Luke 21:34-36
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The warning is a sobering call to a right relationship with God, not living for pleasure, possessions, or self, but for Him. This snares many because none of us is worthy to escape judgement before Jesus Christ. But in Christ is the worthiness by suffering in our place and dying to pay for all falling short - by His good gift alone of life can we be counted worthy to escape our just due. Only by standing in Jesus can we stand before God forever.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
His Words are Eternal
Luke 21:29-33
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
When the things happen showing that the end approaches, those of that generation will see God's word come to pass just as He said. This is not a group of signs to look for, but a warning for all who have not come by faith to God in Christ. What He said is absolute as truth for a warning to turn before it comes to that point, and those who are here then will be able to see as clearly as they observe seasons changing. Are you in Him, ready, now?
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
When the things happen showing that the end approaches, those of that generation will see God's word come to pass just as He said. This is not a group of signs to look for, but a warning for all who have not come by faith to God in Christ. What He said is absolute as truth for a warning to turn before it comes to that point, and those who are here then will be able to see as clearly as they observe seasons changing. Are you in Him, ready, now?
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Return in Glory and Power
Luke 21:25-28
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
When things really get bad to the point of the heavens and earth in shaking turmoil, then we who have hope can realistically respond by lifting up tired heads and have even joy. We can do this as we face an existence of never ending relief in God's presence. The distress of a sin ravaged and broken world will fade away at last. So when we see Jesus return in the midst of calamity, we see what cannot be shaken instead.
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
When things really get bad to the point of the heavens and earth in shaking turmoil, then we who have hope can realistically respond by lifting up tired heads and have even joy. We can do this as we face an existence of never ending relief in God's presence. The distress of a sin ravaged and broken world will fade away at last. So when we see Jesus return in the midst of calamity, we see what cannot be shaken instead.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Judgment and Fulfillment
Luke 21:22-24
22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Jerusalem was warned before its destruction and scattering of its people because of judgment on their sin; so now we are all warned of the end of time for the same. The times of nations allow the gospel to reach the end of the earth so all may hear and many come to the God of Abraham, who was promised to be he father of nations to bless the world. Israel came back to Jerusalem and so we should be aware of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come in being witnesses to God's work in Christ.
22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Jerusalem was warned before its destruction and scattering of its people because of judgment on their sin; so now we are all warned of the end of time for the same. The times of nations allow the gospel to reach the end of the earth so all may hear and many come to the God of Abraham, who was promised to be he father of nations to bless the world. Israel came back to Jerusalem and so we should be aware of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come in being witnesses to God's work in Christ.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Good Defense Wisdom Given
Luke 21:14-19
14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
When we testify to be there of God's grace worked in us, our preparation should be to understand clearly what God says about the gospel - man's sin and it's just judgment, Christ's price for our sin, and His calling and grace to faith that enables a new creation. It is not prepared speeches or methods, but the simplicity and reality of the truth as the good news. We may be rejected, ridiculed, or even attacked, but God has our lives in good hands.
14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
When we testify to be there of God's grace worked in us, our preparation should be to understand clearly what God says about the gospel - man's sin and it's just judgment, Christ's price for our sin, and His calling and grace to faith that enables a new creation. It is not prepared speeches or methods, but the simplicity and reality of the truth as the good news. We may be rejected, ridiculed, or even attacked, but God has our lives in good hands.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Occasion for Testimony
Luke 21:10-13
10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.
As the beginning of eternity with God draws closer for those called out, but before things grow worse closer to the world's end with wars and natural disasters, His people will be persecuted in pressing times. We will be thrown in prison and it will all be for our testimony of Jesus Christ. So we will use the hard times, even death if necessary, to bear witness of God's grace and mercy in Him who laid down His life for us. So we die daily as we bear the cross. Do signs of the end or beginning of forever consume us?
10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.
As the beginning of eternity with God draws closer for those called out, but before things grow worse closer to the world's end with wars and natural disasters, His people will be persecuted in pressing times. We will be thrown in prison and it will all be for our testimony of Jesus Christ. So we will use the hard times, even death if necessary, to bear witness of God's grace and mercy in Him who laid down His life for us. So we die daily as we bear the cross. Do signs of the end or beginning of forever consume us?
Friday, June 24, 2016
Don't Be Deceived
Luke 21:5-8
5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” 7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.
Just as Jesus told when the temple in Jerusalem would be torn down [by the Romans], so He went further after proving the times are in His hands to point out there will be many throughout time claiming they are the Christ or telling the date of His return. But we are not to follow where or when He has not told us. As a thief in the night, unannounced, that is when and how. Don't be deceived.
5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” 7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.
