Psalm 66
“I don’t hear you. I’m not listening.” Occasionally a parent might say something like that to a disobedient child, especially when that child starts to throw a tantrum, wanting their own way. Until that child decides he is going to obey his parents, stop acting willfully, and raising a ruckus, the parent is not going to respond to their wishes. Yes, the parent does hear their child. They haven’t become deaf. But they don’t “hear” them, in the sense that they don’t respond back. Not until the child decides to obey. In our psalm reading for this week, we will look at a time when the Lord will not hear us, what circumstances will cause that, and what we can do to avoid this from happening.
When a person accepts the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior, and becomes a Christian, God has promised them that He will always hear their prayers (vs. 19). To have the assurance that God will hear our prayers we must have a right relationship with Jesus Christ, by trusting Him as our Savior. We are then His child. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is or where we are, when we are His child, God hears us and is listening. We can bring our prayers to Him earnestly, with full confidence that the Lord will hear our prayers.
What happens to cause God to stop hearing us? Just like that parent who stops hearing the disobedient child, when we are disobedient to God, He “stops hearing” us (vs. 18). As believers and children of God, we must not live in ungodliness, even after salvation. We must repent of all known sin, and avoid continuing in it. We hinder our prayers if we refuse to repent of known sin. God still loves us, but stops “listening” until we are ready to give up our rebellion. He does not find worship acceptable from believers who cling unrepentantly to sin. God blesses obedience, not stubbornness.
The psalmist also brings us some other truths from the Lord in his psalm. One is found in verses 10 - 12. Hot fire refines gold and silver. The precious metals go through the extreme heat, which brings out the impurities, which are removed, leaving only the pure precious metal. In the same way, the Lord uses trials to refine our character. He allows us to go through times of testing to toughen our spiritual muscles and endurance. God teaches us to rely on Him, and purifies us to be holy, so we can become more like Christ. We can rely on God for strength and perseverance. He is refining us to be the best gold and silver.
Jesus brings us through difficult, sometimes terrible times in our life, bringing us to a place of abundance, if we turn to Him (vs. 12). We often make promises to God, that if He gets us out of the problem we’re in, we will do something for Him (vs. 13 - 15). More often than not, though, we renege on those promises. Our psalmist here had gone through some difficult times, and had made just such promises to the Lord. However, now that he is on the other side of the problem, he intends on keeping his vows. We should be careful when we make promises to God, and not make them lightly. If we promise Him something, then when the time comes to keep those promises, if it is at all within our power, we need to be sure and fulfill them, otherwise not make those promises and vows to begin with.
One final message the psalmist makes throughout his psalm, is that of wanting everyone to know what God has done for him. Towards the beginning of the psalm he calls everyone to “come and see” (vs. 5). Look and see all that God has done for His people. Then towards the end of the psalm he wants everyone to “come and hear”, as he tells of all of God’s marvelous works towards him. We are not to keep quiet about what God has done for us. We are to share our witness and testimony to others, and to proclaim God’s message of salvation to everyone.
Monday, May 11, 2020
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Turning The World Upside Down
Acts 17:1-15
Any parents reading this might recognize this scene - you leave your children alone in a room for a few minutes, perhaps to step out into the yard for a moment, or into the kitchen to get dinner started, and you come back to your children, and the room is not the same as before. The mother might say to her child that he has “turned the room upside down”. It’s not in the same condition as it was before, everything is different, and you might not even recognize it. With children, that’s not usually a good thing, as they have made a mess. However, sometimes it is a good thing. When one is redecorating or remodeling a house, for a while the place is “turned upside down”, but the end result is usually good. In our Scripture reading today from this week’s Lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer, we read of some who were accused of turning the world upside down. Those who said this didn’t feel it was good, but I’m sure the Lord was pleased, and would like more of us to be doing just that.
As our passage opens, Paul and his companions had left the city of Philippi, where they had started a church and ministry, and had also been beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. They journeyed on, now coming to the city of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was the capital and principal city of the Roman province of Macedonia, in current, present-day northern Greece. As was Paul’s custom during each of his missionary journeys, he looked for a local synagogue. If he found one, he would go there on the Sabbath. Most synagogues had the custom of inviting a guest to speak. Paul would gladly accept, and using the Old Testament Scriptures, proceed to show how Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, and preach salvation in His Name (vs. 1-3). Over the next several weeks Paul returned, giving the same message, and some came to believe in the saving Name of Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles.
This, however, did not sit well with the Jewish leaders. Many refused to accept that Jesus was the Messiah, someone who their own religious leaders had put to death, and who now was being claimed to have risen from the dead. They were also furious that this new religious group willingly accepted Gentiles as believers. Jealous of the popularity of Paul and those who followed what he taught, they started a riot in the city (vs. 5). When the city authorities came to halt the riot and find out what caused this uproar, the Jewish leaders stated that Paul and his companions had “turned the world upside down” (vs. 6).
Turning the world upside down, changing it, making it different and sometimes unrecognizable is the reputation that the early church had. It had revolutionized lives, broken down social barriers of the day, and thrown open personal prison doors. It caused people to care deeply about each other, which really didn’t happen in that day and age, and brought all people groups to genuine faith in the true God. In whatever communities Christians came to be, they made a difference, a change. Life was different. People found hope where there was none before. There was genuine love and caring between neighbors. Things were not the way they used to be. No other religious faith or philosophy had ever made a positive change like that among people and communities.
