Matthew 10:34-42
Every so often we hear a friend or family member say something that totally surprises us, something that is completely different from things they’ve said before. I’m not talking about cursing or any bad language, but something that seems different from what we’re used to them saying. In today’s Scripture selection from the Gospel of Matthew, we read some words of Jesus that might seem a bit different from what most people expect Him to say. Let’s take a look at these words, and see what He is saying here.
As we open our Scripture passage, verse 34 seems to contradict a lot of what we believe about Jesus and peace. We often picture Jesus as One who brings peace between people. Yet that isn’t always the case, as we will read in this passage. Having the peace of God doesn’t mean living any way we choose. The peace of God comes from living a godly lifestyle and being obedient to God. Jesus brings a sword to the hearts and minds of those living in sin and rebellion.
We also see where Jesus says that He will cause conflict in families (vs. 35-36). Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who do not. Jesus wants us to take a stand for Him, and not just pursue superficial peace and harmony. Because some people follow Jesus and some don’t, conflicts will inevitably arise, particularly in families. Different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others.
Our commitment to God should always be our first priority. That may end up separating friends and loved ones. We cannot become Jesus’ disciples unless we place Him as our top priority (vs. 37). That could cause unbelieving family members to reject us. In many cases, conversion to Jesus Christ can result in strained family relationships, sometimes persecution, and even martyrdom.
Jesus continues on in our Scripture passage to talk about our commitment to Him and the cross. The cross was not a nice or pleasant image. It was not a piece of jewelry. It pictured a violent, degrading death by execution. Jesus knew the way He would die. Condemned men had to carry their crosses to their execution place. In talking about the cross here, Jesus is saying He demands total commitment (vs. 38-39). This is a call to full surrender. Those who come to Christ with self-renouncing faith will find true and eternal life. The best way to enjoy life is to loosen our grasp on earthly rewards, so that we are free to follow Jesus. We must be willing to publicly identify with Jesus, be willing to experience opposition, and be committed to face even suffering or death for His sake. To pursue our natural well-being at the expense of our spiritual and eternal well-being will end up with eternal loss.
Our passage continues on with Jesus’ words about how believers, going out to spread the message of the Gospel, might be received (vs. 40-42). We know, and Jesus has warned us, that quite often His messengers would be harshly and cruelly treated. We are to come as Jesus’ ambassadors, and we will be treated as he was treated (vs. 40). Those who are not prophets themselves, or today a pastor, missionary, or other Christian worker, may share in the labor and rewards of those ministers by willingly supporting their work (vs. 41). God rewards obedience and kindness, no matter how small or insignificant (vs. 42). Even the smallest service done to the most insignificant of Christ’s servants shall be rewarded by the Lord.
In closing, are we willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ, even at the cost of our family relationships? Are we willing to take up the cross and follow Him, no matter what the cost? The person who chooses to be a friend to this world will be an enemy to God (I John 2:15). The same is true the other way around, if we are a friend to God, the world will hate us. Let us stand for Jesus, no matter what the cost.
Friday, July 3, 2020
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
No Longer A Slave
Romans 6:3-11
Have you ever heard of an animal, perhaps a dog, that was kept for a long period of time on a short chain? He could only move a few short steps and then the chain held him tight. After being kept this way, perhaps for years, the chain was removed. However, instead of running free, the animal would still only walk the length of the chain and no further, as if he were still imprisoned. Would you believe it if you heard of a prisoner, after spending many years in prison, is now finally allowed to go, yet he refuses to leave his jail cell? Or a slave who has lived many years in forced servitude, yet when set free, continues to toil and serve the master? As we read in today’s Scripture from Paul’s letter to the Romans, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are no longer slaves to sin, so why do we continue to act as if we are?
One of the themes in the Book of Romans is that those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior have died to sin. Since this is so, how can we continue to live drawn to sin? Paul examines this, and the symbolism of baptism to the death and resurrection of Jesus, in our passage. Baptism in the days of the early Church in the New Testament was usually by immersion into a body of water. It symbolized the death and burial of the Lord Jesus and the believer’s old way of life (vs. 3-4). Coming up out of the water symbolized resurrection to a new life with Christ. Our old sinful nature is dead and buried. This is a reference to the work of the Holy Spirit at salvation. Baptism symbolizes this union. It separates a believer from his old life, and identifies him in resurrection with a new life in Christ.
Baptism is also an act of obedience on our part, after we have accepted the Lord Jesus as Savior. We are not saved by being baptized. We are baptized because of what it represents. It is a public testimony that demonstrates what has happened in our lives as a result of being born again. When someone places saving faith in Jesus, they are spiritually immersed with Him, united and identified with Him. Since we are united by faith with Jesus, His death and burial become ours (vs. 4). We are also united with Jesus in His resurrection. Sin describes our old life, righteousness describes the new.
We are united with Jesus in His death and resurrection (vs. 5). Our desires and captivity to sin died with Him. United with His resurrection, we have freedom from sin’s hold on us. The “old man” that Paul talks about is the unregenerate, unsaved self (vs. 6). The old self died with Jesus. The life we now have is a divinely given life, the life of Christ. The unregenerate life and presence has been removed. We should not follow the memories of its old, sinful ways, nor remain under its influence. Although the old self is dead, sin retains a foothold with its corrupt desires. The power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our old self died once and for all. We are freed from its power. We no longer need to live under sin’s power.
