Mark 8 THE SIGN OF MESSIAH IN THE WILDERNESS

God fed the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years. He cared for them. Yet, there is the Messianic Psalm 78 that says they doubted that God could feed them in the wilderness. They grumbled that God could not supply them in the desert.

And so, Jesus is here in the wilderness with 4000 people. In miniature, they re-create the Exodus event. Jesus notices that they are in a wilderness, and that they are hungry. Using almost the same wording as in Psalm 78, He wonders aloud what should be done to take care of their need. The disciples, being normal men of flesh and bone, and missing most of the Messianic markers along the way, anyway, suggest that He send them home to eat. But Jesus, knowing it is His role as Provider to supply food in that barren place, feeds them Himself.

Given the perspective of a couple thousand years, I can see today that Jesus was proving His divinity, even as He was providing for the physical needs of the people. I wonder how many people that day said to themselves, "Who but God can feed so many people in a wilderness like this? He must be God in the flesh! Praise Emmanuel! God is with us!"

"LORD, in the same way, I don't want to miss Your wonders today. When You care for me, when You bless our church, when You guide or even discipline our nation, You again show Your sovereignty. I see You, and I want to catch the markers of Your character when they come. Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me. In the name of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask it. Amen."
-ker

Mark 7 WORSHIP FROM THE HEART

The Pharisees washed their hands before every meal, dedicated their estates to God, and committed themselves to (outward forms of) worship. (7:3-4,11) So, why were they so heinously bad in the eyes of Jesus? Because Jesus could see their hearts, and He knew that the inward man was not as consecrated as the outward man looked.

In truth, their hearts were far from God. (7:6) How did Jesus know that? Of course, He knew their hearts. But He also could see their fruit. He could see that they did what made them look good, but neglected what would be hard. They did not love people (such as Jesus, their parents, etc.). They focused on outward acts, like proper food and handwashing, but not on justice, righteousness and truth. In short, He could see that they were hypocrites, actors on the stage of life, playing the role of respectable holy men, but completely missing the real thing.

There are religious hypocrites today, just as the Pharisees. Christians who bow to pray in the restaurant, and then are grumpy and picky and don't tip well. Who do they REALLY pray to when they bow their heads to say grace? Apparently, they really only love themselves, not God, because God teaches us to love and be generous and hospitable to strangers!

There are Christians who, while driving to church or some Christian function, get cut off and fly into road rage, or who yell at the authority (ump, ref, coach or players) at a sporting event. There are Christians who eat a proper diet, but who protect their property rights, yell at kids to get away from their yard, and isolate themselves from others.

"And you do many things like that," said Jesus. (7:13) Indeed, so do we. So do we.

"LORD, teach me the weightier matters of the law; teach me grace, teach me to love, teach me to carry out justice in my life, teach me to show mercy. In short, teach me to be like Jesus, not like the Pharisees. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above. Through Jesus, Amen."
-ker

Mark 6 THE PRIMACY OF TEACHING AND PREACHING

This is an important reminder for a musician: Jesus' ministry was primarily focused on preaching and teaching. He wasn't a musician or a worship leader -- He was the One WORTHY of worship! He wasn't primarily focused on healing or feeding, either. He came to teach in His ministry.

Every week, Jesus attended the synagogue, and He taught there. (6:2) He went from village to village, and if one word is used to describe what He did when He travelled about, it was "teaching." (6:6) Then, He sent the twelve out to (you guessed it) teach and preach, primarily. (6:12,30) In this chapter, I also see that John the Immerser was beheaded for what he said. (6:18) And that Jesus taught the crowds when they came to Him. (6:34)

All of this is not the main point of the Gospel. Jesus, in all finality, came to die as an atonement for sin. But His day-to-day ministry was most characterized by teaching and proclaiming truth to people.

"LORD, I thank You for teachers and preachers who have burned Your truth home to me. Bless those who can communicate Your word to a crowd. Keep me from trying to be so artistic that I forget my primary ministry is to be a preacher of the Gospel. To the glory of Jesus Christ. Amen."
-ker

"10 Minute Back Rub Store" in the Carew Tower.
A sure sign that God loves you, Ken!
-cel

STRESS? SOME SELF-TALK ON THE SUBJECT

It's the beginning of the school year, and already I feel stress. While on vacation, God and I did some talking on the subject (it's a good time to get some perspective), and here are some thoughts:

Stress is natural and normal, to some degree. As Jesus said, each day has enough trouble of its own. Solomon agrees, that all is vanity and much striving after the wind. However, there is also unnatural or self-induced stress, and I don't need to subject myself to that.

