Luke 10:1-12, 16-20
Sometimes at a person’s job, the workload becomes so big that it is difficult for one person to do alone. Where I worked as a secretary at a foster care agency for a number of years, the workload of the caseworkers was so huge that it was impossible for them to get done what they needed to each month for their cases. They really needed more caseworkers, but with the budget, the agency could never afford to hire more. The need was great, but the workers were few. We see that in our Scripture passage for today from the Gospel of Luke.
As our passage opens, Jesus is sending out a large group of disciples, two by two, to go into various different villages to prepare the people for when He would later come to them (vs. 1). There were many more dedicated followers of Jesus than just the twelve apostles. Here, there were 70 followers who were available and willing to go out on a short preparatory mission trip to villages in Galilee and Judea. There were a lot of people who Jesus needed to reach with His message before He would go to the Cross, and it was more than just the twelve could handle. As we look around today, we see thousands, millions, who need to hear the message of Jesus and salvation through His Blood. How can we reach them all? Jesus tells us to pray that the Lord will send more dedicated workers into the “fields” to win more souls for Him (vs. 2). There is work enough for everyone!
When we go out to bring God’s message of salvation to the world, there is often hostility, sometimes even dangerous opposition. Jesus told these 70 that they were like lambs going out among wolves (vs. 3). It was the case back in Jesus’ day, and is certainly the case today, as well. We must be careful and be alert, but not face our opposition with similar hostility. We must come to them with love and gentleness.
Jesus proceeded to give these 70 disciples some instructions for going out with His message (vs. 4-9). The disciples were not to burden themselves down carrying all sorts of personal items (vs. 4). They were to depend on God to provide for their needs. The instruction to “greet no one” may sound strange, even impolite. In that era and culture, a proper greeting was an elaborate ceremony with many formalities and often even a meal, which could cause a long delay. If one was on an urgent mission, one could be excused. Jesus’ instructions indicated that there was a shortness of time and an urgent task that they had. The time is even shorter today. Jesus’s return is imminent. He could come at any day, and there is an urgent need to get the Gospel out to those who haven’t heard.
Jesus continues with His instructions, telling them that they were not to waste time moving around or seeking more comfortable housing. They were to accept the hospitality that was given them, without being picky (vs. 7-8). Jesus’ message is more important than our own personal comfort.
As we all know, the Gospel is very often not well received by unbelievers. When that happens, we should leave them. Jesus warned, though, that those who have had the Gospel clearly presented to them, and have rejected it, will have greater judgment (vs. 10-12). Those who reject the message of the Gospel reject God, and will face guilt and condemnation (vs. 16).
When the disciples returned they were excited with their results. Even demons fled at the Name of Jesus! (vs. 17) Jesus is the source of the authority that makes demons subject to genuine believers. Demons shudder at the Name of Jesus, and must obey. His Name and Word are powerful, and He has given us power in His Name. Jesus has already conquered evil, and because of that, we can live without fear (vs. 19). Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4). Jesus has given us authority, but if we fail to take up our position in Christ, we will feel overwhelmed and defeated.
As the disciples rejoiced with the tremendous results they had, Jesus reminded them that the most important thing was that they were saved and their names written in heaven (vs. 20). Even more marvelous than power over demons and healings, is the salvation of souls. That is the point of the Gospel!
Galatians 6:1-10
Imagine walking down the road and you come across someone who is overloaded with items they are struggling to carry. They have their arms filled with many things, and heavy burdens on their back, as well. The kind and helpful thing to do would be to offer to help carry some of their packages. And if we see them stumble while carrying this load, would we not have compassion, and hurry to help them? In our Scripture passage today from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Galatia, he urges them to be doing this in the spiritual realm, as well. Let’s see what we can learn from God’s Word.
As Paul begins this passage, he pictures a believer who has fallen into some type of sin, one that the person is struggling to overcome (vs. 1). So often in a community of believers, what happens then is that the person is condemned, with his fellow Christians circling with rocks in their hands, ready to stone him. Paul says “No!” That is not what is to be done. Godly believers should, in love, help to restore that person who has fallen into sin. It is to be done in love and humility, so that our conduct is constructive and not destructive. We need to be careful, as well, as it is so easy to fall into sin ourself.
How is the Church supposed to respond when one member of the body is weighed down with a heavy burden, whether it is financial, in their family, or some other need? Often the response is to look away, pretend they don’t know. Again, Paul says that should not be the case (vs. 2). Christians have a responsibility to help other believers who are having difficulties and problems. The Law of Christ Paul mentions is the Law of Love. Love fulfills God’s law (Galatians 5:14; John 13:34; Romans 13:8, 10). We freely give of ourselves to help fellow believers in their need, just as Christ gave Himself to us. The Body of Christ functions only when the members work together to help each other.
