Matthew 21:40-44
40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? ” 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
God gave His people charge over the temple, the Law, and so much more - yet they were like the vinedressers hired to take care of the owner's crop, who even killed the only Son. Jesus is the cornerstone God builds upon, and we dare not reject Him as these did, or we will be crushed under Him in the end. It is better to fall from pride to humility on our knees upon Him and be broken by our sin to live again.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Lip Service or Feet Following
Matthew 21:28-32
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
If we say we will follow God and do as He says, but then do not because we never meant it in our heart, we are like the second son here. Many go forward in an altar call moment or are pressured into a "decision" for Christ by another, yet they only give assent on he outside without the heart and soul driving confession to repentance. Those of us like the first son who push back on Christ at first until we are drawn to admission of sin, turning of our cut heart - we then come running to our Father after relenting and believing with more than our mind or emotions alone.
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
If we say we will follow God and do as He says, but then do not because we never meant it in our heart, we are like the second son here. Many go forward in an altar call moment or are pressured into a "decision" for Christ by another, yet they only give assent on he outside without the heart and soul driving confession to repentance. Those of us like the first son who push back on Christ at first until we are drawn to admission of sin, turning of our cut heart - we then come running to our Father after relenting and believing with more than our mind or emotions alone.
Friday, June 26, 2015
By What Authority?
Matthew 21:24-27
24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
The fear of men can make us deny the truth at times. The Pharisees refused to answer honestly what they believed about John to avoid further answers which would reveal their refusal to believe. They did not want to look bad when caught in their stubborn disbelief. So they knew they would look foolish to either men or God, and pretended not to know the answer to Jesus' question. It is always best to answer rightly, then deal with what needs to happen next or change anyway.
24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
The fear of men can make us deny the truth at times. The Pharisees refused to answer honestly what they believed about John to avoid further answers which would reveal their refusal to believe. They did not want to look bad when caught in their stubborn disbelief. So they knew they would look foolish to either men or God, and pretended not to know the answer to Jesus' question. It is always best to answer rightly, then deal with what needs to happen next or change anyway.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Fruit of Faith
Matthew 21:18-21
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” 21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
Jesus did not see fruit on the tree of Israel as they continually refused to hear and obey. In return, He told the symbolic fig tree to remain fruitless. It was not about the tree, but believing God, trusting and obeying. So we are to trust and obey in prayer, knowing that when we ask what God wants to do, He answers; not for our own desires, but His.
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” 21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
Jesus did not see fruit on the tree of Israel as they continually refused to hear and obey. In return, He told the symbolic fig tree to remain fruitless. It was not about the tree, but believing God, trusting and obeying. So we are to trust and obey in prayer, knowing that when we ask what God wants to do, He answers; not for our own desires, but His.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Perfect Praise as a Child
Matthew 21:15-16
15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’? ”
The children recognized Jesus Christ as the Messiah, God-among-us. They worshipped Him and honored Him, much to the displeasure of the religious leaders who caught the reference from Psalm 8 to His divinity. Perfected praise from those who see the truth as little children, unclouded by the influences and teachings of others, this is how we all must approach our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’? ”
The children recognized Jesus Christ as the Messiah, God-among-us. They worshipped Him and honored Him, much to the displeasure of the religious leaders who caught the reference from Psalm 8 to His divinity. Perfected praise from those who see the truth as little children, unclouded by the influences and teachings of others, this is how we all must approach our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Holy House of Worship
Matthew 21:12-14
12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”. 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
God deserves honor to Him alone, and turning His place of worship into a store to profit from or to worship another Jesus with false teaching will bring a turnover from God at some point. God came to heal the broken spirits from the sin of men and women, and so we need to honor Him by not allowing false teaching or turning worship of Him into self-serving activities. He is holy. Therefore we are to be also.
12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”. 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
God deserves honor to Him alone, and turning His place of worship into a store to profit from or to worship another Jesus with false teaching will bring a turnover from God at some point. God came to heal the broken spirits from the sin of men and women, and so we need to honor Him by not allowing false teaching or turning worship of Him into self-serving activities. He is holy. Therefore we are to be also.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Praise God the Son!
