More than Family

Mt. 12:46-50

When Jesus' family sent a message to him asking to speak with him, he answered the messenger. Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? He then stretched his hand out over his disciples and said, Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. Now many people would think those words are harsh, and granted they do sound harsh. I know for me, family is all important, that is except for Jesus. Jesus is not negating family values here but stressing the importance of kingdom values. Our commitment to Jesus must supersede all else. Earlier in Matthew Jesus said that Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Family does not trump Jesus. I think these statements also demonstrate the deep bonds that are between Christians, how, in many cases, those who love the Lord [brothers and sisters in the Lord] are much closer than family. Thank You Jesus for enlarging the borders of family. 

Father,

Thank You for blessing me with a wonderful family and a wonderful family in the Lord. I am so thankful for the ladies in my Bible study and the love that we have for each other. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Listen and Examine

Acts 17:10-15

What an example the Bereans are! When they first heard the word, they were eager, eager to listen and eager to learn. Listening is a skill that has been lost in our culture. How many people truly listen? I find that the majority of people listen momentarily. They are seeking the first opportunity to interject their words, their opinion, or their knowledge on the matter. How many mental health issues could be helped just be those in their lives listening? How many people go to therapists and counselors and pay to have someone listen to them? 

But these Bereans did more than listen, they examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. How wonderful is that? They didn't dismiss Paul and Silas' words as folly. They listened and examined. They searched it out. How many believers would not be followers of false teachers if they had examined what these people had said. Listen certainly but always examine. We have the full and complete word of God. There should be no excuse for us being led astray if we constantly keep these 2 principles in mind. Listen and then examine! Then the text says that many believed, not just Jews but men and women of the important Greeks. God's word had been spread and accepted in yet another place. 

Father,

Thank You for the example of the Bereans and their heart for Your words. Help me to always be searching and seeking. Help me to seek Your face and the right course through the Spirit's leading.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Bruised and Smoking

Mt. 12:9-21

After healing a man with a withered hand, Jesus spoke to his accusers, the Pharisees. They felt it was not right to heal on the Sabbath, but Jesus revealed their hypocrisy. If one of their animals had fallen into a pit on the Sabbath, they would have surely pulled it out. Jesus simply asked a question. Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Still the Pharisees left His presence set on taking him down.

Jesus knew their thoughts and withdrew from the place. However, many did follow and many were healed. All of which happened to fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. How glorious for the Gentiles!

Yesterday as I was praying, verse 20 came to my mind. And today here was the verse in my Bible reading. How neat is that!  A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. What a promise to those who are downtrodden, abused, discouraged, and all this on a regular basis. Some of us live in peaceful homes [that is except for the occasional bout of fleshliness] but there are some whose homes are constantly filled with strive. In the midst of these circumstances, we can cling to the fact that Jesus will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoking flax. He will not tempt us beyond what we are able to bear without providing us a way of escape. What a great God we have! He is Lord of the Sabbath and of every day. He is Lord of all circumstances, the good and the bad. He is Lord of all!

Father,

Thank You for this great promise. Help me to be diligent to pray for those who are bruised reeds and smoking flax. Help me to be there for them. Enlarge my heart to love other as You have loved me. 

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Another Deliverance

Acts 1619-40

Apparently jail cells were no obstacle for God, first Peter and now Paul and Silas. Certainly it was of ultimate importance for the growth of the early church that Paul and Silas be released. But at the same time, I think of Saeed who was in prison for 3 1/2 years before being released. How can I understand this? Who can understand the mind of God? Certainly not me. But I must trust in Him, and believe with all that I am and have that His way is the best way.

Not only were Paul and Silas, thrown into prison but they were beaten with rods. The punishment was severe. However, At the time of the quake, they were able to lead the jailer and his entire house to the Lord. Certainly this event brought glory to the name of God. Later when Paul informed the magistrates that they were Roman citizens, the magistrates were definitely afraid. They came and apologized and asked them to leave [which they did]. All of these circumstances speak to the workings of God, of His plan and purpose, and of His bringing glory to Himself. It is not for me to question, instead I need to trust, trust Him in all things.

