I love this parable. It's all about His believers. See, once you enter into a relationship with God - He's there. He fights for you, sends His angels to care for you, and follows after you when you head down the wrong path. And whoa unto anyone who tries to lead you astray! Isn't it nice to know that God has your back? Kinda gives you that warm fuzzy safe feeling, huh?
So, snuggle up to God, listen to Him and stay close to Him. He's there to take care of you, just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep. And be diligent that you don't become a sheep in wolves clothing - sending other believers down the wrong path. That's why it's so important to stay in His Word, rely on His knowledge, and His wisdom.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49,50
Anyone Not Against Us is for Us ~
It's pretty simply - Christianity is not an exclusive club. Anyone can join. It's as simple as believing that Jesus is the Son of God. When you have faith, you're in. That means you! It doesn't matter what you've done or who you are. God doesn't look at your past, He looks at your present. Where are you right now? What choices are you making right now? Are you willing to trust Him, to believe in Him, to listen to Him? That's all it takes.
It's pretty simply - Christianity is not an exclusive club. Anyone can join. It's as simple as believing that Jesus is the Son of God. When you have faith, you're in. That means you! It doesn't matter what you've done or who you are. God doesn't look at your past, He looks at your present. Where are you right now? What choices are you making right now? Are you willing to trust Him, to believe in Him, to listen to Him? That's all it takes.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48
The Disciples argue about who would be the greatest ~
The disciples are looking at greatness according to human understanding - power, success, achievement, popularity. Jesus puts a quick stop to that. Instead, He references a child. We've all heard of "child-like" faith, but what does that mean? Well, children trust, are vulnerable, honest in their opinions, and are reliant on a parent for help, resources, and direction in life.
In this world, we spend so much time trying to get ahead. We all want to be the big fish in the pond. We are told to be self-reliant, that true happiness comes from things, and money and power will keep us safe. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you want real power, real greatness, you must live your life for others, be willing to give your live for someone else, and rely with everything you have on God the Father. Only then will you find the peace and joy you are striving for. Only then will you find greatness - not only on this earth, but for all eternity.
The disciples are looking at greatness according to human understanding - power, success, achievement, popularity. Jesus puts a quick stop to that. Instead, He references a child. We've all heard of "child-like" faith, but what does that mean? Well, children trust, are vulnerable, honest in their opinions, and are reliant on a parent for help, resources, and direction in life.
In this world, we spend so much time trying to get ahead. We all want to be the big fish in the pond. We are told to be self-reliant, that true happiness comes from things, and money and power will keep us safe. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you want real power, real greatness, you must live your life for others, be willing to give your live for someone else, and rely with everything you have on God the Father. Only then will you find the peace and joy you are striving for. Only then will you find greatness - not only on this earth, but for all eternity.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Matthew 17:24-27
The Temple Tax ~
This is the Temple Tax - an amount paid to support the temple - not a government tax. Once a year, each person over the age of 20 was to give a half-shekel offering. This was mandatory, not an offering or giving from the heart. Temple tax collectors actually went around collecting the money. These collectors approached the disciples rather than Jesus. Why? Perhaps in deference to Jesus' popularity as a teacher.
Whatever the reason, Jesus brings up the question with Peter. Do kings tax their family or do they tax their citizens? Well, kings don't tax their family. Since Jesus is the Son of God, He states that He and His disciples are not required to pay the tax. However, to avoid offending others, they pay it using money garnered from a fish.
Notice that even in His freedom, Jesus seeks peace among others. It comes down to BIG and little issues. I refer to them as "Heaven or Hell" issues. Does the issue threaten your salvation? If so, fight for it or against it. Jesus had no problem casting the merchants from the temple, nor did He have a problem correcting the religious leaders for leading the people astray. However, for the little things - things that don't matter in the BIG picture - let it go. It is better to live in fellowship than it is to be right.
This is the Temple Tax - an amount paid to support the temple - not a government tax. Once a year, each person over the age of 20 was to give a half-shekel offering. This was mandatory, not an offering or giving from the heart. Temple tax collectors actually went around collecting the money. These collectors approached the disciples rather than Jesus. Why? Perhaps in deference to Jesus' popularity as a teacher.
Whatever the reason, Jesus brings up the question with Peter. Do kings tax their family or do they tax their citizens? Well, kings don't tax their family. Since Jesus is the Son of God, He states that He and His disciples are not required to pay the tax. However, to avoid offending others, they pay it using money garnered from a fish.
