II Kings 4:8-37
To what lengths will you go to get an answer to your prayers? In our Old Testament reading from this week’s Lectionary, we read the account of a woman who was blessed with her heart’s desire, then when the evil one will attempt to snatch it away from her, we see how she perseveres to get her prayers answered.
Elisha was a great prophet of the Lord who preached and ministered in the northern Kingdom of Israel. He traveled around the country preaching the Word of God. In the village of Shunem there was a godly woman who persuaded her husband to make a guest room in their home for the man of God to stay in whenever he was in town or passing through (vs. 8-10) . She obviously loved the Lord and wanted to do what she could to help His servant, the prophet. She did what she could, and it did not go unnoticed by God or His servant, Elisha. After offering her a good word with the king, which she refused, Elisha spoke with his servant, and they took note that she had no child, which was a reproach and shame for women in that era (vs. 12-14). This woman had never even dared to risk this prayer, not wanting to be disappointed or heartbroken, but when Elisha told her that God would grant her her heart’s desire, she believed, and received the answer (vs. 15-17).
Several years later the boy was out helping his father and the farm hands with the harvest, when he started to get what was probably heat stroke. The boy was taken to the house where his mother attempted to care for him, but nevertheless he died (vs. 18-20). Can you imagine the devastation of this woman, that the child of her unspoken prayers had now died as a child? She was a woman of immense faith, though. What did she do, but take the child and lay him on the bed of the Man of God, whose intercession with God had given her the child (vs. 21). She is not going to let the enemy snatch away the child that God had given her.
Our lady here is determined to have her prayers answered, and sets off to join her prayers and faith with that of the prophet of God. When her husband asks her about where and why she is going, she tells him “All is well.” How could all be well when her son lies dead in the guest bedroom? This is where her immense faith speaks out. She knew that if God had given the boy to her, he will restore him back. That was a sign of especially strong faith, because at this time raising someone from the dead was basically unheard of. During the Old Testament era, very few people had been risen from the dead. Elijah, the mentor of Elisha, had raised one person from the dead in I Kings 17:17-24. That didn’t stop her faith. No one was going to tell her “no”! She told her husband that all was well, because she trusted and believed it would all be well.
The lady of Shunem hitched up her donkey and took an all-day ride to where Elisha currently was, at Mt. Carmel. Distance, uncomfortable ride on a donkey, possible danger, none of these would hinder her from persevering with God. When she runs into Elisha’s servant, again she answers that “all is well”. When she reaches Elisha, she does not leave him until he comes, as she knows that his prayers will reach God (vs. 25-28).
Our lady’s deep faith is rewarded, as Elisha returns with her, and her son is raised from the dead (vs. 29-37). She could have given up at any point. When he died on her lap she could have said that dead is dead, there was nothing she could do. When she knew that Elisha was a distance away, she could have said that it was too much trouble. What deep and heartfelt prayers do we have? Are we willing to persevere in prayer, holding on and not give up? Can we say, like our lady from Shunem, that “all is well”, even before we get the answer? All is well when we put our faith and trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Friday, February 2, 2018
The Demoniac
Mark 1:21-28
Have you, or anyone you know, been in a situation in life that is so dismal, so wretched, that all seems hopeless? The pit is so deep that you can’t even really see the light at the top, and you’re resigned that this is the way it will always be. No more prayers, no more seeking help. In our Gospel reading for this week we see a man who is under demonic possession, and Jesus gives him deliverance, setting him free.
As I read this passage, I thought a lot about this man who Jesus set free, what it might have been like to be in that condition. Demonic possession is a real condition. Until about 150 or so years ago many mental illnesses were thought to be demon possessions, which was tragic, and now we know this isn’t the case. Nonetheless, demonic possession is still a reality, and this man was one instance. We don’t know any specifics about this man, or how he came to be under demonic possession. It could have been brought on by his involvement in some type of addiction, or sexual perversion, or possibly his involvement in the occult or false religion and idolatry.
At the time that Jesus started His ministry, there was very little hope for anyone who was under demonic possession. There were rabbis who would perform some exorcisms, some successful, but many not. As this wasn’t a medical condition, doctors were of no help. I imagine demonic possession as starting out rather quietly and unobtrusively, as the demon or demons begin to take up residence inside a person. Then, though, they begin to take over, and the behavior of the person changes drastically. This would naturally cause a horrible disruption in the family, and usually the demon possessed would have to leave his family and community. Being shunned, scorned, under such evil torment, and without any hope was a terrible existence.
All this time, whenever he would have come into the town, the community would likely have run him away. This day, though, something in this demonic man led him to go to the synagogue. Perhaps some tiny flash of hope, hidden deep down inside of him, deep in his own spirit, started to quiver with life when he heard about Jesus. Perhaps the demons tried to keep him from going there, but in spite of that, he went to where Jesus was teaching, where his only hope lay.