Just as Jesus told when the temple in Jerusalem would be torn down [by the Romans], so He went further after proving the times are in His hands to point out there will be many throughout time claiming they are the Christ or telling the date of His return. But we are not to follow where or when He has not told us. As a thief in the night, unannounced, that is when and how. Don't be deceived.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Sacrificial Giving
Luke 21:1-4
1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”
What we give to God with an abandoned heart is never too little an amount. When we give without compulsion apart from obligation, we are motivated by love for God and so for others. It is not the abundance given, but the willingness and true generosity that He looks for in our heart's actions.
1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”
What we give to God with an abandoned heart is never too little an amount. When we give without compulsion apart from obligation, we are motivated by love for God and so for others. It is not the abundance given, but the willingness and true generosity that He looks for in our heart's actions.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Beware Pride of Life
Luke 20:45-47
45 Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
Self glory and self importance are the pride of life that refuses to trust and submit to honor God above all else. Whether religious robes, attention from the public, or expected honored treatment wherever they go - all these take advantage of others for personal gain. These will answer to God when they face Him in the end. Do we fall into this trap, or put Christ first?
45 Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
Self glory and self importance are the pride of life that refuses to trust and submit to honor God above all else. Whether religious robes, attention from the public, or expected honored treatment wherever they go - all these take advantage of others for personal gain. These will answer to God when they face Him in the end. Do we fall into this trap, or put Christ first?
Monday, June 20, 2016
Son of God and Man
Luke 20:41-44
41 And He said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? 42 Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 43 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’ 44 Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”
Though on the human side Jesus was descended from King David as we were told, as God Jesus was also Yahweh to David as adonai (lord, master, ruler). So Jesus made it clear He is God as well as man. Only God can live without sin and so sacrifice Himself once for all who come to God the Father through Him. But a man had to pay the price as one of us, so God sacrificed His only and chosen Son as Abraham began to do in the same place years before. Awe.
41 And He said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? 42 Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 43 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’ 44 Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”
Though on the human side Jesus was descended from King David as we were told, as God Jesus was also Yahweh to David as adonai (lord, master, ruler). So Jesus made it clear He is God as well as man. Only God can live without sin and so sacrifice Himself once for all who come to God the Father through Him. But a man had to pay the price as one of us, so God sacrificed His only and chosen Son as Abraham began to do in the same place years before. Awe.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
God of the Living
Luke 20:35-38
35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.”
To those who do not believe in a resurrection, a life after death, Jesus plainly told us that we will live on from death - no longer needing to marry since death ends and filling the earth is not needed either. Also we will not have bodies that decay or die, but are more like eternal angels as God's children. We who are His all live to Him, in Him, and for Him forever once resurrected!
35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.”
To those who do not believe in a resurrection, a life after death, Jesus plainly told us that we will live on from death - no longer needing to marry since death ends and filling the earth is not needed either. Also we will not have bodies that decay or die, but are more like eternal angels as God's children. We who are His all live to Him, in Him, and for Him forever once resurrected!
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Render to Caesar and God
Luke 20:22-26
22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar's.” 25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.
We live by the law of the land, only refusing to deny our Lord by speaking what we have seen and heard from Him. The rest is submission and obedience to the authorities He put in place; honor to whom honor. This can become confusing in a democracy where we have a say, but still guides our responses to put God first. What is God's is God's, and what is the prevailing Caesar's is Caesar's still.
22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar's.” 25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.
We live by the law of the land, only refusing to deny our Lord by speaking what we have seen and heard from Him. The rest is submission and obedience to the authorities He put in place; honor to whom honor. This can become confusing in a democracy where we have a say, but still guides our responses to put God first. What is God's is God's, and what is the prevailing Caesar's is Caesar's still.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Looking for Opportunity to Betray
Luke 20:19-20
19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people—for they knew He had spoken this parable against them. 20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.
Those opposed to Christ usually have an agenda, the minority with the loud voice doing all possible to kill the gospel message of accountability and judgment, of sin and righteousness. So they creep in to pervert the message and messengers. But God is greater, completely sovereign, wise, and able to reach men's hearts no matter the opposition. To fight against God is both futile and destructive, especially when He offers grace to forgive and reconcile.
19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people—for they knew He had spoken this parable against them. 20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.
Those opposed to Christ usually have an agenda, the minority with the loud voice doing all possible to kill the gospel message of accountability and judgment, of sin and righteousness. So they creep in to pervert the message and messengers. But God is greater, completely sovereign, wise, and able to reach men's hearts no matter the opposition. To fight against God is both futile and destructive, especially when He offers grace to forgive and reconcile.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Broken Covenant Trust
Luke 20:9-18
9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’ 14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone’? 18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
God entrusted His word and Messiah to His people, but they killed the prophets and Jesus the Son as well. But the heir is also the cornerstone that supports all else; that stone either is tripped over and humbles the wounded, or falls upon to utterly crush the ones rejecting Him. Is pride worth the pain of humility? Is death and never ending punishment worth rejecting the Son sent for us?