Before we were saved, we were slaves to our sinful nature. Now we can choose to live for Christ. When we become saved, our sinful nature dies. However, certain aspects of our character do not go to their graves willingly. If they are allowed to come forth, they will stifle the fruits of the Spirit in our life. We need to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as dead. Jesus broke sin’s power over those who belong to Him (vs. 10). Believers died to sin the same way Jesus did.
The “old man”, the flesh nature, cannot be disciplined, rehabilitated, or improved. We must treat the old sinful nature as it is - dead (vs. 11). We are no longer obligated to obey its desires. We do not have to yield to sinful impulses, but present ourselves to God in obedience.
Once the penalty is paid, why continue to live as if in prison? What does the prison or slavery have that we desire? Each time we give in to the old nature, each choice we make to break God’s Word, adds another link to a slavery chain that Jesus died to set us free from. That hinders us from enjoying the Lord’s blessings. We should live our life manifesting the Resurrection, free from sin’s control.
Have you ever heard of an animal, perhaps a dog, that was kept for a long period of time on a short chain? He could only move a few short steps and then the chain held him tight. After being kept this way, perhaps for years, the chain was removed. However, instead of running free, the animal would still only walk the length of the chain and no further, as if he were still imprisoned. Would you believe it if you heard of a prisoner, after spending many years in prison, is now finally allowed to go, yet he refuses to leave his jail cell? Or a slave who has lived many years in forced servitude, yet when set free, continues to toil and serve the master? As we read in today’s Scripture from Paul’s letter to the Romans, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are no longer slaves to sin, so why do we continue to act as if we are?
One of the themes in the Book of Romans is that those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior have died to sin. Since this is so, how can we continue to live drawn to sin? Paul examines this, and the symbolism of baptism to the death and resurrection of Jesus, in our passage. Baptism in the days of the early Church in the New Testament was usually by immersion into a body of water. It symbolized the death and burial of the Lord Jesus and the believer’s old way of life (vs. 3-4). Coming up out of the water symbolized resurrection to a new life with Christ. Our old sinful nature is dead and buried. This is a reference to the work of the Holy Spirit at salvation. Baptism symbolizes this union. It separates a believer from his old life, and identifies him in resurrection with a new life in Christ.
Baptism is also an act of obedience on our part, after we have accepted the Lord Jesus as Savior. We are not saved by being baptized. We are baptized because of what it represents. It is a public testimony that demonstrates what has happened in our lives as a result of being born again. When someone places saving faith in Jesus, they are spiritually immersed with Him, united and identified with Him. Since we are united by faith with Jesus, His death and burial become ours (vs. 4). We are also united with Jesus in His resurrection. Sin describes our old life, righteousness describes the new.
We are united with Jesus in His death and resurrection (vs. 5). Our desires and captivity to sin died with Him. United with His resurrection, we have freedom from sin’s hold on us. The “old man” that Paul talks about is the unregenerate, unsaved self (vs. 6). The old self died with Jesus. The life we now have is a divinely given life, the life of Christ. The unregenerate life and presence has been removed. We should not follow the memories of its old, sinful ways, nor remain under its influence. Although the old self is dead, sin retains a foothold with its corrupt desires. The power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our old self died once and for all. We are freed from its power. We no longer need to live under sin’s power.
Before we were saved, we were slaves to our sinful nature. Now we can choose to live for Christ. When we become saved, our sinful nature dies. However, certain aspects of our character do not go to their graves willingly. If they are allowed to come forth, they will stifle the fruits of the Spirit in our life. We need to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as dead. Jesus broke sin’s power over those who belong to Him (vs. 10). Believers died to sin the same way Jesus did.
The “old man”, the flesh nature, cannot be disciplined, rehabilitated, or improved. We must treat the old sinful nature as it is - dead (vs. 11). We are no longer obligated to obey its desires. We do not have to yield to sinful impulses, but present ourselves to God in obedience.
Once the penalty is paid, why continue to live as if in prison? What does the prison or slavery have that we desire? Each time we give in to the old nature, each choice we make to break God’s Word, adds another link to a slavery chain that Jesus died to set us free from. That hinders us from enjoying the Lord’s blessings. We should live our life manifesting the Resurrection, free from sin’s control.
Monday, June 29, 2020
The Great Burden Bearer
Psalm 55
Run away and leave all your problems behind. Just leave, not looking back, and never having to think of those worries again. Escape from those people who are harassing and bothering you. Have you ever wished that you could do that? Just soar away like a bird, away from everything that is grievous in your life. King David wished for that, but it was not possible for him. It’s not really possible for us, either. In our psalm this week, we visit David again, with the many trials and tribulations he went through, and we’ll see what is the best way to deal with them.
This psalm is a prayer by King David, who was being unjustly harassed, and who has been betrayed by a close friend. Here we read of faithless men, but also of a faithful God whom we can trust. When the burden of the treachery of a close friend gets too heavy, we can turn to God, just as David did. King David possibly wrote this lament during the days of his son Absalom’s rebellion. It was at this time that one of David’s closest friends, Ahithophel, betrayed him, and went over to Absalom’s side. He had been a trusted friend and advisor to David, and then he became traitor, and became an advisor to Absalom during his coup. (Absalom’s rebellion and Ahithophel’s betrayal can be read in II Samuel, chapters 15 through 17.)