One thing about the spirit world, the world of angels and demons, they both know without any doubt exactly who Jesus truly is. This day in the synagogue, the demons inside of this man cried out with their acknowledgement of the deity of Jesus (vs. 23-24). They recognized that He was not just a “good” or “holy” man, a “good religious leader”, as many today just think of Jesus as. Jesus and the demonic world are two radically different kingdoms. They have nothing in common.
When these demons spoke up, Jesus immediately spoke to them and commanded them to keep quiet and come out. He didn’t need to speak twice, as they immediately obeyed (vs. 25-26). When the rabbis occasionally performed exorcisms, sometimes they were effective, but often they weren’t. Jesus, though, has authority over everything! (vs. 27). Nothing outranks the Son of God. In the presence of Jesus, Satan’s power is cancelled. Satan must obey Him.
We can rejoice knowing that our Savior is Master over everyone and everything, including our enemy, Satan. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). There is no condition that is beyond His help.
Have you, or anyone you know, been in a situation in life that is so dismal, so wretched, that all seems hopeless? The pit is so deep that you can’t even really see the light at the top, and you’re resigned that this is the way it will always be. No more prayers, no more seeking help. In our Gospel reading for this week we see a man who is under demonic possession, and Jesus gives him deliverance, setting him free.
As I read this passage, I thought a lot about this man who Jesus set free, what it might have been like to be in that condition. Demonic possession is a real condition. Until about 150 or so years ago many mental illnesses were thought to be demon possessions, which was tragic, and now we know this isn’t the case. Nonetheless, demonic possession is still a reality, and this man was one instance. We don’t know any specifics about this man, or how he came to be under demonic possession. It could have been brought on by his involvement in some type of addiction, or sexual perversion, or possibly his involvement in the occult or false religion and idolatry.
At the time that Jesus started His ministry, there was very little hope for anyone who was under demonic possession. There were rabbis who would perform some exorcisms, some successful, but many not. As this wasn’t a medical condition, doctors were of no help. I imagine demonic possession as starting out rather quietly and unobtrusively, as the demon or demons begin to take up residence inside a person. Then, though, they begin to take over, and the behavior of the person changes drastically. This would naturally cause a horrible disruption in the family, and usually the demon possessed would have to leave his family and community. Being shunned, scorned, under such evil torment, and without any hope was a terrible existence.
All this time, whenever he would have come into the town, the community would likely have run him away. This day, though, something in this demonic man led him to go to the synagogue. Perhaps some tiny flash of hope, hidden deep down inside of him, deep in his own spirit, started to quiver with life when he heard about Jesus. Perhaps the demons tried to keep him from going there, but in spite of that, he went to where Jesus was teaching, where his only hope lay.
One thing about the spirit world, the world of angels and demons, they both know without any doubt exactly who Jesus truly is. This day in the synagogue, the demons inside of this man cried out with their acknowledgement of the deity of Jesus (vs. 23-24). They recognized that He was not just a “good” or “holy” man, a “good religious leader”, as many today just think of Jesus as. Jesus and the demonic world are two radically different kingdoms. They have nothing in common.
When these demons spoke up, Jesus immediately spoke to them and commanded them to keep quiet and come out. He didn’t need to speak twice, as they immediately obeyed (vs. 25-26). When the rabbis occasionally performed exorcisms, sometimes they were effective, but often they weren’t. Jesus, though, has authority over everything! (vs. 27). Nothing outranks the Son of God. In the presence of Jesus, Satan’s power is cancelled. Satan must obey Him.
We can rejoice knowing that our Savior is Master over everyone and everything, including our enemy, Satan. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). There is no condition that is beyond His help.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Sensitivity
I Corinthians 8:1-13
In the world today we hear a lot about people’s rights, what we have a natural right to do. We try and seek out special privileges, as well. No one likes to have their rights or privileges trampled on or taken away. So many feel that if they have the right to do something, no one should be telling them otherwise. Many in the church in Corinth felt the same way. In our Scripture passage today the Apostle Paul addresses an issue which came up in the Corinthian church between two groups, one who knew they had the right to be doing something, and another group who were being offended by the others.
Let’s first get a little background to help explain what was going on. The city of Corinth at this time was filled with dozens upon dozens of pagan temples, filled with idols. Followers of these false gods would bring meat sacrifices to these idols. Afterwards the meat would frequently be brought to the market and sold as food. Sometimes some believers from the Corinthian church would purchase and eat this meat. Other believers there took offense, feeling the ones eating this food were somehow partaking in pagan worship of false gods.
