There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. (Luke 13:1)
Pontius Pilate was ...governor of Judea, ... (Luke 3:1) and he would eventually give the order to have Jesus crucified. (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 18) Apparently, Pilate had allowed the murdering of some Galileans that the Jewish religious leaders accused of being sinners, and had allowed their blood to be mingled with the Jews sacrifices' blood during some form of temple worship. (see Galileans are Slain by Pilate) And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:2-5; read "The Tower of Siloam")
We are never to think we're better than others. Nor are we to think others are getting what they deserve if they suffer and even die. We all have sinned, For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (James 2:10, 12-13) He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9)
This parable is very important to the children of Israel especially, but the lessons to learn are for all of us. Christ Jesus' ministry lasted for approximately "three years". (read "How Long was Jesus' Ministry") Jesus said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24) Although, He did eventually minister in some areas outside of Israel. But God's "chosen people" had not accepted Jesus as the Son of God. God was ready to cut them down, just as He felt when they disobeyed Moses. (Exodus 32:1-14) After Jesus' death and resurrection, for "one more year", or the first year of the disciples witness, they first witnessed ...in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This "disappointing vineyard", the children of Israel is exactly what God had prophesied through the Prophet Isaiah: Now let me sing to my Well-beloved A song of my Beloved [Son] regarding His vineyard: My Well-beloved has a vineyard On a very fruitful hill. He dug it up and cleared out its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, And also made a winepress in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, But it brought forth wild grapes. “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes? And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned; And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will lay it waste; It shall not be pruned or dug, But there shall come up briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds That they rain no rain on it.” For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; For righteousness, but behold, a cry for help. (Isaiah 5:1-7)
After this prophecy, God made six "Woe" statements. The one we must be very careful about, especially these days is, Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21) We don't want to think we're better than we are, always judging other at a higher standard than we ourselves can attain. We don't want God to look at us as a "disappointing vineyard" that He contemplates cutting down. But thanks be to God that Christ Jesus is always our advocate, petitioning God to give us a little more time, For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (I Timothy 2:5) knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:3-4, 9)
But for all who choose not to accept Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord, God completes the six "Woe" warnings with a very unfortunate promise: Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust; Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 5:24) As we will study in a future lesson, Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.(John 15:5-6) Let's not get to the end of this life and be cast out of God's presence for eternity. Let's accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior today!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Jesus Endured Our Same Struggles!
“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! (Luke 12:49-50)
Why can we believe in Christ Jesus and trust in Him as our Savior and Lord? For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16) He struggled, just like we do, with wanting to do what He wanted, but rather surrendering and submitting His life to God's Will for Him. Christ accepted the fact that For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 6:38) The Will of God was that ...the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. (I John 4:14) But Christ had agonized over that, "how distressed I am till it is accomplished". Yet, up until the day before His crucifixion, He saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
We must all come to the same realization regarding our own lives. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:8) Submitting to God's Will rather than our own will oftentimes brings division in our relationships. Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:51-53; see THE GOSPEL: Price of Being a Follower of Christ) It would be wonderful if all of us believed The Truth, but everyone won't believe, even within our own families. We must always ...speaking the truth in love,... (Ephesians 4:15) but we are not to compromise what we believe. (see Tolerance, but at what Cost?)
Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time? (Luke 12:54-56; see THE GOSPEL:Pay Attention, and Understand The Sign) Yet again, Jesus uses the world "hypocrite". We know so much about how to predict what things will happen based on what we see, but so many refuse to see The Truth of Who Christ Jesus is. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, And makes their knowledge foolishness; Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; (Isaiah 44:24-26) We can read the skies, but we better believe in The One Who made the skies!
“Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.” (Luke 12:57-59; see THE GOSPEL:"You Shall Not Murder" Lesson) Yes, Christ Jesus went through everything we've gone through: not wanting to go through suffering, but submitting to the will of Him who sent Me, even when suffering was a part of that will; desiring to have a close group of friends in the twelve disciples, but knowing “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” (Matthew 26:21); sharing and revealing The Truth of The Word of God to all He came in contact with, but dealing with the Hypocrites!, who refused to believe. Finally He's telling us if we have a dispute or unresolved issue with anyone, let's try to resolve it before it gets out of hand.