Bad stress always occurs when I try to do what God calls me to do PLUS . . .
. . . PLUS what He called me to do in the past, but He no longer does
. . . PLUS what people expect of me (parents, family, friends, enemies, critics, etc.)
. . . PLUS my own ambitions (personal agenda)
. . . PLUS what my religious system requires of me (meetings, witnessing, law, standards, maintain appearances, etc.)

Bad stress happens when priorities get out of line,so that I want to accomplish God's will PLUS look good in the eyes of others. But when I am content to see God's glory in Jesus Christ, and to know nothing else but what He requires of me, I will find balance, peace, joy and fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life.

"LORD, let me do Your will today, nothing more, nothing less. I know that you have given me this job, and that some things come with carrying out the responsibilities assigned to me. Help me to discern the difference between being a responsible employee and being a people-pleaser. Go before me, behind me, within me, as I walk in the light of Your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God without end. Amen."
-ker

It's Christ's job to knock us off balance, and he's good at it. We begin with a self-centered life, and he immediately dismantles that false center, to replace it with the GodCenter that we need.
It's been my observation that people fear anything out of the ordinary, because ordinary, normal, everyday stuff seems secure, safe. The work of God is never safe and it's never secure in the usual way, but to get to His arms takes a jump, and the faith that He'll catch us. So, I would think that what the world views as safe is actually toxic chains.
If God parted the Red Sea today, how many would think it was a National Enquirer tall tale? How many would think it was something evil doing it? Things weren't much different in Christ's day...we can at least understand where the crowds were coming from when they dropped their mouths at what Christ was doing. If he ain't amazin' and astonishin', he ain't Christ.
-cel

Mark 6 AMAZEMENT IS THE STARTING PLACE

Our God is awesome, and the word "astonished" or "amazed" is used most often to describe reactions to Jesus. (4:41; 5:20,42; 6:2,6,51) Jesus is above, He is other, and He is not like a man.

But sometimes, for some reason, astonishment leads to offense, not to worship. The teachings of Jesus were impressive, but without faith, some of the Jewish leaders assumed Him to be a presumptuous blasphemer, not God in the flesh.

The Gospel could just be a fantastic story of a man who did unusual things. it could be a tall tale of miracles and intrigue. But I want to add faith to the astonishing things, and be overwhelmed with the glory of my Lord.

"LORD Jesus, You came as a perfect man, doing amazing things. You teaching is perfect, Your miracles compassionate and powerful. You are Lord over creation itself, and over my life as well. I stand in awe of You. Amen."
-ker

Mark 5 EVIL SPIRITS AND JESUS: THE SPIRITUAL WORLD

A man possessed by many evil spirits (the blog won't let me write the word - - - - ) saw Jesus and came running to Him. (5:2) After the spirits were cast out, (did he then have the Holy Spirit?) he wants to stay with Jesus. (5:18) Yet, the spirits within him were fearful of Him, and knew that they were to be cast out. (5:10-12) Interestingly, the man's neighbors (especially the pig owners), who were NOT possessed by evil spirits (or were they?), also wanted Jesus to go away. (5:17)

Whether it is my flesh, or it is the influence of evil spirits, some of the spiritual world flees from the Holy One. And whether it is the choice of my own heart, or it is the Holy Spirit within me, some of the spiritual world runs to Jesus. John tells us that we can walk in the light as He is in the light, and that it leads to fellowship (1 John 1:7).

I want to choose to run toward the light, not from it. My flesh may love the darkness, and my dark heart may fear exposure to the light, but my spirit longs for glory! Let me gaze upon Your beauty, O Lord!

Then I notice another little detail about the spiritual realm. This man lived (if you can call it living) alone. But while Jesus was still some distance away, he recognized Jesus and came running to meet Him. (5:6) How did he recognize my Lord? Gossip or news, perhaps? Maybe curious at the size of His entourage? I like to think that somehow the man "sensed" it: "This is the Son of God. He has authority over the spiritual realm. He can deliver you!"