Father,
At times my trust wavers when I see that sometimes there is a deliverance and sometimes not. I know that You know best, but my human heart fears. Grow my trust and rest in You.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Return and Check

Acts 15:30-41

[Continued from yesterday.]

The dispute over legalism involving the Gentiles had been solved. Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and Judas returned with the letter from Jerusalem and with even more encouragement. They did not just drop off the letter, but they spent time with the people encouraging them in many words. Conversations were had! People talked! Not about the matters of daily business or the weather, but about Jesus and His gospel. Before long, some of them departed, but Paul and Barnabas stayed longer teaching and preaching the word of the Lord. So much importance was attached to the teaching! Clarity was of ultra importance!

Then Paul said, Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are. This is the heart of discipleship! Returning, checking, re-teaching if necessary, and seeing if the new converts are alright. After studying in 2 Peter about the tactics of false teachers who captivate unsteady souls, it makes me realize the great need for discipleship. Tasting of the word does not mean someone understands all, it means they need to be taught to know and see clearly. It means being sensitive ourselves to the leading of the Spirit in  regard to these new souls. The work is barely begun with their salvation. It must include discipleship. 

Father,

You seem to be driving this lesson home to me. Show me the steps you want me to take in living out this message. I thank You for the teachers You have in my life. I thank You for the great privilege of leading Bible study.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Legalism

Acts 15:1-20

Some Jews had come down from Judea and were teaching that the newly converted Gentiles should be circumcised. Unless they agreed, they could not be saved. As you would expect, Paul and Barnabas disagreed. So they were dispatched to Jerusalem to get the matter settled once for all. At the assembly they reminded the apostles and elders that God Himself said that the Gentiles should hear the gospel. And God, as another evidence, gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit having cleansed their hearts by faith. Paul's then asked heatedly, Why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? Good point! The law was never successfully kept by anyone. Paul went on to say, But we believe we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. At this point the assemble grew silent. No more dissension! 

Paul and Barnabas went on to tell of what signs and wonders God had done through the Gentiles. Then came the response. James, the head of the church in Jerusalem, agreed that God had taken from the Gentiles a people for His name, and that the Jews should no longer trouble the Gentiles with ceremonial law issues. The only areas of consideration were: abstaining from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. And it seemed good to everyone.

Satan had been defeated once again. How often he has used the legalism tactic! People do love to think they can earn their way, or increase their worth by doing certain things. It feeds our basic human pride. But Jesus said no. Anything believers have and are is because of Jesus. He has covered in His blood and His righteousness. It is more than we can truly understand. We just have to accept on faith. This is the gracious gift that God gave so that we might be reconciled to Him!

Father,

Thank You for gracing me with Your grace, for saving me with Your salvation, and for keeping me with Your Spirit until You call me home.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Divided Hearts

Acts 14

As Paul and Barnabas were traveling and preaching, the reception was mixed. In Iconium they spoke boldly doing signs and wonders with their hands. But even with that, the people were divided some siding with the apostles and some with the Jews. The division went so far that those who were against Paul and Barnabas attempted to stone them, but they fled to Lystra and Derbe.

In Lystra the reception was totally different. After healing a man who had been crippled from birth, the crowd rose up and called them gods, Zeus [Barnabas] and Hermes [Paul]. They even wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But Paul cried out to them, Men, why are you doing these things? He told them that God was calling them to turn from vain things to the living God, the God who had created all life. Even with these words they could barely restrain the people. Funny how people respond! Either way Satan tries every tactic he knows to prevent belief and acceptance of the gospel. But as before Jews came from Antioch and Iconium [over 100 miles away] and persuaded the people to stone Paul. Such hatred! So brutal was the attack that they thought he was dead. But the disciples came round him, and in their midst, he rose up and entered the city. Even in the midst of such heated opposition, there were those who believed. The next day Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe where many people believed.

But were these cities lost causes? No, the angry mob did not represent all the people. The chapter said that Paul and Barnabas returned to these cities to strengthen the souls of the disciples encouraging them to continue in the faith and declaring that the way to the kingdom of God was one of many tribulations. As I am sure they had seen firsthand. They did not want to leave unsteady souls in the way of those who had rejected the gospel. The babies must be fed and nurtured. 

