The Dying Parent and the Little Ones

"After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly." So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Jn 13:27, 30.

This is probably one of the saddest days in history. To be the One who knows who will betray you after knowing for years this was going to happen; then it happened.

Judas had been traveling with the disciples from early on in their journey. He was not from their native area. He was an outsider from the beginning. Over time, he assimilated into the fold of the disciples. Now at the table at the Last Supper, he does what Jesus knew he was going to do for years.  He betrays Him. Jesus though, viewed this in a different manner and how He addressed the disciples after Judas departure is thought provoking. 

"In His last words to His own the Savior employed two different styles of speech. First, He spoke to them as a dying parent addressing his children; and then He assumed a loftier tone, and spoke to them as a dying Lord addressing His servants, friends, and representatives. The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, page 379.

In Jesus encouraging words, He shares with the disciples this message; "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Jn 13:34.

Everything these men had in their teacher, Lord, dear friend and brother's presence, is now about to disappear... 

Jesus knows that each of these men would need each other in the coming days. They would need the comfort that can only be found in reciprocating and mutual love. This love would carry them through some of the darkest days ahead in their own ministries. It was as if the man of Jesus who lit their paths in the previous days with wonder and power, during their night of sorrow they did not even have a solitary star to alleviate the coming gloom. But He knew that their love for each other would encourage each other in the coming days.

In the coming new year, many will be looking to their own destinies, while others look to the coming year with great anticipation and/ or worry over where our country is headed. Let me leave you today  with some great encouragement; Jesus has it all covered. He left here and went there to prepare our great treasure which awaits all who have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

Today, heed the words of Jesus; "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." We as the church united need each other. Use the church to be the encouragement when you feel down, share your cares and burdens with one another, pray for one another (just as Jesus did for His disciples), and love each other with the love of Jesus Christ. Then and only then, will we be applying the guidance left to all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord!

If you don't have a church home, come and be a part of our wonderful church. You truly will find a group of people who will love you unconditionally here at Grace! May God bless you and your families in the coming year! 

The Lord's Supper

While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body." And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 26:26–28.

The disciples were witnesses to a new form of an institutional symbol. Here love would be willing to die in the place of sin. From their history, the Jews dealt with sin by its blood offering; an innocent unwilling animal offering.  Here in this passage, Jesus tells the disciples He would become that offering. His offering of His body and blood were to be "given" for the sins of not only the nation of Israel, but to the whole world. Animals do not willingly give their lives for man's sin cause, but are led to their deaths by man's guidance. Hereby, Jesus offered Himself as that "willing" sacrifice. He did it out of love for His fellow man.

This new "testament" for which He was willing to give Himself, required a "testator." Normally a testator requires a normal death, but the Testator of the New Testament (Jesus) had to die a sacrificial death. Think about it; when men who have died and left a legacy, their tombstones leave an epitaph of their legacies for all to see fixed in stone. In the case of Jesus, men would go on throughout history celebrating his death in the form of the Last Supper. Better is the day that Jesus died than the day he was born, because we receive so much as a result of His death! His death opened a new era of forgiveness and mercy than the day He was born. 

Bruce reflects in his writings; "But why in a history throughout so remarkable should the death be thus singled out commemoration? Was its tragic character that won for it this distinction? Did the crucified One mean the Supper which goes by His Name to a be a mere dramatic presentation of His passion, for the purpose of exciting our feelings, and electing a sympathetic tear, by renewing the memory of His dying sorrows? So to think of the matter were to degrade our Christian feast to the level of the pagan festival of Adonis,
                  
           "Whose annual wound in Lebanon allured 
             The Syrian damsels to lament his fate
             In amorous ditties all a summer's day."

Or was it the foul wrong and shameful indignity done the Son of God by the wicked men who crucified Him that Jesus wished to have kept in perpetual remembrance? Was the Holy Supper instituted for the purpose of branding with eternal infamy a world that knew no better use to make of the Holy One than to nail Him to a tree, and felt more kindness even for a robber than for Him? Certainly the world well deserved to be thus held up to reprobation; but the Son of man came not to condemn sinners, but to save them; and it was not in His loving nature to erect an enduring moment to His own resentment or to the dishonor of His murderers. The blood of Jesus speaketh better things than that of Abel. " The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, page 358-359. 

So when we partake of the Lord's Supper, do we really celebrate the day of His death with a mere kindness and respect or do we take time to reflect on all that He gave to us as a result of His death? Remember, so much was given to us as a result of His death, but with purpose. We are to remember how that in the face of death, love was about to win and win big. You and I have received in that we are now winners, and we have won big! 

Blessed be the Lord our God who loved us so much that He gave us the riches of heaven we can enjoy here on earth and eternity to come! But never forget the great cost of Jesus life for us to receive this wondrous gift. He was willing to be treated worse than the average criminal, and it was all for Love's sake!

Serving with Priority

John 13:12-20

Peter's resistance to the washing proceeded without further interruption. When Jesus finished washing the disciples feet, He asked them; "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you."

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Jn 13:12–15.

"He says to them all in effect, though not in words, 'If ye wash not each other, if ye refuse to serve one another in love, ye have again no part with me." This is a hard saying; for if it be difficult to believe in the humiliation of Christ, it is still more difficult to humble ourselves." A. B. Bruce, The Training of the Twelve, pg. 351.

Jesus knew too well how long it would be before the disciples would learn this lesson because they were so contrary to the human heart and what society teaches even today! Think about it: Society teaches that these things in themselves are hard sayings (even sometimes with prejudice) and tells of how hard they are to obtain. In fact they are things which are utopian and impracticable today. But consider this; when knowledge is received, how long does it take before the act of obedience occurs? Or do we in the end become conformed by the world rather than transform it by the power that lives within us?

Bruce explains this with a very insightful thought: "But when he (the Christian) has to close his New Testament, and go away into the rude, ungodly, matter of fact world, and be there a Christ-like man, and do the things which he knows so intimately, and counts himself blessing in knowing, alas, what a descent! It is like a fall from Eden into a state of mere sin and misery. And the longer he lives and the more he gets mixed up with life's relations and engagements, the further he seems to himself degenerate from the gospel pattern; till at length he is almost ashamed to think or speak of the beauties of holiness exhibited therein, and is tempted to adopt a lower and more worldly tone, out of a regard to sincerity, and in fear of becoming a mere sentimental hypocrite like Judas, who kissed his Master at the very moment he was betraying Him." Bruce, pg. 353.

This week I too encountered the real world and the troubles we often fall into. From the onset, I saw great people living by faith and those who had fallen into life's relations and engagements; trying to figure out how they can fix the world and the church. 

