Luke 9:12-17
12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 16 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.
The long day of ministry wound down, and there was not enough food, so Jesus told His followers to feed the crowd anyway. He had to provide for them to feed the others in a way that only God who created the world they stood on could. Then there was enough to eat with more left over than they started with. So He gives more grace and ability to we who are His to serve others in His name, for He lives within us...
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
All They Had Done
Luke 9:10-11
10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.
After laboring in the gospel to many, the followers of Jesus came back to Him. He took them to a quiet place to speak with them, but soon many heard and followed also. So the retreat became teaching and ministry to those hungry for truth from God and in need. So we must never retreat from opportunity that arises, putting our rest or reflection times above needs of eternal matters that may arise. Religious activity must never be a roadblock to Jesus Christ.
10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.
After laboring in the gospel to many, the followers of Jesus came back to Him. He took them to a quiet place to speak with them, but soon many heard and followed also. So the retreat became teaching and ministry to those hungry for truth from God and in need. So we must never retreat from opportunity that arises, putting our rest or reflection times above needs of eternal matters that may arise. Religious activity must never be a roadblock to Jesus Christ.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Who Is This Jesus?
Luke 9:7-9
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.
People did not listen to hear Jesus say who He is. Even now some will say Jesus is just a prophet, just a good man, or someone sent from God - but not as God in the man, not as the Messiah and deliverer from God's just anger from our sin that ever falls short of God's standards. He is more than a man, and we will also seek to know and see Him until we know God has visited us as He spoke all along. Now He speaks as the Son of God and man...
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.
People did not listen to hear Jesus say who He is. Even now some will say Jesus is just a prophet, just a good man, or someone sent from God - but not as God in the man, not as the Messiah and deliverer from God's just anger from our sin that ever falls short of God's standards. He is more than a man, and we will also seek to know and see Him until we know God has visited us as He spoke all along. Now He speaks as the Son of God and man...
Friday, February 26, 2016
Preaching and Provision
Luke 9:3-6
3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Jesus sent His ambassadors out with total reliance on His provision - they were to go with the shirt on their back and no food or supplies. This made them lean on Him as they proclaimed the good news and helped others. Whatever we do now in His name must have that same reliance on God's grace and daily provision in Christ wherever we go. Where we are welcome, we share more; where rejected, we shake it off and move on to those He is calling and have ears to hear.
3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Jesus sent His ambassadors out with total reliance on His provision - they were to go with the shirt on their back and no food or supplies. This made them lean on Him as they proclaimed the good news and helped others. Whatever we do now in His name must have that same reliance on God's grace and daily provision in Christ wherever we go. Where we are welcome, we share more; where rejected, we shake it off and move on to those He is calling and have ears to hear.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Power and Authority to Preach
Luke 9:1-2
1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Jesus sent His followers with the authority and power of God to tell others of His kingdom ("repent, for the kingdom is at hand," parables, beatitudes, and other teaching of Jesus) and to heal sick people. This showed that they came in His name by doing what only He could do, and so they did. They told of the good news by repentance and faith (though not the full story since Jesus did not die and rise yet) and proved it by making people well physically also.
1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Jesus sent His followers with the authority and power of God to tell others of His kingdom ("repent, for the kingdom is at hand," parables, beatitudes, and other teaching of Jesus) and to heal sick people. This showed that they came in His name by doing what only He could do, and so they did. They told of the good news by repentance and faith (though not the full story since Jesus did not die and rise yet) and proved it by making people well physically also.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Alive Again!
Luke 8:52-56
52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
The God who created us can give life to the dead. With a word the living word of God spoke all into being, and so also speaks life to us who are dead to Him in our separating estrangement of sin. But His love in mercy is infinitely greater, promising life through and past the grave. This is the sure hope that hears, "arise" and obeys by faith.
52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
The God who created us can give life to the dead. With a word the living word of God spoke all into being, and so also speaks life to us who are dead to Him in our separating estrangement of sin. But His love in mercy is infinitely greater, promising life through and past the grave. This is the sure hope that hears, "arise" and obeys by faith.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Touching Jesus
Luke 8:45-48
45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Who touched Jesus? This woman had faith that touching just the mere edge of His clothing would be enough to make her well. And so she did. And so by faith she received what God allowed. Jesus gave deliverance and peace in response to her heart. So He delivers those drawn to Him who respond in God given faith with soul healing and peace with God.