In the middle of this chaos we find an unsung hero - Jason (vs. 5-9). He was a believer in Thessalonica, and was probably one of the leaders in the early church there. It is possible the church met at his home. The Jews attacked him, and in order for Paul and his companions to be let go, Jason paid a security for them. He faithfully played his part to help spread the Gospel, and lives were changed because of his courage and faithfulness.
Paul and his group had to quickly flee for their lives, going about 50 miles southwest, to the village of Berea, where he founded another church. The Bereans didn’t just take Paul’s word that the Old Testament prophecies were referring to Jesus. They went home and studied it themselves, and then, seeing it was true, believed (vs. 11-12). We need to do the same, and check through the Bible ourselves to see if a preacher really is preaching sound doctrine. Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A true preacher’s message will align fully with Scripture.
This is a wake-up call to us. We can’t afford to believe everything we hear. Beware of spiritual wolves in sheep’s clothing. Jesus warns us of this in Matthew 7:15-23. We should follow the example of the Bereans, who used Scripture to evaluate whatever was taught. Then when we know the truth, we should go out like the early church did, and turn the world upside down in a good and godly way that will glorify the Name of Jesus.
Any parents reading this might recognize this scene - you leave your children alone in a room for a few minutes, perhaps to step out into the yard for a moment, or into the kitchen to get dinner started, and you come back to your children, and the room is not the same as before. The mother might say to her child that he has “turned the room upside down”. It’s not in the same condition as it was before, everything is different, and you might not even recognize it. With children, that’s not usually a good thing, as they have made a mess. However, sometimes it is a good thing. When one is redecorating or remodeling a house, for a while the place is “turned upside down”, but the end result is usually good. In our Scripture reading today from this week’s Lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer, we read of some who were accused of turning the world upside down. Those who said this didn’t feel it was good, but I’m sure the Lord was pleased, and would like more of us to be doing just that.
As our passage opens, Paul and his companions had left the city of Philippi, where they had started a church and ministry, and had also been beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. They journeyed on, now coming to the city of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was the capital and principal city of the Roman province of Macedonia, in current, present-day northern Greece. As was Paul’s custom during each of his missionary journeys, he looked for a local synagogue. If he found one, he would go there on the Sabbath. Most synagogues had the custom of inviting a guest to speak. Paul would gladly accept, and using the Old Testament Scriptures, proceed to show how Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, and preach salvation in His Name (vs. 1-3). Over the next several weeks Paul returned, giving the same message, and some came to believe in the saving Name of Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles.
This, however, did not sit well with the Jewish leaders. Many refused to accept that Jesus was the Messiah, someone who their own religious leaders had put to death, and who now was being claimed to have risen from the dead. They were also furious that this new religious group willingly accepted Gentiles as believers. Jealous of the popularity of Paul and those who followed what he taught, they started a riot in the city (vs. 5). When the city authorities came to halt the riot and find out what caused this uproar, the Jewish leaders stated that Paul and his companions had “turned the world upside down” (vs. 6).
Turning the world upside down, changing it, making it different and sometimes unrecognizable is the reputation that the early church had. It had revolutionized lives, broken down social barriers of the day, and thrown open personal prison doors. It caused people to care deeply about each other, which really didn’t happen in that day and age, and brought all people groups to genuine faith in the true God. In whatever communities Christians came to be, they made a difference, a change. Life was different. People found hope where there was none before. There was genuine love and caring between neighbors. Things were not the way they used to be. No other religious faith or philosophy had ever made a positive change like that among people and communities.
In the middle of this chaos we find an unsung hero - Jason (vs. 5-9). He was a believer in Thessalonica, and was probably one of the leaders in the early church there. It is possible the church met at his home. The Jews attacked him, and in order for Paul and his companions to be let go, Jason paid a security for them. He faithfully played his part to help spread the Gospel, and lives were changed because of his courage and faithfulness.
Paul and his group had to quickly flee for their lives, going about 50 miles southwest, to the village of Berea, where he founded another church. The Bereans didn’t just take Paul’s word that the Old Testament prophecies were referring to Jesus. They went home and studied it themselves, and then, seeing it was true, believed (vs. 11-12). We need to do the same, and check through the Bible ourselves to see if a preacher really is preaching sound doctrine. Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A true preacher’s message will align fully with Scripture.
This is a wake-up call to us. We can’t afford to believe everything we hear. Beware of spiritual wolves in sheep’s clothing. Jesus warns us of this in Matthew 7:15-23. We should follow the example of the Bereans, who used Scripture to evaluate whatever was taught. Then when we know the truth, we should go out like the early church did, and turn the world upside down in a good and godly way that will glorify the Name of Jesus.
Friday, May 8, 2020
The Correct Door
John 10:1-10
Knowing the correct door is important. There have been several times when I had an appointment in a large office building, and when I got off the elevator, I stood in a long hallway with a dozen or more doors. It was good I had a specific room number, as otherwise I would not know which door to go through. Picking the correct door was important. Otherwise I would be in the wrong office, the wrong place. That could be embarrassing, plus I would be late for my appointment. There have been some game shows on television where at some point in the show the contestant needs to pick a door and they would get the prize behind the door. Pick the correct door and it was a good prize. Pick the wrong one and it might be something useless. Sometimes the door we pick to open is even more important than these. In our Scripture reading today, the Apostle John tells us from his Gospel of one Name that Jesus gave Himself, that of the Door. Let’s see what John tells us, and what we can learn today.