It is very heart-wrenching when a close friend, one you loved and felt you could trust, turns against you. That can be one of the deepest kinds of hurt possible. Nothing hurts more than the undeserved wounds from one you thought was a friend. They should be sticking by you, but instead they betray you. The Lord Jesus also felt such betrayal. Verses 12-14 also describe Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Judas wasn’t just an ordinary disciple, but he had been chosen to be one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. Then he turned and betrayed Him (Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25).
This psalm runs the spectrum and whole range of emotions. King David was very honest with God. He was angry. He wanted God to bring vengeance on his enemies (vs. 9, 15, 23). David had been betrayed by someone he had counted as a friend (vs. 13-14). Now he wanted to run away and escape from everything (vs. 6-7). Just be like a bird, and fly away and be at peace somewhere far from these troubles. Wouldn’t we all like to do that when our troubles are about to swallow us up! David knew he couldn’t do that, though, and nor can we. So instead, David chose to run to God, rather than running from his problems. He came to God in prayer multiple times a day (vs. 17). David, Daniel, and Peter each followed the pattern of pausing to pray to God at morning, noon, and in the evening, as we see here (Daniel 6:10; Acts 10:9-10).
Throughout David’s life, he learned that he could put all of his burdens on God, and He would carry them for him (vs. 22). He had learned that God was the Great Burden Bearer. God’s shoulders are wide enough to carry our burdens. He is sovereign over the universe, so He is certainly capable of working out our problems, and meeting our needs. God doesn’t forget our needs. He is able and willing to take our burdens. When we give them to God, they are His and no longer ours. We can be in peace.
As God’s children, we can turn our worries over to Him. He has everything perfectly under control, even when we feel it is not, and it seems like our life is crumbling to pieces. As David urges in verse 22, turn your worries over to God. He is never too weary or too tired to pay attention to us. God will support us if we release our problems to Him. He is in control of every aspect of our lives. God is a safe resting place, so give your confusion, pain, and expectations to Him.
As the Scriptures say over and over again, we need to lay all of our burdens at Jesus’ feet, believing He is good, loving, and in control. He can handle any difficulty and pain, even when it seems overwhelming. Don’t try and handle it ourselves. Worry ends where faith begins.
Run away and leave all your problems behind. Just leave, not looking back, and never having to think of those worries again. Escape from those people who are harassing and bothering you. Have you ever wished that you could do that? Just soar away like a bird, away from everything that is grievous in your life. King David wished for that, but it was not possible for him. It’s not really possible for us, either. In our psalm this week, we visit David again, with the many trials and tribulations he went through, and we’ll see what is the best way to deal with them.
This psalm is a prayer by King David, who was being unjustly harassed, and who has been betrayed by a close friend. Here we read of faithless men, but also of a faithful God whom we can trust. When the burden of the treachery of a close friend gets too heavy, we can turn to God, just as David did. King David possibly wrote this lament during the days of his son Absalom’s rebellion. It was at this time that one of David’s closest friends, Ahithophel, betrayed him, and went over to Absalom’s side. He had been a trusted friend and advisor to David, and then he became traitor, and became an advisor to Absalom during his coup. (Absalom’s rebellion and Ahithophel’s betrayal can be read in II Samuel, chapters 15 through 17.)
It is very heart-wrenching when a close friend, one you loved and felt you could trust, turns against you. That can be one of the deepest kinds of hurt possible. Nothing hurts more than the undeserved wounds from one you thought was a friend. They should be sticking by you, but instead they betray you. The Lord Jesus also felt such betrayal. Verses 12-14 also describe Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Judas wasn’t just an ordinary disciple, but he had been chosen to be one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. Then he turned and betrayed Him (Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25).
This psalm runs the spectrum and whole range of emotions. King David was very honest with God. He was angry. He wanted God to bring vengeance on his enemies (vs. 9, 15, 23). David had been betrayed by someone he had counted as a friend (vs. 13-14). Now he wanted to run away and escape from everything (vs. 6-7). Just be like a bird, and fly away and be at peace somewhere far from these troubles. Wouldn’t we all like to do that when our troubles are about to swallow us up! David knew he couldn’t do that, though, and nor can we. So instead, David chose to run to God, rather than running from his problems. He came to God in prayer multiple times a day (vs. 17). David, Daniel, and Peter each followed the pattern of pausing to pray to God at morning, noon, and in the evening, as we see here (Daniel 6:10; Acts 10:9-10).
Throughout David’s life, he learned that he could put all of his burdens on God, and He would carry them for him (vs. 22). He had learned that God was the Great Burden Bearer. God’s shoulders are wide enough to carry our burdens. He is sovereign over the universe, so He is certainly capable of working out our problems, and meeting our needs. God doesn’t forget our needs. He is able and willing to take our burdens. When we give them to God, they are His and no longer ours. We can be in peace.
As God’s children, we can turn our worries over to Him. He has everything perfectly under control, even when we feel it is not, and it seems like our life is crumbling to pieces. As David urges in verse 22, turn your worries over to God. He is never too weary or too tired to pay attention to us. God will support us if we release our problems to Him. He is in control of every aspect of our lives. God is a safe resting place, so give your confusion, pain, and expectations to Him.