This life of faith must be reciprocated in that while we yet believed and are saved, we must build upon it each and every day. Our faith calls for service. It calls for us to serve our fellow man (just as Jesus instructed the disciples) and our church out of our love for Him. It cannot end with the assimilation of thoughts and teachings. This is vanity! It must become a matter of daily practice; even in the realm of this faith journey. If we go on to impress people with our wit or charm, we miss the mark of pleasing Jesus. Bruce says of the world, "Their approbation is at most but a comfort; His is matter of life and death." pg. 354.

This Thanksgiving, would you take the time to serve or thank someone around you for being a part of your life? Would you also serve them without worrying about what others will think of you? Finally; will you lower your wants so that their needs are met? Then you can truly call your thanksgiving time a true thanksgiving!

I pray a special Thanksgiving day over you and your family this season! 

The True Act of Service

John 13:1-11

Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Jn 13:5.

What does a true act of service look like? The disciples witnessed this act of ultimate love and service from Jesus in His foot washing ceremony.

"...how at such an hour did He feel towards those who had been His companions throughout the years of His public ministry, and whom He was soon to leave behind Him? 'He loved them unto the end.'" Not engrossed with His own sorrows, or with the prospect of His subsequent joys, He found room in His heart for His followers still; nay His loved burned out towards them with extreme dinary ardor, and His whole care was by precept and example by words of comfort, warning, and instruction, to prepare them for future duty and trial, as the narrative here commencing would abundantly demonstrate." A. B. Bruce, The Training of the Twelve, pg. 342.

In His final days, our Lord didn't get caught up in what was about to happen to Him in Jerusalem. He was interested in what He could do to prepare the disciples for the coming ministry ahead. He didn't stand off in the corner and say to Himself, "Woe is me!" He used this time wisely to teach the disciples what it looks like to be great in the kingdom. "He began to wash the disciples' feet." We must understand the disciples were all deciding what place of seating at the table was the most prominent in their recent past. To be at the best place at the table surely meant that their place in Heaven also would be significant. 

In fact as Jesus took the time to wash the feet of the disciples, it was almost as if He was washing their feet as a act to overcome the evil to come with a good act. 

But when Jesus came to Peter to wash his feet, Peter made the statement, "Never shall You wash my feet!" Jesus responds by telling him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” In essence Jesus was saying; He meant to say, "that my present action is an offense to feelings of reverence which you rightly cherish towards me. Nevertheless, suffer it. I do this for reasons which you do not comprehend now, but which you shall understand ere long." A. B. Bruce, pg. 342-343.

In this respect Jesus was telling Peter eventually he would understand the Master must take on the washing of one to cleanse his soul in the future. This act of foot washing was an example of the cleansing the Master would perform in all those who accept Him as Savior.  Besides, if Peter could resist Jesus act, then what else could he refuse and or tell the Savior what to do in the future? Could he manipulate Jesus in the future by dictating what orders he would comply with in the future as well? No. Jesus didn't condemn his response (as He could have, being stressed by His upcoming crucifixion), but rather used it again as a teachable moment. 

As I reflect upon a conversation with someone this week, I remember telling a person; "In order for Jesus to complete our salvation, He had to relate to all we go through in this life," and kneeling down to serve others was a great part of Jesus showing us the humility we all must embrace. Meekness does not imply weakness. In fact, the act of foot washing by Jesus intimates we should allow Him to take up the part in our life that needs the deepest cleansing. Only He can clean that area up; but we must submit it to Him to allow the cleansing to occur!

How Short is Our Time Here?

Matt. 24:25-51

What good is a secret if the One who knows it but can't keep it? What is the secret He is hiding?

In Jesus final days, He arrives in Jerusalem. His disciples are by His side all the while never seeing the upcoming event of His crucifixion. Though the judgment of Jerusalem is also coming, so the judgment at the end of the world is also coming for us as well.

Jesus however gives separate answers to the two questions posed by the disciples; "As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 24:3.

He answered in response that there would be many false Christs. In fact some of these frauds would deceive even Christians; and there would be many of them (Matt. 24:4-5). The second answer was there would be "wars and rumors of wars" (Matt. 24:6-7). But when would these things occur? Even though Jesus answer was simple, it still left some question as to when this would occur. Even so from this statement, these things are only the beginning of the end; and they will repeat themselves over and over again until the final hour. No one would be able to tell when the present calamity was the last one or whether more were to come. But one thing is true; even Jesus did not know the time! 

So should the Christian worry each day about when all this will happen? Even the disciples thought it might be happening in their own generation. But if that were true then the time of the Gentiles was only to last 30 years, as opposed to the Jews who had thousands of years of hearing the Word of God. Would that be fair to them? No. For if it were true, it would mock the Gentiles who would only receive grace for one generation. How unfair that would have been!

But the bigger picture is this; "The general lesson for all in this discourse is: 'Watch for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. The call to watchfulness is based on our ignorance of the time of the end, and on the fact that, however long delayed the end may be, it will come suddenly at last, as a thief in the night." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, page 338.

So how can we respond today to this knowledge? Two possible ways are:

1. The effect on some, we are taught, is to make them negligent, they being eye-servants and fitful workers, who need oversight and the stimulus of extraordinary events. They need someone to make them work as unto the Lord. Their hearts just aren't in it!

2. Others again, are steady, equal, habitually faithful, working as well when the master is absent as when they are under his eye. These have the love of their Savior written upon their hearts and will act upon His commands as steady stewards of His grace. Their hearts embrace it!

The treatment of both on the master's return corresponds to their respective behavior - one class being rewarded, the other being punished. Bruce, pg. 339.

 This is also true for the story of the ten virgins. Watching (as the virgins who were wise did) does not imply sleeplessness anxiety and constant thought concerning the future, but quiet, steady attention to present duty. Bruce, pg. 339. 

So which person are you today? Do you work for your Master because the law of His Love is on your heart; or are you the one who will go on as if your own judgment doesn't really concern you.

As I close this blog today, I remember something I shared this week with a 13 year-old young man I am currently discipling. We were talking about certain passages which asked him to come to grip with who Jesus really is. Then I asked him this question; "How is Jesus Real in Your Life?" "I don't mean from the Bible. Those are fine, but I mean something that you have experienced that you know He is real." He sat back and began to think... then I told him that might be a good place to stop for the day and consider the question posed for the rest of his week.

Most of us never take that time. I challenge you today to take the time to ask yourself, "How can you prove that you know Jesus- really know Jesus?" The real Jesus is returning one day! Be ready for Him or otherwise we may realize we really don't know Him as well as we think we do...

O Jerusalem, O Jerusalem!

Have you ever been around some Christians who think they are better than others?