As our passage begins, Jesus is describing a scene that His audience would likely be familiar with, that of a shepherd and his sheep. In the evening, the shepherd would gather the sheep together into a sheepfold or sheep pen. This would be to protect the sheep from any danger at night, whether from wild animals or thieves who would try to steal the sheep. As Jesus describes the scene, He says that the thief usually won’t come through the door of the pen, but sneaks in another way (vs. 1). That’s the same with our homes. The thief often comes in through a window, or maybe the back entrance. People we allow in our front door are those we welcome into our homes. Jesus tells us that the shepherd will go through the door of the sheepfold. He calls the sheep, and they recognize his voice and come to him (vs. 2-5).
Most of us are familiar with the title Jesus gave Himself of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). Here we read of Jesus calling Himself the Door (vs. 7, 9). Doors are important. They keep our houses protected, both from intruders and also from weather. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the Door, a door between us and our enemies. Just as a door can protect us from all harm and danger from evil, so does Jesus. The thieves and robbers are those who try to trap us with false doctrines and teachings, and the chief thief is Satan.
By going in through the Door of Jesus we find salvation (vs. 9). Just as it was important for me to find the correct door to enter for my appointments, it is important to select the correct door for salvation. Picking the wrong door will bring eternally disastrous results. There is only one door to heaven, and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus is not one way among many. He is the only way.
When we go through the Door that Jesus is, not only do we receive salvation, we are also privileged to become part of God’s family. We then go out into the world as Jesus’ witnesses. He also provides us with pasture, providing for all of our needs.
Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd as He calls His sheep, or are we listening to the father of lies (John 8:42-45) ? Satan is the thief that Jesus is talking about, and he has come to steal, to kill, and to destroy (vs. 10). He will try to lead us away from the Good Shepherd. He tries to get people to select another door, any other door, than the one that is Jesus, the only door that will bring us salvation. In contrast to a thief who frequently may take a life, Jesus came to give us life, and to reconcile us to God. Someone could have all the money, belongings, friends, etc., but still have an empty life. If one doesn’t have Jesus, their life will be empty. Jesus is the only One who can bring us an abundant life.
Are we looking to go through the correct door, or will be deceived by Satan, the liar and thief? Jesus said that He is the door we have to enter in to be saved. Only one door brings the prize on the game show. Only one door will get you to the correct office. Only going through Jesus, the Door, will bring us salvation and abundant life.
Knowing the correct door is important. There have been several times when I had an appointment in a large office building, and when I got off the elevator, I stood in a long hallway with a dozen or more doors. It was good I had a specific room number, as otherwise I would not know which door to go through. Picking the correct door was important. Otherwise I would be in the wrong office, the wrong place. That could be embarrassing, plus I would be late for my appointment. There have been some game shows on television where at some point in the show the contestant needs to pick a door and they would get the prize behind the door. Pick the correct door and it was a good prize. Pick the wrong one and it might be something useless. Sometimes the door we pick to open is even more important than these. In our Scripture reading today, the Apostle John tells us from his Gospel of one Name that Jesus gave Himself, that of the Door. Let’s see what John tells us, and what we can learn today.
As our passage begins, Jesus is describing a scene that His audience would likely be familiar with, that of a shepherd and his sheep. In the evening, the shepherd would gather the sheep together into a sheepfold or sheep pen. This would be to protect the sheep from any danger at night, whether from wild animals or thieves who would try to steal the sheep. As Jesus describes the scene, He says that the thief usually won’t come through the door of the pen, but sneaks in another way (vs. 1). That’s the same with our homes. The thief often comes in through a window, or maybe the back entrance. People we allow in our front door are those we welcome into our homes. Jesus tells us that the shepherd will go through the door of the sheepfold. He calls the sheep, and they recognize his voice and come to him (vs. 2-5).
Most of us are familiar with the title Jesus gave Himself of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). Here we read of Jesus calling Himself the Door (vs. 7, 9). Doors are important. They keep our houses protected, both from intruders and also from weather. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the Door, a door between us and our enemies. Just as a door can protect us from all harm and danger from evil, so does Jesus. The thieves and robbers are those who try to trap us with false doctrines and teachings, and the chief thief is Satan.
By going in through the Door of Jesus we find salvation (vs. 9). Just as it was important for me to find the correct door to enter for my appointments, it is important to select the correct door for salvation. Picking the wrong door will bring eternally disastrous results. There is only one door to heaven, and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus is not one way among many. He is the only way.
When we go through the Door that Jesus is, not only do we receive salvation, we are also privileged to become part of God’s family. We then go out into the world as Jesus’ witnesses. He also provides us with pasture, providing for all of our needs.
Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd as He calls His sheep, or are we listening to the father of lies (John 8:42-45) ? Satan is the thief that Jesus is talking about, and he has come to steal, to kill, and to destroy (vs. 10). He will try to lead us away from the Good Shepherd. He tries to get people to select another door, any other door, than the one that is Jesus, the only door that will bring us salvation. In contrast to a thief who frequently may take a life, Jesus came to give us life, and to reconcile us to God. Someone could have all the money, belongings, friends, etc., but still have an empty life. If one doesn’t have Jesus, their life will be empty. Jesus is the only One who can bring us an abundant life.
Are we looking to go through the correct door, or will be deceived by Satan, the liar and thief? Jesus said that He is the door we have to enter in to be saved. Only one door brings the prize on the game show. Only one door will get you to the correct office. Only going through Jesus, the Door, will bring us salvation and abundant life.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Following In The Footsteps Of Jesus
I Peter 2:19-25
Some people think that when they accept Jesus as their Savior, then all of the problems and difficulties they have in life will be over. Perhaps they were told that by another Christian. Yet when they became a Christian hardships and difficulties still happened, and it seemed that the closer they walked with Jesus, the more opposition they faced. Today’s Scripture passage comes from an epistle or letter that the Apostle Peter wrote to Christians who were suffering some terrible persecution for their faith, and who faced hardships and difficulties each day. In our passage we will read how to handle opposition and persecution that comes our way.
No one likes it when they are unjustly treated. We try to live a good, upright life, do our work well, and then we get mistreated, perhaps by our boss or co-workers, or maybe a neighbor, or even someone we thought was a friend. How do we react at these times? Do we accept it, with faith in God, trusting His sovereign care? Or do we respond in anger or discontent? Believers will sometimes be treated wrongly and unfairly in life. Peter instructs his readers here that if we act commendably, it will glorify God (vs. 21). Jesus is the pattern for Christians to follow, as He unjustly suffered, but responded with perfect patience.
Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan (Matthew 16:21-23). The suffering He endured was for our salvation (Matthew 20:28). All believers who seek to follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer, as well (Mark 8:34-35). Jesus is our example in everything, including our example in suffering. Often when we are ill-treated we want to fight back, to get even with those rotten, good-for-nothings that did us wrong. However, Jesus did not fight back (John 19:10-11). He showed perfect love and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). When we submit to God’s will, showing a godly example, others will be drawn to Jesus (John 12:32).
Sometimes some of our suffering is the result of our own sins or mistakes (vs. 20). The suffering, persecution, and opposition that Peter is talking about here, though, is not one that we brought upon ourselves due to our own failings, but the suffering that comes because we carry the Name of our Savior, and our doing good in His Name. Jesus never sinned, but He suffered to bring us salvation. We should face suffering as He did - with patience, calmness, and trust in God. Jesus did not retaliate (vs. 23). Throughout His ministry, when the Pharisees and Jewish leaders hurled verbal abuse His way, Jesus never answered back in kind. And when they arrested Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, beat Him, and had Him crucified, Jesus did not fight back, though all the power of Heaven was at His call. Jesus left the judging to God. Instead of retaliating, He forgave. Jesus handed Himself over to God, suffering in silence, because He trusted in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus is not only our pattern to follow, but He is also our substitute (vs. 24). He took upon Himself our sins, and was punished for them. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior are now dead to sin because He paid the penalty for them. We have risen to a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our Shepherd (John 10:11). He is also our Overseer or Bishop, leading the Church (vs. 25). Jesus has gone before us, clearing the path. We need to follow His example, and trust God to deal with the wrongs done to us. Like a child does with their parents, we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes we do right, and get kicked in the pants. We are not deserving of sympathy when we are punished for doing wrong. However, God is with us when we suffer for doing right, for following Jesus’ example. When we endure suffering, others can see the Lord’s power to help His children, and will be drawn to Him.
Some people think that when they accept Jesus as their Savior, then all of the problems and difficulties they have in life will be over. Perhaps they were told that by another Christian. Yet when they became a Christian hardships and difficulties still happened, and it seemed that the closer they walked with Jesus, the more opposition they faced. Today’s Scripture passage comes from an epistle or letter that the Apostle Peter wrote to Christians who were suffering some terrible persecution for their faith, and who faced hardships and difficulties each day. In our passage we will read how to handle opposition and persecution that comes our way.
No one likes it when they are unjustly treated. We try to live a good, upright life, do our work well, and then we get mistreated, perhaps by our boss or co-workers, or maybe a neighbor, or even someone we thought was a friend. How do we react at these times? Do we accept it, with faith in God, trusting His sovereign care? Or do we respond in anger or discontent? Believers will sometimes be treated wrongly and unfairly in life. Peter instructs his readers here that if we act commendably, it will glorify God (vs. 21). Jesus is the pattern for Christians to follow, as He unjustly suffered, but responded with perfect patience.
Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan (Matthew 16:21-23). The suffering He endured was for our salvation (Matthew 20:28). All believers who seek to follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer, as well (Mark 8:34-35). Jesus is our example in everything, including our example in suffering. Often when we are ill-treated we want to fight back, to get even with those rotten, good-for-nothings that did us wrong. However, Jesus did not fight back (John 19:10-11). He showed perfect love and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). When we submit to God’s will, showing a godly example, others will be drawn to Jesus (John 12:32).