They continued on their journey spreading the gospel in many cities eventually sailing to Antioch [the city where the disciples were first called Christians]. When they arrived there, they gathered the church together and shared all that the Lord had done. He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles! How wonderful! The gospel was spreading. The church was growing. Opposition would not deter the work of God. In fact, it worked to the contrary. It made it grow!

Father,

How exciting to read these accounts of the early church. It seem a far cry from what the church is like today. Stengthen my heart so that I might stand in the way of opposition. Give me boldness to speak out Your truth. Open a door for me to share.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Murder, Prison Break, Worm-Infested Death, and the Word Multiplied.

Acts 12

Herod was on a rampage. He had arrested James [the bro. of John] and Peter. After killing James with a sword, he fully intended to kill Peter as well.  But God  intervened! It was a miraculous delivery! As Peter was asleep bound between 2 soldiers, he was awakened by an angel who instructed him to get up quickly. No time to waste! After dressing himself, he followed the angel through all the guards and out into the city. Peter was unsure about what was happening. Was this a dream? No, it was reality. He went to the house of Mary [mother of John] where the body of believers was praying for him. When he knocked and asked admittance, Rhoda the servant recognized his voice. She ran to tell the others but neglected to open the gate. No one believed her. They went so far as to accuse her of insanity. But Peter continued knocking, and eventually he was admitted. Peter told them what had happened and instructed them to tell James [the brother of Jesus] who seemed to be the head of the church in Jerusalem. Peter left traveling elsewhere. What a glorious thing God had done! How the church grew and multiplied! 

On the opposite front, Herod was livid. He executed the sentires and left town traveling to Caesarea. There one day when he was arrayed in all his finery, he spoke to the people who depended on him for their very food and existence. They cried out that he was a god. Apparently, he believed he was as well because an angel came and struck him down because he did not give glory to God. He was eaten by worms and breathed his last breath. Yikes! Fitting end for a man who did so much damage to the church of God. But the word of God increased and multiplied! There was no stopping what God had ordained. How powerful was the power of God at work within the early church!

Father,

Strengthen my faith. Help me to trust in You proving Yourself strong. I know You will regardless but I lose so much by my fear. Help me to accept Your will even when I want things to only work out only one way. James was executed but Peter was released. What if I had been the mother of James? Would I have rejoiced that my son was counted worthy to suffer for Christ? Grow me so that my will and Yours are the same.

In Jesus name,

Amen

No Partiality

Acts. 10:17-48

Peter's encounter with Cornelius defied Jewish tradition and opened the way for Gentiles to know and trust in Jesus apart from circumcision and proselytizing to the Jewish faith. God used a dream for Peter and a vision for Cornelius. Both men obeyed the heavenly orders they were given, and it resulted in great things. As soon as Peter arrived at Cornelius' home, he declared openly that God had shown him that he should not call any person common or unclean. That in itself is a huge revelation and no doubt very difficult for Peter to say.

He went on to say that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fear Him and does what is acceptable to Him. That was phenomenal! Any nation! Peter began to tell Cornelius the entire story of Jesus and relay to him the gospel ending with to Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sin through His name. Then it truly got amazing. While Peter was speaking the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles to the degree that they were speaking in tongues and extolling God. The hearts of the Gentiles assembled there believed and received. Jesus was their savior and Lord. The gospel had not only changed lives but had changed the entire course of Jewish tradition. Baptism was the only thing yet to follow and soon it was a reality too.

Since I am a Gentile and live in a Gentile culture that offers freedom of religion, I know I am not as blown away by this as Peter and the other Jewish believers were. But I do praise God that He opened a way for me to believe and receive. I, in turn, must not think that the gospel is not for everyone. What I mean by that is that I must not prejudge anyone thinking that this person would never believe in Jesus. It is not for me to decide. It is for me to share the gospel with all those that Jesus brings across my path whether rich or poor, Gentile or Jew, weird or main-stream, any color, any race, convict, freeman, or any other class of people. Jesus is for all!  

Father,

What a gift you have given mankind! Thank You so much. Please give me boldness and courage to share the gospel. Help me to see the opportunities that You have given me and then to speak out. 

