Luke 8:40-56 Jesus revealed His authority over nature by stopping the storm. He revealed His authority over the evil ones by delivering the Legion. Now He reveals once again His authority over life and death.
Two people - a woman stricken with a condition that caused her to hemorrhage for 12 years and a 12 year old girl who was dying.
Jesus is on His way to the girl's house with her father when the woman simply touches the hem of His robe from the back. This woman was desperate but did not want to be seen. This is like us sometimes.. We know we must have help, but feel unworthy of even seeking the One who is our only hope! She wanted to "escape notice".. but Jesus noticed anyway! When He called her out, she came "trembling". But, Jesus was not condemning her.. He was commending her! "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace."
As all of this is taking place, the young girl dies. Jesus encourages her father to keep believing. Jesus goes into the house, takes the girl by the hand and calls her to "arise". And she does.
A daughter restored to her parents. And a "daughter" restored to health.
12 years they had joyfully raised this precious child... 12 years the woman had suffered continually.
We would choose the joy over the suffering, naturally; but both of these were saved by the One who alone is able to do all things!
Father in heaven, we are thankful for this Word of truth, reminding us again that nothing is impossible for You. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, appointed by You to bring us life. You are our healer. You are our life-giver. Every cell in our bodies is subject to Your command. Take our lives.. take our bodies.. we offer them as living sacrifices... today and every day.. for this is our "spiritual service of worship" ( Romans 12:1). O how we praise You , for You have shown us such mercy and grace. Fill us with Your Spirit that we might walk in righteousness and joy and peace today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, November 29, 2019
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Luke 8:26-39 Every time I read this passage I am reminded that Jesus crossed a stormy sea for ONE purpose - to meet a man filled with a Legion of demons. They land, He heals, and then they leave....
In my thinking this is a divine appointment.. an intentional meeting.. all for the salvation and deliverance of a man so crazy that he lived in a tomb.. had no clothes.. could not be shackled.
Yet, the people of the land were so afraid that they begged Jesus to leave. And He did. But, the delivered man, a transformed man, was given a mission.. to go and tell what God had done. "And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."
We must remember that NOTHING is impossible for our God. In our thinking, a crazy, demon-filled man would be the last person to think could be transformed like this.. but Jesus... shows us that He loves and saves even the most hopeless.
Thank God! As I pray continually for unsaved loved ones.. I wonder how they will ever turn their hearts back to Him.. but, I KNOW that HE can do this.. and only He can do it.
Father in heaven, You have given the Son all authority. You sent Him to bring salvation to the world because of Your great love. Thank You! Father, lead my unsaved loved ones to Jesus. Speak to them. Change their hearts. Bring them to repentance and salvation through Christ Jesus. Give them each a divine appointment with You, today. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
In my thinking this is a divine appointment.. an intentional meeting.. all for the salvation and deliverance of a man so crazy that he lived in a tomb.. had no clothes.. could not be shackled.
Yet, the people of the land were so afraid that they begged Jesus to leave. And He did. But, the delivered man, a transformed man, was given a mission.. to go and tell what God had done. "And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."
We must remember that NOTHING is impossible for our God. In our thinking, a crazy, demon-filled man would be the last person to think could be transformed like this.. but Jesus... shows us that He loves and saves even the most hopeless.
Thank God! As I pray continually for unsaved loved ones.. I wonder how they will ever turn their hearts back to Him.. but, I KNOW that HE can do this.. and only He can do it.
Father in heaven, You have given the Son all authority. You sent Him to bring salvation to the world because of Your great love. Thank You! Father, lead my unsaved loved ones to Jesus. Speak to them. Change their hearts. Bring them to repentance and salvation through Christ Jesus. Give them each a divine appointment with You, today. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Luke 8:22-25
It is Jesus who directs them to get into the boat and launch out to the other side.
It is Jesus who falls asleep as they are sailing along.
It is Jesus who remains asleep as the storm sweeps down and floods the boat.
It is Jesus who rebukes the wind and waves...
It is Jesus who asks, "Where is your faith?"
"Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"
Who, indeed, is this?
The writer of Hebrews says it so well...
"... in these last days [God] has spoken to us in His Son,
whom He appointed heir of all things,
through whom also He made the world.
And He is the radiance of His glory
and the exact representation of His nature,
and upholds all things by the word of His power." ( 1:2-3)
Jesus, who sits at the "right hand of the Majesty on high." The One who has a name that is above all names. The One who is higher than the angels. The One who has been given "the Righteous Scepter" of God's Kingdom. Jesus is the One who was anointed.. and the One who was crucified so that we might be saved.
Jesus commands the wind. Think of that!! There is nothing that He does not have authority over!
Father, we struggle with the things in this world that are beyond us.. health issues, family issues, world issues. We live in a world where sin seems to reign.. but we know.. we KNOW.. that this is not Truth. Your Word has shown us that JESUS reigns. He is the heir of all things. He is the One who upholds all things.. And, we, who believe, are His possessions. Where is our faith? O God.. increase it! Remember us, that we are weak, and forgive us for our failures to completely trust and rest in You.
Once again, I ask that You take control of me.. this body, I offer as a living sacrifice.. set apart for You. I'm all in.. You are my God and I am Your child, in Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Luke 8:1-21 The crowds are gathering around Jesus. They are coming from every direction, seeking to hear Him and to be healed by Him. As Jesus travels with His twelve apostles, He is also accompanied by a group of women who provide some of the financial support needed. Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.. "and many others", who make up this group. It appears that Mary, His mother is not yet part of this group, as she turns up later with Jesus' brothers. ( v19)
Jesus says, "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." Perhaps this was a gentle ( or not so gentle) call to His earthly family...???
It is at this point that Jesus begins teaching with parables. When His disciples ask why, Jesus tells them, "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..' " This is, to me, a difficult statement.... Why would God keep some from seeing or understanding? These words were spoken to Isaiah from the Heavenly Throne room, from Almighty God. He knew that some would receive the Word and that many would not, but He commissioned Isaiah to preach anyway. Jesus and His disciples would also preach the Word, knowing that some would receive it and many would not. Jesus makes two statements that are vital to this situation:
"As He said these things, He would call out, 'He who has ears, let him hear." ( v9)
"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 take away from him." ( v18)
The parable of the sower does help us to understand a little more:
The Sower goes out to sow the seed.. the Word of God.
Some falls beside the road and is trampled.. Some people hear the Word, but "The devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved."
Some seeds fall on rocky soil. Some people hear and are excited about it, but they soon move on to other things.
Some seeds fall on thorny ground. Some hear the Word, but allow the things of the world to choke it out and nothing comes from it.