As the Scriptures say over and over again, we need to lay all of our burdens at Jesus’ feet, believing He is good, loving, and in control. He can handle any difficulty and pain, even when it seems overwhelming. Don’t try and handle it ourselves. Worry ends where faith begins.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Sin Is Still Sin
Isaiah 5:18-25
Our Scripture passage today is from a message that the prophet Isaiah brought from the Lord to the people of Judah. In it he speaks strong words from Yahweh against the people for the way they are living, how they have turned the clear-cut ways of the Lord upside down, and are going about their lives any way they wish, rather than following His ways. Let’s take a look, and we will see that in many ways Isaiah’s words can apply to today, as well as then.
Isaiah opens our passage with describing how many people are parading their sins openly (vs. 18). It is as if they are pulling a load of their sins with a rope upon a cart, dragging them around openly for everyone to see. We see that today, as well. For many there is no more shame for what they are doing. What in the days of our childhood might have been done in secret, and spoken of shamefully, is now done in the open for everyone to see, and no one seems to mind. Openly parading one’s mistress around town, openly laughing at how they cheated this or that company, getting away with huge amounts of money, and many other sins proclaimed for all to see and seemingly admire. What the Word of God calls sin is openly broadcast on TV sitcoms with a laugh track going in the background.
Isaiah notes the taunts of the unbelievers as they say “Where is the judgment of God?” (vs. 19). They dare to ridicule Him as they sin. That is the same today, too. Even some people who make a claim to be Christian might say that God doesn’t judge sin anymore. They say that He is only a God of love, never of judgment, and that believers should never speak out against sin anymore.
As Isaiah continues his message from the Lord, he points out that there has been a reversal of the morality in society, a confusion of all moral distinctions (vs. 20). People are calling good what is really bad and evil, and they are putting down as undesirable what is really good. If we are honest and look around the world today, we can see this happening in many areas. What is good and wholesome is called old-fashioned and square. People who live good, righteous lives are openly mocked, while what is sinful is smiled upon.
When God calls something sin, then it is sin, whether society likes it or not. When the Bible says it is evil, it is evil, no matter how many “religious” authorities say otherwise. God is the final authority, not man. We can try to dress it up, make it pretty, pour all kinds of sugar on it, but it is still sin if God says it is.
Isaiah saw a lot of arrogance against God and righteousness (vs. 21). That behavior is accelerating today, as well. There is certainly no fear of openly blaspheming on TV or in the movies. Isaiah also calls out the corrupt judges and government officials for their sins, as they willingly pass judgment for a bribe (vs. 23). This goes on today, more than we would like to admit. Again, the belief that good is evil and evil is good prevails.
Just as in Isaiah’s day, the world today does not think that God sees any of this, if they even bother to give Him any thought at all. God will not sit idly by forever (vs. 24-25). The arrogance of people’s sins, and their blatant twisting around of right and wrong will be judged by Him. Just as a fire will quickly ignite and burn up brush and tinder, so the Lord will come down upon them. Just as when a tree or a plant has a rotten root, and the leaves and blossom wilt away and die, so the people will perish and not flourish. People will suffer when they reject God’s laws and His Word. His anger has been aroused.
Are we dragging around a cartload of sins that we refuse to give up? The people in Isaiah’s day learned the hard way. Without God and His Word as our guide and compass, we are headed for a breakdown, and much suffering. God’s hand is stretched out still. Will it be a hand of love and forgiveness if we come to Him in repentance, or will it be a hand of judgment as we mockingly go about in our sins?
Our Scripture passage today is from a message that the prophet Isaiah brought from the Lord to the people of Judah. In it he speaks strong words from Yahweh against the people for the way they are living, how they have turned the clear-cut ways of the Lord upside down, and are going about their lives any way they wish, rather than following His ways. Let’s take a look, and we will see that in many ways Isaiah’s words can apply to today, as well as then.
Isaiah opens our passage with describing how many people are parading their sins openly (vs. 18). It is as if they are pulling a load of their sins with a rope upon a cart, dragging them around openly for everyone to see. We see that today, as well. For many there is no more shame for what they are doing. What in the days of our childhood might have been done in secret, and spoken of shamefully, is now done in the open for everyone to see, and no one seems to mind. Openly parading one’s mistress around town, openly laughing at how they cheated this or that company, getting away with huge amounts of money, and many other sins proclaimed for all to see and seemingly admire. What the Word of God calls sin is openly broadcast on TV sitcoms with a laugh track going in the background.
Isaiah notes the taunts of the unbelievers as they say “Where is the judgment of God?” (vs. 19). They dare to ridicule Him as they sin. That is the same today, too. Even some people who make a claim to be Christian might say that God doesn’t judge sin anymore. They say that He is only a God of love, never of judgment, and that believers should never speak out against sin anymore.
As Isaiah continues his message from the Lord, he points out that there has been a reversal of the morality in society, a confusion of all moral distinctions (vs. 20). People are calling good what is really bad and evil, and they are putting down as undesirable what is really good. If we are honest and look around the world today, we can see this happening in many areas. What is good and wholesome is called old-fashioned and square. People who live good, righteous lives are openly mocked, while what is sinful is smiled upon.