Paul devotes this chapter in order to address an issue that was becoming a big problem there. Let’s see what he says regarding this. There are many false gods, both at this time and today. They are not real. Pagan idols are false, and the gods they represent do not exist. The rituals and sacrifices done to them are meaningless (vs. 4-6). We don’t worship one god among many. Yahweh is the only God there is. The one group of believers knew this, and to them, the meat was just a piece of meat, and they saw nothing wrong with it. The other group felt the group was contaminated by the false gods and rituals.
Paul knew and taught that Jesus has given all believers the liberty to eat foods that had been prohibited in the Old Testament. They didn’t have to follow the Old Testament dietary laws. Food offered to idols means nothing, as the gods they represent do not exist. We are not saved by virtue of what we eat or don’t eat. There is nothing wrong with eating any food, if we thank God for it (vs. 8).
The more important issue to him was the consideration each group should be showing to each other. Today, food being sacrificed to idols is not much of an issue, but there are other issues equally divisive, that one group says believers shouldn’t do, and others say is permissible. Paul is saying that if a believer misunderstands our actions, out of consideration to them, we should avoid doing those things (vs. 9-13). We should avoid doing anything that will weaken their faith. Paul did everything with view of honoring God, building believers up, and winning other people to Christ. Stronger believers should be careful not to offend a sensitive, or newer believer by their example, causing them to sin. Our consideration for others should lead us to put our freedoms aside to help strengthen their faith.
If our knowledge is led by the Holy Spirit, and expressed with godly love, He can use it to transform someone (vs. 1-3). It is easy to develop an arrogant, know-it-all attitude. We need to be willing and open to listen to, and learn from both God and others.
Nothing is more important than spreading the Gospel. God has given us many rights, blessings, and privileges. Giving up some of our rights is a worthwhile sacrifice, and we should be willing to give some of them up if it will either help someone to come to know Jesus, or build them up. We should always desire God’s best for fellow believers, even if it means self-denial.
In the world today we hear a lot about people’s rights, what we have a natural right to do. We try and seek out special privileges, as well. No one likes to have their rights or privileges trampled on or taken away. So many feel that if they have the right to do something, no one should be telling them otherwise. Many in the church in Corinth felt the same way. In our Scripture passage today the Apostle Paul addresses an issue which came up in the Corinthian church between two groups, one who knew they had the right to be doing something, and another group who were being offended by the others.
Let’s first get a little background to help explain what was going on. The city of Corinth at this time was filled with dozens upon dozens of pagan temples, filled with idols. Followers of these false gods would bring meat sacrifices to these idols. Afterwards the meat would frequently be brought to the market and sold as food. Sometimes some believers from the Corinthian church would purchase and eat this meat. Other believers there took offense, feeling the ones eating this food were somehow partaking in pagan worship of false gods.
Paul devotes this chapter in order to address an issue that was becoming a big problem there. Let’s see what he says regarding this. There are many false gods, both at this time and today. They are not real. Pagan idols are false, and the gods they represent do not exist. The rituals and sacrifices done to them are meaningless (vs. 4-6). We don’t worship one god among many. Yahweh is the only God there is. The one group of believers knew this, and to them, the meat was just a piece of meat, and they saw nothing wrong with it. The other group felt the group was contaminated by the false gods and rituals.
Paul knew and taught that Jesus has given all believers the liberty to eat foods that had been prohibited in the Old Testament. They didn’t have to follow the Old Testament dietary laws. Food offered to idols means nothing, as the gods they represent do not exist. We are not saved by virtue of what we eat or don’t eat. There is nothing wrong with eating any food, if we thank God for it (vs. 8).
The more important issue to him was the consideration each group should be showing to each other. Today, food being sacrificed to idols is not much of an issue, but there are other issues equally divisive, that one group says believers shouldn’t do, and others say is permissible. Paul is saying that if a believer misunderstands our actions, out of consideration to them, we should avoid doing those things (vs. 9-13). We should avoid doing anything that will weaken their faith. Paul did everything with view of honoring God, building believers up, and winning other people to Christ. Stronger believers should be careful not to offend a sensitive, or newer believer by their example, causing them to sin. Our consideration for others should lead us to put our freedoms aside to help strengthen their faith.
If our knowledge is led by the Holy Spirit, and expressed with godly love, He can use it to transform someone (vs. 1-3). It is easy to develop an arrogant, know-it-all attitude. We need to be willing and open to listen to, and learn from both God and others.
Nothing is more important than spreading the Gospel. God has given us many rights, blessings, and privileges. Giving up some of our rights is a worthwhile sacrifice, and we should be willing to give some of them up if it will either help someone to come to know Jesus, or build them up. We should always desire God’s best for fellow believers, even if it means self-denial.