45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Who touched Jesus? This woman had faith that touching just the mere edge of His clothing would be enough to make her well. And so she did. And so by faith she received what God allowed. Jesus gave deliverance and peace in response to her heart. So He delivers those drawn to Him who respond in God given faith with soul healing and peace with God.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Tell What God Has Done
Luke 8:38-39
38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
When God changes a man, the man must tell of or bear witness to the great things Jesus has done to set him free and forever change him from the inside out. Like the one here, do we then tell the whole city the great things done for us in His grace, mercy, and complete reconciling forgiveness?
38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
When God changes a man, the man must tell of or bear witness to the great things Jesus has done to set him free and forever change him from the inside out. Like the one here, do we then tell the whole city the great things done for us in His grace, mercy, and complete reconciling forgiveness?
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Every Knee Will Bow
Luke 8:34-37
34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
Jesus showed all created creatures, including demons taking over people, had to bow to His ultimate authority. When this man was set free, people told everyone and were so afraid of God and His work in front of them that they asked Him to leave - not to stay or to bow or Jesus, but to go away so they would not feel their sin in His glory. Jesus left, for He does not force Himself on us, but leaves us to ourselves (a bad choice for us, John 3:17-20).
34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
Jesus showed all created creatures, including demons taking over people, had to bow to His ultimate authority. When this man was set free, people told everyone and were so afraid of God and His work in front of them that they asked Him to leave - not to stay or to bow or Jesus, but to go away so they would not feel their sin in His glory. Jesus left, for He does not force Himself on us, but leaves us to ourselves (a bad choice for us, John 3:17-20).
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Where is Your Faith?
Luke 8:23-25
23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
When we are in trouble, do we cry out for help to God? Or do we hear what He says and know what He can do, trusting with faith that acts and relies on Him? Jesus saved them from the storm, but then asked where their faith was. So we see that He is God, able to control all elements that He spoke into existence and which He can change with a word any time. We must trust in God as Jesus by His Spirit agreeing with that inside us. Faith is real trust.
23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
When we are in trouble, do we cry out for help to God? Or do we hear what He says and know what He can do, trusting with faith that acts and relies on Him? Jesus saved them from the storm, but then asked where their faith was. So we see that He is God, able to control all elements that He spoke into existence and which He can change with a word any time. We must trust in God as Jesus by His Spirit agreeing with that inside us. Faith is real trust.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Hear and Do God's Word
Luke 8:19-21
19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”
If we are about our Father's business, following Jesus Christ and serving others with the words and deeds of the gospel, the we know what being His sons and daughters really means. We hear and do our best to do what He told us. Our natural families are important, yet being part of God's family endures past the grave. We must desire to see Him more than they desire to see us in the final analysis as Jesus showed us here with His own family.
19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”
If we are about our Father's business, following Jesus Christ and serving others with the words and deeds of the gospel, the we know what being His sons and daughters really means. We hear and do our best to do what He told us. Our natural families are important, yet being part of God's family endures past the grave. We must desire to see Him more than they desire to see us in the final analysis as Jesus showed us here with His own family.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Lift Your Light High
Luke 8:16-18
16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”
We are given the light to expose and replace darkness, but this cannot be done while covered. What we have heard inside our souls by God's revealing, this must be shone forth to let the world see what is truth in Christ alone. God gives the gifts and ability to do these things - unless we cover or dim it.
16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”
We are given the light to expose and replace darkness, but this cannot be done while covered. What we have heard inside our souls by God's revealing, this must be shone forth to let the world see what is truth in Christ alone. God gives the gifts and ability to do these things - unless we cover or dim it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Seed is Word of God
Luke 8:11-15
11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
God's word either grows fruitfully to a changed life, or is pushed out by self seeking, or only sounds good and is quickly forgotten, or never is even considered due to hard hearts led elsewhere to begin with. But when we heed this seed honestly and with good desire, then it grows to salvation and peace with God. Our ears must be open and hearts receptive and obedient.