When God calls something sin, then it is sin, whether society likes it or not. When the Bible says it is evil, it is evil, no matter how many “religious” authorities say otherwise. God is the final authority, not man. We can try to dress it up, make it pretty, pour all kinds of sugar on it, but it is still sin if God says it is.
Isaiah saw a lot of arrogance against God and righteousness (vs. 21). That behavior is accelerating today, as well. There is certainly no fear of openly blaspheming on TV or in the movies. Isaiah also calls out the corrupt judges and government officials for their sins, as they willingly pass judgment for a bribe (vs. 23). This goes on today, more than we would like to admit. Again, the belief that good is evil and evil is good prevails.
Just as in Isaiah’s day, the world today does not think that God sees any of this, if they even bother to give Him any thought at all. God will not sit idly by forever (vs. 24-25). The arrogance of people’s sins, and their blatant twisting around of right and wrong will be judged by Him. Just as a fire will quickly ignite and burn up brush and tinder, so the Lord will come down upon them. Just as when a tree or a plant has a rotten root, and the leaves and blossom wilt away and die, so the people will perish and not flourish. People will suffer when they reject God’s laws and His Word. His anger has been aroused.
Are we dragging around a cartload of sins that we refuse to give up? The people in Isaiah’s day learned the hard way. Without God and His Word as our guide and compass, we are headed for a breakdown, and much suffering. God’s hand is stretched out still. Will it be a hand of love and forgiveness if we come to Him in repentance, or will it be a hand of judgment as we mockingly go about in our sins?
Friday, June 26, 2020
A Warning From Jesus
Matthew 10:16-33
It’s always good to be warned ahead of time of what’s coming ahead. When we’re driving, often we’ll see signs that warn of a rough road for the next several miles. That’s good to know in case we want to take another route. When checking out vacation spots, it’s good to be warned ahead of time what to expect at a certain destination. Is it a place for the strong and hearty outdoor camper, or a place with nice hotels and room service? Most people appreciate the long-term weather forecast if they are planning outdoor activities. Will it rain on the day of the backyard barbecue? We like to be warned ahead of time of many things, so we can be prepared. In our Scripture passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples what will be coming ahead for them. He is preparing them, and us, for the type of treatment to expect from the enemies of the Gospel, so we will not be taken by surprise when it happens.
As our passage opens, Jesus is talking to His disciples, and giving them a warning. Sometimes Christians believe that once they are saved, everything will go smoothly for the rest of their lives. Some false teachers, especially those aligned with the “prosperity gospel”, promote this teaching. However, that is not what Jesus is teaching us here. He is warning us ahead of time that persecutions are coming for the believer.
We are called to be on high alert with people who wish to deter us from keeping our focus on serving God (vs. 16-18). We must be careful from being led into schemes of the devil and those who would harm us. Jesus warns us to be wise and alert. A serpent is always alert and aware of his surroundings. Jesus wants us to be alert like a serpent, but not harmful like them. We are to be peaceful and harmless to others, just like a dove. Jesus instructs us to not be naive and ignorant in our attitude with the enemies of God, but sensible and prudent. We are not to be gullible pawns, but also not deceitful with others. Use God’s wisdom and keep our hearts and minds on guard against the temptations and tricks of the devil.
Living for God will bring persecution (vs. 17-18). Sometimes it may be from godless governments. At times it may be from our employers or our neighbors. We may find persecution from members of our own family or friends, and even from those who make a claim of following God. Just having a strong faith will not shield us from persecution, or even death, as the martyrs can testify (vs. 21-22). Following Jesus will not necessarily make relationships better. Often it can become a source of contention. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us the words and guide our speech for how to answer those who oppose us (vs. 19-20). We don’t need to be anxious or worried about that, but we should be prepared.
If we are followers of Jesus, and have a consistent Christ-like walk and behavior, we must expect to experience, not only God’s blessings, but also persecution and rejection. Our testimony will be scrutinized and criticized. People will not act more peacefully towards us the more Christ-like we are. Since they referred to Jesus as Satan, how would you expect they will act towards us? (vs. 25). Good is sometimes labeled evil. If Jesus, who is perfect, was called evil, His followers should expect similar accusations. The more we act like Jesus, the more hated we will be by His enemies. A true Christian will not be the world’s favorite, nor should we expect to receive it’s applause.
As Jesus gives us these warnings of what persecutions we may face, He also tells us that God is most assuredly watching over us, and cares for us. God is aware of everything, even the sparrows. We are more valuable to Him than the sparrows, as He sent His Son to die for us (vs. 29-31). God cares about each of us individually, even numbering our hairs. We are important to Him. We need never fear threats or trials. Our enemies can only take our physical life. They cannot take away our eternal life with Jesus, nor our rewards (vs. 28).
As believers, we are called to be witnesses for God. We must be willing, ready, and not ashamed to let the world know (vs. 32-33). Don’t be ashamed to acknowledge that you belong to Jesus, and are His follower.