Monday, January 29, 2018
Where True Wisdom Comes From
Psalm 111
A show of hands - how many of you would like to be thought of as wise, to have a good share of wisdom? I believe most of you would raise your hand. I sure would. Most people think of wisdom as having a lot of knowledge, like one gets after many years in school and a university degree or two. Then if one continues to read and study throughout the rest of their life, and applies what they know to their life, then that person might be considered wise and knowledgeable.
What does God’s Word say about obtaining wisdom? Our psalm for today gives us a clue as to who God considers wise, and how to become a wise person. In verse 10 we read, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”. To become a wise person in God’s eyes starts with showing Him proper fear. This doesn’t mean that we have to have a terror, horror, or dread of Him, like we would from someone with a gun who has broken into our house at night, or after a terrible nightmare, or when we come face to face with some huge and hungry animal. The fear of the Lord is having a holy awe, a reverence, and a proper respect for God’s power and authority. All true believers should have that type of fear of the Lord. This fear of the Lord should bring obedience and respect for His commands, laws, and principles. If we have a fear of God we need not have any other fears.
As we see in God’s Word, the only way to be truly wise is to have a fear of God. He, alone, is the source of wisdom. The way to develop a proper fear of the Lord to come to truly know Him, and the best possible way to do that is by studying His Word. The more we follow and obey God, the more insight and understanding He will give in His Word.
Our psalmist tells us that as we study all of the works of the Lord, we will find pleasure and delight in them (vs. 2). Going over in our mind, and talking with others about the many wonderful things God has done, and of all His mighty works, is a good way to draw closer to Him. By doing that we will develop this proper fear of the Lord, and begin to become one who has wisdom.
One of the works of the Lord that the psalmist tells of is that He has provided food for those who fear Him (vs. 5). Have you ever gone for any time where food in your house wasn’t plentiful? If that has ever been the case, then you know to be truly thankful that He provides for your every meal.
Another of the Lord’s works that the psalmist tells us is that He always keeps His covenants, His promises to His people (vs. 5). People can, and often do, let us down because they do not keep their promises. Their word doesn’t always hold up. God’s Word and promises, however, are iron-clad. We can trust Him, that whatever He has promised us, He will keep. We can rest assured that His Word is true and good (vs. 7-8).
One more work of God that our psalmist reminds us of, one that I believe is the most important one mentioned in this psalm, is that He has provided our redemption (vs. 9). Redemption means the recovery of something. When mankind sinned in Genesis 3, we were lost to God, and fell into the hands of Satan. Jesus came and died, shedding His Blood in order to bring us back to Him. The payment was made for all, but only those who acknowledge this, and accept His payment personally on their behalf, are redeemed. Have you accepted the costly payment He made on your behalf? If you haven’t yet, please call upon Him this very day. This is the most important decision you can make, and a sign of a truly wise man.
A show of hands - how many of you would like to be thought of as wise, to have a good share of wisdom? I believe most of you would raise your hand. I sure would. Most people think of wisdom as having a lot of knowledge, like one gets after many years in school and a university degree or two. Then if one continues to read and study throughout the rest of their life, and applies what they know to their life, then that person might be considered wise and knowledgeable.
What does God’s Word say about obtaining wisdom? Our psalm for today gives us a clue as to who God considers wise, and how to become a wise person. In verse 10 we read, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”. To become a wise person in God’s eyes starts with showing Him proper fear. This doesn’t mean that we have to have a terror, horror, or dread of Him, like we would from someone with a gun who has broken into our house at night, or after a terrible nightmare, or when we come face to face with some huge and hungry animal. The fear of the Lord is having a holy awe, a reverence, and a proper respect for God’s power and authority. All true believers should have that type of fear of the Lord. This fear of the Lord should bring obedience and respect for His commands, laws, and principles. If we have a fear of God we need not have any other fears.
As we see in God’s Word, the only way to be truly wise is to have a fear of God. He, alone, is the source of wisdom. The way to develop a proper fear of the Lord to come to truly know Him, and the best possible way to do that is by studying His Word. The more we follow and obey God, the more insight and understanding He will give in His Word.
Our psalmist tells us that as we study all of the works of the Lord, we will find pleasure and delight in them (vs. 2). Going over in our mind, and talking with others about the many wonderful things God has done, and of all His mighty works, is a good way to draw closer to Him. By doing that we will develop this proper fear of the Lord, and begin to become one who has wisdom.
One of the works of the Lord that the psalmist tells of is that He has provided food for those who fear Him (vs. 5). Have you ever gone for any time where food in your house wasn’t plentiful? If that has ever been the case, then you know to be truly thankful that He provides for your every meal.
Another of the Lord’s works that the psalmist tells us is that He always keeps His covenants, His promises to His people (vs. 5). People can, and often do, let us down because they do not keep their promises. Their word doesn’t always hold up. God’s Word and promises, however, are iron-clad. We can trust Him, that whatever He has promised us, He will keep. We can rest assured that His Word is true and good (vs. 7-8).