But, some of the seeds fall on good soil and produce a good crop. Some people hear the Word, "these are the ones who have heart the word in an honest and good heart and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance . "
To be careful of how we listen to the Word, we must be intentional about listening. God promises us that those who seek Him will find Him, when they seek with all their heart. It is the good and honest heart that makes a difference here.
The second parable in this chapter explains a bit more.. we don't light a lamp and then cover it up and put it under a bed. We put it on a lampstand and let it give light to all who come in. If we have received His Word with anything but a "honest and good heart".. there is no light to shine. It goes out.
Whether from Satan snatching it, rocky soil or thorns choking it, worries and cares or riches and pleasures.. whatever is more important than holding fast the Word, there will be no light. But, if we have listened carefully and intentionally.. if we hold fast to it and persevere in it.. then there will be light and fruit will come.
Father in heaven, we thank You for granting us the opportunity to know the mysteries of Your kingdom. Thank You for ears to hear and hearts to receive the Truth of Your Word. May we always listen intentionally, carefully, with good and honest hearts. May the light of Your Word, the lamp to our feet, shine brightly so that others may also see and hear and understand. Have mercy on those who have not yet received Your Word, Lord.. that You may become their Lord and Savior also.. to the glory and honor and praise of Your Holy Name. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.
Jesus says, "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." Perhaps this was a gentle ( or not so gentle) call to His earthly family...???
It is at this point that Jesus begins teaching with parables. When His disciples ask why, Jesus tells them, "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..' " This is, to me, a difficult statement.... Why would God keep some from seeing or understanding? These words were spoken to Isaiah from the Heavenly Throne room, from Almighty God. He knew that some would receive the Word and that many would not, but He commissioned Isaiah to preach anyway. Jesus and His disciples would also preach the Word, knowing that some would receive it and many would not. Jesus makes two statements that are vital to this situation:
"As He said these things, He would call out, 'He who has ears, let him hear." ( v9)
"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 take away from him." ( v18)
The parable of the sower does help us to understand a little more:
The Sower goes out to sow the seed.. the Word of God.
Some falls beside the road and is trampled.. Some people hear the Word, but "The devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved."
Some seeds fall on rocky soil. Some people hear and are excited about it, but they soon move on to other things.
Some seeds fall on thorny ground. Some hear the Word, but allow the things of the world to choke it out and nothing comes from it.
But, some of the seeds fall on good soil and produce a good crop. Some people hear the Word, "these are the ones who have heart the word in an honest and good heart and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance . "
To be careful of how we listen to the Word, we must be intentional about listening. God promises us that those who seek Him will find Him, when they seek with all their heart. It is the good and honest heart that makes a difference here.
The second parable in this chapter explains a bit more.. we don't light a lamp and then cover it up and put it under a bed. We put it on a lampstand and let it give light to all who come in. If we have received His Word with anything but a "honest and good heart".. there is no light to shine. It goes out.
Whether from Satan snatching it, rocky soil or thorns choking it, worries and cares or riches and pleasures.. whatever is more important than holding fast the Word, there will be no light. But, if we have listened carefully and intentionally.. if we hold fast to it and persevere in it.. then there will be light and fruit will come.
Father in heaven, we thank You for granting us the opportunity to know the mysteries of Your kingdom. Thank You for ears to hear and hearts to receive the Truth of Your Word. May we always listen intentionally, carefully, with good and honest hearts. May the light of Your Word, the lamp to our feet, shine brightly so that others may also see and hear and understand. Have mercy on those who have not yet received Your Word, Lord.. that You may become their Lord and Savior also.. to the glory and honor and praise of Your Holy Name. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Luke 7: 36-50 Simon, a Pharisee, invited Jesus to come dine with him. But, when Jesus came, Simon did not even offer water for Jesus to wash His feet, a kiss of greeting, or anointing oil for His head. These common courtesies should have been extended to any guest, let alone One as special as Jesus. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this, "In effect he ( Simon) did not seem to think Jesus could do anything for him, for he did not consider Jesus a prophet." Simon saw himself as above Jesus, more pure, more righteous.. and therefore treated Jesus poorly.
The woman, however, showed her love for Jesus by anointing His feet with the costly perfume and her own tears. She kissed His feet, " a sign of utmost respect, submission, and affection".
Two contrasting reactions. Simon quickly condemned both the woman, "a sinner".. and Jesus.. "If this man were a prophet he would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner."
Jesus tells a parable to Simon. Two debtors, one owing 500 denarii and one owing 50, were both forgiven their debts. Which would love the moneylender more? Simon knew the answer.. of course the one forgiven more. Jesus applies this to the current situation.. Simon and the woman were both debtors. But, she knew that she had been forgiven much and she was so thankful! She loved Jesus very much for this gift of mercy. Simon didn't even know that he needed forgiveness. He didn't see the debt that he owed to the Savior. He didn't love Jesus, because he didn't receive the forgiveness that he so desperately needed.
Jesus released the woman from her sin. "Your sins are forgiven." But, Simon and his associates remained "righteous" in their own eyes and unrepentant before the Lord.
Are we forgiven much? Do we recognize our need for the Savior's gift of mercy? Or do we go around like Simon, perhaps curious enough about Jesus to start a conversation, but unwilling to let down our walls and admit that we have a debt we cannot pay?
Father in heaven, thank You for bringing me to Christ. I know that there was a great debt that I could never pay, but that Jesus paid it all! What a wonder! And now, this day, bring me again to His feet, to worship, to anoint His feet with my tears of gratitude and love. Keep me in Your love and in the steadfastness of Jesus. Thank You that I can know Your grace that is sufficient for me. You will complete that work that You have begun in me, for You are faithful and able. I praise You, Lord.
Amen.
The woman, however, showed her love for Jesus by anointing His feet with the costly perfume and her own tears. She kissed His feet, " a sign of utmost respect, submission, and affection".
Two contrasting reactions. Simon quickly condemned both the woman, "a sinner".. and Jesus.. "If this man were a prophet he would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner."
Jesus tells a parable to Simon. Two debtors, one owing 500 denarii and one owing 50, were both forgiven their debts. Which would love the moneylender more? Simon knew the answer.. of course the one forgiven more. Jesus applies this to the current situation.. Simon and the woman were both debtors. But, she knew that she had been forgiven much and she was so thankful! She loved Jesus very much for this gift of mercy. Simon didn't even know that he needed forgiveness. He didn't see the debt that he owed to the Savior. He didn't love Jesus, because he didn't receive the forgiveness that he so desperately needed.
Jesus released the woman from her sin. "Your sins are forgiven." But, Simon and his associates remained "righteous" in their own eyes and unrepentant before the Lord.