We can't make anyone believe The Truth, but ...as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18) Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! [Revelations 3:19-22] My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord [Job 42] —that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:7-11)
Why can we believe in Christ Jesus and trust in Him as our Savior and Lord? For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16) He struggled, just like we do, with wanting to do what He wanted, but rather surrendering and submitting His life to God's Will for Him. Christ accepted the fact that For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 6:38) The Will of God was that ...the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. (I John 4:14) But Christ had agonized over that, "how distressed I am till it is accomplished". Yet, up until the day before His crucifixion, He saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
We must all come to the same realization regarding our own lives. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:8) Submitting to God's Will rather than our own will oftentimes brings division in our relationships. Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:51-53; see THE GOSPEL: Price of Being a Follower of Christ) It would be wonderful if all of us believed The Truth, but everyone won't believe, even within our own families. We must always ...speaking the truth in love,... (Ephesians 4:15) but we are not to compromise what we believe. (see Tolerance, but at what Cost?)
Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time? (Luke 12:54-56; see THE GOSPEL:Pay Attention, and Understand The Sign) Yet again, Jesus uses the world "hypocrite". We know so much about how to predict what things will happen based on what we see, but so many refuse to see The Truth of Who Christ Jesus is. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, And makes their knowledge foolishness; Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; (Isaiah 44:24-26) We can read the skies, but we better believe in The One Who made the skies!
“Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.” (Luke 12:57-59; see THE GOSPEL:"You Shall Not Murder" Lesson) Yes, Christ Jesus went through everything we've gone through: not wanting to go through suffering, but submitting to the will of Him who sent Me, even when suffering was a part of that will; desiring to have a close group of friends in the twelve disciples, but knowing “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” (Matthew 26:21); sharing and revealing The Truth of The Word of God to all He came in contact with, but dealing with the Hypocrites!, who refused to believe. Finally He's telling us if we have a dispute or unresolved issue with anyone, let's try to resolve it before it gets out of hand.
We can't make anyone believe The Truth, but ...as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18) Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! [Revelations 3:19-22] My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord [Job 42] —that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:7-11)
Friday, April 26, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Live Ready to Go at Any Time!
“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. (Luke 12:35-37)
These few verses are so rich with information that we may not initially appreciate, because Jesus is using an analogy that's not very common to us today. Basically, He's saying we are always to live our lives prepared to die (waist be girded and your lamps burning); not wanting to die, not rushing to die, not planning to die, but prepared to die. We've studied in several lessons that Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for His departure, for His death on the cross, then after that, for His resurrection. But as the angel told the disciples after His resurrection, at His ascention, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
What is Jesus going back to heaven to do? We will study in more detail in a future lesson; but briefly, Jesus said, ...I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3) Jesus is ...The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) He is also the bridegroom and we are His "bride", all of us who profess to be Christians, His church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Therefore, He has gone away, but He is coming back; and when He returns, He expects us to open to him immediately when He comes, and to find us watching. Why? Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” (Revelations 19:7-10)
Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:37-40) Just like the men in this parable, they did not know when their master was going to return, and we don't know when Christ Jesus is going to return, But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ...and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:37, 39) Whether it be morning, second watch (noon), or third watch (night), He said He's coming back, and “God is not a man, that He should lie,... (Numbers 23:19) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Matthew 24:35) We better be prepared when it's our time to go!
Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (Luke 12:41-46) Heaven and hell are real, and this life is not all there is. For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12)
And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:45-48) God is holy and righteous and just! ...the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered. (Proverbs 11:21) Just like a groom and bride should expect eachother to remain faithful and committed to eachother leading up to their marriage ceremony, so does Christ Jesus expect us to do the same until He returns for us. (Hebrews 6:1-8) We've heard of people who were "left at the alter". Well, God forbid that should happen to us, but we have to make sure we keep our waist girded and our lamps burning, so that when he comes and knocks we may open to him immediately.