One more work of God that our psalmist reminds us of, one that I believe is the most important one mentioned in this psalm, is that He has provided our redemption (vs. 9). Redemption means the recovery of something. When mankind sinned in Genesis 3, we were lost to God, and fell into the hands of Satan. Jesus came and died, shedding His Blood in order to bring us back to Him. The payment was made for all, but only those who acknowledge this, and accept His payment personally on their behalf, are redeemed. Have you accepted the costly payment He made on your behalf? If you haven’t yet, please call upon Him this very day. This is the most important decision you can make, and a sign of a truly wise man.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
One Greater Than Moses
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Our passage today contains a message that Moses brought to the people of Israel shortly before he would die and they would enter the Promised Land. When God had spoken to the people on Mt. Horeb, (also known as Mt. Sinai), and the people heard His voice, they were terrified, and begged Moses that they did not want to directly hear His voice again (vs. 16). God agreed with them, and directed Moses to tell the people that He would send them a special prophet or spokesman from Himself to speak to them (vs 15, 18).
Who was this Prophet that Moses spoke of? Many prophets were sent to the people of Israel, bringing messages from God to try and lead them back to God, away from the false idols they were so prone to follow. In this passage we read that there were three requirements this prophet would have - he would come from among the people, he would be like Moses, and he would speak only the words God gave him. Throughout the centuries following Moses, the people always held that this prophet would be a special one, connecting him with the promised Messiah (John 1:21-25; John 6:14).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this prophecy. He, alone, is the Prophet that Moses predicted God would send. Let’s look at some of the ways that He fulfilled this prophecy. First Jesus only spoke the words that God, His Father, gave Him. The Scriptures testify that in John 8:28; 12:49-50; and 17:8. So many people, both in the past and today, speak their own words and philosophies. Jesus’s words, though, were the words of God Himself.
Jesus was also one who was from among His brethren. Though He was conceived by the Holy Spirit to the Virgin Mary, and God was His real Father, both Mary and His step-father, Joseph, were descendants of David and of the tribe of Judah (see Matthew 1:1-17, and Luke 3:23-38). He was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7) and raised in Nazareth (Matthew 2:22-23), both Jewish communities.
Then there were several similarities between Jesus and Moses. Both of them spoke the words that were given them by God. Moses was spared death as a baby from Pharaoh’s order (Exodus 1:15-16, 2:1-9). Jesus was also spared death as a baby from King Herod’s order (Matthew 2:13-18). They both also renounced a royal court. Moses was raised in the court of Pharaoh, but renounced that for God (Hebrews 11:24-27). Jesus, as the second person of the Trinity had the throne and glory of heaven as His. Because of His great love for us, though, He left that throne to come to earth to die for our sins (Philippians 2:5-8).
Both Jesus and Moses had compassion and interceded for the people. Many times Moses interceded on behalf of the people when they had sinned, and turned away the just wrath of God (Exodus 32:32-38; Deuteronomy 9:18). It was Jesus’s love and compassion for us that brought Him to earth, and initiated His healing and preaching ministry (Matthew 9:36). The whole of John Chapter 17 records a prayer that Jesus made, both for His disciples at that time, and for all believers in any time. Jesus’s intercession didn’t end when He left the earth at the Ascension. Right at this moment He is interceding for us in heaven (Hebrews 7:25).
Lastly, both Jesus and Moses spoke face to face with God. Because of his close communion with God, Moses’s face shone with His glory (Exodus 34:29-30). Jesus was God, the second Person of the Trinity. While on earth, though, in addition to the times when He was in close, frequent, personal prayer with the Father, Jesus was in direct communion with Him at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). Despite these similarities, Jesus was infinitely more superior to Moses, and was the Mediator of a much better covenant than that of Moses (Hebrews 8:6-7).
It is important to receive God’s invitation to us (vs. 19). It’s not good enough to just hear it. Nor is it good enough to just study His Word, or even to acknowledge it. We have to receive it. Many learn a lot about God, but have never responded to His call personally. That is really the most important decision we will ever make. Be sure you make the right decision before you pass from this life.
Our passage today contains a message that Moses brought to the people of Israel shortly before he would die and they would enter the Promised Land. When God had spoken to the people on Mt. Horeb, (also known as Mt. Sinai), and the people heard His voice, they were terrified, and begged Moses that they did not want to directly hear His voice again (vs. 16). God agreed with them, and directed Moses to tell the people that He would send them a special prophet or spokesman from Himself to speak to them (vs 15, 18).