Sometimes some of our suffering is the result of our own sins or mistakes (vs. 20). The suffering, persecution, and opposition that Peter is talking about here, though, is not one that we brought upon ourselves due to our own failings, but the suffering that comes because we carry the Name of our Savior, and our doing good in His Name. Jesus never sinned, but He suffered to bring us salvation. We should face suffering as He did - with patience, calmness, and trust in God. Jesus did not retaliate (vs. 23). Throughout His ministry, when the Pharisees and Jewish leaders hurled verbal abuse His way, Jesus never answered back in kind. And when they arrested Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, beat Him, and had Him crucified, Jesus did not fight back, though all the power of Heaven was at His call. Jesus left the judging to God. Instead of retaliating, He forgave. Jesus handed Himself over to God, suffering in silence, because He trusted in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus is not only our pattern to follow, but He is also our substitute (vs. 24). He took upon Himself our sins, and was punished for them. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior are now dead to sin because He paid the penalty for them. We have risen to a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our Shepherd (John 10:11). He is also our Overseer or Bishop, leading the Church (vs. 25). Jesus has gone before us, clearing the path. We need to follow His example, and trust God to deal with the wrongs done to us. Like a child does with their parents, we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes we do right, and get kicked in the pants. We are not deserving of sympathy when we are punished for doing wrong. However, God is with us when we suffer for doing right, for following Jesus’ example. When we endure suffering, others can see the Lord’s power to help His children, and will be drawn to Him.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Stronger Than Chariots
Psalm 20
Without exception, every one of us will come up against problems and struggles in our life. These problems might be financial, health, problems with our house, with our job, or problems with other people. There may be natural disasters we face, or even war or other conflicts our country goes through. When these come upon us, where or to whom do we turn to for help? The more serious the problem we face is, the more we need to be sure that who or what we are depending upon is strong and reliable. When the crisis is upon us, we don’t want our source of help to come crashing down. Our psalm selection this week, written by King David, is a prayer that he and the people would have prayed when getting ready to go out to battle against their enemies. Who or what were they relying on for help?
As we read in the Bible, David spent many years of his life in one or another type of battle. After his victorious defeat of Goliath, King Saul had him lead many battles against the Philistines. Then because of Saul’s jealousy of David, he spent several years on the run and defending himself against Saul’s soldiers sent to kill him. After David became king, there were frequent wars against neighboring enemy nations, and even an attempted coup by his son Absalom. Life was not smooth sailing for David. He certainly faced many problems, and needed something or someone he could rely on for help. Where did David turn to for help?
If our country faced an attack from an enemy nation, we might hope that we have a good military, with weapons that can defeat that enemy, good fighter jets, tanks, bombs, etc. In David’s day the top of the line military equipment was a chariot. In his time, not every nation had them. Soldiers needed to be well trained in how to go into battle with a chariot. Often there was more than one soldier in the chariot. There was one to hold the reins and guide the horses, the other to wield a sword or the bow and arrows. Sometimes, depending on how large the chariot was, there might be a third soldier wielding a shield to protect the other two. Soldiers needed to be well trained in swordsmanship or the bow and arrow. Kings would boast of their army, and David had many good soldiers. However, as we read in verse 7, David’s trust was not in his chariots or soldiers, but in the Lord God. Soldiers and chariots don’t always win the battle. They could be overpowered by the enemy. David knew, though, that no one can overpower God. Yahweh is always dependable, and can never be overpowered.
Chariots and horses can also represent materials and human assets, such as our bank account, our job, house, car, or friends. While they may be helpful in our daily life, they won’t give us security in times of trouble. Trusting in things, possessions, or wealth will find that they eventually fail us, cracking like thin ice, and giving way beneath us. Those who trust in God will rise up and stand firm (vs. 8).
David learned early in life that the only sure thing to trust in is God. He trusted only in Him when he came against Goliath (I Samuel 17:45). King Saul had offered David his armor to use. That would have been the best in the land, the armor of a king. Yet David didn’t trust in that. He came against the enemy in the power, strength, and Name of Yahweh. He knew that was a sure thing. David knew that worldly armaments are no match for God’s protection.
Salvation and deliverance from enemies does not depend upon military prowess, but upon the Lord’s power. Great empires have risen to great heights in history, and then crumbled to dust. True might is not in powerful weapons, but in worship and in God’s power. God, alone, can preserve a nation or an individual. He will be there when the bank account is zero, when our job ends, our house or car breaks down, and friends disappear. Let’s put our confidence in Him. He gives eternal victory.
Without exception, every one of us will come up against problems and struggles in our life. These problems might be financial, health, problems with our house, with our job, or problems with other people. There may be natural disasters we face, or even war or other conflicts our country goes through. When these come upon us, where or to whom do we turn to for help? The more serious the problem we face is, the more we need to be sure that who or what we are depending upon is strong and reliable. When the crisis is upon us, we don’t want our source of help to come crashing down. Our psalm selection this week, written by King David, is a prayer that he and the people would have prayed when getting ready to go out to battle against their enemies. Who or what were they relying on for help?
As we read in the Bible, David spent many years of his life in one or another type of battle. After his victorious defeat of Goliath, King Saul had him lead many battles against the Philistines. Then because of Saul’s jealousy of David, he spent several years on the run and defending himself against Saul’s soldiers sent to kill him. After David became king, there were frequent wars against neighboring enemy nations, and even an attempted coup by his son Absalom. Life was not smooth sailing for David. He certainly faced many problems, and needed something or someone he could rely on for help. Where did David turn to for help?