11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
God's word either grows fruitfully to a changed life, or is pushed out by self seeking, or only sounds good and is quickly forgotten, or never is even considered due to hard hearts led elsewhere to begin with. But when we heed this seed honestly and with good desire, then it grows to salvation and peace with God. Our ears must be open and hearts receptive and obedient.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Purpose of Parables
Luke 8:9-10
9 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” 10 And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’
God shows us what the Bible means; without Him opening our eyes with faith to perceive what is hidden in plain view there, we remain blind. Likewise, we cannot hear Him call us unless He gives understanding to what He is telling us. We remain deaf and blind unless He calls us and enables us - yet when He does, we must take heed and understand His good news in our free forgiveness and offer of reconciliation in Jesus Christ which we cannot earn or even find by ourselves.
9 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” 10 And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’
God shows us what the Bible means; without Him opening our eyes with faith to perceive what is hidden in plain view there, we remain blind. Likewise, we cannot hear Him call us unless He gives understanding to what He is telling us. We remain deaf and blind unless He calls us and enables us - yet when He does, we must take heed and understand His good news in our free forgiveness and offer of reconciliation in Jesus Christ which we cannot earn or even find by ourselves.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Hear the Sower Parable
Luke 8:5-8
5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Jesus told stories that echoed truth, but required a mind and heart tuned spiritually to hear the real story. Here He talks of seed falling and being taken away, seed on rocky ground not taking hold, plants choked out by thorns, and some on good ground growing and producing different amounts of harvest. If you hear, what does this say to you?
5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Jesus told stories that echoed truth, but required a mind and heart tuned spiritually to hear the real story. Here He talks of seed falling and being taken away, seed on rocky ground not taking hold, plants choked out by thorns, and some on good ground growing and producing different amounts of harvest. If you hear, what does this say to you?
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Glad Tidings of the Kingdom
Luke 8:1-3
1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
The love of God moved His followers to show love back, thankful for what they were delivered from and the kingdom within and to come. So they responded in loving giving to meet Jesus and the disciples' needs such as food. They gave freely as they had been freely given. So ought we to love God and His people.
1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
The love of God moved His followers to show love back, thankful for what they were delivered from and the kingdom within and to come. So they responded in loving giving to meet Jesus and the disciples' needs such as food. They gave freely as they had been freely given. So ought we to love God and His people.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Awareness of Forgiveness
Luke 7:41-43, 47-50
41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Those aware of their sin and how short they fall from God's righteousness are ever more thankful forth the forgiveness in Christ. It is not necessarily that they were worse persons, but that they felt their need and debt to God more - so when the debt is paid in full, so the heart by faith is given more. Jesus forgives to the uttermost, and by faith in Him alone (not our efforts) we have peace with Him. And so we love much and follow with this ever in mind...
41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Those aware of their sin and how short they fall from God's righteousness are ever more thankful forth the forgiveness in Christ. It is not necessarily that they were worse persons, but that they felt their need and debt to God more - so when the debt is paid in full, so the heart by faith is given more. Jesus forgives to the uttermost, and by faith in Him alone (not our efforts) we have peace with Him. And so we love much and follow with this ever in mind...
Friday, February 12, 2016
Wisdom Not Justified by Expectations
Luke 7:32-35
32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”
How often we want Jesus to do what we expect, and some even go further to reject and attack those speaking truth and doing as God says instead of what others expect or demand. But wisdom comes from those who follow God and not men (unless they are following and giving the right example). So when we follow the principles and examples in Scripture by the sound understanding of all of it in context and uncolored by personal or popular interpretation, we follow as children ought.
32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”
How often we want Jesus to do what we expect, and some even go further to reject and attack those speaking truth and doing as God says instead of what others expect or demand. But wisdom comes from those who follow God and not men (unless they are following and giving the right example). So when we follow the principles and examples in Scripture by the sound understanding of all of it in context and uncolored by personal or popular interpretation, we follow as children ought.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
John Prepared the Way
Luke 7:26-28
26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Prophets reached their pinnacle in John the Baptist, for he cleared a path of repentance for Jesus' coming ministry. Yet we of His kingdom are said to be ''greater'." We have God's reconciliation and redemption fully in Christ's death and resurrection, God himself living in us to reveal His word in a way which only prophets could previously. In that sense we know the greatness of our position and have insight into the things of this kingdom more.