These few verses are so rich with information that we may not initially appreciate, because Jesus is using an analogy that's not very common to us today. Basically, He's saying we are always to live our lives prepared to die (waist be girded and your lamps burning); not wanting to die, not rushing to die, not planning to die, but prepared to die. We've studied in several lessons that Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for His departure, for His death on the cross, then after that, for His resurrection. But as the angel told the disciples after His resurrection, at His ascention, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
What is Jesus going back to heaven to do? We will study in more detail in a future lesson; but briefly, Jesus said, ...I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3) Jesus is ...The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) He is also the bridegroom and we are His "bride", all of us who profess to be Christians, His church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Therefore, He has gone away, but He is coming back; and when He returns, He expects us to open to him immediately when He comes, and to find us watching. Why? Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” (Revelations 19:7-10)
Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:37-40) Just like the men in this parable, they did not know when their master was going to return, and we don't know when Christ Jesus is going to return, But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ...and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:37, 39) Whether it be morning, second watch (noon), or third watch (night), He said He's coming back, and “God is not a man, that He should lie,... (Numbers 23:19) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Matthew 24:35) We better be prepared when it's our time to go!
Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (Luke 12:41-46) Heaven and hell are real, and this life is not all there is. For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12)
And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:45-48) God is holy and righteous and just! ...the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered. (Proverbs 11:21) Just like a groom and bride should expect eachother to remain faithful and committed to eachother leading up to their marriage ceremony, so does Christ Jesus expect us to do the same until He returns for us. (Hebrews 6:1-8) We've heard of people who were "left at the alter". Well, God forbid that should happen to us, but we have to make sure we keep our waist girded and our lamps burning, so that when he comes and knocks we may open to him immediately.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Rather be Wise and Content, than a Rich Fool!
Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:13-15)
“You shall not covet ... anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21) Many of us desire to have more than what we have. We may even desire to have some things similar to what other people have. But when we desire to have what someone else has, that is coveting and that is a sin, and it will lead to all kinds of problems. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:7-10) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ (Luke 12:16-19) Understand, God does not have a problem with us having earthly wealth and possessions. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19) The problem is too many of us, just like this rich man receive the gifts from God, then we get lax. When we feel we have all of our physical needs met, it often times becomes too easy for us to forget God and take our ease; eat, drink, and be merry. But God says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,... (Deuteronomy 8:18)
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21; see THE GOSPEL: God and His Kingdom First) What a wake up call this should be to all of us! A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction. (Ecclesiastes 6:2) First, to have the wrong motivation, coveting and loving money. Then, to receive those things we so desired but not live to enjoy them. Finally, someone else will benefit from and enjoy all those things we thought would be ours, For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Instead of being foolish about the things of this world, let's be wise! “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
PRAYER: Dear God, our Heavenly Father, thank You for providing all of our needs. Thank you for helping us to ...learn how to be content with whatever we have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT) Help us to ...seek first the kingdom of God and Your righteousness, and all these things shall be added to us. (Matthew 6:33) In Your Son, Christ Jesus name we pray. AMEN
“You shall not covet ... anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21) Many of us desire to have more than what we have. We may even desire to have some things similar to what other people have. But when we desire to have what someone else has, that is coveting and that is a sin, and it will lead to all kinds of problems. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:7-10) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ (Luke 12:16-19) Understand, God does not have a problem with us having earthly wealth and possessions. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19) The problem is too many of us, just like this rich man receive the gifts from God, then we get lax. When we feel we have all of our physical needs met, it often times becomes too easy for us to forget God and take our ease; eat, drink, and be merry. But God says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,... (Deuteronomy 8:18)
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21; see THE GOSPEL: God and His Kingdom First) What a wake up call this should be to all of us! A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction. (Ecclesiastes 6:2) First, to have the wrong motivation, coveting and loving money. Then, to receive those things we so desired but not live to enjoy them. Finally, someone else will benefit from and enjoy all those things we thought would be ours, For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Instead of being foolish about the things of this world, let's be wise! “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
PRAYER: Dear God, our Heavenly Father, thank You for providing all of our needs. Thank you for helping us to ...learn how to be content with whatever we have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT) Help us to ...seek first the kingdom of God and Your righteousness, and all these things shall be added to us. (Matthew 6:33) In Your Son, Christ Jesus name we pray. AMEN
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Be Authentic, be Real, be Bold, through The Holy Spirit!