Who was this Prophet that Moses spoke of? Many prophets were sent to the people of Israel, bringing messages from God to try and lead them back to God, away from the false idols they were so prone to follow. In this passage we read that there were three requirements this prophet would have - he would come from among the people, he would be like Moses, and he would speak only the words God gave him. Throughout the centuries following Moses, the people always held that this prophet would be a special one, connecting him with the promised Messiah (John 1:21-25; John 6:14).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this prophecy. He, alone, is the Prophet that Moses predicted God would send. Let’s look at some of the ways that He fulfilled this prophecy. First Jesus only spoke the words that God, His Father, gave Him. The Scriptures testify that in John 8:28; 12:49-50; and 17:8. So many people, both in the past and today, speak their own words and philosophies. Jesus’s words, though, were the words of God Himself.
Jesus was also one who was from among His brethren. Though He was conceived by the Holy Spirit to the Virgin Mary, and God was His real Father, both Mary and His step-father, Joseph, were descendants of David and of the tribe of Judah (see Matthew 1:1-17, and Luke 3:23-38). He was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7) and raised in Nazareth (Matthew 2:22-23), both Jewish communities.
Then there were several similarities between Jesus and Moses. Both of them spoke the words that were given them by God. Moses was spared death as a baby from Pharaoh’s order (Exodus 1:15-16, 2:1-9). Jesus was also spared death as a baby from King Herod’s order (Matthew 2:13-18). They both also renounced a royal court. Moses was raised in the court of Pharaoh, but renounced that for God (Hebrews 11:24-27). Jesus, as the second person of the Trinity had the throne and glory of heaven as His. Because of His great love for us, though, He left that throne to come to earth to die for our sins (Philippians 2:5-8).
Both Jesus and Moses had compassion and interceded for the people. Many times Moses interceded on behalf of the people when they had sinned, and turned away the just wrath of God (Exodus 32:32-38; Deuteronomy 9:18). It was Jesus’s love and compassion for us that brought Him to earth, and initiated His healing and preaching ministry (Matthew 9:36). The whole of John Chapter 17 records a prayer that Jesus made, both for His disciples at that time, and for all believers in any time. Jesus’s intercession didn’t end when He left the earth at the Ascension. Right at this moment He is interceding for us in heaven (Hebrews 7:25).
Lastly, both Jesus and Moses spoke face to face with God. Because of his close communion with God, Moses’s face shone with His glory (Exodus 34:29-30). Jesus was God, the second Person of the Trinity. While on earth, though, in addition to the times when He was in close, frequent, personal prayer with the Father, Jesus was in direct communion with Him at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). Despite these similarities, Jesus was infinitely more superior to Moses, and was the Mediator of a much better covenant than that of Moses (Hebrews 8:6-7).
It is important to receive God’s invitation to us (vs. 19). It’s not good enough to just hear it. Nor is it good enough to just study His Word, or even to acknowledge it. We have to receive it. Many learn a lot about God, but have never responded to His call personally. That is really the most important decision we will ever make. Be sure you make the right decision before you pass from this life.
Friday, January 26, 2018
From Fishermen To Fishers Of Men
Mark 1:14-20
In years past, I have gone fishing. I’m by no means a great fisherman, but I have caught an occasional fish. What I enjoyed more was being outside along the banks of one of the many small, little lakes in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. It was a good thing I didn’t need to depend on my fishing skills to survive! In our Gospel reading today we have two sets of brothers, Andrew and Simon Peter, along with James and John. All four men were professional fishermen, going out fishing with nets everyday, and they needed to be pretty good in order to make a living. As we read today, that all completely changed when Jesus came by and called them.
John the Baptist’s preaching ministry ended quite abruptly when he was put in prison. In the meantime Jesus was just starting up His ministry. After His temptation in the wilderness, He went into the northern part of Israel called Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God (vs. 14-15). The word “gospel” means good news. Jesus the Messiah came to break the power of sin. That’s good news! Most people who heard and listened to Jesus’s message were poor and oppressed. Many of them were without much, if any, hope in life. Sometimes circumstances in our life today may lead us to believe that there is no hope, either. Jesus’s words are good news, and if accepted, they will give us hope.
On this day in our reading, Jesus is walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee where our four fishermen brothers are hard at work trying to make a living catching and selling fish. All four men had already spent some time with Jesus, as we read in John 1:35-42. Now Jesus was calling for them to permanently follow Him (vs. 16-20).
Let’s look closely at the call Jesus gave to Peter and Andrew, to John and James. “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They had spent several years, at least, catching fish for a living. That was hard work, as every time you throw out the net you don’t always catch something. They were rather good at it, though, as verse 20 indicates that at least the brothers James and John, and their father had a business successful enough to hire servants or employees. Now here comes the preacher they had heard before down by John the Baptist calling for them to quit their jobs and follow Him!