Are we forgiven much? Do we recognize our need for the Savior's gift of mercy? Or do we go around like Simon, perhaps curious enough about Jesus to start a conversation, but unwilling to let down our walls and admit that we have a debt we cannot pay?
Father in heaven, thank You for bringing me to Christ. I know that there was a great debt that I could never pay, but that Jesus paid it all! What a wonder! And now, this day, bring me again to His feet, to worship, to anoint His feet with my tears of gratitude and love. Keep me in Your love and in the steadfastness of Jesus. Thank You that I can know Your grace that is sufficient for me. You will complete that work that You have begun in me, for You are faithful and able. I praise You, Lord.
Amen.
Friday, November 22, 2019
Luke 7: 1-10 The healing of the centurion's slave gives a lesson about faith. The Jewish elders considered the centurion "worthy" because he had built the synagogue there in Capernaum. But, the man, himself, did not consider himself worthy of even having Jesus come under his roof. This Roman centurion understood more about Jesus than the Jewish elders did. He understood that Jesus was greater than him.. with more authority than his. He knew he was not worthy in relation to the Lord. Jesus considered this man a man of faith.
11-17 Jesus traveled to Nain. Here they were met with a funeral service of a man whose mother was without any other sons, a widow, with no hope or help. Jesus "felt compassion for her". So, He touched the coffin and spoke to the dead man! And, the dead man spoke back! "And fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, 'A great prophet has arisen among us!' and ' God has visited His people." ( v16)
"God has visited His people." Isn't this what we long for more than anything? We pray, "Let Your Kingdom come.." and this is what we are asking, " Come visit Your people. visit us, Lord!"
When John sends his disciples to ask, "Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?" Jesus responds.. "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." (v22) God visited His people.. His Kingdom came.. and the world was given Hope.
Father in heaven, we desire to know Your Presence.. to know that You have visited us. You are here and You will not forsake us. May we be gripped with fear and glorify Your Holy Name as Jesus abides in us through Your Spirit. May the wonder and glory and power of Jesus be made known through us today so that You may be exalted! We know our unworthiness for such a request, Lord.
But, we come humbly to Your throne of grace in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is worthy.
Amen.
11-17 Jesus traveled to Nain. Here they were met with a funeral service of a man whose mother was without any other sons, a widow, with no hope or help. Jesus "felt compassion for her". So, He touched the coffin and spoke to the dead man! And, the dead man spoke back! "And fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, 'A great prophet has arisen among us!' and ' God has visited His people." ( v16)
"God has visited His people." Isn't this what we long for more than anything? We pray, "Let Your Kingdom come.." and this is what we are asking, " Come visit Your people. visit us, Lord!"
When John sends his disciples to ask, "Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?" Jesus responds.. "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." (v22) God visited His people.. His Kingdom came.. and the world was given Hope.
Father in heaven, we desire to know Your Presence.. to know that You have visited us. You are here and You will not forsake us. May we be gripped with fear and glorify Your Holy Name as Jesus abides in us through Your Spirit. May the wonder and glory and power of Jesus be made known through us today so that You may be exalted! We know our unworthiness for such a request, Lord.
But, we come humbly to Your throne of grace in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is worthy.
Amen.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Luke 6:12- 49
The next thing that Luke records is the calling of the twelve to be apostles. Disciple actually means learner or pupil, while apostle means delegate; commissioner; messenger, or sent one; an ambassador.
We know the names of these men well: Peter and Andrew, James and John; Phillip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James, son of Alphaeus and Simon, the Zealot; Judas, the son of James, and Judas Iscariot. Jesus spent the whole night praying before choosing these 12 men as His set apart ambassadors. Wonder what He was thinking about the choice of Judas?
As they came down from the mountain, there was a "great multitude of His disciples and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon." They came to hear Him and to be healed. And they were.
Luke tells us that Jesus gazed at His disciples.. His pupils.. and began teaching. This section parallels chapter 5-6 in Matthew, the Beatitudes.. although it is condensed. Luke emphasizes some of the lessons:
Three "blesseds"- the poor; the hungry; and the hated; (Those who felt anything but "blessed")
Three "woes" - the rich; the well-fed; and the well-spoken-of; ( Those who thought they had it all!)
Three commands -
1. Love your enemies - doing good to those who hate you, blessing those who curse you; and praying for those who mistreat you;
2. Give to those who ask - give more than what another takes from you; give without demanding something in return; Give in a way that is above and beyond the ordinary.
3. Be merciful - don't judge; don't condemn, but pardon.
Three incredible statements;
1. "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 the ungrateful and evil men.:
2. "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into you lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
3. "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."
So much more in this chapter as the Lord Jesus turns the world on its head, so to speak. Everything that the Jewish leaders had taught the people - keeping the Law and traditions as they sought wealth and honor and obedience - is completely thrown aside by the teaching of Jesus.
Love, give, show mercy... Jesus says that to hear these words and to do what He says is like building a house on a firm foundation.. on rock. But, to ignore these words is like building a house on sand. When the storm comes, the house.. the life.. will fall down.
Father in heaven, help us to know Your word, to do what Jesus has taught, and to live for You in all we do and say. It is impossible for us, but nothing is impossible with You. May Your will be done in each of us today..
In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.
The next thing that Luke records is the calling of the twelve to be apostles. Disciple actually means learner or pupil, while apostle means delegate; commissioner; messenger, or sent one; an ambassador.
We know the names of these men well: Peter and Andrew, James and John; Phillip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James, son of Alphaeus and Simon, the Zealot; Judas, the son of James, and Judas Iscariot. Jesus spent the whole night praying before choosing these 12 men as His set apart ambassadors. Wonder what He was thinking about the choice of Judas?
As they came down from the mountain, there was a "great multitude of His disciples and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon." They came to hear Him and to be healed. And they were.
Luke tells us that Jesus gazed at His disciples.. His pupils.. and began teaching. This section parallels chapter 5-6 in Matthew, the Beatitudes.. although it is condensed. Luke emphasizes some of the lessons:
Three "blesseds"- the poor; the hungry; and the hated; (Those who felt anything but "blessed")
Three "woes" - the rich; the well-fed; and the well-spoken-of; ( Those who thought they had it all!)
Three commands -
1. Love your enemies - doing good to those who hate you, blessing those who curse you; and praying for those who mistreat you;
2. Give to those who ask - give more than what another takes from you; give without demanding something in return; Give in a way that is above and beyond the ordinary.
3. Be merciful - don't judge; don't condemn, but pardon.
Three incredible statements;
1. "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 the ungrateful and evil men.:
2. "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into you lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
3. "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."