26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Prophets reached their pinnacle in John the Baptist, for he cleared a path of repentance for Jesus' coming ministry. Yet we of His kingdom are said to be ''greater'." We have God's reconciliation and redemption fully in Christ's death and resurrection, God himself living in us to reveal His word in a way which only prophets could previously. In that sense we know the greatness of our position and have insight into the things of this kingdom more.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
The Coming One
Luke 7:18-23
18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
Jesus did all those things God told beforehand would be done by His Messiah, the Christ. So when John's followers asked Jesus if He was that one, Jesus demonstrated proof by miraculous actions spelled out from Isaiah 29 and 35. He made the blind see beyond what was in front of them and opened ears to hear what He had to say so they heard the good news and saw who Jesus was. So we need not be offended, but rejoice in knowing Him.
18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
Jesus did all those things God told beforehand would be done by His Messiah, the Christ. So when John's followers asked Jesus if He was that one, Jesus demonstrated proof by miraculous actions spelled out from Isaiah 29 and 35. He made the blind see beyond what was in front of them and opened ears to hear what He had to say so they heard the good news and saw who Jesus was. So we need not be offended, but rejoice in knowing Him.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Do Not Weep for the Dead
Luke 7:13-16
13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”
People spread the miraculous news when Jesus raised a widow's son from death to life, but did they speak of the miracle alone, or also the compassion Jesus showed and felt for her? So the witnesses were awestruck and some knew God had come to them as the only giver of life to the dead. So He calls us to new life within as well, having Himself died for us and who raised Himself from death to life as a forerunner for us. God among us offers life with Himself.
13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”
People spread the miraculous news when Jesus raised a widow's son from death to life, but did they speak of the miracle alone, or also the compassion Jesus showed and felt for her? So the witnesses were awestruck and some knew God had come to them as the only giver of life to the dead. So He calls us to new life within as well, having Himself died for us and who raised Himself from death to life as a forerunner for us. God among us offers life with Himself.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Grace as Faith's Object
Luke 7:7-10
7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
Faith sees the owner as undeserving (grace) and yet knows God can do anything if He only says a word to make it so, just as when He created the universe. The military discipline of the Roman here was based on training and fear to give an order and know it would happen; with God we do not ask from fear of punishment, but awe and trust in One who never fails. So Jesus calls this absolute trust 'great faith.' We must so trust and serve Him in reliance.
7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
Faith sees the owner as undeserving (grace) and yet knows God can do anything if He only says a word to make it so, just as when He created the universe. The military discipline of the Roman here was based on training and fear to give an order and know it would happen; with God we do not ask from fear of punishment, but awe and trust in One who never fails. So Jesus calls this absolute trust 'great faith.' We must so trust and serve Him in reliance.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Solid Foundation
Luke 6:46-49
46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
Only the foundation of Jesus Christ can hold up what we build on Him. Of course, wood and hay will burn and precious metals will remain, but we are forever His when He is what we build on, whatever we build with. So we do not say empty words of 'Lord,' but have Him so in our hearts because we are saved by grace and faith on Christ alone, our foundation and cornerstone! So we weather the storm of judgment for eternity. Repent, believe, and follow- this is building on rock.
46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
Only the foundation of Jesus Christ can hold up what we build on Him. Of course, wood and hay will burn and precious metals will remain, but we are forever His when He is what we build on, whatever we build with. So we do not say empty words of 'Lord,' but have Him so in our hearts because we are saved by grace and faith on Christ alone, our foundation and cornerstone! So we weather the storm of judgment for eternity. Repent, believe, and follow- this is building on rock.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Fruit Speaks From the Heart
Luke 6:43-45
43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Fruit comes from the heart, even when we trip and fall - if Jesus lives in us, if God's Spirit is allowed to control as we yield, then we bear more fruit. Most, not all, of what we say reveals what lies within. It is too easy to judge based on failure when the majority of the life practices what is good to God (not what pleases self imposed rules). If anyone continually practices sin (the bad tree), he is not His as 1 John tells us. But 1 Corinthians 3 tells us we suffer loss but are saved, bringing in the good with us.