Matthew 21:9-11
9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Many praise Jesus Christ without knowing who He really is; He is so much more than a prophet from Galilee, as He is God among us, our savior from God's justice on our sin. Ah, but knowing who He is should drive us all the more to cry out praise to the Coming One, Emmanuel. He came in His name, and no man claiming to be or even actually a prophet is to be so worshipped!
9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Many praise Jesus Christ without knowing who He really is; He is so much more than a prophet from Galilee, as He is God among us, our savior from God's justice on our sin. Ah, but knowing who He is should drive us all the more to cry out praise to the Coming One, Emmanuel. He came in His name, and no man claiming to be or even actually a prophet is to be so worshipped!
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Predetermined Prophetic Plan
Matthew 21:2-6
2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
Jesus arranged circumstances to fit His plan. Generations prior, He told of His coming as King on a donkey, and so told the disciples where to go and ask for it. They listened and did as He said. Do we read His word, listen in trust, and obey as they? The Lord has need of us and our obedient hearts more than a donkey; He called us from the beginning of time, and so we came. Let us go further on.
2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
Jesus arranged circumstances to fit His plan. Generations prior, He told of His coming as King on a donkey, and so told the disciples where to go and ask for it. They listened and did as He said. Do we read His word, listen in trust, and obey as they? The Lord has need of us and our obedient hearts more than a donkey; He called us from the beginning of time, and so we came. Let us go further on.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
That Our Eyes May Be Opened
Matthew 20:31-34
31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” 32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
Mercy cried out for to see is far deeper than our eyes can see; vision to see God clearly without religious trappings of ceremony and rules kept for rules' sake alone leave us blind. Ah, but when the Christ opens our eyes from the inside by His compassion, we see truth and life in Him as the only real way - and so spend our lives following after Him.
31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” 32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
Mercy cried out for to see is far deeper than our eyes can see; vision to see God clearly without religious trappings of ceremony and rules kept for rules' sake alone leave us blind. Ah, but when the Christ opens our eyes from the inside by His compassion, we see truth and life in Him as the only real way - and so spend our lives following after Him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Servant Ransom
Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Greatness in God's kingdom is not in how much power or influence can be exerted over others or being number one, but being last and serving in humility of the heart truly caring for others. If Jesus as the Son of Man and God, God among us, could serve then we would do well to follow in His steps to do the same. Or do we imagine that we can be greater than He?
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Greatness in God's kingdom is not in how much power or influence can be exerted over others or being number one, but being last and serving in humility of the heart truly caring for others. If Jesus as the Son of Man and God, God among us, could serve then we would do well to follow in His steps to do the same. Or do we imagine that we can be greater than He?
Monday, June 15, 2015
Predestined Positions
Matthew 20:21-23
21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
We are called out by God to what we have been chosen for; begging, praying and working to a position with God is beyond us. It is His sovereign will that we walk into, not a destiny we create. So we will suffer as Christ did if we follow Him, but are given all by the goodness of His grace, chosen for and led into the places we choose to lovingly and obediently follow into.
21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
We are called out by God to what we have been chosen for; begging, praying and working to a position with God is beyond us. It is His sovereign will that we walk into, not a destiny we create. So we will suffer as Christ did if we follow Him, but are given all by the goodness of His grace, chosen for and led into the places we choose to lovingly and obediently follow into.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Betrayed, Condemned, Crucified, Arisen!
Matthew 20:17-19
17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”
Jesus hinted often at His death and resurrection, but here He plainly spoke of betrayal, mocking, beating, crucifying to death, and resurrection from death to life. Yet they were still unable to grasp it. Even the basic understanding to hear the gospel message here escapes us without our minds being lit up by Him to know enough to respond for or against. In fact, until He rose and now comes as Spirit to live inside each of us to give the understanding, we are unable to know more and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. All is God's gift to know and grow.