In His name,

Amen

Worry or Trust

Mt. 6:25-34

Food, clothing, and shelter are what the Gentiles seek after, but the believers need only seek after the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Why do Christians believe this in theory, but in reality worry about these necessities of life? Perhaps that worry is built up on the materialistic attitude of the world. The pursuit of food, clothing, and shelter has gone from necessity to excess. What is in fashion or in style dictates these areas. So even if someone has clothing or a sufficient house, it must be discarded when the new comes along. Food is no longer a sufficient meal at home, but now it means eating out and trying new restaurants on a regular basis. If clothing is not fashionable, it can't be worn. These fashions seem to change as quickly as the seasons. The same goes for homes and furnishings. The quest to always keep up with what is new is overwhelming. Yet many Christians buy into this lifestyle. Acquiring and spending this kind of money is something to worry about! 

But Jesus says no. Don't follow the way of the Gentiles. Instead seek God. Look at nature. Does God take care of birds and lilies? Yes. Are we not of more value than these things? Yes. So trust God. He will provide what we need. Maybe it won't be the latest style, but is that so bad? Jesus concludes this section by saying, Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Don't worry. He will provide. God knows exactly what we need [whether it is the latest style or not]. Who are we living for, God or the world?

Father,

Help me to take my eyes off the world and keep them solidly on You. I know You will take care of me. Help me to trust You for everything. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Healthy Eyes

Mt. 6:22-24

 "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,  but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

I wonder at the connection of these verses, of the concept of a healthy eye and the serving of 2 masters. On the surface they would appear to be unrelated, but could they relate all the way back to v. 19 about laying up treasures in heaven. Certainly the only way to have eternal treasure is to have a healthy eye. Without true spiritual vision there is no way a person can be focused on eternal treasure. 

But then what about these two concepts in particular? Is the relationship similar as to verse 19? With a healthy eye and a body fill of light, a believer would never want to or try to serve two masters. The concept would be entirely foreign. But if the eye were diseased from lack of use for God or too much straining to see all the world has to offer, a Christian could want to serve 2 masters. He could think that he could ride the fence and get the best of both worlds. Oh how strong is the flesh! How often has it confused our thinking and obstructed our vision! 

But if this is the thinking, is that person serving 2 masters at all? Jesus said it is impossible to do this. So this must be another lie that Satan has cleverly foisted on believers. This is so much less extreme than Satan saying, 'I am Satan, come and follow me.' No one would fall for that. But a diseased eye, who can know? Gradual dimming is almost imperceptible until the world has blotted the Lord. How foolish we are! And how strong is the pull of the world!

Father,

Help me keep my eye healthy. I want to serve only you.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Philip

Acts 8

For those preaching the word, there was great power. They were endowed with signs, and the ability to heal as well as cast out unclean spirits. Such a man was Philip. The chapter said that the crowds paid attention when Philip spoke. For sure, that was the working of the Spirit of God. I imagine there was a certain curiosity to see what would happen next, but more than likely, people wanted healing from physical infirmities or debilitating demons. 

On a particular day, an angel charged Philip to go south specifically to the road that went from Jerusalem to Gaza. It was there that Philip came across an Ethiopian Eunuch reading the book of Isaiah. [Isaiah is hard enough to understand if the Spirit of God dwells within a person. How hard it must have been for this man!] He was returning from Jerusalem and was reading as he traveled. The Spirit directed Philip to go to his chariot and ask if he understood what he was reading. The answer was no. He needed a guide. So Philip was the man for this task. He shared with him the gospel of Jesus, and as they were traveling, they came across some water. The Eunuch asked if he could be baptized. Philip did indeed baptize him, but when the Eunuch came up out of the water, Philip was gone. The Spirit had taken him to Azotus to preach the gospel in that area. 

Philip had preached to crowds as did the other apostles and disciples, but this time it was to a single individual. I praise God that He is the God of the individual. We don't have to come to Him in a group or at church, but we can fellowship with Him one-on-one. How did Philip feel when all these miraculous things were taking place? I am sure he wasn't normally carried over distances in a second or had the ability to heal. Was he rejoicing every minute? Was he on a spiritual high constantly? This manifestation was for his time, and that is not what it is for my time. But still I must share the gospel and help others find Jesus. I think no matter how the Spirit uses me, it will be exciting! To be used of God...How glorious!