If our country faced an attack from an enemy nation, we might hope that we have a good military, with weapons that can defeat that enemy, good fighter jets, tanks, bombs, etc. In David’s day the top of the line military equipment was a chariot. In his time, not every nation had them. Soldiers needed to be well trained in how to go into battle with a chariot. Often there was more than one soldier in the chariot. There was one to hold the reins and guide the horses, the other to wield a sword or the bow and arrows. Sometimes, depending on how large the chariot was, there might be a third soldier wielding a shield to protect the other two. Soldiers needed to be well trained in swordsmanship or the bow and arrow. Kings would boast of their army, and David had many good soldiers. However, as we read in verse 7, David’s trust was not in his chariots or soldiers, but in the Lord God. Soldiers and chariots don’t always win the battle. They could be overpowered by the enemy. David knew, though, that no one can overpower God. Yahweh is always dependable, and can never be overpowered.
Chariots and horses can also represent materials and human assets, such as our bank account, our job, house, car, or friends. While they may be helpful in our daily life, they won’t give us security in times of trouble. Trusting in things, possessions, or wealth will find that they eventually fail us, cracking like thin ice, and giving way beneath us. Those who trust in God will rise up and stand firm (vs. 8).
David learned early in life that the only sure thing to trust in is God. He trusted only in Him when he came against Goliath (I Samuel 17:45). King Saul had offered David his armor to use. That would have been the best in the land, the armor of a king. Yet David didn’t trust in that. He came against the enemy in the power, strength, and Name of Yahweh. He knew that was a sure thing. David knew that worldly armaments are no match for God’s protection.
Salvation and deliverance from enemies does not depend upon military prowess, but upon the Lord’s power. Great empires have risen to great heights in history, and then crumbled to dust. True might is not in powerful weapons, but in worship and in God’s power. God, alone, can preserve a nation or an individual. He will be there when the bank account is zero, when our job ends, our house or car breaks down, and friends disappear. Let’s put our confidence in Him. He gives eternal victory.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Stephen - The First Christian Martyr
Acts 6:1-9, 7:51-60
Today’s Scripture passages bring us to the days of the very early church. We will look at the ministry and death of Stephen, the Church’s first martyr. We’ll see how Stephen helped in resolving a conflict that threatened to divide believers, and how he strongly defended the Faith from attack, which led to his martyrdom.
Though the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus would have been a very recent memory for all of the believers, and the Church was steadily growing, problems were already arising. At this time in the early Church, the believers were all of Jewish background, as there was yet no outreach to any Gentiles. However, among the Jewish believers there were those who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic and lived very culturally Jewish lives, and then there were also Jews who, over the past several centuries spread throughout the Mediterranean. These Jews spoke Greek as their first language, and had picked up much of the Greek way of life. Some had returned to Israel and Jerusalem, yet retained the Greek language and culture. Some of these “Greek Jews” had come to faith in Christ, just as many of the “Hebrew-speaking Jews” had. Unfortunately, there was a lot of animosity between these two groups.
In the very early Church, when most believers came to faith in Christ, they were disowned and cast out of their Jewish families, and often lost their jobs. That was a financial hardship to many. They would need the help of fellow believers, especially the widows and orphans. The church leaders organized a daily distribution of food and other necessities. However, very quickly prejudice and discrimination developed between the groups of Hebrew speaking and Greek speaking believers, and the Greek speaking believers were not being given the help they needed (vs. 1). They were being treated like second-class believers, and not being supported. As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, we should treat all fellow Christians with love, regardless of what nation they are from, what language they speak, what color their skin, etc.
The apostles knew this was not right, and they commissioned seven godly men, who would ensure that everyone was equally treated, and would help with the distribution of food and necessities. These men were to be godly, filled with the Holy Spirit, and show wisdom in their actions (vs. 3). Stephen was one of these men. This way the apostles could concentrate on preaching. The ministry of the Word of God should never be neglected because of administrative duties. That is why the office of deacon was begun. Good activities can consume our time and take us away from God’s best for us. We need to stay focused on what God has called us to do, and not get distracted by other tasks. God called the apostles to preach. The seven were called to be helpers in the early church.
In addition to being a helper in the early church, Stephen was a strong witness. Both his character, conduct, and conversation gave a testimony to the Lord Jesus. It didn’t take too long before the Jewish religious leaders, Pharisees, and the Sanhedrin took notice of Stephen, and they were not happy at all. Stephen continued to tell others about Jesus, His death for salvation, and His resurrection, and it wasn’t long before the religious leaders took him into custody.
This didn’t stop Stephen from speaking a witness for the Savior, as he proceeded in telling these Jewish leaders about Jesus. He would have known that this was a risky thing to do, as the apostles and other believers had been imprisoned and beaten before, however that did not stop him. Stephen’s message to these religious leaders supported Jesus’ claim and angered them, since these were the ones who had condemned Jesus to death. They would not tolerate Stephen's words, so they dragged him out to stone him to death (vs. 55-58). They were rejecting God in the same way that their ancestors had rejected Him in the Old Testament (vs. 51-53). Jesus, Himself, had told a parable to the Jews, how they had constantly rejected God’s message, and persecuted His messengers (Luke 20:9-19).