So much more in this chapter as the Lord Jesus turns the world on its head, so to speak. Everything that the Jewish leaders had taught the people - keeping the Law and traditions as they sought wealth and honor and obedience - is completely thrown aside by the teaching of Jesus.
Love, give, show mercy... Jesus says that to hear these words and to do what He says is like building a house on a firm foundation.. on rock. But, to ignore these words is like building a house on sand. When the storm comes, the house.. the life.. will fall down.
Father in heaven, help us to know Your word, to do what Jesus has taught, and to live for You in all we do and say. It is impossible for us, but nothing is impossible with You. May Your will be done in each of us today..
In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Luke 6 In chapter 5 Luke recorded how Jesus revealed His power, authority, willingness, purpose and mission. He also gave us examples of those who followed Jesus, leaving everything else and going "all in". Jesus testified that He had come to call "sinners to repentance". This was His primary mission. In this chapter, Luke gives us a detailed account of Jesus' teaching. It begins with a lesson about the Sabbath.
Verses1-11
When the Pharisees saw the disciples picking some grain, rubbing it in their hands, and eating it, they criticized them for breaking the Law. Jesus did not defend their actions, but instead reminded them that David had actually eaten sacred bread from the house of God when he was hungry. Then He makes a startling proclamation.. " The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath"! Mark added this statement... "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath." In Exodus 23:12 God established the Law about the Sabbath day.. " Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from your labor in order that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as the stranger, may refresh themselves. " The Sabbath was made for man.. for rest. Colossians 2:16-17 says, "Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day - things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ." The Pharisees were judging the disciples by their own philosophy about the Sabbath, not by the Truth. Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.. is the Lord of all.. including the Law.
On the next Sabbath, Jesus entered a tabernacle and was being watched closely to see what He would do. Was the man with a withered hand planted in that audience? Maybe.. But, Jesus knew what they were thinking and He knew that the man was in need. So, He called him to stand up and come to Him. "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life, or to destroy it?" What a question! They had no answer. Mark tells us that Jesus was angry and "grieved at their hardness of heart." Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand and as he did so, it was restored. This is such an amazing miracle! How could anyone witness such a thing and not be astounded? Yet, the Pharisees "were filled with rage and discussed together what they might do to Jesus."
The Lord of the Sabbath declared and proved that doing good on the Sabbath was lawful and right.
The Pharisees were filled with rage. They were being proved wrong in all of their personal beliefs and they were unwilling to surrender to the Truth.
Father, once again we are reminded that You alone are God. You established the heavens and the earth. You proclaimed the Word and the Law. You have established what is right and what is wrong. You have declared what is good and what is evil. Keep us walking in the Light of Your Word, filling us with Your Spirit so that we may do only that which pleases You. Deliver us from evil and from hardened hearts. Transform us by the renewing of our minds. Our world has been filled with darkness Lord, and we pray that Your Kingdom will come and that Jesus will call many more sinners to repentance. We pray that Your good and perfect will be done in us today. Amen.
Verses1-11
When the Pharisees saw the disciples picking some grain, rubbing it in their hands, and eating it, they criticized them for breaking the Law. Jesus did not defend their actions, but instead reminded them that David had actually eaten sacred bread from the house of God when he was hungry. Then He makes a startling proclamation.. " The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath"! Mark added this statement... "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath." In Exodus 23:12 God established the Law about the Sabbath day.. " Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from your labor in order that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as the stranger, may refresh themselves. " The Sabbath was made for man.. for rest. Colossians 2:16-17 says, "Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day - things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ." The Pharisees were judging the disciples by their own philosophy about the Sabbath, not by the Truth. Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.. is the Lord of all.. including the Law.
On the next Sabbath, Jesus entered a tabernacle and was being watched closely to see what He would do. Was the man with a withered hand planted in that audience? Maybe.. But, Jesus knew what they were thinking and He knew that the man was in need. So, He called him to stand up and come to Him. "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life, or to destroy it?" What a question! They had no answer. Mark tells us that Jesus was angry and "grieved at their hardness of heart." Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand and as he did so, it was restored. This is such an amazing miracle! How could anyone witness such a thing and not be astounded? Yet, the Pharisees "were filled with rage and discussed together what they might do to Jesus."
The Lord of the Sabbath declared and proved that doing good on the Sabbath was lawful and right.
The Pharisees were filled with rage. They were being proved wrong in all of their personal beliefs and they were unwilling to surrender to the Truth.
Father, once again we are reminded that You alone are God. You established the heavens and the earth. You proclaimed the Word and the Law. You have established what is right and what is wrong. You have declared what is good and what is evil. Keep us walking in the Light of Your Word, filling us with Your Spirit so that we may do only that which pleases You. Deliver us from evil and from hardened hearts. Transform us by the renewing of our minds. Our world has been filled with darkness Lord, and we pray that Your Kingdom will come and that Jesus will call many more sinners to repentance. We pray that Your good and perfect will be done in us today. Amen.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Luke 5:27-39 This chapter reminds me of the contemporary *song that speaks of diving into the deep end.. head first... being all in - completely abandoned into the Hands of Jesus. The leper was all in.. falling on his marred face; the paralyzed man and his friends went all in.. digging a hole in the roof and letting the consequences fall as they may; and now.. Levi, the tax-gatherer..
Levi, had a great job. He was very well off, although despised by his Jewish kin, for he worked for the Romans. But, when Jesus "noticed" him and called him, Levi ( Matthew) "left everything behind and rose and began to follow Him."
All in... Levi didn't look at what he had just walked away from, but he looked at those he knew and held a reception at his house so that others could meet Jesus too. The Pharisees were watching.. and complaining.. " Why do you eat and drink with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" they asked the disciples. But Jesus is the one that answers, " It is not those who are well who need a physician but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."
They could not argue with this, so they posed another question. This one was a criticism about the disciple's lack of fasting. Jesus also explains this, comparing the disciples to a groom's attendants.
A time of fasting will come later. Right now, it wasn't needed.
Jesus uses a parable to teach them that He was doing a new work. You wouldn't cut a piece from a new garment to patch an old one. You wouldn't put new wine in an old wineskin either. Both things would be foolish and useless. If they wanted to keep the old traditions but take part of what Jesus was revealing to them... it wouldn't work. To truly follow Jesus you need to go "all in"!
This chapter gives us three amazing examples of people who went "all in" with Jesus. The leper who fell on his face, the paralyzed man who picked up his stretcher and walked, and Matthew, who left everything he had worked for to follow Jesus. This is what Jesus calls us to do.. " If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." ( Luke 9:23) Try to save your life and you will lose it, Jesus said, but lose it for Him.. and you will be saved.