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Lk 13:34.

These words cry out from Heaven and from the mouth of Jesus. On this last visit to the city of Jerusalem, Jesus cries these words out to those around Him in the temple area. His heart is broken to what He sees around Him.

"The disciples are elate with pride as they gaze upon this national structure, the glory of their country, and are happy as thoughtless men are won't to be; the heart of Jesus is heavy with the sadness of wisdom and prescience, and of love that would have saved, but, can now do nothing but weep, and proclaim the awful words of doom." A. B. Bruce, The Training of the Twelve, pg. 332.

So what does this have to do with the question I asked at the very beginning of this post? 

You see the nation of Israel, with Jerusalem being its capital city, had fallen into disrepair in the spiritual sense. The pride of the religious leaders (the Pharisees, Herodians, and other religious leaders) had driven the city into a sense of delusion.

Bruce explains why. "The direct object of the speaker (Jesus) was not to expose the blind guides of Israel, but to save from delusion the people whom they were misguiding to their ruin. The audience consisted of the disciples and the multitude who heard Him gladly. It is most probable that many of the blind guides were present; and it would make no difference to Jesus whether that were or not, for He had not two ways of speaking concerning men- one before their faces, another behind their backs." Bruce, pg. 330.

In churches, even in my own experiences, there are people who always seem to be the holy ones. They aren't even afraid to show you how much better they are! The problem with this is that they only appear to be.. 

When Jesus looks at the city of Jerusalem during this period, He is in the city for the last time and what does He see? He sees a former city. Rocks piled on top of rocks. He sees its future and laments over the coming doom. What else does He see? He sees a group of people who claim to be the "holy ones" who are taking advantage of them and the temple for their own purposes and ambitions. He is passionately angry with the ones who are misguiding the crowd. Those who will gladly and eagerly accept their messages. They are leading the sheep to the slaughter; and the sheep eagerly follow the leaders.

And so the words of Jesus echo throughout history, "O Jerusalem, O Jerusalem!"

I read an article this week published by Billy Graham. He said that our nation is a very blessed nation, but is headed for a rough time which is going to involve persecution before very much longer. Especially in the Christian faith. He challenged every believer to stay in The Word, but to deeply study it for life-changing experiences. He said if we only casually study The Word of God, we will falter when the time of persecution comes. Then he says, will our faith truly be seen...people will deny their Lord so they won't have to die.

Perseverance in the faith, involves knowing the full Gospel, not just pretending like those who pretend to be holy. This is what happened in the Temple with the leaders in Jesus day. They were pretending to be what they were not; and while they did, they took all the innocents with them in their sins and Jesus hated it. 

I challenge you today not to become a blind innocent. Take your faith to the next level and be ready. Ready for a faith that can be tested and true. 

Your faith in the future is going to be tested... Don't be one of the people who blindly follow those who appear to be leading. Let Jesus lead you into a personal and real relationship!

When No One Else Seeks Him

John 12:20-23

Some times we get it right. This was the case of Phillip in this passage. 

Over the time of walking with Jesus, the disciples made some poor decisions; but then again sometimes they made some really good decisions. In this case, Phillip made a good decision without hastily jumping to conclusions like they were so well known to do at times.

When the Greeks came seeking Jesus they asked, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” (verse 21)

"But why, then, does this sympathetic disciple not convey the request of the Greeks to Jesus? Why take Andrew with him, as if afraid to go alone on such an errand? Just because the petitioners are Greeks and Gentiles. It is one thing to introduce a devout Jew like Nathanael to Jesus, quite another to introduce Gentiles, however devout. Phillip is pleased that his Master should be inquired after in such a quarter, but he is not sure about the propriety of acting on his first impulse. He hesitates, and is in a flurry of excitement in presence of what he feels to be a new thing, a significant event, the beginning of a religious revolution... but he distrusts his own judgment, and, before acting on it, lays the case before his brother-disciple and fellow-townsman Andrew, to see how it will strike him." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 320.

Sometimes we make impulsive decisions in life. You see, the Jews did not care for or even like the Gentiles. A Gentile was considered of a lower form of life to them. But should he bring this outsider into the presence of Jesus?

But within the heart of Jesus there was no existence of this bias or prejudice they experienced. As Jesus was now within three days of His crucifixion, he had been around several of His own countrymen who rejected His message and would not accept the Gospel! So when the disciples brought the Greeks to Jesus what a refreshing joy it must have brought to Jesus! "What a sight more moving than that of a human being seeking after God, the fountain of light and of life!" Bruce, pg. 321.

This must have encouraged the soul of Jesus after His own people rejected Him time and time again. He must have felt ineffective when His own people rejected His plan to eternal life. Now total strangers came asking to hear His gospel! What a joy to His soul!

"He would have all men believe in Him and be saved. He complained with deep melancholy of the fewness of believers among the Jews; He turned with unspeakable longing to the Gentiles, in hope of a better reception from them. The greater number of believers at any time and in any place, the better He is pleased; and He certainly does not contemplate with indifference the vast amount of unbelief which still prevails in quarters of the world." Bruce, pg. 323.

By the act of the disciples who were not sure about what to do with people who weren't the plan for salvation, Jesus' heart was encouraged. His time to be delivered up to the cross was within three days and He knew it. How it must have been so encouraging to know that if your own people don't want to hear; total strangers do. This must have given Him a boost in his spirit (the human side of Jesus) knowing that all He had shared was not for naught. He was about to die for this humanity who didn't seem to care and towards the end some still came!

Listen to these last few words Bruce shares in the final part of his chapter concerning our salvation: "The principle laid down is this, that in proportion as a man is a partaker of Christ's suffering in His estate of humiliation shall he be a partaker of the glory, honor, and power which belong to His estate of exaltation. This principle holds true even in this life. The bearing of the cross, the undergoing of death, is the condition of fruit bearing both in the sense of personal sanctification and in the sense of effective service in the kingdom of God. In the long-run the measure of a man's power is the extent to which he is baptized into Christ's death." Bruce, pg. 324. 

How much power do you have today?

A Dry Bed or a Overflowing River?

Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8

We return today to the story of the woman with the alabaster box and consider one more thing about her gift. Is she a model Christian? If so, what are some of the marks of a "Model Christian?"

"First among these is her enthusiastic attachment to the person of Christ. The most prominent feature in Mary's character was her power of loving, her capacity of self-devotion. It was this virtue, as manifested in her action, that elicited the admiration of Jesus." A. B. Bruce, The Training of the Twelve, pg. 307.