17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”
Jesus hinted often at His death and resurrection, but here He plainly spoke of betrayal, mocking, beating, crucifying to death, and resurrection from death to life. Yet they were still unable to grasp it. Even the basic understanding to hear the gospel message here escapes us without our minds being lit up by Him to know enough to respond for or against. In fact, until He rose and now comes as Spirit to live inside each of us to give the understanding, we are unable to know more and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. All is God's gift to know and grow.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Last, First, Called and Chosen
Matthew 20:12-16
12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
We do not earn God's favor; grace is unwarranted and given as the giver decides, to whom and however much He chooses. So deliverance is given to God's people and to the nations equally in Christ, and final salvation before God's presence is for those who labor long just as well as for those who have not (whether by a short life or less fruit borne). God gives as He chooses, not as we expect or demand.
12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
We do not earn God's favor; grace is unwarranted and given as the giver decides, to whom and however much He chooses. So deliverance is given to God's people and to the nations equally in Christ, and final salvation before God's presence is for those who labor long just as well as for those who have not (whether by a short life or less fruit borne). God gives as He chooses, not as we expect or demand.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Let Go and Follow Christ
Matthew 19:27-30
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” ... 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
When we give up owning whatever we possess, then we see the riches we have in Christ - more than we can imagine. This does not always mean we have nothing else in this life; He provides for our necessities and more as He wills. In he end, we inherit all forever, and so do not seek to be on top in this life unless granted by grace. It is the aim and attitude of our heart that concerns God and honors Him.
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” ... 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
When we give up owning whatever we possess, then we see the riches we have in Christ - more than we can imagine. This does not always mean we have nothing else in this life; He provides for our necessities and more as He wills. In he end, we inherit all forever, and so do not seek to be on top in this life unless granted by grace. It is the aim and attitude of our heart that concerns God and honors Him.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Salvation Possible Only by God
Matthew 19:23-26
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
If we hold to what we have, we cannot grasp the eternal. First we must put down what are valuables to us in order to pickup the things of God. In so doing, we find it difficult to take up those other things again with hands full of the kingdom...unless we put the true valuables aside and again grasp the dust and wind. One who has much must be moved and enabled by God to grasp and hold on to the eternal.
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
If we hold to what we have, we cannot grasp the eternal. First we must put down what are valuables to us in order to pickup the things of God. In so doing, we find it difficult to take up those other things again with hands full of the kingdom...unless we put the true valuables aside and again grasp the dust and wind. One who has much must be moved and enabled by God to grasp and hold on to the eternal.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Keep Commandments and Give Your Life
Matthew 19:16-22
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” ... 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
When seeking God who calls us in Christ alone, many try to earn their way by following His Law; but none can keep it perfectly, and come short of eternal life in God's presence. What we lack is giving up our very lives and all our pursuits for Him as the one thing we live for. But holding on only brings real sorrow, as we miss the boundless gift of God in clinging to dust and ashes.
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” ... 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
When seeking God who calls us in Christ alone, many try to earn their way by following His Law; but none can keep it perfectly, and come short of eternal life in God's presence. What we lack is giving up our very lives and all our pursuits for Him as the one thing we live for. But holding on only brings real sorrow, as we miss the boundless gift of God in clinging to dust and ashes.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
The Kingdom is for Children
Matthew 19:13-15
13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
Sometimes we worry about appearances or have misplaced values on what matters to God; we let acceptable religious actions hold back Christ's love for the lost. The disciples tried to hold Jesus back from taking time to pray for children, but He made it clear that the trusting and attentive attitude of children is what faith in Him is based on. We must not only be open to others, but ourselves be trusting in God's word enough to have faith as a child and so obey out of love.
13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
Sometimes we worry about appearances or have misplaced values on what matters to God; we let acceptable religious actions hold back Christ's love for the lost. The disciples tried to hold Jesus back from taking time to pray for children, but He made it clear that the trusting and attentive attitude of children is what faith in Him is based on. We must not only be open to others, but ourselves be trusting in God's word enough to have faith as a child and so obey out of love.
Monday, June 8, 2015
The Single Choice for God
Matthew 19:10-12
10 His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: 12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Faced with the world's view and practice of easy divorce, some say as in Jesus' time that it is better to stay single. But God makes it clear here and in 1 Cor. 7:7-9 that such a choice must be given by God and not made lightly. If God gifts it and one has no burning desire towards marriage, those few can devote all to serving God; but for most of us we are made to serve together and be fruitful and multiply. We accept as we are led by Him, not by man's rules.