It’s always good to be warned ahead of time of what’s coming ahead. When we’re driving, often we’ll see signs that warn of a rough road for the next several miles. That’s good to know in case we want to take another route. When checking out vacation spots, it’s good to be warned ahead of time what to expect at a certain destination. Is it a place for the strong and hearty outdoor camper, or a place with nice hotels and room service? Most people appreciate the long-term weather forecast if they are planning outdoor activities. Will it rain on the day of the backyard barbecue? We like to be warned ahead of time of many things, so we can be prepared. In our Scripture passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples what will be coming ahead for them. He is preparing them, and us, for the type of treatment to expect from the enemies of the Gospel, so we will not be taken by surprise when it happens.
As our passage opens, Jesus is talking to His disciples, and giving them a warning. Sometimes Christians believe that once they are saved, everything will go smoothly for the rest of their lives. Some false teachers, especially those aligned with the “prosperity gospel”, promote this teaching. However, that is not what Jesus is teaching us here. He is warning us ahead of time that persecutions are coming for the believer.
We are called to be on high alert with people who wish to deter us from keeping our focus on serving God (vs. 16-18). We must be careful from being led into schemes of the devil and those who would harm us. Jesus warns us to be wise and alert. A serpent is always alert and aware of his surroundings. Jesus wants us to be alert like a serpent, but not harmful like them. We are to be peaceful and harmless to others, just like a dove. Jesus instructs us to not be naive and ignorant in our attitude with the enemies of God, but sensible and prudent. We are not to be gullible pawns, but also not deceitful with others. Use God’s wisdom and keep our hearts and minds on guard against the temptations and tricks of the devil.
Living for God will bring persecution (vs. 17-18). Sometimes it may be from godless governments. At times it may be from our employers or our neighbors. We may find persecution from members of our own family or friends, and even from those who make a claim of following God. Just having a strong faith will not shield us from persecution, or even death, as the martyrs can testify (vs. 21-22). Following Jesus will not necessarily make relationships better. Often it can become a source of contention. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us the words and guide our speech for how to answer those who oppose us (vs. 19-20). We don’t need to be anxious or worried about that, but we should be prepared.
If we are followers of Jesus, and have a consistent Christ-like walk and behavior, we must expect to experience, not only God’s blessings, but also persecution and rejection. Our testimony will be scrutinized and criticized. People will not act more peacefully towards us the more Christ-like we are. Since they referred to Jesus as Satan, how would you expect they will act towards us? (vs. 25). Good is sometimes labeled evil. If Jesus, who is perfect, was called evil, His followers should expect similar accusations. The more we act like Jesus, the more hated we will be by His enemies. A true Christian will not be the world’s favorite, nor should we expect to receive it’s applause.
As Jesus gives us these warnings of what persecutions we may face, He also tells us that God is most assuredly watching over us, and cares for us. God is aware of everything, even the sparrows. We are more valuable to Him than the sparrows, as He sent His Son to die for us (vs. 29-31). God cares about each of us individually, even numbering our hairs. We are important to Him. We need never fear threats or trials. Our enemies can only take our physical life. They cannot take away our eternal life with Jesus, nor our rewards (vs. 28).
As believers, we are called to be witnesses for God. We must be willing, ready, and not ashamed to let the world know (vs. 32-33). Don’t be ashamed to acknowledge that you belong to Jesus, and are His follower.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
The Inheritance From Adam And Jesus
Romans 5:15-19
Often when a new baby is born into a family, friends and relatives will start to observe and see if the little one has any of the looks or characteristics from their mother or father, or either side of the family. Will she have her father’s blue eyes and wavy brown hair? Will he have his mother’s dimples? In addition to physical characteristics, children often inherit other traits, such as athletic ability, love of reading, or musical talent. Unfortunately, there are negative traits that one can inherit, such as their father’s quick temper or their mother’s bitterness. DNA can pass on a tendency for diabetes, heart problems, or other diseases. In our passage from Romans today, we will see some things that we have inherited from our first father, and what we can receive from our Heavenly Father, as well.
Every human is a physical descendant of Adam. Just as we have received some physical characteristics and traits from our parents, we have received something passed down to us from Adam, and that is sin and its results. We all reap the results of Adam’s first sin in the Garden of Eden. We all inherit his guilt, his sinful nature, tendency to sin, and God’s punishment for sin, which is eternal death. All men bear the guilt of sin, and are therefore subject to death because they are Adam’s descendants.
That is rather sorry news to hear. However, that does not need to be the final sentence we receive. The good news is that when someone accepts Jesus as their Savior, they can receive forgiveness instead of judgment. They can trade their sins for His righteousness. They can now become a part of God’s family, and inherit everything from Him.
Adam committed one offense. He ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and now all are guilty. Today, we all commit many sins and offenses. Jesus bore the punishment for our many offenses, and His one act of obedience to God, His one act of redemption, brings salvation to many who receive it (vs. 16). Jesus’ one act of obedience and redemption is immeasurably greater than Adam’s one act of condemnation. Adam brought universal sin and death. Jesus brought salvation to whoever receives it (vs. 17). For those who have received Christ, they have received the gift of eternal life. They can be victorious over sins’s power over death, and have His power and protection throughout life and into eternity.
We see in these verses of Scripture several contrasts. We see that Adam’s sin caused all of mankind, his descendants, to inherit both physical death and eternal death. Jesus’ gift of grace, bringing eternal life, will go to all who accept it. Adam’s sin brought judgment and condemnation to all. Jesus’ act of obedience brings justification to those who believe. Adam’s disobedience brought a reign of death to earth. Jesus’ obedience brings life.