What is makes Islam so powerful a draw to people? It is the complete abandonment of self to its tenants. Islam requires one to become fully devoted and requires abandonment from anything that would place itself before this belief. People are not allowed to make decisions as to how they feel and go in that direction, but somehow each of us need someone to give us direction. That's what Islam does. It requires full obedience. So what is the difference between this faith and Christianity? Islam requires complete robotic compliance; Christianity's love for God is the source of the drive, not forced obedience. God wants each person to come out a love relationship with Him, rather than forced obedience. That's the only way the motive can be pure. Mary knew that her love for Christ required her to do something to show her gratitude for what Jesus had done for she and her family. She showed her love as if she knew He were going to die (which she didn't at the time), while the disciples heard Jesus mention His death several times; to include Him telling them where He would die!

"A second admirable feature in Mary's character was the freedom of her spirit. She was not tied down to methods and rules of well-doing. The disciples, judging from their language, seem to have been great methodists, servile in their adherence to certain stereotyped modes of action. 'This ointment,' said they, 'might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.' They understand that charity to the poor is a very important duty: they know that their Master often referred to it; and they make it everything. 'Charity,' in the sense of almsgiving, is their hobby." Bruce, pg. 310.

In the church today, it is really easy to get caught up in the mechanics of church life. We go about each week in the service of our Lord in the same methodology as we have in the past. Mary didn't feel this way about her love for Jesus. She needed no one to tell her how to act; her heart guided her actions. She wasn't about to go on serving Jesus like everyone else. Her heart demanded so much more and she she wasn't about to let it be constrained by the average mechanics and methodology of everyone else within the norms of the church. She worshipped the Lord with all her heart now, not later!

Consider this beautiful passage from Bruce: "...when the love God is shed abroad in the hearts of her members, the church become like the same river in time of rain. The stream begins to rise, all the gravel beds begin to disappear, and at length the swollen flood not only fills its channel, but overflows its banks, and spreads over the meadows. New methods of well-doing reached; new songs are indited and sung; new forms of expression for old truths are invented, not for the sake of novelty, but in the creative might of a new spiritual life." Bruce, pg. 311.

What he is trying to say is that when the church begins to love God the way it was intended, it begins to overflow with new excitement and exuberance for Him. New ideas are all always present in how the church can reach the world for Jesus Christ. It is always thinking of how to express it love for the One who has given so much for us. Then we will begin to think, "whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, think of these things."

Its not forced obedience (like Islam). It (the church) is excited about showing all it's love for God and has a fresh sense of purpose, desire, and drive. Nothing can withhold its desire to reach all it can for those who don't know the Lord. It is not interested in being useful, but shoots for something far beyond this reasonable service!

So today in your life today, is your church a river bed which is dried up and needs some fresh rain to fill its parched earth? Or is your church a overflowing river with its banks swollen with its love for Christ so that its edges are overflowing into the pastures nearby, which so desperately need the river of overflowing and ever providing "Life Giving Force?"

Anointing or Annoying God

Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8

The story for today concerns the unselfish act of Mary of Bethany. You know; the woman who anoints Jesus with the oil from the alabaster box? What did the disciples have to say about this act?

The disciples responded saying, "Why this waste? “For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 26:8–9.

The money? In the next few passages we see Judas agreeing to sell out Jesus for less than what Mary was considered to be wasted, anointing Jesus. "Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?' And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus."

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 26:14–16.

The disciples were clear about their motive, while Judas was hypocritical about his. The gift of the alabaster box was worth more in value than Judas sold Jesus out!

Was this act of worship Mary exhibited proper? "Her action was simply a festive honor done to one whom she loved unspeakably, and which she might have rendered at another time." "She loved Jesus with her whole heart, for what He was, for what He had done for the family to which she belonged, and for the words of instruction she had heard from His lips when He came on a visit to their house. There was such a love in her heart for her friend and benefactor as imperatively demanded in expression, and yet could not find expression in words. She must do something to relieve her pent-up emotions: she must get an alabaster box and break it; and pour it on the person of Jesus, else her heart would break." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 299, 301.

This is a practical picture of what Jesus did for this world. He was so moved by His love for sinners that He came that He must come and die for them. 

"Like Nehemiah, the Jewish patriot in the court of the Persian king, He could not stay in Heaven's court while His brethren far away on earth were in evil's case; He must ask and obtain leave to go down to their assistance. Or, like Mary, He must procure an alabaster box- a human body- fill it with the fine essence of a human soul, and pour out His soul unto death on the cross for our salvation. The spirit of Jesus, yea, the spirit of the Eternal God, is the spirit of Mary and of Nehemiah, and of all who are like-minded with them." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 301-302.

As our church continues the study of Acts 5 this Sunday (Oct. 11th), we are looking at the story of Ananias and Sapphira. It sometimes boggles my mind in my study time to see God showing me a direction and contrast about those who withhold and those who go to the extreme to show their gratitude to Jesus. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are two responses in the way we worship Jesus. One has an agenda which is exposed by the Holy Spirit's testimony in both Ananias and Sapphira's shortness of life. On the other hand, we see the complete devotion of Mary who can't even express her love and worship in words for Jesus and will be overcome in her actions for Him. Actions in which Jesus told the disciples, "Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 26:13.

Where are you today? Could Jesus say this about you? Or are we teetering on the grace of God, close enough for Him to take our life rather than ruin the testimony of His church? How much are you holding back today? 

I heard a really good quote this week from Todd Adkins. He says, "The Church isn't reaching the world because its too busy keeping Christians on life support." Sad...

How Far Will You Go to get your Way?

Matt. 20:17-28

In a busy "dog eat dog" society, we all want to get ahead and/or move up. But is it really necessary at the expense of others? Sure there is an easy answer. No; but is it really that simple?

You might recall the question by Salome about James and John, in which she asked, "Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.”

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 20:20–21.

The question was to see if Jesus would give them special places of honor in the Kingdom to come. The problem was that during their greediness, they offended the other ten disciples around them. Did they really understand what they were asking? Did they even understand which kingdom was being spoken?

"No self-seekers and place hunters do anticipate evil results from their promotion. But that does not make them less selfish. It only shows that, besides being selfish, they are vain." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 284.

"Many a bold, ambitious prayer, even for spiritual blessing, is offered up by petitioners who have no idea what the answer would involve, and if they had, would wish their prayer unanswered." Bruce, pg. 288.

But what happens to those whom are offended when this question arises? Normally we are offended when someone tries to "get ahead" of us; even in a line in a store! Why? Because the same ambitious spirit is in us, otherwise we would not have felt the same resentment. The humble might not feel this, but they will be grieved by its actions when they see it. All are affected within the realm; and yes it does occur even inside the body of believers. Even within the presence of Jesus...