Father,

Use me however You want. I am Yours. I am sure that there are areas in my heart that are not fully Yours. Reveal them. Grant me repentance. Help me to love You singularly.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Approval

Acts 8:1

Verse 1 brings the conclusion of the Stephen narrative. And Saul approved of his execution. How hard his heart must have been! How self-righteous! But God was just beginning a transforming work on Saul. Soon he too would be part of the Way and be leading others to Jesus Himself. Soon too he would be feeling the rocks. 

Saul went on to ravage the newly-born church reeking havoc wherever he could. He entered multitudinous homes and drug off men and women to prison. He thought he was squelching this new church, but instead, he was causing its growth. Earlier when the religious Jews had brought Peter and other apostles before the council and ordered them to stop preaching, Peter replied, We must obey God rather than man. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." [Acts 5:29-32] Like Saul, these men wanted them dead. They were enraged. In Acts 5:40-42 it says, And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. They they left the presence of hte council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy ot suffer dishonor for the name. Counted worthy to suffer. What kind of an attitude is this? Certainly one that the council couldn't squelch. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. 

Father,

I pray that my faith would never cease and that my love for Jesus would ever wane. keep me strong in Your strength and grace. Help me stand strong and true. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Stephen's Stoning-Part 2

Acts 7

In his defense, Stephen began with a history of the Israelites. Perhaps he was holding his own for awhile, but toward his conclusion, he said, You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,  you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it." Yikes! Not a way to keep the crowd happy. In fact, the passage says that they were enraged and ground their teeth at him. I wonder if this reminded them of Jesus who said similar words to the Pharisees. 

But Stephen was full of the Spirit and only looked heavenward. There he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. What a vision! When he declared what he saw, they screamed at him. Plugging their ears, they rushed at him. They threw him outside the city and stoned him. As they were stoning Stephen, he cried out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."  And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.What a spirit of Jesus Stephen personified! Did this people think of Jesus when he said these words? Were their hearts touched at all? Were they not affected by the heinousness of what they had done?

Stephen's ministry may not have been long, but it was intense. He was a man of the Spirit, one that made people make a decision about Jesus. Sadly, the people in Chap. 7 did not chose Jesus. The text says that the 'stoners' laid Stephen's garments at the feet of Saul. How ironic! Saul himself would get saved and be stoned as well but first he would become a persecutor of the church. What a difference Jesus makes in a life! What a difference Jesus has made in my life!

Father,

Thank You for savinig me, for allowing Jesus to pay the price for my sin. Help me to stand strong and true as Stephen did. I confess my extreme weakness in sharing with others. Please strengthen me. Give me boldness.

In His name,

Amen

Stephen-Part 1

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen was one of those chosen to minister to the daily needs of the body thus freeing up the apostles for preaching and prayer. To be sure, his ministry was in no way less important, in fact his life reflected Christ in such a way that many people noticed. He was full of grace and power and was doing great wonders and signs among the people.  But any good ministry is not without problems, and so it was with Stephen. 

Some men [Freedmen, Cyrenians, Alexadrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia] disputed with Stephen, but they really had no charges with would stand up. His wisdom and the Spirit within him were more than they could refute. So they chose to instigate something surreptitiously accusing him of blaspheming the words of God and  Moses. After stirring up the people, they seized him and brought him before the council. They went so far as to set up false witnesses that attested to the fact that he spoke against the temple and the law. All who looked at him saw that he had the face of an angel. What can you do when the one that you are seeing to destroy has the face of an angel? I imagine they were frustrated beyond belief. 

What could Stephen say that would refute the false witnesses? How would he handle the crowd? I am sure that the Spirit within him would guide and comfort him. Thankfully, the Spirit is there with all of us. I may not be falsely accused, but the Spirit still guides my words and my actions. But how could I have the face of an angel? I am thinking that it was because Stephen depended solely on the Spirit. There was no admixture of self in this actions or words. The Spirit was a living moment-by-moment reality in his life. 

Father.