Paul continues on, teaching us that we should not be concerning ourselves with someone else’s walk in the Lord, but rather be concerned with our own (vs. 4). We should not compare ourselves with others, or compete to see who is the better Christian. We need to be concerned with our own responsibility before God. Some people like to point out others faults to feel better about themselves, or for reassurance that they are doing well. We should not look at others, but be focusing only on Jesus. He will inspire us to do our best, and will comfort us when we fall short. We are all dependent upon God’s grace. Measure our progress by the Lord’s standards, not others, and make sure we are walking according to His will. Then we will reach out with compassions to other believers, not trying to undermine them in jealousy. God has transformed us into a new person, and we should live like it. Then we can give spiritual help to others.
Paul then proceeds to teach an important spiritual truth, that of sowing and reaping with regards to our lifestyle and behavior (vs. 7 - 9). Some Christians falsely believe, and even teach, that our lifestyle as a Christian doesn’t really matter. God does care immensely about our conduct and motives. We reap what we sow. Actually we will reap more than we sow, will continue to reap, and reap later than we sowed. We bear the consequences of our choices for a long time - either for good or bad. Every action has its results. We may think that our sins will go unnoticed by anyone, including God. That is not so. God sees. He is not mocked. If we sow to the flesh, giving in to our flesh’s evil desires, we will bring corruption and decay. Sin always corrupts. It makes a person progressively worse in character. The flesh wants to live and act apart from God. We will reap our sins. As God said in Numbers 32:23, our sin will surely find us out.
If we live in obedience to God we will reap a harvest of blessings and joy. Sowing to the Spirit accepts God’s truth into our mind and heart. Sometimes we may despair, as we are living right but still facing so many problems, and wondering where are blessings are. Our blessings will come in due season (vs. 9). The right season may not have come yet. We may look at our apple tree in March or April, wanting apples, but it’s not the right season yet. Maybe looking in the summer for a pumpkin, but we have to wait till October. Our blessings will come when the season is right. Don’t give up! We will reap!
Are we sowing to the flesh or to the Spirit? We plant seeds that will affect what type of person we will be. What kind of seeds are we planting? Keep on doing good, and trust God for the harvest.
Psalm 66
Has there ever been an occasion when you prayed to God, asking a request of Him, and then heard nothing from the Lord? There are several reasons why one might not get a response from the Lord for one’s prayers, and in our psalm for today, the Scriptures gives one of those reasons. Let’s look into this passage and see what we can learn on this topic, and a couple of other topics highlighted in the psalm, as well.
At the end of his psalm, our unknown psalmist declares that if he keeps sin in his heart, the Lord will not hear when he prays to Him (vs. 18). This doesn’t mean we can never make a mistake. God understands our weaknesses. However, we must repent of all known sin in our lives, and avoid continuing in them. When we defy God, and deliberately and rebelliously commit sin, He puts us in something akin to a “time out”, just like a parent does, and He won’t “hear” us. When a parent punishes a child for some wrongdoing they have done, the child may cry and squawk all they want, but the parent doesn’t “hear” the child until they have learned their lesson.
Since we continue to commit sins, large or small, after we’ve been saved, we must continue to confess them to the Lord as soon as we can. We might not always remember every sin we commit, but we should have an attitude of confession and obedience. True confession requires us to listen to God, and to want to stop doing what is wrong. When we refuse to repent, or when we cherish some special sin of ours, we build up a wall between ourselves and God. It is that wall that blocks our prayers from being heard and responded to by God. Our prayers will be hindered if we refuse to heed the Holy Spirit’s conviction when we sin. God blesses obedience, not stubbornness. When we do confess, and strive to live in accordance to the Word of God, we don’t have to wonder if God hears us when we pray (vs. 19-20). He reassures us over and over in His Word that He does.
There are a couple of other points that our psalmist brings out in our psalm for today that I would like to mention. In verse 10 he says that God has tested us like when silver is refined. When silver or other precious metals are refined, they are put into very hot fire which brings out the impurities, which are then removed. This process makes a much purer silver or gold. In like manner trials can refine our character if we allow them to (vs. 10-12). They can bring us wisdom, help us to discern truth, and give us the discipline to do what is right. Above all, these trials can draw us closer to the Lord if we allow them to. Job learned the lesson that his trials would make his character like gold (Job 23:10). Another psalmist knew that his afflictions helped to keep him on the straight path with God (Psalm 119:67).