So what is the way out of this style of thinking? "I shall obtain my kingdom in another way than secular princes get theirs. They get their thrones by succession. I get mine by personal merit; they secure their kingdom by right of birth, I hope to secure mine by the right of service; they inherit their subjects, I buy mine, the purchase money being mine own life." Bruce, pg. 292.

I don't know about you, but I want to be rewarded for what I earned, not gained at the cost of others. This way I can be proud about the hard work I gained for the kingdom, because of my love for my Lord, not because He owes me anything. I want my works to be "revealed as by fire" (1 Cor. 3:13) so that the last reward will be something that is eternal, not temporal. 

Is it all worth it to move up the ladder? I guess that depends on your view of "What moving up the ladder really means?" Vanity or Vulnerability?

The Pride of Humankind

Matt. 20:17-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34

In today's reading we find the disciples traveling through Jericho, and eventually to Jerusalem. The two sons of Zebedee petition the Lord for the chief places of honor in the kingdom. 

The sons (James and John) coveted the honorable place. As you remember, these same two earlier asked the Lord for the calling down of fire from heaven upon the Samaritan village when they couldn't find a place to rest and were not welcomed. Now they have drawn a line between themselves and the rest of the disciples seeking the best for themselves!

Is this not human nature though? Don't we seek the best for ourselves at the cost of others?
In fact, prior to the question being asked, Jesus made a profound statement to the disciples which He stated twice before. 

           As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.” Matt. 20:17-19

              New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 20:17–19.

This time, Jesus told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death." He is telling them, "When we get to Jerusalem I will die there!"

How did they miss this? Was it the human nature again? How many times do we take the time to listen when we have our ideas about what is the most important? I mean this was a pretty profound statement to tell the disciples when He was going to die. And yet they missed it; dreaming about their treasures and what crowns lie ahead.

"This prayer had certainly another origin than the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and the scheme of which was the outcome was not one which we should have expected companions of Jesus to entertain. And yet the whole proceeding is so true to human nature as it reveals itself in every age, that we cannot but feel that we have here no myth, but a genuine piece of history." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg.282-283.

What was in their head? Or better asked today, "What is in our head?" Jesus told them He would die when they arrived in Jerusalem. Their comforter, teacher, leader, provider, their life, will be gone soon and they are still consumed about places of significance. 

Folks, our country is in trouble. No one can deny that things are changing; and not for the best. Our nation is turning from God to self more and more each day. 

Can we depend upon our human nature to get us through it all? If we look at the disciples lives, we would have to conclude that we are in trouble without our Christ, our King, our Lord of Lords, our Savior, our Redeemer, our Source of Life.

Will you go on today while Christ is speaking important things to your heart; or go on with your own self-centered heart which misses the most important thing; God? Will you listen to the voice of the age or to the One who knows the future He holds for you?

Who is On First?

Matt. 19:30; 20:1-20; Mark 10:31

You've heard the words before of Jesus, "But, many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first."

This passage is found exclusive to the Gospel of Matthew. Part of the explanation is more difficult than the thing to be explained. As a result, many interpretations have been made. But this one is more to the understanding of what Jesus was trying to teach...

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.

2 “When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 “And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the market place;

4 and to those he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ And so they went.

5 “Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing.

6 “And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’

7 “They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard *said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.’

9 “When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius.

10 “When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.

11 “When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner,

12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’

13 “But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?

14 ‘Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.

15 ‘Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’

16 “So the last shall be first, and the first last."

17 As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them,

18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death,

19 and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.”

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 20:1–19.

"Three things must be taken into to account in order to form a just estimate of men's works, viz. the quantity of the work done, the ability of the worker, and the motive... when the ability is equal, quantity view meantime the motive: when the ability is equal, quantity determines relative merit; and when ability varies, then it is not the absolute amount, but the relation of the amount to the ability that ought to determine value." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 273.

Zeal is what drives the amount of the quality of the work, not motives. This is what the first laborers had in their minds. Their motives gave them the idea that they were more highly respected because they were the first to be selected. But they did not realize their works meant nothing to the Lord, unless their was zealously performed. 

Until all the vainglory of what we do is cast aside, the Lord will not accept our works; it must come from a well-spring of "good impulses; cleared of all smoke of carnal passion- a pure flame of heaven-born devotion. A base motive vitiates all." Bruce, pg. 274.

The Master hired the last group to go out into the field and paid them first. Why? This was because He was excited to see them again and wanted to be the first one to reward their honest and sincere works as they came off the work field. This small quantity of work done in the right spirit was of greater value than a large quantity done in a wrong spirit, however zealously it might have been performed.

Bruce comments, "The first and the last, then, represents two classes amount the professed servants of Christ. The first are the calculating and self-complacent; the last are the humble, the self-forgetful, the generous, the trustful." Bruce, pg. 275. 

"The last are paid first to signify the pleasure which the master has in rewarding them. They are also paid at a much higher rate: for, receiving the same sum for one hour's work that the others receive for twelve, they are paid at the rate of twelve pence per diem." Bruce, pg. 275.

What does your work ethic look like? Is it a case of "Who is on First?" or "Who is First, period?" In my reading today, this area is one which I know it bears more inspection... I truly enjoy the Word of God when we allow it to get in our faces. We all need it. The question is whether we are teachable to receive it and learn.

Ask the Lord today to inspect your heart and ask the hard question of, "What does my work look like to you Lord?"

Who? Me? Give?

Matt. 19:27-30; Mark 10:28-31; Luke 18:28-30

As we see from these passages, these disciples had left their fishing boats and nets and were seeking rewards of thrones. Did they really understand the full reward that they would receive one day?

Jesus told them, "...you shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Matt. 19:28b

If we forsake things in this life for the kingdom, which being from the Giver, will be promised an hundred-fold in return. Remember, our gifts will be either purified as gold or consumed as by fire...

But don't cheapen what we see as superficial comparing what another person can give compared to us. Sometimes we look at the world and ask the question why God uses us when someone else can offer so much more (like the rich young ruler). But such words have never been spoken by Jesus! The disciples left their boats and nets (which were all they had) and followed Jesus, leaving them behind. Truly they were not the value of what the rich young ruler could have given to the kingdom!

But Jesus was not looking for what they had to offer, but more of what importance it was to them. When we part with things of this world we can be sure Jesus will reward those who give in sacrifice for the kingdom; but what we do give we must part with willingly. When God gives us good things they are meant to be used for His Kingdom, not our indulgences.