In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1)
God does not like hypocrisy, the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform, pretense; or as the old saying goes, "being two faced". The Pharisees ...false teaching is like a little yeast [leaven] that spreads through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you. (Galatians 5:9-10 NLT) For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. (Luke 12:2-3) As much as we can, we have to do our best to always speak the truth; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) Then we won't have to be ashamed when what we have said in the dark is heard in the light, nor when what we've said in secret is told to others.
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:4-7) No matter what any human being may think of us, we ALL are of great value to God! We are the only things He create in His and His Son's ... image, according to Our likeness... (Genesis 1:26) We should not be as concerned with man's opinion of us, as we should be of God's opinion. Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. (Galatians 1:10 NLT) Man doesn't have a heaven or a hell to put us in, but God does, so we shouldn't fear false teachers or unbelievers opinions of us. Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:8-12) We have to be bold witnesses for Christ, no matter what the consequence may be. (see THE GOSPEL: Price of Being a Follower of Christ) We have to be sure that we are saved and not just "surface" believers, but that the Holy Spirit is "planted" in us. (see THE GOSPEL: First Parable, the Sower) Without the Holy Spirit, we can not be saved because He is our confirmation from God that we are saved. (see THE GOSPEL: "The Unforgivable Sin") Through the Holy Spirit, God will speak through us, For the Holy Spirit will teach us what we ought to say.
Nothing man can do to us compares to what God is going to do through and for us! We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. ...we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke." [Psalm 116:10] ... That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (II Corinthians 4:7-18 NLT) AMEN
God does not like hypocrisy, the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform, pretense; or as the old saying goes, "being two faced". The Pharisees ...false teaching is like a little yeast [leaven] that spreads through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you. (Galatians 5:9-10 NLT) For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. (Luke 12:2-3) As much as we can, we have to do our best to always speak the truth; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15) Then we won't have to be ashamed when what we have said in the dark is heard in the light, nor when what we've said in secret is told to others.
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:4-7) No matter what any human being may think of us, we ALL are of great value to God! We are the only things He create in His and His Son's ... image, according to Our likeness... (Genesis 1:26) We should not be as concerned with man's opinion of us, as we should be of God's opinion. Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. (Galatians 1:10 NLT) Man doesn't have a heaven or a hell to put us in, but God does, so we shouldn't fear false teachers or unbelievers opinions of us. Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:8-12) We have to be bold witnesses for Christ, no matter what the consequence may be. (see THE GOSPEL: Price of Being a Follower of Christ) We have to be sure that we are saved and not just "surface" believers, but that the Holy Spirit is "planted" in us. (see THE GOSPEL: First Parable, the Sower) Without the Holy Spirit, we can not be saved because He is our confirmation from God that we are saved. (see THE GOSPEL: "The Unforgivable Sin") Through the Holy Spirit, God will speak through us, For the Holy Spirit will teach us what we ought to say.
Nothing man can do to us compares to what God is going to do through and for us! We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. ...we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke." [Psalm 116:10] ... That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (II Corinthians 4:7-18 NLT) AMEN
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Offensive or Not? Man's Rituals vs. God's Sanctification!
And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. (Luke 11:37-38)
The Pharisees made a similar observation about Jesus an His disciples during a previous encounter. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. (Mark 7:2-3) Now, Jesus is eating a meal in a Pharisee's house and doing the same thing again. Jesus knowing what the Pharisee wass thinking responded, similarly to the way He responded before. Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you. (Luke 11:39-41) In other words, So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. (Luke 11:41)
God does not care about the "show", what people see us do, but rather about the "heart", why we do the things we do. (Hebrews 4:12) “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! (Luke 11:42-43) Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on.” (Luke 11:44 NLT) "Everything that looks good isn't good!" Everything the Pharisees were doing wasn't necessarily bad, just unnecessary and the more important things they were neglecting. Jesus used the example of tithing, which is very important, but we also have to treat each other justly and lovingly. Doing one thing while not doing the other is of no value temporarily or eternally.
Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, “Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also.” And He said, “Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation. “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” (Luke 11:45-52)
Well, Jesus is spreading the reprimands all around, first to the Pharisees and scribes, and then the lawyers. The lawyers here are experts in religious law. Remember, the Jews had over 600 "laws" they obeyed, many self imposed and religious traditions that they added to what God had commanded. (see THE GOSPEL: Traditions vs. Obedience) Someone had to be knowledgeable of all those laws in order to instruct the Pharisees if a law had been broken or not. Jesus judged them accurately; first, ...you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden. (Luke 11:46 NLT) Yes, punishments should equal the crime, but first a crime has to be committed, not merely a feeling or belief offended. Secondly, Jesus validates the scriptures, or what we now call the Old Testament by stating, ...from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will certainly be charged against this generation. (Luke 11:51) The Hebrew "Old Testament" has the books of the Bible in a slightly different order, with Genesis being first and II Chronicles being last. (see From A-Z, Genesis - Revelations) Abel was the first man of God to be killed, as recorded in Genesis; and Zechariah was the last prophet to be killed, as recorded in II Chronicles.
But lastly, probably Jesus' most shocking judgment against these lawyers, and to us also, who feel we know so much and can teach others, He says, “What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don’t enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering.” (Luke 11:52 NLT) As we've studied so many times before, knowledge without wisdom is of no benefit to us or anyone else. For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel... Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:25, 33) These religious leaders and lawyers had been misteaching and misleading the people for centuries, and Jesus warned them before, just as He is now, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." (Mark 9:42; Matthew 18:6)
And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him. (Luke 11:53-54) Many of us, just like these relgious leaders, are so steeped in "this is how I've always done it" or "this is how my church does it" or "this is how my family does it", that we refuse to listen to what Jesus says to do. He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. (Acts 15:28-29)
As long as we make sure we're obeying the necessary things of the Word of God, we won't offend God or any man in the disputable things. (Romans 14) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8) For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ...; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. (I Thessalonians 4:3-8)
The Pharisees made a similar observation about Jesus an His disciples during a previous encounter. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. (Mark 7:2-3) Now, Jesus is eating a meal in a Pharisee's house and doing the same thing again. Jesus knowing what the Pharisee wass thinking responded, similarly to the way He responded before. Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you. (Luke 11:39-41) In other words, So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. (Luke 11:41)
God does not care about the "show", what people see us do, but rather about the "heart", why we do the things we do. (Hebrews 4:12) “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! (Luke 11:42-43) Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on.” (Luke 11:44 NLT) "Everything that looks good isn't good!" Everything the Pharisees were doing wasn't necessarily bad, just unnecessary and the more important things they were neglecting. Jesus used the example of tithing, which is very important, but we also have to treat each other justly and lovingly. Doing one thing while not doing the other is of no value temporarily or eternally.
Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, “Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also.” And He said, “Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation. “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” (Luke 11:45-52)
Well, Jesus is spreading the reprimands all around, first to the Pharisees and scribes, and then the lawyers. The lawyers here are experts in religious law. Remember, the Jews had over 600 "laws" they obeyed, many self imposed and religious traditions that they added to what God had commanded. (see THE GOSPEL: Traditions vs. Obedience) Someone had to be knowledgeable of all those laws in order to instruct the Pharisees if a law had been broken or not. Jesus judged them accurately; first, ...you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden. (Luke 11:46 NLT) Yes, punishments should equal the crime, but first a crime has to be committed, not merely a feeling or belief offended. Secondly, Jesus validates the scriptures, or what we now call the Old Testament by stating, ...from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will certainly be charged against this generation. (Luke 11:51) The Hebrew "Old Testament" has the books of the Bible in a slightly different order, with Genesis being first and II Chronicles being last. (see From A-Z, Genesis - Revelations) Abel was the first man of God to be killed, as recorded in Genesis; and Zechariah was the last prophet to be killed, as recorded in II Chronicles.