Father in heaven, You have called us to follow Jesus.. to be all in.. head first in the deep end. Help us to do this.. daily.. to lay down our burdens, our worries, our fears.. and our wills; to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Take my life and let it be.. consecrated fully, Lord, to Thee! I present my body to You as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is my spiritual service of worship. Amen
(* Song "All In" is by Matthew West)
Levi, had a great job. He was very well off, although despised by his Jewish kin, for he worked for the Romans. But, when Jesus "noticed" him and called him, Levi ( Matthew) "left everything behind and rose and began to follow Him."
All in... Levi didn't look at what he had just walked away from, but he looked at those he knew and held a reception at his house so that others could meet Jesus too. The Pharisees were watching.. and complaining.. " Why do you eat and drink with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" they asked the disciples. But Jesus is the one that answers, " It is not those who are well who need a physician but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."
They could not argue with this, so they posed another question. This one was a criticism about the disciple's lack of fasting. Jesus also explains this, comparing the disciples to a groom's attendants.
A time of fasting will come later. Right now, it wasn't needed.
Jesus uses a parable to teach them that He was doing a new work. You wouldn't cut a piece from a new garment to patch an old one. You wouldn't put new wine in an old wineskin either. Both things would be foolish and useless. If they wanted to keep the old traditions but take part of what Jesus was revealing to them... it wouldn't work. To truly follow Jesus you need to go "all in"!
This chapter gives us three amazing examples of people who went "all in" with Jesus. The leper who fell on his face, the paralyzed man who picked up his stretcher and walked, and Matthew, who left everything he had worked for to follow Jesus. This is what Jesus calls us to do.. " If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." ( Luke 9:23) Try to save your life and you will lose it, Jesus said, but lose it for Him.. and you will be saved.
Father in heaven, You have called us to follow Jesus.. to be all in.. head first in the deep end. Help us to do this.. daily.. to lay down our burdens, our worries, our fears.. and our wills; to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Take my life and let it be.. consecrated fully, Lord, to Thee! I present my body to You as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is my spiritual service of worship. Amen
(* Song "All In" is by Matthew West)
Monday, November 18, 2019
Luke 5:17-ff
Jesus is always intentional in what He says and does. In this passage we see Him sitting in a house, teaching and healing, surrounded by Pharisees and teachers of the law. When the paralyzed man is let down through the roof and set right in front of Jesus, He spoke these words, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." This was not what anyone expected to hear. But, it was what the man needed the most. Jesus knew the criticism that would follow. That didn't matter.. for He was revealing something vital that they all needed to know.
The scribes and Pharisees were shocked by this. They considered it blasphemy. They recognized it as a statement that only God could make. There were only two ways that this could be interpreted... either Jesus was an evil man and speaking blasphemy... or He was God. As they were considering these choices.. "reasoning in [their] hearts", Jesus entered into the discussion. "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins have been forgiven you, or to say, Rise and walk?"
If Jesus was an evil man, speaking evil, would He or could He heal a paralyzed man? Jesus helped them in their reasoning.. "But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins... He said to the paralytic - I say to you, rise, and take up your stretcher and go home."
And the man did. Off he went, "glorifying God." And not only him, "and they were all seized with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, ' We have seen remarkable things today."
They had to come to the conclusion that Jesus was not evil, was not blaspheming, but was most certainly God, Himself. His authority is established. He healed a paralyzed man with His words which confirmed His power and authority to also forgive sins. The fact that they were "filled with fear" reveals that they recognized the Presence of God.
Father in heaven, may we recognize Your presence in our lives today and glorify You, giving You all our praise and thanksgiving. Every gift we have is from Your hands. Even this moment, I thank You for the Word of God... the Truth that reveals the power and authority of Jesus to forgive sins and to heal bodies. Thank You for the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who takes away the sin of the world. Thank You for family and friends and for the church. I pray for those who are still walking in darkness, asking that You would open blind eyes and change hearts of stone.. that all of my family will know You and walk in faith by Your Spirit, in the Name and authority of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Jesus is always intentional in what He says and does. In this passage we see Him sitting in a house, teaching and healing, surrounded by Pharisees and teachers of the law. When the paralyzed man is let down through the roof and set right in front of Jesus, He spoke these words, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." This was not what anyone expected to hear. But, it was what the man needed the most. Jesus knew the criticism that would follow. That didn't matter.. for He was revealing something vital that they all needed to know.
The scribes and Pharisees were shocked by this. They considered it blasphemy. They recognized it as a statement that only God could make. There were only two ways that this could be interpreted... either Jesus was an evil man and speaking blasphemy... or He was God. As they were considering these choices.. "reasoning in [their] hearts", Jesus entered into the discussion. "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins have been forgiven you, or to say, Rise and walk?"
If Jesus was an evil man, speaking evil, would He or could He heal a paralyzed man? Jesus helped them in their reasoning.. "But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins... He said to the paralytic - I say to you, rise, and take up your stretcher and go home."
And the man did. Off he went, "glorifying God." And not only him, "and they were all seized with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, ' We have seen remarkable things today."
They had to come to the conclusion that Jesus was not evil, was not blaspheming, but was most certainly God, Himself. His authority is established. He healed a paralyzed man with His words which confirmed His power and authority to also forgive sins. The fact that they were "filled with fear" reveals that they recognized the Presence of God.
Father in heaven, may we recognize Your presence in our lives today and glorify You, giving You all our praise and thanksgiving. Every gift we have is from Your hands. Even this moment, I thank You for the Word of God... the Truth that reveals the power and authority of Jesus to forgive sins and to heal bodies. Thank You for the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who takes away the sin of the world. Thank You for family and friends and for the church. I pray for those who are still walking in darkness, asking that You would open blind eyes and change hearts of stone.. that all of my family will know You and walk in faith by Your Spirit, in the Name and authority of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Luke 5 :12-
Jesus comes face to face with a man "full of leprosy". This man "fell on his face and implored Him, saying 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'" Think about this... a man full of leprosy would be greatly marred... perhaps missing a nose or fingers; disfigured and broken. Yet he fell on his face... risking further damage to his body, he was totally counting on Jesus and holding nothing back. If Jesus didn't heal him right then, he would be completely done in... "Blessed are the poor... " Jesus taught. The poor.. the beggar, the mendicant - so desperate that if help is not given, life will end.
The leper had no other hope, no other life-line, no other way to turn.
But, Jesus said, "I am willing; be cleansed." And the man was cleansed, "immediately" !
We are in the same desperate need as the leper. Maybe our body parts are still attached, but without Jesus, our hearts are stone. We are dead. We have no hope, no life-line, and no other way to turn.