Similarly, later in this same chapter, a woman immediately "sensed" that she was healed when she touched the edge of Jesus' robe. (5:29) How did she sense the healing? Perhaps a warmth in her body? Perhaps an internal affirmation of her faith? Likewise, Jesus Himself "sensed" that power had gone out of Him to heal someone. (5:30) Perhaps it is an unfair question to ask what He felt, considering who He is, but I know many who have healing gifts sense warmth in their hands, or have some kind of spiritual communication that God's power is present.

All I can say is, sometimes "it" happens: the sense that "something" is going on in the spiritual realm. Paul perhaps referrred to this when talking about the assembly when the power of Jesus is present. (1 Corinthians 5:4) That "something" is very personal, and a little hard to describe. There are certain symptoms I have by which I can recognize when God is present in His power, but they are not absolutes.

"LORD, You draw me to You, and yet You dwell within me. You have filled me with Your Spirit, and yet You fill me anew at times. This morning, fill me again, as I enter Your presence again. Let me see the spiritual realm as You see it, and run to You when I see the light. In the name of the Holy One of Israel, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen."
-ker

Mark 5 S AND JESUS: THE SPIRITUAL WORLD

A -possessed man saw Jesus and came running to Him. (5:2) After the s were cast out, (did he then have the Holy Spirit?) he wants to stay with Jesus. (5:18) Yet, the s within him were fearful of Him, and knew that they were to be cast out. (5:10-12) Interestingly, the man's neighbors (especially the pig owners), who were NOT possessed, also wanted Jesus to go away. (5:17)

Whether it is my flesh, or it is ic influence, some of the spiritual world flees from the Holy One. And whether it is the choice of my own heart, or it is the Holy Spirit within me, some of the spiritual world runs to Jesus. John tells us that we can walk in the light as He is in the light, and that it leads to fellowship (1 John 1:7).

I want to choose to run toward the light, not from it. My flesh may love the darkness, and my dark heart may fear exposure to the light, but my spirit longs for glory! Let me gaze upon Your beauty, O Lord!

Then I notice another little detail about the spiritual realm. This man lived (if you can call it living) alone. But while Jesus was still some distance away, he recognized Jesus and came running to meet Him. (5:6) How did he recognize my Lord? ors or news, perhaps? Maybe curious at the size of His entourage? I like to think that somehow the man "sensed" it: "This is the Son of God. He has authority over the spiritual realm. He can deliver you!"

Similarly, later in this same chapter, a woman immediately "sensed" that she was healed when she touched the edge of Jesus' robe. (5:29) How did she sense the healing? Perhaps a warmth in her body? Perhaps an internal affirmation of her faith? Likewise, Jesus Himself "sensed" that power had gone out of Him to heal someone. (5:30) Perhaps it is an unfair question to ask what He felt, considering who He is, but I know many who have healing gifts sense warmth in their hands, or have some kind of spiritual communication that God's power is present.

All I can say is, sometimes "it" happens: the sense that "something" is going on in the spiritual realm. Paul perhaps referrred to this when talking about the assembly when the power of Jesus is present. (1 Corinthians 5:4) That "something" is very personal, and a little hard to describe. There are certain symptoms I have by which I can recognize when God is present in His power, but they are not absolutes.

"LORD, You draw me to You, and yet You dwell within me. You have filled me with Your Spirit, and yet You fill me anew at times. This morning, fill me again, as I enter Your presence again. Let me see the spiritual realm as You see it, and run to You when I see the light. In the name of the Holy One of Israel, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen."
-ker

Mark 4 THE MASTER OF THE STORM

When the sky is clear and all is going my way, I think that I am a man of faith. But when I am in the middle of a storm, I discover that it wasn't faith at all; it was sight.

The disciples lived with Jesus, and they were growing in their faith in the Son of Man. But when this storm arose, they assigned wrong motives to Jesus ("Don't you care?"), and they projected into the future ("we are going to drown"). (4:38)

I have not faced many storms in my life, but I have made both of these mistakes in the little squalls that I have been through. I assume that Jesus does not care, and I assume that all hope is lost and the thing I fear the most is inevitable. Oh, how little faith! But how very human I am!