But lastly, probably Jesus' most shocking judgment against these lawyers, and to us also, who feel we know so much and can teach others, He says, “What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don’t enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering.” (Luke 11:52 NLT) As we've studied so many times before, knowledge without wisdom is of no benefit to us or anyone else. For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel... Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:25, 33) These religious leaders and lawyers had been misteaching and misleading the people for centuries, and Jesus warned them before, just as He is now, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." (Mark 9:42; Matthew 18:6)
And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him. (Luke 11:53-54) Many of us, just like these relgious leaders, are so steeped in "this is how I've always done it" or "this is how my church does it" or "this is how my family does it", that we refuse to listen to what Jesus says to do. He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. (Acts 15:28-29)
As long as we make sure we're obeying the necessary things of the Word of God, we won't offend God or any man in the disputable things. (Romans 14) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8) For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ...; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. (I Thessalonians 4:3-8)
Monday, April 22, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Work with the Right Motivation!
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (Luke 10:38-39)
As was the custom back then, as men of God traveled, people would offer them temporary residence in their homes. Lot did this for the angels of God. (Genesis 19) Rahab the harlot did this for the spies of the children of Israel when they came to Canaan. (Joshua 2) And there are many more examples. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” (Luke 10:40) We must understand that Jesus traveled with an entourage, most of the twelve disciples and several other followers. We don't know how many, but more that just Jesus stayed at the house. Quite naturally there would be a lot of preparation and things to do if a person wanted to be a good host. How frustrating for Martha to be doing all this work and her sister to just be sitting down at Jesus’ feet and hearing His word.
How does Jesus respond to her request, "Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Not the response Martha was expecting, but a lesson we all need to learn. Whatever we do, we are to do what we are called to do and not expect others to do what we ourselves are committed to doing. Just because something may be a good thing to do doesn't necessarily mean that everyone should be doing it. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
We must have the right motivation behind everything we do. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7) Serving God and others is a very good thing to do. Jesus is not saying Martha is wrong for doing so. But the most important thing any of us can do is sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His word. One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4) Once we receive His teaching and instruction, then we can follow His directing, ...doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord,... (Ephesians 6:7-8)
As was the custom back then, as men of God traveled, people would offer them temporary residence in their homes. Lot did this for the angels of God. (Genesis 19) Rahab the harlot did this for the spies of the children of Israel when they came to Canaan. (Joshua 2) And there are many more examples. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” (Luke 10:40) We must understand that Jesus traveled with an entourage, most of the twelve disciples and several other followers. We don't know how many, but more that just Jesus stayed at the house. Quite naturally there would be a lot of preparation and things to do if a person wanted to be a good host. How frustrating for Martha to be doing all this work and her sister to just be sitting down at Jesus’ feet and hearing His word.
How does Jesus respond to her request, "Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Not the response Martha was expecting, but a lesson we all need to learn. Whatever we do, we are to do what we are called to do and not expect others to do what we ourselves are committed to doing. Just because something may be a good thing to do doesn't necessarily mean that everyone should be doing it. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
We must have the right motivation behind everything we do. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7) Serving God and others is a very good thing to do. Jesus is not saying Martha is wrong for doing so. But the most important thing any of us can do is sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His word. One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4) Once we receive His teaching and instruction, then we can follow His directing, ...doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord,... (Ephesians 6:7-8)
Friday, April 19, 2013
THE GOSPEL: The World is Our "Neighbor"!