Only Jesus can cleanse us from our sins, our guilt, and our lostness.
And, He is willing! Thanks be to our God!
Father in heaven, You have given us life through Jesus Christ the Lord and we are so thankful!
May Your name be glorified in all the earth and may the name of Jesus be lifted up and exalted.
Help us to know You in the way that this poor man did, as our life-giver, our healer, our Hope, and our All in all! Amen.
Jesus comes face to face with a man "full of leprosy". This man "fell on his face and implored Him, saying 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'" Think about this... a man full of leprosy would be greatly marred... perhaps missing a nose or fingers; disfigured and broken. Yet he fell on his face... risking further damage to his body, he was totally counting on Jesus and holding nothing back. If Jesus didn't heal him right then, he would be completely done in... "Blessed are the poor... " Jesus taught. The poor.. the beggar, the mendicant - so desperate that if help is not given, life will end.
The leper had no other hope, no other life-line, no other way to turn.
But, Jesus said, "I am willing; be cleansed." And the man was cleansed, "immediately" !
We are in the same desperate need as the leper. Maybe our body parts are still attached, but without Jesus, our hearts are stone. We are dead. We have no hope, no life-line, and no other way to turn.
Only Jesus can cleanse us from our sins, our guilt, and our lostness.
And, He is willing! Thanks be to our God!
Father in heaven, You have given us life through Jesus Christ the Lord and we are so thankful!
May Your name be glorified in all the earth and may the name of Jesus be lifted up and exalted.
Help us to know You in the way that this poor man did, as our life-giver, our healer, our Hope, and our All in all! Amen.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Luke 5:1-11 The crowd pressed in to hear Jesus, but the fishermen were at the edge of the lake, washing their nets. Jesus got into Simon's boat and asked him to put out a little way from the edge and sat there to teach a little more. When He was done He told Simon to put his nets out again in deeper water. They had fished all night without success, but they did what Jesus said and caught more fish than what two boats could hold...
Simon fell at Jesus' feet. He knew that this was something so extraordinary that everything else would fall far short. So when Jesus called him to follow Him, Peter, James, and John.... all left everything behind to follow Jesus.
Jesus asks nothing less than this for all of us. What is He calling us to leave behind? Family? Jobs?
Comfortable places? Comfort zones? Our own agendas?
Have we missed the extraordinary that Jesus wants to do for us because we have tried and failed and we are tired. E.M. Bounds wrote about this in the book Waiting on God. "Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the Everlasting One, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?" ( Isaiah 40) And because of this inexhaustible power.. He gives to us strength as we wait upon Him.. "they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Bounds says, "Believers are to live a heavenly life, in the very presence and love and joy of God. They are to live where God lives; they need God's strength to rise there. To them that wait on Him it shall be given."
Father, You spread Your wings and we find rest from our weakness and strength for whatever lies ahead. Thank You. Help us to continually lay down our lives, our burdens, our fears, our wills... and follow Jesus with confidence that He will never fail to hold us up. Nothing in this world is worth holding on to, so help us to fully trust You every day and every hour. Amen.
Simon fell at Jesus' feet. He knew that this was something so extraordinary that everything else would fall far short. So when Jesus called him to follow Him, Peter, James, and John.... all left everything behind to follow Jesus.
Jesus asks nothing less than this for all of us. What is He calling us to leave behind? Family? Jobs?
Comfortable places? Comfort zones? Our own agendas?
Have we missed the extraordinary that Jesus wants to do for us because we have tried and failed and we are tired. E.M. Bounds wrote about this in the book Waiting on God. "Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the Everlasting One, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?" ( Isaiah 40) And because of this inexhaustible power.. He gives to us strength as we wait upon Him.. "they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Bounds says, "Believers are to live a heavenly life, in the very presence and love and joy of God. They are to live where God lives; they need God's strength to rise there. To them that wait on Him it shall be given."
Father, You spread Your wings and we find rest from our weakness and strength for whatever lies ahead. Thank You. Help us to continually lay down our lives, our burdens, our fears, our wills... and follow Jesus with confidence that He will never fail to hold us up. Nothing in this world is worth holding on to, so help us to fully trust You every day and every hour. Amen.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Luke 4 :14 -
The ministry of Jesus began after He returned to Galilee following the 40 days in the wilderness. Luke tells us that Jesus "began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all." Jesus chooses Nazareth, His home town to read the Isaiah passage that He fulfilled..
The ministry of Jesus began after He returned to Galilee following the 40 days in the wilderness. Luke tells us that Jesus "began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all." Jesus chooses Nazareth, His home town to read the Isaiah passage that He fulfilled..
" The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He 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."
( v 18-19)
This is a quote from Isaiah 61:1-2a. Jesus stops in mid-verse, omitting the end of verse 2, "and the day of vengeance of our God.". He came the first time to fulfill the prophecies above.. but He will come the second time to fulfill the rest. John the Baptist spoke of this.. " And His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Luke tells us that the people in that synagogue in Nazareth were stunned, "and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him." But, even then, doubt and rebellion began to slip in. They questioned His authority because they thought Him to be Joseph's son. When He questioned their ability to believe in Him, they tried to throw Him off a cliff! This conflict escalated so quickly.
It is at this point that Jesus of Nazareth moves to Capernaum.
Jesus keeps teaching in the synagogues. He rebukes and casts out demons. He heals the sick. He preaches "the kingdom of God". This word - kingdom- brings to our minds the idea of a country.. a place. But, the Greek word here is basileia -rule or realm. It carries the idea of sovereignty; the foundation of power. We could say that Jesus preached the supreme reign and rule of God.
The Almighty God, Sovereign King of heaven and earth poured out His Spirit on Jesus, the Son. He anointed Jesus to preach good news to the poor, the captive, the blind, and the downtrodden. Our God sent Jesus to proclaim His favor- His grace, His mercy.. His salvation to mankind. Jesus said, "..for I was sent for this purpose."
The time of the Lord's favor is still upon us. People can still choose to believe in Jesus Christ and receive the good news of God's love and grace. But, there is a time coming when the rest of Isaiah's prophecy will be fulfilled. There is a time of judgement coming and the unbelievers will be lost forever.. cast into the fire.
O Father, we see the darkness rising and it breaks our hearts to know that some of the people we love so much are lost and are facing Your holy wrath.. Jesus alone is our hope of salvation and they refuse to believe. How can we change them? We cannot. But, nothing is impossible with You. The hearts of men and women are in Your hands. Please Lord, hear our prayers, and bring repentance and salvation to these ones we lift before You today. You know the ones on my heart and I speak their names to You, even now. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Luke 4:1-13 The Holy Spirit had "descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove...." ( 3:22) And, now Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. For forty days Jesus was tempted by Satan and did not eat. At the end of the 40 days, He was hungry and Satan struck again.