Notice that even in His freedom, Jesus seeks peace among others. It comes down to BIG and little issues. I refer to them as "Heaven or Hell" issues. Does the issue threaten your salvation? If so, fight for it or against it. Jesus had no problem casting the merchants from the temple, nor did He have a problem correcting the religious leaders for leading the people astray. However, for the little things - things that don't matter in the BIG picture - let it go. It is better to live in fellowship than it is to be right.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Matthew 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44, 45
Shortly after the transfiguration and the healing of the demon-possessed boy, Jesus takes His disciples to a private place to teach them once again concerning His death and resurrection. He states it pretty plainly - He will be delivered to the hands of men, killed, and on the third day, He will rise. The disciples are confused concerning this teaching. They don't understand why it is necessary for Jesus to die. They are still looking for a political leader, so why should Jesus die before He gains power? They also don't understand the resurrection of a single person. They have been taught that the resurrection wil take place at the last judgement according to the Book of Daniel. They did, however, understand that they didn't like where this conversation was headed, so they didn't ask any more questions. Have you ever experienced this? You know you're hearing the truth, but you're not ready to deal with it, so you just let it go? I wonder how often we miss the big picture, and the good things to come, simply because we have chosen to bury our heads in the sand. Yes, the future can be scary. Yes, we don't always like what's to come, but hold onto Romans 8:28 (and I paraphrase) All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes. When you're walking in His will, when you're living out His plan - it all comes to good. The death of Jesus was a horrible event for the disciples, but the outcome of that event changed humanity forever.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Matthew 17:14-24; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43
Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy ~
The disciples are still having trouble with their faith. They have a lack of understanding. They've seen what Jesus can do, they've received training and have been sent out as Jesus' representatives. But it seems to me they are trying to mimic Jesus' actions instead of believing they have the ability themselves. "Well, Jesus put His hand here and said these words, so if I do the same thing, I'll get the same results." I find it interesting that Jesus tells them that prayer was the key. Three of the disciples had just come home from the transfiguration where they had trouble staying focused during prayer. See, we aren't performing miracles under our own power, it has nothing to do with our ability. It has everything to do with God's ability. Prayer leads to a closer relationship with God. When you have a close relationship with God, you know His ways, His thoughts, His desires and He knows yours.
As Jesus says, with faith like a mustard seed you can move a mountain. This is a common metaphor found in Jewish literature for doing what seems impossible. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, yet is produces a huge plant. Faith is the same - it starts out small, but through prayer and a close relationship with God, it will grow and mature. When your faith is mature, when you know the mind of God, when you are walking in His Will, the impossible becomes possible.
The disciples are still having trouble with their faith. They have a lack of understanding. They've seen what Jesus can do, they've received training and have been sent out as Jesus' representatives. But it seems to me they are trying to mimic Jesus' actions instead of believing they have the ability themselves. "Well, Jesus put His hand here and said these words, so if I do the same thing, I'll get the same results." I find it interesting that Jesus tells them that prayer was the key. Three of the disciples had just come home from the transfiguration where they had trouble staying focused during prayer. See, we aren't performing miracles under our own power, it has nothing to do with our ability. It has everything to do with God's ability. Prayer leads to a closer relationship with God. When you have a close relationship with God, you know His ways, His thoughts, His desires and He knows yours.
As Jesus says, with faith like a mustard seed you can move a mountain. This is a common metaphor found in Jewish literature for doing what seems impossible. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, yet is produces a huge plant. Faith is the same - it starts out small, but through prayer and a close relationship with God, it will grow and mature. When your faith is mature, when you know the mind of God, when you are walking in His Will, the impossible becomes possible.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36
The Transfiguration ~
Forgive me. I said we would look at this on Monday, it is now Wednesday. I ended up staying with my sister-in-law for three days. It was a great visit, but I didn't have my computer with me. Anyway, let's get started.
This particular event has always been a mystery to me. Why did Jesus transfigure? Why did He speak with Elijah and Moses? What did they talk about? My curiosity always gets the best of me here. What this passage reiterates to me is that I don't know every thing, nor will I, nor do I need to understand everything. To understand everything is to lose faith, for faith is believing in the things unseen. It is a reliance on God. It keeps us humble. Why is that so important? Well, if I know everything, then I rely on myself - this broken human who is prone to sin. It is easy to lead myself down the wrong path. However, when I rely on God - well I'm staking my future on the One who is Perfect and Holy.
So, can we learn anything from this passage? Yes - it actually offers us an insight into prophecy and a confirmation that Jesus truly is the Son of God.