Scripture tells us that when Jesus ascended, He sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19; Colossians 3:1). Yet when Stephen was stoned to death, Jesus stood to welcome home the first Christian martyr! (vs. 56). Stephen forgave his murderers, echoing the same words Jesus spoke as He died (vs. 60). Saul (later known as Paul), who was standing by and approving what was done, must have heard that. Stephen’s testimony and death had planted the seeds of faith in his heart, which a while later brought forth a strong faith in Paul. These final words of Stephen made an impression on him, as years later when he was in prison and mistreated, he prayed the same for those who had wronged him (II Timothy 4:16).
Stephen gives us an example of doing faithfully what the Lord calls us to do, as he assisted the church and faithfully witnessed. We may or may not one day be called upon to shed our blood for Jesus. If so, can we faithfully stay true to Him to the end?
Today’s Scripture passages bring us to the days of the very early church. We will look at the ministry and death of Stephen, the Church’s first martyr. We’ll see how Stephen helped in resolving a conflict that threatened to divide believers, and how he strongly defended the Faith from attack, which led to his martyrdom.
Though the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus would have been a very recent memory for all of the believers, and the Church was steadily growing, problems were already arising. At this time in the early Church, the believers were all of Jewish background, as there was yet no outreach to any Gentiles. However, among the Jewish believers there were those who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic and lived very culturally Jewish lives, and then there were also Jews who, over the past several centuries spread throughout the Mediterranean. These Jews spoke Greek as their first language, and had picked up much of the Greek way of life. Some had returned to Israel and Jerusalem, yet retained the Greek language and culture. Some of these “Greek Jews” had come to faith in Christ, just as many of the “Hebrew-speaking Jews” had. Unfortunately, there was a lot of animosity between these two groups.
In the very early Church, when most believers came to faith in Christ, they were disowned and cast out of their Jewish families, and often lost their jobs. That was a financial hardship to many. They would need the help of fellow believers, especially the widows and orphans. The church leaders organized a daily distribution of food and other necessities. However, very quickly prejudice and discrimination developed between the groups of Hebrew speaking and Greek speaking believers, and the Greek speaking believers were not being given the help they needed (vs. 1). They were being treated like second-class believers, and not being supported. As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, we should treat all fellow Christians with love, regardless of what nation they are from, what language they speak, what color their skin, etc.
The apostles knew this was not right, and they commissioned seven godly men, who would ensure that everyone was equally treated, and would help with the distribution of food and necessities. These men were to be godly, filled with the Holy Spirit, and show wisdom in their actions (vs. 3). Stephen was one of these men. This way the apostles could concentrate on preaching. The ministry of the Word of God should never be neglected because of administrative duties. That is why the office of deacon was begun. Good activities can consume our time and take us away from God’s best for us. We need to stay focused on what God has called us to do, and not get distracted by other tasks. God called the apostles to preach. The seven were called to be helpers in the early church.
In addition to being a helper in the early church, Stephen was a strong witness. Both his character, conduct, and conversation gave a testimony to the Lord Jesus. It didn’t take too long before the Jewish religious leaders, Pharisees, and the Sanhedrin took notice of Stephen, and they were not happy at all. Stephen continued to tell others about Jesus, His death for salvation, and His resurrection, and it wasn’t long before the religious leaders took him into custody.
This didn’t stop Stephen from speaking a witness for the Savior, as he proceeded in telling these Jewish leaders about Jesus. He would have known that this was a risky thing to do, as the apostles and other believers had been imprisoned and beaten before, however that did not stop him. Stephen’s message to these religious leaders supported Jesus’ claim and angered them, since these were the ones who had condemned Jesus to death. They would not tolerate Stephen's words, so they dragged him out to stone him to death (vs. 55-58). They were rejecting God in the same way that their ancestors had rejected Him in the Old Testament (vs. 51-53). Jesus, Himself, had told a parable to the Jews, how they had constantly rejected God’s message, and persecuted His messengers (Luke 20:9-19).
Scripture tells us that when Jesus ascended, He sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19; Colossians 3:1). Yet when Stephen was stoned to death, Jesus stood to welcome home the first Christian martyr! (vs. 56). Stephen forgave his murderers, echoing the same words Jesus spoke as He died (vs. 60). Saul (later known as Paul), who was standing by and approving what was done, must have heard that. Stephen’s testimony and death had planted the seeds of faith in his heart, which a while later brought forth a strong faith in Paul. These final words of Stephen made an impression on him, as years later when he was in prison and mistreated, he prayed the same for those who had wronged him (II Timothy 4:16).
Stephen gives us an example of doing faithfully what the Lord calls us to do, as he assisted the church and faithfully witnessed. We may or may not one day be called upon to shed our blood for Jesus. If so, can we faithfully stay true to Him to the end?
Friday, May 1, 2020
Getting Off The Path Of Discouragement
Luke 24:13-35
How do you react when you have been greatly disappointed by something that happened in your life? Some people are able to take the blow in stride, and keep on the path. Others aren’t able to handle it that well, give up, pack it in, and quit. In our Gospel reading this week from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer, we read the account of two followers of Jesus whose faith was greatly shaken by the events of the Good Friday weekend. We read of their response, and how Jesus got them back on the right track.