Rather than turn the stones into bread, which Jesus could have easily done, He trusted the Father's word, "Man shall not live on bread alone."
Rather than worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus proclaimed, "You shall worship the Lord Your God and serve Him only." Jesus knew that all the kingdoms of the world were His inheritance already. He also knew that Satan had it backwards.. he should have been worshiping Jesus.
Rather than test God's word about falling off the pinnacle of the temple and having the angels catch Him, Jesus chose to stand in perfect confidence and trust in the Father's will.
These temptations have been compared to the temptations in the garden and Adam and Eve's failure to trust God. Eve saw that the fruit was good and did not resist it, unlike Jesus who resisted the false bread. Adam took the forbidden fruit, unlike Jesus who would not take the kingdoms from Satan's hand. Adam and Eve believed the lies of Satan, unlike Jesus, who trusted in the Father's perfect will.
John wrote "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever." ( 1 John 2:16-17) This is also tied to the temptations that Jesus resisted in the wilderness. ( See the entry for April 2, 2019 for more on these verses).
Jesus is our Teacher and we are His followers. We are tempted and tried and we must learn to trust Him and stand firm "against the schemes of the devil" by putting on the full armor of God. The belt of Truth, the breastplate of Righteousness, the shoes of Peace, the helmet of Salvation, the shield of Faith and the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Only then can we stand firm. All of this is what we receive in Christ, who is our Shepherd and King.
Father in heaven, keep us in Your shelter. You are our Refuge and Strength . It is by Your power and grace that we stand against the temptations of the world and of Satan. Let the victorious Savior reign fully in our lives we pray. Amen.
Rather than turn the stones into bread, which Jesus could have easily done, He trusted the Father's word, "Man shall not live on bread alone."
Rather than worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus proclaimed, "You shall worship the Lord Your God and serve Him only." Jesus knew that all the kingdoms of the world were His inheritance already. He also knew that Satan had it backwards.. he should have been worshiping Jesus.
Rather than test God's word about falling off the pinnacle of the temple and having the angels catch Him, Jesus chose to stand in perfect confidence and trust in the Father's will.
These temptations have been compared to the temptations in the garden and Adam and Eve's failure to trust God. Eve saw that the fruit was good and did not resist it, unlike Jesus who resisted the false bread. Adam took the forbidden fruit, unlike Jesus who would not take the kingdoms from Satan's hand. Adam and Eve believed the lies of Satan, unlike Jesus, who trusted in the Father's perfect will.
John wrote "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever." ( 1 John 2:16-17) This is also tied to the temptations that Jesus resisted in the wilderness. ( See the entry for April 2, 2019 for more on these verses).
Jesus is our Teacher and we are His followers. We are tempted and tried and we must learn to trust Him and stand firm "against the schemes of the devil" by putting on the full armor of God. The belt of Truth, the breastplate of Righteousness, the shoes of Peace, the helmet of Salvation, the shield of Faith and the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Only then can we stand firm. All of this is what we receive in Christ, who is our Shepherd and King.
Father in heaven, keep us in Your shelter. You are our Refuge and Strength . It is by Your power and grace that we stand against the temptations of the world and of Satan. Let the victorious Savior reign fully in our lives we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Luke 3 Verses 1-20 record the ministry of John the Baptist. John was in the wilderness when he finally heard "the word of God". How long did he live in this desert, waiting on the Lord? We do not know. As the son of Zacharias, John would have been in the priesthood. Yet, he doesn't seem to ever serve in the temple, that we know of... His calling was something far greater.. as the "Voice of one crying in the wilderness.. " Filled with the Spirit before his birth, John was a different sort of man.
We are told that John preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;" He taught the people that repentance bears "fruits". If there is no good fruit produced in one's life.. then it is like a bad tree, "cut down and thrown into the fire." John didn't pull any punches and didn't tickle anyone's ears. There is a "wrath to come".. and only true repentance will bring salvation.
The multitudes didn't even know what that meant. "Then what shall we do?" they asked.
The good fruit of a forgiven man is compassion and kindness.. "Let the man who has two tunics share with him who has none; and let him who has food do likewise." John answers.
The "tax-gatherers" asked "Teacher, what shall we do?"
The answer John gives, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to, " tells us that good fruit includes honesty and integrity.
The soldiers also asked, "And what about us, what shall we do?" Imagine, Roman soldiers asking this! John answered, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages." Be fair, honest, truthful, and content.
The fruit of repentance should reveal transformation of a man's character and heart, John teaches. Radical changes reveal true salvation, brought by true repentance and forgiveness of sins.
There was such a change in people that they began to be in a "state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he might be the Christ." John was quick to set that straight. The One coming was much greater. John considered himself unworthy of even being His servant. The One coming is mightier, coming with a "winnowing fork in His hand... to gather wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Jesus came to bring salvation, yes. But, John makes it clear that He also came to reveal the judgements of God. Jesus taught this so clearly. Every person must choose.. to believe and be saved, or to reject Him and be cast into the fire.
Luke gives a detailed list of the line of Joseph, showing the relationship to David, as well as to Abraham and even as far back as Adam. He is also the one that tells us that Jesus was about thirty years old when He began ministering. Luke briefly mentions the baptism of Jesus by John and the arrest of John by Herod. All historical facts that show us the time and places of all the events that happened.
Father in heaven, we are waiting on You, to hear Your word, to seek Your will, and to see Your glory.
We want to live for You and be ready for the day of Christ's appearing. I pray for those, especially my own loved ones, who have not truly repented and come to the salvation that Jesus alone can give, that You would open their eyes, change their hearts, and bring them to Yourself. This is my earnest prayer and I wait on You to do this great work, for I ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
We are told that John preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;" He taught the people that repentance bears "fruits". If there is no good fruit produced in one's life.. then it is like a bad tree, "cut down and thrown into the fire." John didn't pull any punches and didn't tickle anyone's ears. There is a "wrath to come".. and only true repentance will bring salvation.
The multitudes didn't even know what that meant. "Then what shall we do?" they asked.
The good fruit of a forgiven man is compassion and kindness.. "Let the man who has two tunics share with him who has none; and let him who has food do likewise." John answers.
The "tax-gatherers" asked "Teacher, what shall we do?"
The answer John gives, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to, " tells us that good fruit includes honesty and integrity.
The soldiers also asked, "And what about us, what shall we do?" Imagine, Roman soldiers asking this! John answered, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages." Be fair, honest, truthful, and content.