One final point that our psalmist brings up which I would like to look at is one of making and keeping vows and promises to God (vs. 13-15). How many people make vows and promises to God when they are in some deep trouble? They vow this or that if God will only deliver them from what trouble they are in. “Oh God, help me! If You will only rescue me I promise I will do ……..” As soon as they are out of the trouble, however, the promise is forgotten and the vow not kept. Our psalmist here remembered his promise, and is prepared to keep it. We don’t know what brought about his vow to God, but whatever it was, once it was over, he remembered his promise and is faithfully going to carry it out. Have we ever made a promise to God? Most of us have. Have we kept that promise? What about promises we have made to others? Are we diligent to keep them, as well? A person of integrity will keep their promises to others, and especially to God.
Like so many psalms, this one is filled with praise. It summons us to sing praise to God. God is worthy of our praise. Praise to God is the highest occupation anyone can have. We recognize that God is King on His throne. Our whole purpose in coming before Him is to bring praise. God has saved us. He has delivered us. He has bestowed countless blessings upon us. God has always remained faithful!
Isaiah 66:10-16
What a beautiful sight it is to see a mother lovingly hold her young child in her lap! Maybe she’s nursing the child, or gently rocking the young one, softly singing a lullaby. Perhaps she’s reading a picture book or playing a simple game like peekaboo. If one had a loving mother these sights can bring back comforting memories. In our passage of Scripture today from the Book of Isaiah, God’s love and comfort is compared to that of a loving mother.
Throughout Israel’s history, the people cycled between faithfully following the Lord and straying away in disobedience and idolatry. After the kingdom split in two, the northern kingdom of Israel as a whole strayed away from following the Lord permanently, though there was always a faithful few here and there that stayed true. The southern kingdom of Judah continued to waver back and forth, sometimes true to God, often not true to Him. Due to their unfaithfulness to Him, both kingdoms (at separate times) were punished by God, where He allowed the land to be conquered and the people taken into exile. Judah would eventually return to the land, but the northern kingdom of Israel never would.
The Lord spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah, telling them that there would be a time when He would gather His people to Himself, all believers, Jews and Gentiles, just like a mother gathers her child into her arms. God will be to His believing people like a mother who holds her children on her lap, delighting in them and they in Him, just like a nursing mother (vs. 10-11).
When a child gets into serious trouble, a father might give up on the child or get furious. Many times that is the case, whereas the mother, instead, weeps for her child, ready to believe in and hope for him, believing the best. It’s her baby. God did not forsake Israel, even when they sinned and went into exile. When we fall into any sort of sin, we need to come to God in repentance, just like a sorrowful child comes to their loving parent and is forgiven. Perhaps our earthly parents were not so loving or forgiving, and we may fear God will be harsh like they were to us. God is the perfect loving parent to us, and He will gather us into His arms in love and forgiveness, if only we would come to Him! Just like a mother knows how to soothe her child when no one else can, so God can comfort us in any distress. He can give us perfect peace when we trust Him (Isaiah 26:3).
The picture Isaiah paints is one of peace. The peaceful scene of a mother and baby in her arms. Or a peaceful, gentle river that comes flowing in, bringing strength and blessing to thirsty souls, Jewish and Gentile (vs. 12). Blessings will come to those who faithfully follow God, but wrath to those who oppose Him. Those who refuse to come to a cool freshwater stream for a refreshing drink are out of luck and remain thirsty, getting nothing. A bad-tempered and combative child who refuses to rest in his mother’s arms gets put in “time-out”. There will come a time when the judgment of God will fall upon unbelievers. At that time His wrath will be great (vs. 15-16). Those who remain faithful to God will receive life, joy, and peace, more than they could imagine. The unbelievers will receive judgment and death. God cannot overlook sin, and He will punish it. The faithful will know God’s eternal blessings.
If you admit it, isn’t there times you wish you could crawl into God’s lap, and be comforted in His loving arms? Maybe your life has been a troubled one, with many sins weighing you down. There’s forgiveness and comfort to be found in His arms. Maybe there has been so many burdens and problems in your life. Like a weary and tired child who has had a rough and difficult day, crawl into the lap of your Heavenly Father and find rest and comfort!
Luke 9:51-62
Our Scripture passage today from the Gospel of Luke covers two lessons that Jesus taught the disciples. The first was a lesson that He taught about how our reaction should be when we face rejection for the Gospel. The second was a lesson on the cost of discipleship and following Jesus.