Fishers of men!? What did that mean, they must have wondered. They had caught fish for a living, so that people could buy them and have something to eat. That made sense. Fishing for men, what’s that? As mentioned, they had heard Jesus preach some before, and had heard the testimony of John the Baptist about Him, so they knew and believed He was from God. As they spent the next three years with Jesus, they would come to know that they were to devote their lives to bringing people to find salvation through Him, and into the Kingdom of God. Catching people for God! Evangelism is the primary purpose for which Jesus called the apostles. It is still the central mission for believers, as the Great Commission declares (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
What was their response? As we read in both verses 18 and 20, they left everything and immediately followed Jesus. And when it says that they left their fishing, it wasn’t just for that afternoon, coming back later the next day. No, they left that job for good, they quit. We know that at least Simon Peter had a wife and family (Mark 1:30). The Bible doesn’t say anything about families for the others, but James and John left their father with only the hired hands. What did Zebedee think when his sons walked out on the family business? Their commitment was total.
That is the type of commitment that Jesus wants of us today. He isn’t looking for half-hearted disciples (Luke 9:62). Just as fishermen don’t always bring home a tremendous catch, our witnessing won’t always bring results. There will be days of discouragement, which even the disciples had. They weren’t instantaneously super-spiritual. Their faith sometimes faltered, and they had times when they questioned, but they continued to follow Jesus. No matter what, never stop following Jesus!
In years past, I have gone fishing. I’m by no means a great fisherman, but I have caught an occasional fish. What I enjoyed more was being outside along the banks of one of the many small, little lakes in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. It was a good thing I didn’t need to depend on my fishing skills to survive! In our Gospel reading today we have two sets of brothers, Andrew and Simon Peter, along with James and John. All four men were professional fishermen, going out fishing with nets everyday, and they needed to be pretty good in order to make a living. As we read today, that all completely changed when Jesus came by and called them.
John the Baptist’s preaching ministry ended quite abruptly when he was put in prison. In the meantime Jesus was just starting up His ministry. After His temptation in the wilderness, He went into the northern part of Israel called Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God (vs. 14-15). The word “gospel” means good news. Jesus the Messiah came to break the power of sin. That’s good news! Most people who heard and listened to Jesus’s message were poor and oppressed. Many of them were without much, if any, hope in life. Sometimes circumstances in our life today may lead us to believe that there is no hope, either. Jesus’s words are good news, and if accepted, they will give us hope.
On this day in our reading, Jesus is walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee where our four fishermen brothers are hard at work trying to make a living catching and selling fish. All four men had already spent some time with Jesus, as we read in John 1:35-42. Now Jesus was calling for them to permanently follow Him (vs. 16-20).
Let’s look closely at the call Jesus gave to Peter and Andrew, to John and James. “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They had spent several years, at least, catching fish for a living. That was hard work, as every time you throw out the net you don’t always catch something. They were rather good at it, though, as verse 20 indicates that at least the brothers James and John, and their father had a business successful enough to hire servants or employees. Now here comes the preacher they had heard before down by John the Baptist calling for them to quit their jobs and follow Him!
Fishers of men!? What did that mean, they must have wondered. They had caught fish for a living, so that people could buy them and have something to eat. That made sense. Fishing for men, what’s that? As mentioned, they had heard Jesus preach some before, and had heard the testimony of John the Baptist about Him, so they knew and believed He was from God. As they spent the next three years with Jesus, they would come to know that they were to devote their lives to bringing people to find salvation through Him, and into the Kingdom of God. Catching people for God! Evangelism is the primary purpose for which Jesus called the apostles. It is still the central mission for believers, as the Great Commission declares (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
What was their response? As we read in both verses 18 and 20, they left everything and immediately followed Jesus. And when it says that they left their fishing, it wasn’t just for that afternoon, coming back later the next day. No, they left that job for good, they quit. We know that at least Simon Peter had a wife and family (Mark 1:30). The Bible doesn’t say anything about families for the others, but James and John left their father with only the hired hands. What did Zebedee think when his sons walked out on the family business? Their commitment was total.
That is the type of commitment that Jesus wants of us today. He isn’t looking for half-hearted disciples (Luke 9:62). Just as fishermen don’t always bring home a tremendous catch, our witnessing won’t always bring results. There will be days of discouragement, which even the disciples had. They weren’t instantaneously super-spiritual. Their faith sometimes faltered, and they had times when they questioned, but they continued to follow Jesus. No matter what, never stop following Jesus!