9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’ 14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone’? 18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
God entrusted His word and Messiah to His people, but they killed the prophets and Jesus the Son as well. But the heir is also the cornerstone that supports all else; that stone either is tripped over and humbles the wounded, or falls upon to utterly crush the ones rejecting Him. Is pride worth the pain of humility? Is death and never ending punishment worth rejecting the Son sent for us?
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Honest Admissions
Luke 20:2-8
2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” 3 But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” 5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from. 8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
It is difficult for religious people to admit who Jesus is, as their system may be exposed to miss the obvious truth before them. Here they refused to honestly answer Jesus about who John the Baptist was out of fear of others and fear of answering God for their biased refusal to admit who He was. Even today people miss who Jesus is out of these fears, even with the truth of God come in the flesh seen clearly in His word they choose not to believe.
2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” 3 But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” 5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from. 8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
It is difficult for religious people to admit who Jesus is, as their system may be exposed to miss the obvious truth before them. Here they refused to honestly answer Jesus about who John the Baptist was out of fear of others and fear of answering God for their biased refusal to admit who He was. Even today people miss who Jesus is out of these fears, even with the truth of God come in the flesh seen clearly in His word they choose not to believe.
Monday, June 13, 2016
House of Prayer and Teaching
Luke 19:45-48
45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” 47 And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, 48 and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.
Jesus made it clear that serving God was not about turning a profit from worshippers, but worshipping God in His house. So He then taught God's word and brought anger from those who allowed the abuse. Even then the plots of the religious could not outweigh the people yearning to hear truth. So it was in the Reformation, and so can it be now.
45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” 47 And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, 48 and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.
Jesus made it clear that serving God was not about turning a profit from worshippers, but worshipping God in His house. So He then taught God's word and brought anger from those who allowed the abuse. Even then the plots of the religious could not outweigh the people yearning to hear truth. So it was in the Reformation, and so can it be now.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Jesus Wept over the Lost
Luke 19:41-44
41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
We read how Israel missed Emmanuel, God visiting them as Jesus the Christ. He wept over what they were rejecting and the future destruction of the city. But what gospel was hidden to them is hidden to us as well - until revealed by His appearing and then that He opens our eyes to see as well. But when He gives sight to us as blind sinners, how can we choose otherwise for life?
41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
We read how Israel missed Emmanuel, God visiting them as Jesus the Christ. He wept over what they were rejecting and the future destruction of the city. But what gospel was hidden to them is hidden to us as well - until revealed by His appearing and then that He opens our eyes to see as well. But when He gives sight to us as blind sinners, how can we choose otherwise for life?
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Stones Would Cry Out Praise
Luke 19:37-40
37 ..the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
When people recognize God before them in Christ, they cannot contain themselves. Here they glorified Jesus even when others told them to stop. But as Jesus said, if the people would stop the very rocks on the ground He walked on would cry out His glory as part of the creation. God will be lifted up in honor and glory, for in the end everyone will bow to Him and admit who He is. Everyone.
37 ..the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
When people recognize God before them in Christ, they cannot contain themselves. Here they glorified Jesus even when others told them to stop. But as Jesus said, if the people would stop the very rocks on the ground He walked on would cry out His glory as part of the creation. God will be lifted up in honor and glory, for in the end everyone will bow to Him and admit who He is. Everyone.
Friday, June 10, 2016
The Lord has Need
Luke 19:30-34
30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, “Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.”
When God asks something of us, do we just give it, even if someone asks for themselves in His name? Asking for a colt was like asking for someone's car today. If all we have is His, are we able to lend all back to Him?
30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, “Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.”
When God asks something of us, do we just give it, even if someone asks for themselves in His name? Asking for a colt was like asking for someone's car today. If all we have is His, are we able to lend all back to Him?
Thursday, June 9, 2016
God's Kingdom Schedule
Luke 19:11-14, 26-27
11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ ... 26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”
People wanted God to bring His kingdom right away, on their schedule, so Jesus told of those who hated Him and were not all good stewards of what was entrusted to them. In the end there is either reward or loss, and He still reigns over all. We who are entrusted with eternity keep it with varying reward, but unfaithfulness to respond to the gospel ends in just punishment.