As our Scripture passage opens, Jesus and His disciples are journeying from the northern territory of Galilee to Jerusalem in the south. The most direct route would be to go through the land of Samaria. Most Jewish people would never set foot in Samaria, and instead would take a much longer route by going east across the Jordan River, then heading south, crossing the Jordan again around Jericho. Samaritans were the descendants of Jewish mixed marriages from the days of captivity. They had devised their own worship, which was a mix of Judaism and paganism. Devout Jews considered Samaritans unclean and hated them. We read in the Gospels, however, that Jesus went through Samaria several times.
On this day Jesus and His disciples are journeying to Jerusalem for the last time (vs. 51). Jesus knew that this time His journey would end with His crucifixion, dying to save mankind. Although He knew He would suffer persecution and death in Jerusalem, Jesus steadfastly went ahead anyway. We should have that same resolve, as well, where nothing deters us from following God’s will.
While passing through Samaria, the local residents saw that Jesus and His group were Jewish and heading to Jerusalem. Because of the mutual animosity between the two groups, they did not welcome the disciples (vs. 52-56). James and John did not respond back with love, as Jesus had long been teaching them. He did not want them to respond with retaliation and anger. He came to save, not to destroy. We must represent Jesus to others with love and mercy, even if they do not welcome our message, not with fury and anger. Jesus has never wished for people to be converted at the “point of the sword”, like some in history have done. That was never His way. The Apostle John did learn this lesson, as a few years later he and Peter preached the Gospel in Samaria (Acts 8:25), and John’s Epistles are filled with lessons on loving others.
The second lesson Jesus taught in this passage of God’s Word is that of the cost of discipleship. As they continued on their way to Jerusalem we read of three individual men who receive the call to follow Jesus, and what the response was. The first man willingly came up to Jesus, proclaiming that he would follow Jesus wherever He led. That sounds great, and perhaps that man did. Jesus reminded him, though, that the cost of following Him is great, and he needs to count that cost. Jesus told him that throughout His years of ministry He didn’t even have a bed to call His own, sleeping either at the homes of others by the kindness of their hearts, or out in the open (vs. 57-58). The cost of truly following Jesus may mean that we must also give up some things that the world enjoys.
Jesus called the second man to come and follow Him. However, he gave an excuse to put off following Him till later (vs. 59-60). True discipleship requires immediate action. Jesus knew this man wasn’t just asking to bury his father. Jesus doesn’t want us to neglect responsibilities to our family, but He often spoke to people in a way to reveal their real motives. Jesus knew this man wasn’t just asking to bury his father. His focus was on “dead” worldly desires, and used his father as an excuse. We cannot pursue both “dead” worldly goals and still follow Jesus.
The third man had also proclaimed he would follow Jesus, but first wanted to attend to other things (vs. 61-62). He was hesitant to follow. Half-hearted, lukewarm faith is not acceptable (Revelation 3:15-16).
Jesus wants total dedication, not a half-hearted commitment. We must accept the cross along with the crown. We must count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else. Focus on Him and don’t allow anything to distract us. There is a cost to following Jesus. Each of us must be ready to serve Him, even if it involves a sacrifice.
Galatians 5:16-25
Everybody likes some good fruit, especially on a hot summer day. When we go to the market to buy fruit, we are careful to look it over good, making sure to avoid any pieces that are bruised or are otherwise marred. No one wants to bite into a piece of bad fruit! It is the same with our spiritual life. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell us. As we yield our lives to Him, He will produce fruit in us. In our passage of Scripture today, the Apostle Paul describes the Fruit of the Spirit, and also the works of the flesh which are the opposite, just like a piece of bad fruit. Let’s take a look at them, and see what is being produced in our life.
One of the goals of God in His children is to make us more like Christ. This happens as we yield our life to the control of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will help us to respond to circumstances in our life with love and kindness, and helping us to resist bad habits and wrong thinking. When we let Him guide us, we won’t allow our old sinful nature control us (vs. 16).
The fruit of the Spirit is not something we do. It is who we are. Fruitful believers are not controlled by their environment. God will produce His fruit in us no matter what the circumstances are, if we allow Him to. Fruitful Christians recover quickly after a fall. They are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, and are quick to return to the Lord in repentance.
Let’s take a very quick look at what the fruits of the Spirit are, as listed in verses 22 - 23. The first is Love. This is agape love, love that is unconditional, love that gives without expecting or demanding anything in return. It is self-sacrificing, not emotional or physical. The second fruit listed is Joy. Joy is the great delight and pleasure we have based on and believing God’s unchanging promises. It is a sense of well-being in those who know that all is well between themselves and the Lord. It is not the same as happiness. Happiness is usually related to one's circumstances, where joy is not.