The fruit of repentance should reveal transformation of a man's character and heart, John teaches. Radical changes reveal true salvation, brought by true repentance and forgiveness of sins.
There was such a change in people that they began to be in a "state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he might be the Christ." John was quick to set that straight. The One coming was much greater. John considered himself unworthy of even being His servant. The One coming is mightier, coming with a "winnowing fork in His hand... to gather wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Jesus came to bring salvation, yes. But, John makes it clear that He also came to reveal the judgements of God. Jesus taught this so clearly. Every person must choose.. to believe and be saved, or to reject Him and be cast into the fire.
Luke gives a detailed list of the line of Joseph, showing the relationship to David, as well as to Abraham and even as far back as Adam. He is also the one that tells us that Jesus was about thirty years old when He began ministering. Luke briefly mentions the baptism of Jesus by John and the arrest of John by Herod. All historical facts that show us the time and places of all the events that happened.
Father in heaven, we are waiting on You, to hear Your word, to seek Your will, and to see Your glory.
We want to live for You and be ready for the day of Christ's appearing. I pray for those, especially my own loved ones, who have not truly repented and come to the salvation that Jesus alone can give, that You would open their eyes, change their hearts, and bring them to Yourself. This is my earnest prayer and I wait on You to do this great work, for I ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Luke 1-2 In verses 26-56 of chapter 1 we read the details about Mary's encounter with the angel, the amazing announcement of the Christ child she would bear, and her meeting with Elizabeth. This young woman was called "blessed". The commentary in my Bible says that this word indicates that Mary was "indwell by God and thereby to be fully satisfied". It goes on to say that blessedness is an "inner quality granted by God.. His indwelling and the consequent peace and satisfaction to the believer no matter what the circumstances may be.. "
Chapter 2 gives us the "Christmas story". Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem and while there, Jesus is born. Luke gives us information on some of the witnesses to this event.
First, the shepherds are visited by the angels and told amazing good news. They immediately go and find Jesus just as they had been told.
33 days later, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem so that they can offer the appropriate sacrifice. Simeon and Anna, a "righteous and devout" man and an eighty-four year old "prophetess" acknowledge and testify that Jesus is the One that would bring salvation and redemption to the world.
Later, when Jesus is 12 years old, He is found in Jerusalem speaking to the teachers in the temple. "And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers." Jesus went back to Nazareth with His family and grew up "in subjection to them". He "kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men."
I always wonder what happened to these people who saw Jesus... the shepherds, the wise men, the teachers, and His family.. What happened to them after witnessing such amazing things? Were they believers when Christ began His ministry, when He was crucified, or when He rose again? Did they remember their first encounter with Him.. at the manger or at the temple?
Father, we sometimes wish we could have seen Jesus while He walked this earth the first time, but we look forward even more to the day when He returns to rule forever. May we never forget.. but like Simeon and Anna, may we wait and watch.. ready for that day, when Your glory comes again. How lovely it will be to say, "My eyes have seen Thy salvation." Keep us walking in truth and love, that we might persevere through every trial and overcome to the end. For it is in Christ Jesus that we live and pray. Amen.
Chapter 2 gives us the "Christmas story". Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem and while there, Jesus is born. Luke gives us information on some of the witnesses to this event.
First, the shepherds are visited by the angels and told amazing good news. They immediately go and find Jesus just as they had been told.
33 days later, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem so that they can offer the appropriate sacrifice. Simeon and Anna, a "righteous and devout" man and an eighty-four year old "prophetess" acknowledge and testify that Jesus is the One that would bring salvation and redemption to the world.
Later, when Jesus is 12 years old, He is found in Jerusalem speaking to the teachers in the temple. "And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers." Jesus went back to Nazareth with His family and grew up "in subjection to them". He "kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men."
I always wonder what happened to these people who saw Jesus... the shepherds, the wise men, the teachers, and His family.. What happened to them after witnessing such amazing things? Were they believers when Christ began His ministry, when He was crucified, or when He rose again? Did they remember their first encounter with Him.. at the manger or at the temple?
Father, we sometimes wish we could have seen Jesus while He walked this earth the first time, but we look forward even more to the day when He returns to rule forever. May we never forget.. but like Simeon and Anna, may we wait and watch.. ready for that day, when Your glory comes again. How lovely it will be to say, "My eyes have seen Thy salvation." Keep us walking in truth and love, that we might persevere through every trial and overcome to the end. For it is in Christ Jesus that we live and pray. Amen.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Luke 1 This book was written so that the "exact truth" would be made known. Luke did careful research and thoughtfully recorded the events in "consecutive order". Here we learn the back story of John the Baptist's birth.
It begins with an older couple. Righteous people who were "walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord." Zacharias was a priest "from the division of Abijah". The Lord chose to answer the prayers of Zacharias and Elizabeth, giving them a son.. a son who would be unlike any other. "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord.. he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. and he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God." John would "go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah".
And it was so. Elizabeth became pregnant. When Mary came to visit her, she and the baby were filled with the Holy Spirit. When John was born and Zacharias finally spoke, he was filled by the Holy Spirit also. God was glorified in every way for He made it known that He was doing a great and mighty work in Israel. After 400 years of silence, the people were being made ready for the Messiah.
Every plan of God astounds us. It is always perfect.. always amazing.. always the impossible! Why is it then, that we think He is unable to help us? Why do we think that He has nothing great in store for our lives?
Father, change our ways of thinking about You. Give us greater understanding and knowledge of who You are. May we learn to worship You in spirit and in truth as we read Your word and believe Your truths. Open our eyes Lord, that we might see Your glory.. even in the everyday walk of life.
Amen.
It begins with an older couple. Righteous people who were "walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord." Zacharias was a priest "from the division of Abijah". The Lord chose to answer the prayers of Zacharias and Elizabeth, giving them a son.. a son who would be unlike any other. "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord.. he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. and he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God." John would "go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah".
And it was so. Elizabeth became pregnant. When Mary came to visit her, she and the baby were filled with the Holy Spirit. When John was born and Zacharias finally spoke, he was filled by the Holy Spirit also. God was glorified in every way for He made it known that He was doing a great and mighty work in Israel. After 400 years of silence, the people were being made ready for the Messiah.
Every plan of God astounds us. It is always perfect.. always amazing.. always the impossible! Why is it then, that we think He is unable to help us? Why do we think that He has nothing great in store for our lives?
Father, change our ways of thinking about You. Give us greater understanding and knowledge of who You are. May we learn to worship You in spirit and in truth as we read Your word and believe Your truths. Open our eyes Lord, that we might see Your glory.. even in the everyday walk of life.
Amen.
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