43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Fruit comes from the heart, even when we trip and fall - if Jesus lives in us, if God's Spirit is allowed to control as we yield, then we bear more fruit. Most, not all, of what we say reveals what lies within. It is too easy to judge based on failure when the majority of the life practices what is good to God (not what pleases self imposed rules). If anyone continually practices sin (the bad tree), he is not His as 1 John tells us. But 1 Corinthians 3 tells us we suffer loss but are saved, bringing in the good with us.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Specks and Planks
Luke 6:41-42
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
A tree bearing good fruit is never reaches perfection, but aims at it as the goal. So judging others harshly when we have the bigger logjam in our own vision gets in the way. Jesus told us to first cut down the forest of our own looming faults before helping others to dust off their small problems to clear their sight.
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
A tree bearing good fruit is never reaches perfection, but aims at it as the goal. So judging others harshly when we have the bigger logjam in our own vision gets in the way. Jesus told us to first cut down the forest of our own looming faults before helping others to dust off their small problems to clear their sight.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Trained to be Like Christ
Luke 6:39-40
39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
We should not listen to teachers who do not see what God has said as recorded in His word. If we do not use this word as the gauge of vision, we are following one who cannot show us anything they cannot see themselves. So many are led to hurt or ruin. We need instead to become more like Jesus from those who themselves are looking to His truth to see the way to walk on the level and narrow road.
39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
We should not listen to teachers who do not see what God has said as recorded in His word. If we do not use this word as the gauge of vision, we are following one who cannot show us anything they cannot see themselves. So many are led to hurt or ruin. We need instead to become more like Jesus from those who themselves are looking to His truth to see the way to walk on the level and narrow road.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Measured Judgment
Luke 6:37-38
37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
How and what we give to others is how we receive it back, whether directly from God or through others. So when people judge or condemn us, we should examine ourselves to see if we are passing sentence or mercy on others. When we are not reconciled with those who hold unforgiving grudges, do we look to see if we have not forgiven someone? God saved us by grace, forgiving and releasing us from eternal judgment; how can we not do likewise?
37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
How and what we give to others is how we receive it back, whether directly from God or through others. So when people judge or condemn us, we should examine ourselves to see if we are passing sentence or mercy on others. When we are not reconciled with those who hold unforgiving grudges, do we look to see if we have not forgiven someone? God saved us by grace, forgiving and releasing us from eternal judgment; how can we not do likewise?
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Love Your Enemies in Mercy
Luke 6:35-36
35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Instead of looking for a return on love, good deeds, and lending (which all are self seeking when done just to get something out of it), we are told to selflessly love, to do good for the other's sake, and to give to meet needs, not as investments with profit. This is the mercy God shows us in Christ, not giving us what we deserve as sinners, and showing grace of giving gifts freely and not what we owe.
35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Instead of looking for a return on love, good deeds, and lending (which all are self seeking when done just to get something out of it), we are told to selflessly love, to do good for the other's sake, and to give to meet needs, not as investments with profit. This is the mercy God shows us in Christ, not giving us what we deserve as sinners, and showing grace of giving gifts freely and not what we owe.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Pray for the Spiteful
Luke 6:27-31
27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Loving our enemies really means that we treat and respond to them as we want our enemies to do with us. So we are to bless, do good, and pray for them as they offend or steal from us. We are not to hold back from meeting their needs nor retaliate for the evil they do to us. This is a difficult thing, but if we begin by putting ourselves in their place and pray as we do right and even bless them, God is honored.
27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Loving our enemies really means that we treat and respond to them as we want our enemies to do with us. So we are to bless, do good, and pray for them as they offend or steal from us. We are not to hold back from meeting their needs nor retaliate for the evil they do to us. This is a difficult thing, but if we begin by putting ourselves in their place and pray as we do right and even bless them, God is honored.
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