11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ ... 26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”
People wanted God to bring His kingdom right away, on their schedule, so Jesus told of those who hated Him and were not all good stewards of what was entrusted to them. In the end there is either reward or loss, and He still reigns over all. We who are entrusted with eternity keep it with varying reward, but unfaithfulness to respond to the gospel ends in just punishment.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Eat With Sinners, Not Sinful Believers
Luke 19:7-10
7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Do we eat with sinners or judge harshly and treat them badly? Jesus gave us the example to not sin with but be with to freely and without condemnation offer deliverance from the sin. He came to save, to deliver us from sin and God's just anger for it - by seeking us and calling us out. This includes eating with and associating with them. Do we do the same? We are, however, called not to eat with sinners who are unrepentant Christians (1 Cor. 5:11-12).
7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Do we eat with sinners or judge harshly and treat them badly? Jesus gave us the example to not sin with but be with to freely and without condemnation offer deliverance from the sin. He came to save, to deliver us from sin and God's just anger for it - by seeking us and calling us out. This includes eating with and associating with them. Do we do the same? We are, however, called not to eat with sinners who are unrepentant Christians (1 Cor. 5:11-12).
Monday, June 6, 2016
That I May See!
Luke 18:40-43
40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” 42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
When God's finger reached down to make men whole, He first came near, drawing men out, then answered a trusting heart with outward healing as inner wholeness was being worked. This man immediately followed and glorified God for all He did - he did not go around telling others they must demand healing and belittle their faith if Jesus did not reach out to them in the same way. A good lesson for today.
40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” 42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
When God's finger reached down to make men whole, He first came near, drawing men out, then answered a trusting heart with outward healing as inner wholeness was being worked. This man immediately followed and glorified God for all He did - he did not go around telling others they must demand healing and belittle their faith if Jesus did not reach out to them in the same way. A good lesson for today.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Know He Died and Arose
Luke 18:31-33
31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”
The disciples could not understand Jesus' suffering, death, burial, and resurrection - God did not show them yet. So we too can read the Bible and not be able to grasp this gospel until He draws us near and opens the eyes of our heart by His Spirit. In our fallen sinful state we need spiritual understanding by the Spirit of the one whose mind we cannot grasp. Such faith is a gift from God that has no price, yet is priceless.
31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”
The disciples could not understand Jesus' suffering, death, burial, and resurrection - God did not show them yet. So we too can read the Bible and not be able to grasp this gospel until He draws us near and opens the eyes of our heart by His Spirit. In our fallen sinful state we need spiritual understanding by the Spirit of the one whose mind we cannot grasp. Such faith is a gift from God that has no price, yet is priceless.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Leave All to Eternal Gain
Luke 18:28-30
28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
We know that what we give up pales in comparison to gain what we cannot lose. That is our certain absolute hope, no mere wish or desire.
28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
We know that what we give up pales in comparison to gain what we cannot lose. That is our certain absolute hope, no mere wish or desire.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Surrender Possible by God Alone
Luke 18:24-27
24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For 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.” 26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Our collection of wealth, power, or anything besides Christ alone can never get us to God's presence. The things we are unwilling to give up keep us from coming to Him, but letting go of them in our hearts (if not also from our hands) allows us to be completely His. This surrender is only possible by God's work in us, not from our own effort alone. The faith or trust to do so is solely a gift from Him which we cannot help but respond to when given.
24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For 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.” 26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Our collection of wealth, power, or anything besides Christ alone can never get us to God's presence. The things we are unwilling to give up keep us from coming to Him, but letting go of them in our hearts (if not also from our hands) allows us to be completely His. This surrender is only possible by God's work in us, not from our own effort alone. The faith or trust to do so is solely a gift from Him which we cannot help but respond to when given.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Forsake Riches and Follow
Luke 18:18-23
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
Following what God says is important, but if the heart is not in it to the cost of all we own, then it is not wholly His. Do we sorrow over what we have to give up or find joy and contentment in what we gain in Christ? That is counting he cost of being His follower.
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
Following what God says is important, but if the heart is not in it to the cost of all we own, then it is not wholly His. Do we sorrow over what we have to give up or find joy and contentment in what we gain in Christ? That is counting he cost of being His follower.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Childish Reception of Kingdom
Luke 18:16-17
16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Was Jesus speaking of little children coming to Him, or was it more? He explains that it is we who must come by faith, trusting and willing to hear Him as a little one hangs on our every word as reliable and authoritative. We enter this kingdom by trusting what He said and who He said He is - Jesus the Son of God, God in flesh, salvation of grace by faith alone in Christ alone. There is no other way or name or truth but Him to find life forever forgiven to be in His presence, the kingdom.
16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Was Jesus speaking of little children coming to Him, or was it more? He explains that it is we who must come by faith, trusting and willing to hear Him as a little one hangs on our every word as reliable and authoritative. We enter this kingdom by trusting what He said and who He said He is - Jesus the Son of God, God in flesh, salvation of grace by faith alone in Christ alone. There is no other way or name or truth but Him to find life forever forgiven to be in His presence, the kingdom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)