is apparent that Abraham loved his son.
He experienced wars, famines, and struggles.
Then, God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac.. and Abraham obeyed, until the angel stopped him.
The promises to Abraham were kept, but he did not live long enough to see even the beginning of the nation that would proceed from him. Hebrews 11 includes Abraham, who by faith, left his country:
lived "as an alien in the land of promise"; and "was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
The greatest thing that Abraham did was that last one... looking forward to eternity with God Himself. The land, the riches, the nation of people, the fame... these were secondary and had no meaning except that God would be glorified...
Our lives are as much in God's hands as Abraham's was. Life on planet earth is not easy. We move here and there. We deal with relationship issues. We struggle with financial, emotional, and social problems. We are disappointed and discouraged at times. We feel like aliens in our world.. more and more as we become separated to God and belong to the Kingdom of Christ.
Father in heaven, may we have faith, like Abraham.. to obey Your every command, to stay firm in our faith in You; and to keep our eyes on the Kingdom that is to come. Lord Jesus, come quickly!
amen.
Monday, June 3, 2019
Genesis 18-19 Abraham's visit with the Lord and His angels was two-fold.. First, came the promise of a child for Sarah within the next year. Secondly, came the judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah.
Abraham realized the moment he saw the "men" that they were holy beings. He ran to them, he bowed before them, and he offered a meal to them. Abraham would have been 99 and Sarah slightly younger at this time. So when the Lord told them that they would have a child by the same time the next year, Sarah laughed. But, the Lord was not offended. "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" Sarah and Abraham learned this truth... and we need to learn it also! Nothing ! Nothing is impossible for God!
The sin in Sodom is overwhelming. How Lot could live there at all seems ridiculous . The fact that the crowd surrounded his house and were becoming violent because of his refusal to offer the "guests" to them... well, no wonder the Lord was ready to destroy them! Abraham bargained with the Lord to spare the town if 10 righteous people were there.. and there were not even 10. In reality there were none... for Lot's wife turned back, his daughters got their father drunk so that he would sleep with them, and Lot, himself, allowed himself to get drunk to the point that he didn't even know he was sleeping with his daughters. ( Although Peter calls Lot "righteous" ) Lot's daughters both had sons from their father and both turned out to be fathers to nations that caused nothing but trouble for the Israelites.
We think that our world is becoming worse and worse... and it is.. but it is nothing like Sodom and Gomorrah.. yet.
But Jesus had this to say about Sodom and Gomorrah... " And whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or the city, shake off the dust of your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city." Matt. 10:15
And.. " Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgement than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You shall descend to Hades; for if the miracles that occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you."
Peter wrote this, " .. and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who live ungodly thereafter; and if He rescued righteous Lot... then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgement..." ( II Peter 2:7ff)
Judgement came upon Sodom and Gomorrah for the sins that they committed. Jesus says that the sin of not receiving His disciples and the sin of not repenting even when seeing miracles occur before their eyes...is worse than those of Sodom and Gomorrah! All sin... every sin.. is judged and condemned in the eyes of God. We, like Lot, may feel our "righteous soul tormented day after day" by the lawless deeds around us... but we must remember that there is nothing worse than rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ.. who loves us, who gave Himself for us, and who is coming again one day soon.
Peter goes on to remind his readers that Jesus will come "like a thief". Everyone will have to account for their choices... so.. "be diligent to be found by Him in peace , spotless and blameless."
Father, may we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Abraham realized the moment he saw the "men" that they were holy beings. He ran to them, he bowed before them, and he offered a meal to them. Abraham would have been 99 and Sarah slightly younger at this time. So when the Lord told them that they would have a child by the same time the next year, Sarah laughed. But, the Lord was not offended. "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" Sarah and Abraham learned this truth... and we need to learn it also! Nothing ! Nothing is impossible for God!
The sin in Sodom is overwhelming. How Lot could live there at all seems ridiculous . The fact that the crowd surrounded his house and were becoming violent because of his refusal to offer the "guests" to them... well, no wonder the Lord was ready to destroy them! Abraham bargained with the Lord to spare the town if 10 righteous people were there.. and there were not even 10. In reality there were none... for Lot's wife turned back, his daughters got their father drunk so that he would sleep with them, and Lot, himself, allowed himself to get drunk to the point that he didn't even know he was sleeping with his daughters. ( Although Peter calls Lot "righteous" ) Lot's daughters both had sons from their father and both turned out to be fathers to nations that caused nothing but trouble for the Israelites.
We think that our world is becoming worse and worse... and it is.. but it is nothing like Sodom and Gomorrah.. yet.
But Jesus had this to say about Sodom and Gomorrah... " And whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or the city, shake off the dust of your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city." Matt. 10:15
And.. " Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgement than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You shall descend to Hades; for if the miracles that occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you."
Peter wrote this, " .. and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who live ungodly thereafter; and if He rescued righteous Lot... then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgement..." ( II Peter 2:7ff)
Judgement came upon Sodom and Gomorrah for the sins that they committed. Jesus says that the sin of not receiving His disciples and the sin of not repenting even when seeing miracles occur before their eyes...is worse than those of Sodom and Gomorrah! All sin... every sin.. is judged and condemned in the eyes of God. We, like Lot, may feel our "righteous soul tormented day after day" by the lawless deeds around us... but we must remember that there is nothing worse than rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ.. who loves us, who gave Himself for us, and who is coming again one day soon.
Peter goes on to remind his readers that Jesus will come "like a thief". Everyone will have to account for their choices... so.. "be diligent to be found by Him in peace , spotless and blameless."
Father, may we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
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