Paul, the human author of the Book of Romans, was a very learned and intelligent man. He had been schooled by the greatest minds of the day, particularly by Gamaliel, the great Jewish teacher of Paul’s day. Paul believed Adam to have been a real person, not a mythological character. So many today imply that Adam was just an early Hebrew myth, however Paul did not. The Word of God speaks of Adam as a real human being.
In closing, choosing to pay for something that we can have at no cost doesn’t seem to make much sense. Why pay for a sandwich if you can have one that is just as good for free? If someone gifts you with something free, why would you pay for it? Some people believe that a product they pay for is superior to anything that is free. This is why some have trouble with the free gift of salvation. They want to do something to earn it. However, no one could ever afford to pay for salvation. Jesus paid for our salvation with His Precious Blood, setting us free from the bondage of sin that we have through Adam. There is nothing we can or need to do for that. Any who receive Jesus and His gift, will have salvation from sin.
Often when a new baby is born into a family, friends and relatives will start to observe and see if the little one has any of the looks or characteristics from their mother or father, or either side of the family. Will she have her father’s blue eyes and wavy brown hair? Will he have his mother’s dimples? In addition to physical characteristics, children often inherit other traits, such as athletic ability, love of reading, or musical talent. Unfortunately, there are negative traits that one can inherit, such as their father’s quick temper or their mother’s bitterness. DNA can pass on a tendency for diabetes, heart problems, or other diseases. In our passage from Romans today, we will see some things that we have inherited from our first father, and what we can receive from our Heavenly Father, as well.
Every human is a physical descendant of Adam. Just as we have received some physical characteristics and traits from our parents, we have received something passed down to us from Adam, and that is sin and its results. We all reap the results of Adam’s first sin in the Garden of Eden. We all inherit his guilt, his sinful nature, tendency to sin, and God’s punishment for sin, which is eternal death. All men bear the guilt of sin, and are therefore subject to death because they are Adam’s descendants.
That is rather sorry news to hear. However, that does not need to be the final sentence we receive. The good news is that when someone accepts Jesus as their Savior, they can receive forgiveness instead of judgment. They can trade their sins for His righteousness. They can now become a part of God’s family, and inherit everything from Him.
Adam committed one offense. He ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and now all are guilty. Today, we all commit many sins and offenses. Jesus bore the punishment for our many offenses, and His one act of obedience to God, His one act of redemption, brings salvation to many who receive it (vs. 16). Jesus’ one act of obedience and redemption is immeasurably greater than Adam’s one act of condemnation. Adam brought universal sin and death. Jesus brought salvation to whoever receives it (vs. 17). For those who have received Christ, they have received the gift of eternal life. They can be victorious over sins’s power over death, and have His power and protection throughout life and into eternity.
We see in these verses of Scripture several contrasts. We see that Adam’s sin caused all of mankind, his descendants, to inherit both physical death and eternal death. Jesus’ gift of grace, bringing eternal life, will go to all who accept it. Adam’s sin brought judgment and condemnation to all. Jesus’ act of obedience brings justification to those who believe. Adam’s disobedience brought a reign of death to earth. Jesus’ obedience brings life.
Paul, the human author of the Book of Romans, was a very learned and intelligent man. He had been schooled by the greatest minds of the day, particularly by Gamaliel, the great Jewish teacher of Paul’s day. Paul believed Adam to have been a real person, not a mythological character. So many today imply that Adam was just an early Hebrew myth, however Paul did not. The Word of God speaks of Adam as a real human being.
In closing, choosing to pay for something that we can have at no cost doesn’t seem to make much sense. Why pay for a sandwich if you can have one that is just as good for free? If someone gifts you with something free, why would you pay for it? Some people believe that a product they pay for is superior to anything that is free. This is why some have trouble with the free gift of salvation. They want to do something to earn it. However, no one could ever afford to pay for salvation. Jesus paid for our salvation with His Precious Blood, setting us free from the bondage of sin that we have through Adam. There is nothing we can or need to do for that. Any who receive Jesus and His gift, will have salvation from sin.
Monday, June 22, 2020
Attacked For Your Faith
Psalm 69:1-18
Today we are visiting the life of King David, known as the sweet psalmist of Israel, again as we look into another of his psalms. As we read throughout the books of I and II Samuel, David had many enemies. Before he was king, David spent many years fleeing for his life from King Saul. After he became king, he had to fight enemies from foreign nations, in addition to threats to his throne from both the descendants of Saul and his own son Absalom. Those who David felt he should have been able to trust he couldn’t, including, as we shall see, those of his own family.
Nobody enjoys suffering or when others turn on us. It’s especially hurtful when we’ve done nothing to warrant that treatment. It’s even more painful when those who turn against us were once our friends, and especially so when they are family members. David had to deal with one of his son’s, Absalom, attempting to take the throne from him. However, this psalm was written during a time of desperation much earlier in David’s reign.