And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:25-28)
Not a very bright idea to test the Teacher, who knows everything! But when people make the mistake of thinking that Jesus was just a man and not realizing that He is the Son of Man and Son of God, and the Word of God in the flesh, then these kinds of mistakes are bound to happen. But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (John 10:29) Well, he couldn't leave well enough alone, which is fine. A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. (Proverbs 14:6 NLT)
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. (John 10:30-32) The Jewish religious leaders had justified not helping or associating with certain groups and races of people, like the Samaritans by classifying "neighbors" as only "brethren", or full-breed Jews. Jesus is very wisely explaining to them the error of their belief, by using of all examples a Samaritan as the hero of the story.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:33-37)
There are so many lessons to take away from this story. First, the definition of neighbor is anyone we come in contact with. Every human being is our neighbor, and should be treated with respect because we all were created by God. Now with that being said, we can justify and come up with some pretty good reasons why we shouldn't treat all people with respect, just like the Jewish religious leaders did. But For there is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:11 KJV) Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands. (Job 34:19) “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (Acts 10:34-35)
Lastly, we are to help our neighbors. As Christians, many times we like to tell people the Word of God and feel we've done what God wants us to do. Being a Christian is being more than just religious. Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17) We have to allow ourselves to be used to God; Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Even if we don't mention the name God, people will be moved by what we do to help them, and they won't understand why we're doing it because it's not natural. That's when we'll have the opportunity to ...bear witness of the Light. (John 1:8) If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; (James 2:8) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:10)
Not a very bright idea to test the Teacher, who knows everything! But when people make the mistake of thinking that Jesus was just a man and not realizing that He is the Son of Man and Son of God, and the Word of God in the flesh, then these kinds of mistakes are bound to happen. But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (John 10:29) Well, he couldn't leave well enough alone, which is fine. A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. (Proverbs 14:6 NLT)
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. (John 10:30-32) The Jewish religious leaders had justified not helping or associating with certain groups and races of people, like the Samaritans by classifying "neighbors" as only "brethren", or full-breed Jews. Jesus is very wisely explaining to them the error of their belief, by using of all examples a Samaritan as the hero of the story.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:33-37)
There are so many lessons to take away from this story. First, the definition of neighbor is anyone we come in contact with. Every human being is our neighbor, and should be treated with respect because we all were created by God. Now with that being said, we can justify and come up with some pretty good reasons why we shouldn't treat all people with respect, just like the Jewish religious leaders did. But For there is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:11 KJV) Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands. (Job 34:19) “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (Acts 10:34-35)
Lastly, we are to help our neighbors. As Christians, many times we like to tell people the Word of God and feel we've done what God wants us to do. Being a Christian is being more than just religious. Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17) We have to allow ourselves to be used to God; Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Even if we don't mention the name God, people will be moved by what we do to help them, and they won't understand why we're doing it because it's not natural. That's when we'll have the opportunity to ...bear witness of the Light. (John 1:8) If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; (James 2:8) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:10)
Thursday, April 18, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Bold Witness, Eternal Reward!
After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:1-2)
Previously Jesus had sent the twelve disciples out in pairs, to the cities of Isreal; And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him [and began to send them out two by two*], He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. (Matthew 10:1, 5-10; Mark 6:7-9*; Luke 9:1-3; see THE GOSPEL: Laborers for the Harvest) And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. (Mark 6:13) Now He's sending out seventy others in pairs to cities throughout the region, and He's giving them the same authority and power, to do everything HE Himself was able to do and that He empowered the twelve disciples to do.
Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city. (Luke 10:1-12)
Previously Jesus had sent the twelve disciples out in pairs, to the cities of Isreal; And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him [and began to send them out two by two*], He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. (Matthew 10:1, 5-10; Mark 6:7-9*; Luke 9:1-3; see THE GOSPEL: Laborers for the Harvest) And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. (Mark 6:13) Now He's sending out seventy others in pairs to cities throughout the region, and He's giving them the same authority and power, to do everything HE Himself was able to do and that He empowered the twelve disciples to do.
Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city. (Luke 10:1-12)
Christ Jesus warned these seventy disciples about certain things that may happen to them, and we need to be aware that the same things may happen to us also:
- lambs among wolves: ...the devil, ... He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8) Jesus warns us who the wolf is, and God tells us exactly how to deal with him; Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
- carry nothing: “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34) We don't have to worry when we know we are obeying God's Word and submitting to His Will for our lives; And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
- greet no one along the road: Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. (Ephesians 5:6-7) Many times we know God is leading us in a specific direction, but instead of following His instructions, we talk to others, and before we realize it we start doubting or questioning what we should do. Then many times we end up not doing what God is leading us to do. A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, (Proverbs 1:5)
- laborer is worthy of his wages: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.(II Thessalonians 3:10) We are never to get so high-minded or feel that we should be taken care of by others. We are to have the same mind and attitude as Jesus, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,... (Mark 10:45)
- do not go from house to house: One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. (Romans 14:5-6, 13) We should always be gracious and not judgemental of others. All of us are at different levels of faith. Our goal should always be to lead people to Christ and not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
- wipe off dust: For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; (I Peter 2:20-21, 23) People may not want to hear the Word of God, but we can't take it personally. They are not rejecting us but rejecting God, and God judges righteously; it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city [and those people].
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) We are never to get caught-up in what God does through us, but rather we are to rejoice that God chose to use us, to spread the message that the kingdom of God has come near. And when this life is over, we'll rejoice even more when we hear Him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25:20)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Good Shepherd Gives His Life for the Sheep!
As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:15-16)
Remember, Jesus has been in the temple in Galilee, disputing back and forth with the Pharisees and Jews. They wanted to stone Him earlier for what they perceived as Him speaking blasphemy. (John 8:48-59) Now He's talking about other sheep I have which are not of this fold. He's confirming what God spoke through the prophets, For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, “Yet I will gather to him others besides those who are gathered to him.” (Isaiah 56:7-8)
Contrary to popular belief, God did not choose the children of Israel because they were "special". Moses even warned them of this fact, “Do not think in your heart, after the Lord your God has cast them out before you, saying, ‘Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land’; ... It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land, but ... that He may fulfill the word which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore understand that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people. (Deuteronomy 9:4-6) God keeps His promises, and He made a promise to Abraham that, In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:18)
God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,... (I Timothy 2:3-5) Salvation is for ALL people, no matter who we are or where we are. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the [non-Jew]. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:17-18) Jesus is making it clear yet again that in order for ALL men to be saved and have a restored relationship with God the Father, a sacrifice must be made, and God sent Him for that purpose; For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 6:38) He's making sure these Pharisees and Jewish leaders know that they aren't doing anything to Him, but rather that He is doing what God sent Him to do; Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple [His body], and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19)
Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21) No! A demon can't. Only the Son of God, Christ Jesus, The Good Shepherd can! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,... (Acts 16:31) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. (Psalm 146:8-9)
Remember, Jesus has been in the temple in Galilee, disputing back and forth with the Pharisees and Jews. They wanted to stone Him earlier for what they perceived as Him speaking blasphemy. (John 8:48-59) Now He's talking about other sheep I have which are not of this fold. He's confirming what God spoke through the prophets, For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, “Yet I will gather to him others besides those who are gathered to him.” (Isaiah 56:7-8)
Contrary to popular belief, God did not choose the children of Israel because they were "special". Moses even warned them of this fact, “Do not think in your heart, after the Lord your God has cast them out before you, saying, ‘Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land’; ... It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land, but ... that He may fulfill the word which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore understand that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people. (Deuteronomy 9:4-6) God keeps His promises, and He made a promise to Abraham that, In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:18)
God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,... (I Timothy 2:3-5) Salvation is for ALL people, no matter who we are or where we are. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the [non-Jew]. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:17-18) Jesus is making it clear yet again that in order for ALL men to be saved and have a restored relationship with God the Father, a sacrifice must be made, and God sent Him for that purpose; For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 6:38) He's making sure these Pharisees and Jewish leaders know that they aren't doing anything to Him, but rather that He is doing what God sent Him to do; Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple [His body], and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19)
Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21) No! A demon can't. Only the Son of God, Christ Jesus, The Good Shepherd can! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,... (Acts 16:31) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. (Psalm 146:8-9)
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