The third fruit is Peace. The peace that the Holy Spirit brings is an inner calm, resulting from a saving relationship with Jesus. We can feel at peace no matter what trials or circumstances are happening around us. The fourth fruit is Longsuffering. This is patience. The ability to endure injuries inflicted by others, or painful situations with a Christ-like attitude. They overlook the inconveniences of the world.
The fifth fruit is Kindness. This is a tender concern for others. Treating others gently, as the Lord treats us. The sixth fruit is Goodness. When someone has the fruit of goodness in their life, they are showing moral and spiritual excellence. The seventh fruit is Faithfulness. Faithfulness is loyalty and trustworthiness in one’s character. Their word is true, they keep their promises, and they show integrity.
The eighth fruit is Gentleness. This can also be translated as meekness. It is having a humble or gentle attitude that is patiently submissive. They have no desire for revenge. They are submissive to God’s will, teachable, and considerate of others. The ninth fruit is Self-control. One that shows this fruit in their life restrains their passions and appetites in all areas. They don’t let the temporal, what won’t last, rule the eternal.
The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. These are all character traits found in the nature of Jesus. We cannot obtain them by trying to get them without His help. We must join our lives to Jesus. When we are completely reliant upon the Lord and obey the Holy Spirit, they will flow from us freely.
Psalm 14
Atheists. Those who do not believe in the existence of God, any God. They differ from an agnostic, as an agnostic believes that nothing can be really known if there is a God or not. Agnostics are unsure, and usually don’t care to pursue the matter at all. Many of us might know an atheist or two, and most of us have heard of some prominent and vocal atheists, either today or in the past, who would publicly debate any willing Christian, and who fought to rid any vestige of religion from the public eye. I had an uncle who was an atheist, and who would laugh and ridicule to scorn those who followed a religious belief, particularly Christianity. In our Psalm for today, King David has some words to say about those who do not believe in God. Let’s see what the Word of God has to say.
Right from the first verse, the Word of God says that someone who does not believe in God is a fool (vs. 1). The word comes from a Hebrew word meaning a stupid, wicked, and vile person. Holy Scripture says that someone who doesn’t believe in God is a fool. The atheist is ignoring the vast evidence for His existence. A person just has to look around at all one sees in nature, and they have to believe in the existence of God! He is also wicked because he is refusing to live by God’s truths. Many countries have had some rather vocal atheists, both today and in the past, who have spoken out against belief in God. To speak in direct defiance of God is utterly foolish. In the Bible, when the word “fool” is used, it is carrying a moral rather than an intellectual designation. They are morally lacking, rather than someone who isn’t intellectually strong. One whose actions and life is perverse is a wicked fool.
David goes on to state in his psalm that everyone has fallen away from God’s standards of righteousness, and that, even if one does believe in God, no one does good (vs. 1-3). No one is sinless, is perfect before God. We all have sinned and fallen short of His holy standards. The Apostle Paul repeats these verses in his letter to the Romans, when he states that none are righteous, none who does good, that we are all sinners (Romans 3:10-12). We all need God’s forgiveness. No one can stand before Him and boast of their goodness. No one is sinless and able to live up to God’s standards except Jesus. He died on the cross to pay our sin-penalty, and we must turn to Jesus for salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
As David progresses in the psalm he continues to describe those who do not believe in God and who make a lifestyle of sin. There should be a clear distinction between those who worship God and those who don’t. Under King David, Israel followed God and prospered. Later, the majority fell away. There was no distinction between them and the pagan, heathen nations. What about us? Is there a difference between our lives and those of unbelievers? Ideally one should be able to tell who the true Christians are in a workplace, a neighborhood, at a party, etc.
When the unbelievers and atheists attack those who follow the true God, they are certainly being fools. God is with His Blood-bought children (vs. 4- 7). Those who attack followers of Jesus are in reality also attacking God. They may think that He doesn’t exist, but are in for a rude awakening!
We may think that, as followers of the Lord Jesus, we are not at all like the atheist. Let’s see if that is correct. Have we, who have claimed Jesus as our Savior, become like an atheist by our practice? We do so when we refuse to trust God when problems arise. We become like them when we rely on ourselves, rather than God in our daily life. When a significant problem arises in our life many of us begin to worry and panic instead of taking the problem to Jesus, and leaving it there with Him to take care of. When we do that we are acting as if we believe that God doesn’t exist. When we try to take care of our problems ourselves, how are we different than the atheist who doesn’t believe in God? Let us who have claimed Jesus as our Savior be sure that we aren’t acting like the atheist, the fool, by our actions in this way.