First, Jesus takes three disciples with Him to pray. These disciples are Peter, John, and James. They make up His inner circle. Luke tells us that the disciples were on the verge of sleep when something incredible happened. Hmmm . . . I have a feeling this happens again. This is why we are to stay alert. The disciples were focused on themselves and were caught unprepared for what happned. Does this mean never sleep? Of course not. We simply need to pay attention to what's going on around us.
Jesus is transfigured - He is illuminated from the inside, providing a glimpse of the future glory of Christ when He will return at the second coming. It also shows a glimpse of Jesus as the transcendent Son of God. Jesus wasn't just a man, just a good teacher, just a prophet - Jesus is God.
Jesus meets with Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the Law (Exodus 24:1,9). Elijah represents the Prophets (1 Kings 19:8). This is the Torah that the Jewish people lived by - the law and prophets. We know it as the Old Testament. The meeting shows the disciples that Jesus is greater than both Moses and Elijah. This also refers back to the incorrect guesses that Jesus is Elijah or John the Baptist. Luke tells us they spoke of Jesus' coming departure, which is His future death, resurrection, and ascension. Why? Refer to paragraph one.
At this point, Peter - the brash spokesman of the group - suggests building three tents for them. He is basically babbling out of fear. The disciples still aren't understanding what's going on. So, to get the point across, the voice of God proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God.
The passage ends with the disciples asking for clarification on a prophecy found in Malachi 3:1 which states, "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts." And Malachi 4:4-6, "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction." Jesus tells them that Elijah has come. John the Baptist fulfilled these prophecies. He made a way for the Lord and preached repentance. However, the people treated him with disregard and he was killed. Jesus finishes this commentary by stating He will be treated in the same manner.
So, prophecy has been fulfilled. Jesus is the Son of God. He has been pronounced to be the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. Do you believe?
Forgive me. I said we would look at this on Monday, it is now Wednesday. I ended up staying with my sister-in-law for three days. It was a great visit, but I didn't have my computer with me. Anyway, let's get started.
This particular event has always been a mystery to me. Why did Jesus transfigure? Why did He speak with Elijah and Moses? What did they talk about? My curiosity always gets the best of me here. What this passage reiterates to me is that I don't know every thing, nor will I, nor do I need to understand everything. To understand everything is to lose faith, for faith is believing in the things unseen. It is a reliance on God. It keeps us humble. Why is that so important? Well, if I know everything, then I rely on myself - this broken human who is prone to sin. It is easy to lead myself down the wrong path. However, when I rely on God - well I'm staking my future on the One who is Perfect and Holy.
So, can we learn anything from this passage? Yes - it actually offers us an insight into prophecy and a confirmation that Jesus truly is the Son of God.
First, Jesus takes three disciples with Him to pray. These disciples are Peter, John, and James. They make up His inner circle. Luke tells us that the disciples were on the verge of sleep when something incredible happened. Hmmm . . . I have a feeling this happens again. This is why we are to stay alert. The disciples were focused on themselves and were caught unprepared for what happned. Does this mean never sleep? Of course not. We simply need to pay attention to what's going on around us.
Jesus is transfigured - He is illuminated from the inside, providing a glimpse of the future glory of Christ when He will return at the second coming. It also shows a glimpse of Jesus as the transcendent Son of God. Jesus wasn't just a man, just a good teacher, just a prophet - Jesus is God.
Jesus meets with Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the Law (Exodus 24:1,9). Elijah represents the Prophets (1 Kings 19:8). This is the Torah that the Jewish people lived by - the law and prophets. We know it as the Old Testament. The meeting shows the disciples that Jesus is greater than both Moses and Elijah. This also refers back to the incorrect guesses that Jesus is Elijah or John the Baptist. Luke tells us they spoke of Jesus' coming departure, which is His future death, resurrection, and ascension. Why? Refer to paragraph one.
At this point, Peter - the brash spokesman of the group - suggests building three tents for them. He is basically babbling out of fear. The disciples still aren't understanding what's going on. So, to get the point across, the voice of God proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God.
The passage ends with the disciples asking for clarification on a prophecy found in Malachi 3:1 which states, "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts." And Malachi 4:4-6, "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction." Jesus tells them that Elijah has come. John the Baptist fulfilled these prophecies. He made a way for the Lord and preached repentance. However, the people treated him with disregard and he was killed. Jesus finishes this commentary by stating He will be treated in the same manner.
So, prophecy has been fulfilled. Jesus is the Son of God. He has been pronounced to be the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. Do you believe?
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