In addition to the twelve apostles that Jesus had selected, there were a number of other disciples that followed Him, eager to hear and learn what He taught. Many of them had followed Jesus into Jerusalem that final week, and were aware of His fate. In our passage today we read about two of these disciples, and what happened to them that weekend. One of these two disciples was named Cleopas. The other might possibly have been his wife, or perhaps a close friend. That Sunday following the crucifixion of Jesus, they decided to leave Jerusalem, leave the other disciples and apostles, and go on home to Emmaus, a village about 7 miles northwest of Jerusalem.
Their teacher and leader had been executed. Now he lay in a tomb, cold and dead. What’s the use in remaining in Jerusalem? All their hopes and dreams of Jesus being the promised Messiah were shattered and gone, dead in the tomb. There wasn’t anything else to do but go on home. Staying in Jerusalem could be dangerous, too, as the Pharisees and religious leaders could remember that they had also frequently accompanied Jesus, and their life and safety could be in danger. So that Sunday morning the two packed their bags, said their goodbyes to the eleven remaining apostles, and other disciples, and hit the road home. Along the way home the two commiserated together about their depression and discouragement.
These two disciples were too focused on their disappointments and problems. They were walking in the wrong direction, away from fellow believers in Jerusalem. They were two sheep which took a wrong turn, not into a path of sin, but one of doubt and unbelief. Despite the women’s witness, despite that being verified by Peter and John, and despite the Biblical prophecies, they still did not believe. Jesus, the Good Shepherd wasn’t going to let them wander too far. He came to guide them home. Today, despite 2000 years of evidence and witness, many still refuse to believe.
When Jesus died, these two disciples and followers had lost all hope. They didn’t understand that Jesus’ death offered the greatest hope possible. These two were feeling lost, as the One they had put so much hope in had been killed. They were depressed and discouraged. They had lost sight of Jesus and what He had said. They needed light to guide them back on to the right path, the light that Jesus gives, He who is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Unbelief can blind us to the Lord’s work, but trusting Jesus means looking beyond what we can see to what He sees, and what He is doing.
When God sees a sincere seeker with a confused heart, like these two disciples, He will do whatever it takes to help them see His will. We may feel abandoned by God at times, however He is still present with us. We might not recognize Jesus’ presence because of difficult situations, but He is there. When we least expect it, Jesus can show up, uninvited, unrecognized. No matter how discouraged or distracted we may get, Jesus walks with us.
How do you react when you have been greatly disappointed by something that happened in your life? Some people are able to take the blow in stride, and keep on the path. Others aren’t able to handle it that well, give up, pack it in, and quit. In our Gospel reading this week from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer, we read the account of two followers of Jesus whose faith was greatly shaken by the events of the Good Friday weekend. We read of their response, and how Jesus got them back on the right track.
In addition to the twelve apostles that Jesus had selected, there were a number of other disciples that followed Him, eager to hear and learn what He taught. Many of them had followed Jesus into Jerusalem that final week, and were aware of His fate. In our passage today we read about two of these disciples, and what happened to them that weekend. One of these two disciples was named Cleopas. The other might possibly have been his wife, or perhaps a close friend. That Sunday following the crucifixion of Jesus, they decided to leave Jerusalem, leave the other disciples and apostles, and go on home to Emmaus, a village about 7 miles northwest of Jerusalem.
Their teacher and leader had been executed. Now he lay in a tomb, cold and dead. What’s the use in remaining in Jerusalem? All their hopes and dreams of Jesus being the promised Messiah were shattered and gone, dead in the tomb. There wasn’t anything else to do but go on home. Staying in Jerusalem could be dangerous, too, as the Pharisees and religious leaders could remember that they had also frequently accompanied Jesus, and their life and safety could be in danger. So that Sunday morning the two packed their bags, said their goodbyes to the eleven remaining apostles, and other disciples, and hit the road home. Along the way home the two commiserated together about their depression and discouragement.
These two disciples were too focused on their disappointments and problems. They were walking in the wrong direction, away from fellow believers in Jerusalem. They were two sheep which took a wrong turn, not into a path of sin, but one of doubt and unbelief. Despite the women’s witness, despite that being verified by Peter and John, and despite the Biblical prophecies, they still did not believe. Jesus, the Good Shepherd wasn’t going to let them wander too far. He came to guide them home. Today, despite 2000 years of evidence and witness, many still refuse to believe.
When Jesus died, these two disciples and followers had lost all hope. They didn’t understand that Jesus’ death offered the greatest hope possible. These two were feeling lost, as the One they had put so much hope in had been killed. They were depressed and discouraged. They had lost sight of Jesus and what He had said. They needed light to guide them back on to the right path, the light that Jesus gives, He who is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Unbelief can blind us to the Lord’s work, but trusting Jesus means looking beyond what we can see to what He sees, and what He is doing.
When God sees a sincere seeker with a confused heart, like these two disciples, He will do whatever it takes to help them see His will. We may feel abandoned by God at times, however He is still present with us. We might not recognize Jesus’ presence because of difficult situations, but He is there. When we least expect it, Jesus can show up, uninvited, unrecognized. No matter how discouraged or distracted we may get, Jesus walks with us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)