Grow my dependence on the Spirit. Make all that I am reflect you in my actions, words and even my countenance.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God Will Provide

Gen. 22:1-14

God spoke to Abraham, that in itself is an amazing thing. Abraham had a personal conversation with God. Although I notice that, more often than not, it is only God speaking in the conversation. Abraham's responsibility was listening and obeying. Difficult though it may be, God wanted Abraham to offer Isaac on the altar. You would have thought that Abraham would have made some response to God since this was such a monumental order, but he didn't. Abraham's faith was strong! His trust in God included the life of His Son. 

So Isaac and Abraham journeyed up the mountain with the wood, the fire, and the knife. Before long, Isaac questioned his dad, Where is the lamb for the burnt offering? All Abraham said was that God would provide the lamb. At the appointed place, Abraham built the altar, laid on the wood, and bound his Son. Just as he was ready to kill his son, an angel spoke, Abraham, do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him. Abraham had shown God that he feared Him, that God was first in his life. When Abraham looked up, he saw a ram caught in a thicket. Here was the sacrifice! God did indeed provide. 

Abraham called this place,  The Lord will Provide, Jehovah Jireh. What a lesson! God did not reveal Himself through words only but through a very difficult life lesson. He often does the same with us. His words are with us constantly, and it is our responsibility to listen and obey. I wonder if we named the place, the incident, or the trial would it make that life lesson more unforgettable. Would it drive it home so that we would remember how God worked in that incident? Would it make God more tangible to us? 

Father,

I know You provide in so many ways, ways that I don't always see. But my heart is still full of thanks to You. Help me to see You more clearly.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Jesus' Baptism

Mt. 3: 13-17

John had completed his dialogue with the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He had warned them about their unrepentant hearts. And with these ominous words, Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire, he had hoped that they would understand the gist of it all. [Even if a person didn't understand these particular words, they would know that the heavy was coming fairly quickly.] As if this were not enough John declared that someone mightier than he was to follow him, someone who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Someone whose winnowing fork was in His hand, who would clear His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn, and who would burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. Did they have any clue that they were chaff? Did they have any clue about who this person would be? Did they understand their need for repentance?

The day had arrived. Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized. John knew he was not worthy to baptize Him, but instead he needed to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus told him that all must be done to fulfill Scripture and all righteousness. So the baptism was a-go. When Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended like a dove, and the voice of God was heard to say, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. It is so significant that God's voice and His face were not turned away from Jesus but toward Him in loving confirmation. However, one day it would be the reverse. God would turn away from Jesus, not because of who Jesus was or what He had done, but because of all our sin. We separated God and Jesus because of the heinousness of our sin. So that we might be saved, Jesus willingly took our sin and the penalty that went with it. What a glorious gift and at what amazing sacrifice! How blessed we are by a God who loved us so much! 

Father,

Thank You for sending Your Son, the Son that You loved so much. Thank You for providing a way for my salvation even though the cost was so great. You spared no expense even to the loss of Your beloved Son. Help me to be truly repentant at all times, to be unreservedly obedient, and to be eagerly waiting for the return of Jesus. 

In the name of the well-pleasing Son,

Amen

The Baptist's Ministry

Mt. 3:1-12

Jesus' cousin made his entry onto the scene with great flourish. His clothing consisted of a garment of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist. His diet was only locusts and wild honey. Yuck! However, locusts were a common food for people who were nomadic desert dwellers, and is still eaten today by the poorer people in the Middle East and Africa.  He began preaching in the wilderness of Judea with a message of repentance. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He was the fulfillment of the OT prophecy, The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight. Consequently, he attracted much attention. 

People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the area around the Jordan came to him to hear him preach about repentance and baptism. Even the Pharisees and Sadducees made an appearance. Although I am sure that they wished they had not come. When John saw them, he said, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.  Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 

I imagine that the Pharisees and the Sadducees had never been publicly insulted like that before. What a slap in the face! But his message was one that went straight to the heart. Their external religiosity meant nothing. But beyond that, what a set-up for Jesus. He was to prepare the way, and he certainly did! Were the people who listened just overcome with curiosity? Who was the person who was to follow? Who would have such power? 

Father,

Thank You for such an example of pure faith. It is not in the way that I appear, but in the way that my heart functions. Help me to stay pure, to honor You constantly, and to love Jesus without any impurity. Thank You for making Your wheat to be gathered into Your barn.

In Jesus name,

Amen