Though the Scriptures don’t specifically say, there are several hints that David’s childhood family was not a loving or gracious one to him. When the prophet Samuel came to visit his father Jesse, and requested that all of Jesse’s sons come to the sacrifice, Jesse didn’t bother to call David in from the fields with the sheep (I Samuel 16:1-13). It was like he was considered a no-account. His brothers mocked him right before his battle with Goliath (I Samuel 17:28-29). Later, in one of the psalms he wrote, David attested that he had felt that both of his parents had forsaken him (Psalm 27:10). However, David did not let that turn him away from following and loving the Lord. His faith and trust in Him remained strong.
As a matter of fact, it was David’s strong commitment to the Lord that seems to have been what caused the problems and attacks he was facing in this psalm. People hated him because he had wanted the country to be faithful and true to Yahweh (vs. 9). This verse was one which later in Scripture was applied to Jesus (John 2:17, Romans 15:3).
Have there been times when family or friends turned against you because of your stand for the Lord Jesus? Maybe your family rejected you when you accepted Jesus as your Savior, or they mocked you for reading and believing in the Bible. Perhaps some friends stopped wanting to be around you anymore after you became a Christian. This happened to David when he wished, as king, to take a stand for Yahweh (vs. 8). We may have to suffer, sometimes even severely, for our devotion to God. We can look forward with joy to the day when He will destroy evil and injustice.
Throughout this psalm, and many others as well, we read that David was scoffed at, mocked, insulted, humiliated, and gossiped about. This was very hard on him. David cried to God until he was physically exhausted, with a parched throat, and blurred vision from crying (vs. 3). However, he still continued to pray and turn to God. He did not let that unfair and ill-treatment turn him away from the Lord. It is during these times, when others reject us, that we need to turn to God the most.
David was concerned, though, that he, through his behavior, not be a hindrance or an obstacle to others (vs. 5-6). He felt that the desperation of his situation could lead to being a stumbling block to the faith of other believers. David knew that if his own faith and trust in God was wavering, he might say something that could cause others to lose what faith they might have. He also knew that any slip into sin would definitely be a stumbling block to others. Though David had several occasions when he did fall into sin, like we all do, he did sincerely seek to live for the Lord.
People are always watching believers. We should always be careful to see that we are representing the Lord God well at all times. Just as David prayed and desired, we need to make sure that our life and behavior is not a stumbling block to others, or will lead them into temptation.
Today we are visiting the life of King David, known as the sweet psalmist of Israel, again as we look into another of his psalms. As we read throughout the books of I and II Samuel, David had many enemies. Before he was king, David spent many years fleeing for his life from King Saul. After he became king, he had to fight enemies from foreign nations, in addition to threats to his throne from both the descendants of Saul and his own son Absalom. Those who David felt he should have been able to trust he couldn’t, including, as we shall see, those of his own family.
Nobody enjoys suffering or when others turn on us. It’s especially hurtful when we’ve done nothing to warrant that treatment. It’s even more painful when those who turn against us were once our friends, and especially so when they are family members. David had to deal with one of his son’s, Absalom, attempting to take the throne from him. However, this psalm was written during a time of desperation much earlier in David’s reign.
Though the Scriptures don’t specifically say, there are several hints that David’s childhood family was not a loving or gracious one to him. When the prophet Samuel came to visit his father Jesse, and requested that all of Jesse’s sons come to the sacrifice, Jesse didn’t bother to call David in from the fields with the sheep (I Samuel 16:1-13). It was like he was considered a no-account. His brothers mocked him right before his battle with Goliath (I Samuel 17:28-29). Later, in one of the psalms he wrote, David attested that he had felt that both of his parents had forsaken him (Psalm 27:10). However, David did not let that turn him away from following and loving the Lord. His faith and trust in Him remained strong.
As a matter of fact, it was David’s strong commitment to the Lord that seems to have been what caused the problems and attacks he was facing in this psalm. People hated him because he had wanted the country to be faithful and true to Yahweh (vs. 9). This verse was one which later in Scripture was applied to Jesus (John 2:17, Romans 15:3).
Have there been times when family or friends turned against you because of your stand for the Lord Jesus? Maybe your family rejected you when you accepted Jesus as your Savior, or they mocked you for reading and believing in the Bible. Perhaps some friends stopped wanting to be around you anymore after you became a Christian. This happened to David when he wished, as king, to take a stand for Yahweh (vs. 8). We may have to suffer, sometimes even severely, for our devotion to God. We can look forward with joy to the day when He will destroy evil and injustice.
Throughout this psalm, and many others as well, we read that David was scoffed at, mocked, insulted, humiliated, and gossiped about. This was very hard on him. David cried to God until he was physically exhausted, with a parched throat, and blurred vision from crying (vs. 3). However, he still continued to pray and turn to God. He did not let that unfair and ill-treatment turn him away from the Lord. It is during these times, when others reject us, that we need to turn to God the most.
David was concerned, though, that he, through his behavior, not be a hindrance or an obstacle to others (vs. 5-6). He felt that the desperation of his situation could lead to being a stumbling block to the faith of other believers. David knew that if his own faith and trust in God was wavering, he might say something that could cause others to lose what faith they might have. He also knew that any slip into sin would definitely be a stumbling block to others. Though David had several occasions when he did fall into sin, like we all do, he did sincerely seek to live for the Lord.
People are always watching believers. We should always be careful to see that we are representing the Lord God well at all times. Just as David prayed and desired, we need to make sure that our life and behavior is not a stumbling block to others, or will lead them into temptation.
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