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Serving God As We Are Called
I Corinthians 7:17-23
The New Testament passage from this week’s Lectionary readings is a more obscure one from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. Here in the church in Corinth, as well as in many other churches Paul had helped to establish, there were groups of people who came in, telling the new Gentile believers that they couldn’t truly be saved unless they became circumcised and followed other Jewish laws, such as the dietary laws (vs. 18). Paul addresses this concern here, as he did in many other of his letters in the New Testament (Romans 4:9-11; Galatians 5:1-6; Colossians 2:11, and in Acts 15). After Jesus’s death circumcision was no longer necessary as a sign of faith in God.
Obeying God is more important than observing traditional ceremonies (vs. 19). Keeping of the Old Testament laws is not what saves anyone, rather having faith in the Lord Jesus as one’s Savior does. Though these groups tried to spread this heresy, the early church leaders clearly stated that Gentiles were not required to become circumcised, nor were they required to follow any other Old Testament religious laws. Culture, social order, and external ceremony have no bearing on spiritual life. What matters is faith and obedience to God. He wants obedience far more than adherence to religious regulations (I Samuel 15:22).
Earlier in this chapter of Corinthians there were some who were concerned about whether or not they were married, and how that might affect their service for the Lord. Paul states here that believers should live as they are called. Married or not, circumcised or not, whatever social situation or in whatever job, accept the position that God has placed you in, and be content to serve Him there until He leads you elsewhere (vs. 20). Every job we hold can become a type of Christian work. The purpose of our life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Jesus. God has placed you where you are. Look for opportunities to serve Him there.
At the time of the New Testament slavery was quite common throughout the world, including in the Roman empire, where Paul was living and spreading the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. In our passage today Paul is not approving of the institution of slavery (vs. 21-23). It was an established fact, and he was in no position to abolish it. In these verses, Paul was teaching that a person who was a slave could still obey and honor Christ (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22; I Timothy 6:1-2).
Many slaves in that day became believers in the Lord Jesus, and continued to serve their masters faithfully, giving a strong witness by their life and service. They were free in the Lord (vs. 22). There is no bondage that is as terrible as the one of sin. A freed man can be a slave to the ways of men, the ways of the world, or the flesh. To Paul that was of more concern. Being a slave of Satan and of sin is ultimately, in the long run, much worse than being a slave of a person.
Today most countries have officially abolished slavery. The principles would still apply, though, for employees and employers. How well do we serve our bosses at work? We can still give a good witness and testimony there. Serve the Lord well in whatever place in life He has called us.
The New Testament passage from this week’s Lectionary readings is a more obscure one from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. Here in the church in Corinth, as well as in many other churches Paul had helped to establish, there were groups of people who came in, telling the new Gentile believers that they couldn’t truly be saved unless they became circumcised and followed other Jewish laws, such as the dietary laws (vs. 18). Paul addresses this concern here, as he did in many other of his letters in the New Testament (Romans 4:9-11; Galatians 5:1-6; Colossians 2:11, and in Acts 15). After Jesus’s death circumcision was no longer necessary as a sign of faith in God.
Obeying God is more important than observing traditional ceremonies (vs. 19). Keeping of the Old Testament laws is not what saves anyone, rather having faith in the Lord Jesus as one’s Savior does. Though these groups tried to spread this heresy, the early church leaders clearly stated that Gentiles were not required to become circumcised, nor were they required to follow any other Old Testament religious laws. Culture, social order, and external ceremony have no bearing on spiritual life. What matters is faith and obedience to God. He wants obedience far more than adherence to religious regulations (I Samuel 15:22).
Earlier in this chapter of Corinthians there were some who were concerned about whether or not they were married, and how that might affect their service for the Lord. Paul states here that believers should live as they are called. Married or not, circumcised or not, whatever social situation or in whatever job, accept the position that God has placed you in, and be content to serve Him there until He leads you elsewhere (vs. 20). Every job we hold can become a type of Christian work. The purpose of our life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Jesus. God has placed you where you are. Look for opportunities to serve Him there.
At the time of the New Testament slavery was quite common throughout the world, including in the Roman empire, where Paul was living and spreading the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. In our passage today Paul is not approving of the institution of slavery (vs. 21-23). It was an established fact, and he was in no position to abolish it. In these verses, Paul was teaching that a person who was a slave could still obey and honor Christ (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22; I Timothy 6:1-2).
Many slaves in that day became believers in the Lord Jesus, and continued to serve their masters faithfully, giving a strong witness by their life and service. They were free in the Lord (vs. 22). There is no bondage that is as terrible as the one of sin. A freed man can be a slave to the ways of men, the ways of the world, or the flesh. To Paul that was of more concern. Being a slave of Satan and of sin is ultimately, in the long run, much worse than being a slave of a person.
Today most countries have officially abolished slavery. The principles would still apply, though, for employees and employers. How well do we serve our bosses at work? We can still give a good witness and testimony there. Serve the Lord well in whatever place in life He has called us.
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