"The promises made by Jesus have one other excellent effect when considered. They tend to humble. Their very magnitude has a sobering effect on the mind. Not even the vainest can pretend that their good deeds deserve to be rewarded with thrones, and their sacrifices to be recompensed an hundred-fold. At this rate, all must be content to be debtors to God's grace, and all talk of merit is out of the question. That is one reason why the rewards of the kingdom of heaven are so great. God bestows His gifts so as at once to glorify the Giver and to humble the receiver." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, page 264.

This means the gift or whatever we have that is of value has been bestowed upon us as believers to keep the gift in focus of its Source. If it was His from the beginning, what right do we have to hold on to the gift? I challenge you today and take a hard look at the gifts that God has given to each of us and consider that it might not just have been given to you but to give back to the Lord who allowed the blessing to come your way! I'm not advocating the total abandonment of all material things and living in a cardboard box, but I am saying that if Jesus were to say to you to give it today, would or could you do it? I fear today, we have too many things we are unwilling to part with, even if Christ commanded...

Remember, the Benevolent is the one who bestows the Benefit, which is meant to humble the Beneficiary!

Is it all worth it? Only if you one day choose to decide if hundred-fold on your investment is worth it!

This is the act of a true believer who loves his God and has allowed Him to become the centerpiece of his life. We don't do it for the Reward, but for the Rewarder of our Faith!

How Selfish Are You?

Matt. 19:1-26; Mark 10:1-27; Luke 18:15-27

After Jesus final departure from Galilee, He entered into Peraea. Imagine his delight of revisiting the same area where He began his ministry starting with his baptism. However he knew of his impending death. This became a new chapter in His life which would become saddened and yet unwilling to stray away from His goal; the Redemption of Man...

Remember my last post where the leaders asked Jesus about divorce? Well, soon afterward, a rich young man came to Jesus inquiring about eternal life. Jesus read his heart from the beginning and saw he was more interested in his earthly possessions than his spiritual and eternal life. Jesus posed the question to him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and then thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me." Although the young man wanted eternal life, he was unwilling to part with his possessions. He could not pay the price asked of him. All that money, and no way to buy his way out!

"In the observations He made He did not expressly say that to part with property was necessary to salvation, but He did speak in a manner which seemed to the disciples almost to imply that... He was hinting that the thing to be renounced in order to salvation was not money, but the inordinate love of it." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 254.

What a shame to have everything, seemingly, but yet lose everything in eternity!

Even the disciples were perplexed by this statement as they asked, "Who then can be saved?" Bruce continues, "It is an inquiry of vital moment what our Lord really meant to teach on the subjects of marriage and money. The question concerns not merely the life to come, but the whole character of our present life. For if man's life on earth doth not consist wholly in possessions and family relations, these occupy a very prominent place therein. Family relations are essential to the existence of society, and without wealth there would be no civilization. Did, Jesus, then, frown or look down on these things, as at least unfavorable to, if not incompatible with, the interests of the divine kingdom and the aspirations of its citizens?" pg. 255.

The short answer is "no." Jesus knew that these things did not change the salvation of man anymore than they do today for those who have family and riches; and in some occasions both. The question is where the young man's heart was centered. He had all he could ever want (on this earth), but was unwilling to part with it for the kingdom's sake. That's where his heart lie.

Was Jesus asking him to part with all his riches just to enter the kingdom of Heaven? I don't think so. I think He was determining from His spiritual intuition that this would be a stumbling block for the young man from the very beginning and wanted him to know it before he surrendered to the call.

You see, some in the past have given everything up for the high calling of Christ and still missed the mark. Monks were some of the few. Celibacy was the given course of their life. This allowed the monk no distractions in his quest for the cause of Christ. But was it? When he spent his whole life behind walls of stone craving his quest; did he really understand his calling was to go out from the walls and reach those with the saving power he kept to himself? In reality, this monk's life was and is never a serious option for the serious Christian. The serious Christian lives beyond the walls. He ventures out of it, seeking to save that which was lost; even losing what some consider important in life.

Listen to one more quote as we close for the day, "Abstinence is the virtue of the weak (the monk), temperance (the serious Christian) is the virtue of the strong. Abstinence is certainly the safer way for those who are prone to inordinate affection, but it purchases safety at the expense of moral culture; for it removes us from those temptations connected with family relationships and earthly possessions, through which character, while it may be imperiled, is at the same time developed and strengthened. Abstinence is also inferior to temperance in healthiness of tone." pg. 257.

So where are you today? Are you selfish with no ambition to share Jesus? Or are you serious about the cause of Christ willing to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ outside the walls of your household and share it with the world who need the light in a morally and spiritually darkened world?

Self Sacrifice

Matt. 19:1-26; Mark 10:1-27; Luke 18:15-27

How much are you willing to sacrifice for your relationship with the Lord?

As Jesus makes a second visit to the area of Peraea, he and John both have recollections of the last visit. Both must have reflected on the great days of the past; however Jesus knew that His time was coming to an end. The joy he must have experienced of meeting with John the Baptist, undergoing baptism in the Jordan River, and beginning His public ministry. Now, on his second visit, He is nearing the culmination of His ministry. To die a cruel death for those who would be willing to put Him to death...

Before He can get a chance to enjoy His memories of goodness and joy, the Pharisees begin to taunt Him with questions; seeking to entrap Him into either being unpopular with the crowd or finding fault in His knowledge of the law. "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?"

Jesus replied, "By laying down the primitive principle, that divorce was justified only by conjugal infidelity, and by explaining, that any thing to the contrary in the law of Moses was simply an accommodation to the hardness of men's hearts. The disciples heard this reply, and they made their own remarks on it. They said to Jesus: 'If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.'" The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 252-253.

The heart of the matter is this:
1. Marriage is a serious event in life. It is not to be taken lightly. It is a "heart matter." It is and was designed to be for life. If you're not ready for a lifelong event, don't jump into it...

2. Marriage is something to be thought about and carefully planned with careful consideration. Is Jesus at the heart of this marriage? We find that today, marriage is something which is planned very quickly and has the "option" for divorce if it doesn't work. Its called "convenience marriage."

If it doesn't work, "lets find a way out." I tell people often who ask about marriage, "God hates divorce on so many levels." One is because of the hurt and pain associated with the separation that occurs; it is a cancer that lives within each one for years to come.

Spouses come to the closest thing to having the death of another; except they see the person still alive, without them...

Children suffer with fear, anger, rejection, and resentment thinking they might have been the root cause. Parents know their children will confront them in the future. How will they though? Either properly or improperly? This too can cause the previously damaged person to enter into their relationships in the future which affects their own marriage view and relationships.

3. Some of us from the womb feel the need for celibacy, because anything else distracts us and is impracticable. They sense the family life would impend their time with the relationship with the Lord. I know of people to this day who have made this decision. Believe it or not...