10 His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: 12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Faced with the world's view and practice of easy divorce, some say as in Jesus' time that it is better to stay single. But God makes it clear here and in 1 Cor. 7:7-9 that such a choice must be given by God and not made lightly. If God gifts it and one has no burning desire towards marriage, those few can devote all to serving God; but for most of us we are made to serve together and be fruitful and multiply. We accept as we are led by Him, not by man's rules.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
God's Permanent Relationships
Matthew 19:4-9
4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” 8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
God makes relationships permanent. Man does not want to honor God, but serve self. Marriage is but a reflection of our relationship with God in Christ, and we can never be separated from Him - so why do we then try to break the covenant relationship with our spouses? Our salvation is forever, even past death. So must our marriages, that have been joined by God, be held in such regard and honor.
4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” 8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
God makes relationships permanent. Man does not want to honor God, but serve self. Marriage is but a reflection of our relationship with God in Christ, and we can never be separated from Him - so why do we then try to break the covenant relationship with our spouses? Our salvation is forever, even past death. So must our marriages, that have been joined by God, be held in such regard and honor.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Heartfelt Seventy Times Seven
Matthew 18:21-23, 33-35
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
God has settled our eternal accounts with Himself for eternity; so He expects us to have compassion on those who owe us so little compared to that weight of sin's just penalty we had on our accounts before Christ assumed the debt. This is why we have no right to refuse to really forgive others from our hearts, not just with outward shows of words. The 7 times 70 is more than a mere 490 times each day - our heart must not keep count as God has stopped counting ours in His forgiveness.
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
God has settled our eternal accounts with Himself for eternity; so He expects us to have compassion on those who owe us so little compared to that weight of sin's just penalty we had on our accounts before Christ assumed the debt. This is why we have no right to refuse to really forgive others from our hearts, not just with outward shows of words. The 7 times 70 is more than a mere 490 times each day - our heart must not keep count as God has stopped counting ours in His forgiveness.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Binding Church Discipline Decisions
Matthew 18:18-20
18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Acting together as a church body, we are assured that church discipline to give others chances to turn back - this is backed by Christ in the middle of it all, guiding the decisions. What seeking His will together leads to is the established work of sovereign will worked out in those seeking that direction in prayer and godly counsel based on His word. It is not just Jesus in the middle of prayer when believers gather together, though He certainly does that also. So we seek God's wise direction in difficult matters to help falling brothers and sisters.
18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Acting together as a church body, we are assured that church discipline to give others chances to turn back - this is backed by Christ in the middle of it all, guiding the decisions. What seeking His will together leads to is the established work of sovereign will worked out in those seeking that direction in prayer and godly counsel based on His word. It is not just Jesus in the middle of prayer when believers gather together, though He certainly does that also. So we seek God's wise direction in difficult matters to help falling brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Pattern for Reconciling Church Discipline
Matthew 18:15-17
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Church discipline is to allow the body of Christ to heal in relationships by offering a way to forgiveness and restoration. It is not about punishing or getting rid of a sinner, for we all are sinners and we would have to dissolve the church to be perfect in that approach. But when someone refuses to hear God's word on how to live in love and repentance, then they must be left alone with God to turn back and then rejoin in reconciled fellowship when reconciled to Him.
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Church discipline is to allow the body of Christ to heal in relationships by offering a way to forgiveness and restoration. It is not about punishing or getting rid of a sinner, for we all are sinners and we would have to dissolve the church to be perfect in that approach. But when someone refuses to hear God's word on how to live in love and repentance, then they must be left alone with God to turn back and then rejoin in reconciled fellowship when reconciled to Him.
Monday, June 1, 2015
No Sheep of God will Perish
Matthew 18:10-14
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Jesus does not lose one of His own; He seeks us out when we are dead and lost in our sin, and the Angels with Him rejoice when we respond in faith to His calling out. Each one of us He draws to Himself is sought and bought at such a price, and He seeks us so diligently so we do not perish!
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Jesus does not lose one of His own; He seeks us out when we are dead and lost in our sin, and the Angels with Him rejoice when we respond in faith to His calling out. Each one of us He draws to Himself is sought and bought at such a price, and He seeks us so diligently so we do not perish!
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