But something to think about in all this. What if Jesus ran out on our salvation when the times got tough? Did He commit to the relationship with us when we are infested with cancer, or broken from a bad relationship? No. He is there to comfort us in our times of need.

Don't get me wrong. There are circumstances where "space" is definitely needed. Maybe not divorce immediately, but space to think about the marriage. But what a shame it is to think about it "after" everything has gone wrong, instead of this planning"before" the marriage. Seems kind of backwards doesn't it?

This is why God has a perfect plan. It includes being obedient to His Word. This will help avoid a lot of heartaches in the future and allow us to have the best life Christ intended for us! I encourage you to place your life in His hand and allow His feet to guide your steps in your marriage today!

Is Jesus Prejudice?

Luke 9:51-56

I often have thought of the story where Jesus and the disciples entered into a Samaritan city. When they asked for lodging, they were refused. Jesus knew the answer, but still James and John (aptly named the Sons of Thunder) proposed the calling of fire from Heaven to consume the villagers.

Just as Jesus knew the heart condition of the people in the village; so He knew the hearts of these two men...

This was another strange proposal for the disciples of Jesus after years of following Him. In fact John would have been witness to the woman at the well's meeting with Jesus when He told her of the new era to come. How it shows the best are to learn so slow!

"How startling, again to think of this same John, a year or two after the date of this suggestion, going down from Jerusalem and preaching the gospel of Jesus the crucified in 'many of the villages of the Samaritans,' possibly in this very village which he desired to see destroyed!" The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 242.

But Jesus was not prejudice against the disciples as a result of their tempered responses at the time. He knew what they would come to be. Jesus loved the heart of the men whom they would become.

"The zeal of the son of thunder did not disappear from John's nature after he became an apostle; it only became tempered by the light of wisdom, and softened by the heat of love....in his later years he knew better what to hate-- the objects of his abhorrence being hypocrisy, apostasy, and Laodicean insincerity; not as of old, mere ignorant rudeness and clownish incivility." pg. 242

All of us have something from our past which is lurking within. It's called our old nature. It wrestles for its attention and demands its place in our new life. It calls for retribution when hurt, getting the last word in during a conversation, pushing the limits of the legal boundaries. It is the worst of us... We are prejudice to only the things that matter to us.

Some how do we change and become the person that Christ can use and glorify His Kingdom? Here is the key. Submit your life to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! This means taking our time to diligently study the Scriptures and ask ourselves the hard questions. How do I respond to this situation which will honor God instead of doing it the same way I have before? Praying and asking God to reveal our hearts; showing us what they really look like in that area. Asking godly friends and family to help us with our struggles as we seek to follow Christ in a real and personal way.

These are attainable goals for each us which can be started now. Don't wait until the new year. You can begin now! Remember, Jesus sees the goodness in you and what you will become as a child of God, but it only because of what He has done in you. Now, give way to that change and let it happen!

Who is Against us and Who for Us?

Luke 9:49-50; Mark 9:38-41

Today we look a little at the life of John.

As the disciples continue to grow in their faith and walk with Christ, another situation which seems to be a distraction occurs which seems to confuse the disciples. Funny how this incident occurs right after each one of the disciples is talking about who will be the greatest in the kingdom...

John is not now who he will be, but differs at this time from his future self. He is one who asks the question why a person who is not a part of them (the close group of Jesus disciples) who can continue to perform exorcisms in the name of Jesus when he is not a follower of Christ.

John wants judgment to fall upon one who is doing something outside of the scope of the group of disciples just like the other disciples who at times would have called fire down from heaven to people they felt who needed it. Later in his life, John will become one who is concerned about love for all as he writes the book of John. This is not who he is now though.

"For the conscience of a young disciple is like a fire of green logs, which smokes first before it burns with clear blaze. And a Christian whose conscience is in this state must be treated as we treat a dull fire: he must be borne with, that is, till his conscience clear itself of bitter, cloudy smoke, and become a pure, genial, warm flame of zeal tempered by charity." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 234.

John was one of those smoky logs in the fire place, without a time for a good seasoning. Firewood to burn, has to be set aside over time. It needs time for it to dry out and become useful; otherwise it will continue to give you problems in performing what it was created to be; light and heat, the purposes for what you need it to be.

All of us have issues in life. John was no different. He continued to grow through events in his life which made him a huge asset for the Kingdom of God, but for now he is a liability. For now he is smoky and unclear as the Kingdom's goal. His goal right now is to be someone of influence and noticed. A seat at the big table...

You see so many people get caught up in their own actions for the Kingdom that if anyone else either from a different faith background, difference in personality, or temperament that they become a threat of superseding their chance to be more important in the Kingdom. This is where John was at in this period of his life. Jesus does not rebuke his ignorance, but rather uses it to cause a teachable event in his life. Jesus responds to his question in Mark 9:40,

"For he who is not against us is for us."

Have you ever taken time to evaluate your relationship with Christ. I mean deeply...

Are you smoky at best, or well seasoned?

When we get to the point of being well seasoned it will show. Just a seasoned fire log burns bright in the fireplace, so can our lives become a clear bright burning flame for the Kingdom of God. One that will be light and warmth to all who encounter us. Just like the person John would one day come to be for the Kingdom of God!

How Humble Are You?

Matt. 17:24-27

I remember a few posts back, I spoke of the prideful statements of the disciples as they walked down the road with Jesus after His transfiguration. Would Jesus use His knowledge of the hearts of men to teach them another lesson in humility? Of course; he knew the hearts of men and how they still think today!

Consider this miracle in Matt. 17:24-27: Peter is confronted by those who collected the temple tax and is asked if his master is going to pay the temple tax. The disciple answered "yes" as there was no reason to think the answer would have been different this time as opposed to the last time of their visit to the temple.

But Jesus wished for the disciples to learn something beyond this; far more than they knew...

"He wished them to understand, in the first place, that for Him to pay the temple dues was a humiliation and an incongruity, similar to that of a king's son paying a tax for the support of the palace and the royal household; that it was not a thing of course that He should pay, any more than it was a thing of course that He should become a man, and, so to speak, leave His royal state behind and assume the rank of a peasant; that it was an act of voluntary humiliation, forming one item in the course of humiliation to which He voluntarily submitted, beginning with His birth, and ending with His death and burial. He desired His disciples to think of these things in the hope that meditation on them would help to rebuke the pride, prevention, and self-assertion which had given rise to that petty dispute about places of distinction." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, page 226

So what happens?

Jesus gives Peter instructions to "as the Lord of nature, to whom all creatures in land and sea were subject..." (pg. 227) put a hook in the water. When the first fish comes up, check his mouth and you will find a drachma to pay for both.

Here the Christ of all creation gives the order to His creation (the fish with the drachma), and uses His creation to pay for the creation (of the temple) which gives honor to Him (and His Father)!

And in all this, people would never know that God Himself was visiting the temple on that day without a person knowing He paid a temple tax so that He too could identify with the lowest of people and be among His people...

Here poses the question today for us: "When we think we are worthy of a title place or position within our lives; are we above the thing that we ascribe?" The disciples thought so at the time, but later would learn that it was about the Kingdom of God, not them.

Are we above that thing that we so desperately need to attain? Sometimes things we think are really in the truest sense important, may not even be close to what we really need. The disciples found out later after Jesus ascended into Heaven that this life was for Christ, not self.

I would ask you today to look at your life's pursuit and ask whether you look to the success of creation or to the success in the eyes of the Creator. One honors "self," while the other honors Christ!

Forgiving Injuries

Matt. 18:21-35

How do you view forgiveness?

The two debtors have two different views. Let's take a look at the amounts owed first...

"The two debts are respectively ten thousand talents and a hundred denarii, being to each other in the proportion, of say, a million to one. The enormous disparity is intended to represent the difference between the shortcomings of all men towards God, and those with which any man can charge a fellow-creature." Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, page 217.

Here is the story of a Lord and a slave; then a slave and a fellow slave. The lord sees the debt of the slave and calls for payment, but the slave can't pay it and pleads with the the lord that he will pay it back in full. The lord is gracious and forgives the debt.

Now the slave has a fellow slave who owes him money. He goes to his fellow slave and demands payment. The slave attacks his fellow slave and begins to choke him out as a beast attacks prey to demand payment. The fellow slave pleads with him to allow him to repay the debt, but instead of forgiving him, the slave throws him into prison. Afterward, friends of the fellow slave alert the lord to this situation knowing of the former encounter the slave had with with the lord. The slave is now placed into the hands of those who would torture him until his original debt is paid. He gets what he was originally guilty.

"God deals with His debtors as the king dealt with the satrap. He is slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil He hath threatened. He giveth men space to repent, and by providential delays accepts the promise of amendment, though He knoweth full well that they will be broken, and that those who made them will go on sinning as before." (pg. 219)

Now we look at the attitude of each:

"Lord have patience with me, and I will pay Thee all," "He grants their petition, knowing that when the danger or the fit of repentance is over, the promise of amendment will be utterly forgotten." (pg. 219)

Truly God has not dealt with us in our sins, nor does He give us what we deserve. So how do you view your forgiveness today? It is temporary or are you truly grateful for the Lord's loving kindness? Will you be the one who asks for forgiveness from the Lord, but be quick to demand others to conform or "pay up" when it comes time; or will you just let it go... permanently!

The choice is yours! I don't know that I want the Lord to remember my sins and judge me for them because of my foolishness in not forgiving others!

Practice true forgiveness today. Forgive and let the debt you feel is owed to you today.

It is a good thing!

The Dangers of Keeping the Unrepentant in the Church

Matt. 18:15-20

"...to keep scandalous offenders inside the communion of the church is to do your best to damn their souls, and to exclude them ultimately from heaven. On the other hand, to deliver them over to Satan may be, and it is to be hoped will be, but giving them a foretaste of hell now that they may be saved from hell-fire forever." pg. 212, A. B. Bruce The Training of the Twelve

Most would say this is a cruel act, but what is more important? Is is that we learn from our mistakes here on earth and later regret our actions or to become doomed in our own souls?

There is a problem with allowing the unrepentant to remain within the church though as Bruce continues: "Such mixtures of the godly and the godless are too common phenomena in these days. And the reason is not too far to seek." (pg. 213)

"It is the desire to multiply members. The various religious bodies value members still more than morality or high-toned Christian virtue, and they fear least by discipline they may lose one or two names from their communion roll. The fear is not without justification. Fugitives from discipline are always sure of an open door and a hearty welcome in some quarter. One who has become, or is in danger of becoming, as a heathen man and a publican to one ecclesiastical body, has a good chance of becoming a saint or an angel in another." (pg. 214)

Isn't this a shame today when we are more worried about numbers than the souls of men? If we love the person enough, is it not enough to always seek their best? Isn't that what the Law of Love commands? We cannot wink our eye at their sin and yet claim to look out for their best interest as a Christian brother or sister.

As I pause to reflect on these words, I sometimes realize how difficult the task of loving one another can be at times. Will I love my brother or sister enough to wink at their sin? Or will I love them enough to tell them I care and I will not condone their behavior.

Hopefully, we all would want the same from others who would speak truth into our lives at some time in the future...

The Issue of Church Discipline

Matt. 18:15-20: Church Discipline

No one likes to talk about it. Even worse, no one wants to conduct it...

The first century church felt it was very important to the integrity of the first church though. But what is it that is different than the way the world acts today? The difference is "love."

The first part of this passage is with the brother who goes to his brother with his sin (vs. 15) in private. Why is this so important? In the "Training of the Twelve," A. B. Bruce says this, "It makes the confession as easy to him as possible by sparing him the shame of exposure... It is also a method which cannot be worked out without the purest and holiest motive on the part of the redress."

So there is a twofold purpose:

1. That the one under sin can be relieved to know that if he makes proper and timely confession, his sins will not come to light of the whole church. The act of exposing it to the church might be a little premature up front, and in the case of a private sin which might cause the brother/ sister further embarrassment of their sin. Are we in the business of making sure that they experience personal embarrassment or is this God's business? How would you like to be treated? We must ask ourselves the question, "Does this bring glory to self or God?"

2. That the one who confronts his brother/ sister might "put a bridle on the passion of resentment, by compelling the offended one to go through a patient course of dealing with his brother before he arrive at the sad issue at which anger jumps at once, viz. total estrangement." A. B. Bruce (pg. 210)

You see, each of us must ask the question whether our motive with the offender brings us immediately where we are willing to excommunicate that person completely from our church and even our own life. It must bring forth the horror of possibly treating the person as if we never knew them or as an outcast of society; remember, once they're gone, they're gone!

Use the Love of Christ Rule: This is characteristic of the loving spirit of Jesus Christ!

I fear today, we have become the church universal that has gotten so used to being mad at someone and giving them them the third degree that we rule out the law of love and forgiveness, but rather act in retribution as the world does. Then we think we have the right to talk about their sins with others, which violates the first step of discipline. From that point it becomes a contest to see who can win...

How does your Rule of Law line up with Kingdom thinking? I encourage you to do some soul searching today.

For more study, conduct a Word Study on the word "Grace." Maybe one day we will see you here at Grace Community Church!