Jesus is ALWAYS for me, even in the middle of the storm. He can, if He deems it best for me, speak to the very wind and waves. Will He not also care for me, as He did for the disciples?

When I realize this little nugget of truth, deep down, then I am brought to a similar place as the disciples were: "Who is this?" I ask in awe.

"JESUS, You are wonderful. You are loving. You are always loving. You are always for me. I will remember to trust You, even when I am blind with pain, and when the circumstances of life seem to be against me. Thank You for loving me. Amen."
-ker

Mark 3 RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS AND JESUS

People and churches have always had a natural tendency toward creating religous systems, which, in turn, destroy the relationship with God that they intend to have. That was true for the Jews. It is still true today.

In Jesus' day, the religious system focused on what could not be done on the Sabbath. The Pharisees took the Sabbath principle, which was made for the refreshment, renewal and re-creation of people, and put so many fences around it that it was turned into an ugly manifestation of the opposite. It became a day of limits and debate and hatred and plots of murder! How could this unbelievable turnaround happen? Apparently, it was not too difficult.

Here are three symptoms of a relationship with God turning into a religious system:

One. When I start focusing on wrong place or times or people for doing certain things, especially when those things would normally be good. Jesus was healing someone, and it only took a word from Him to do so, but because it was the wrong day, the Pharisees considered it to be evil. (3:2)

Two. When I start watching someone closely, especially with a plan to condemn. Perhaps the Pharisees even brought and planted that disabled man to the synagogue, not because they cared for his soul, but because he was bait for their hatred of Jesus. (3:2)

Three. When I am willing to compromise my stated values for the sake of what I see as a greater good, especially when I will cooperate with my enemies in order to break a law. Unbelievably, the Pharisees met with the Herodians (who were on the opposite end of the political spectrum) to plot together how to kill Jesus. And their meeting took place on the Sabbath, of all times! (3:2,6)

Jesus' question is more than valid: "Is it right to do good, or to do harm, to save life or destroy it?" (3:4) With a word, He did good and saved a life, and with their words, they plotted to harm and destroy. Who really broke the Sabbath that day?

I am making a note of it: religious systems categorize God's principles, and unwittingly wind up negating them! Plotting murder was never God's intent for the Sabbath!

Even today, in a new, non-traditional churches, there is a tendency to create such fences around our relationships as we live in community in Christ. We call them policies and programs, and in the name of doing good, we wind up in competition and power struggles. Praise God that He has protected our baby church from such struggles, but I well know the temptation to "organize" in order to mass-produce a relationship.

"LORD, thank You for the warnings in Scripture of what religious systems will do to Your body. Jesus, let me love You purely and without guile. You are marrying a Bride, not a machine. You want relationship with us, not just our compliance to Your laws. You have called me to love people, one at a time, and in Jesus' name, I would commit myself to that simple goal. May You be glorified now and forever, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One God. Amen."
-ker

Allow me to point out what every gardener knows: if there are too many weeds, the plants die.
A sickly plant will die easily, the weed next to it will take over- but a healthy plant can withstand the onslaught of a certain amount of weeds around it.
Some can actually use the weeds for its own health (i.e., a spreading weed can shade the plant's roots, sometimes a cluster of weeds can shelter a plant from the wind and cold as it grows, and in the case of a lawn, a little clover is necessary to produce nitrogen). I think there are lessons to be learned in these facts of life. What do you think?
I have a neighbor who in some ways is a stereotype of a "sinner". There is a definite party-hardy atmosphere over there, and I've been having trouble with them complaining about things to the authorities that turn out to be bogus charges against me. I don't know if this persecution is because I'm a "God Chick", or if they just like to complain. I do see that the lady is lonely and bored staying home all day, and unhappy many times because of it.
It's my job to try to ease her pain and look the other way about the trouble they've tried to give me. It isn't my job to judge them and condemn them, and I wouldn't do a fair job at it, anyway. God will do that, in His own good time.
Until then, I could use some prayers, as I'm not feeling particularly sociable when I get home from work, I have much to do, and delve into the work I have to do at home right away. I can be too busy doing what HAS to be done to realize I need to stop and chat a bit with my neighbor. Also, I wasn't raised in a house that was hospitable and sociable (hermit blood on my mom's side of the family!), so I'm not quite sure how to go about it sometimes, and it's an unnatural thing for me still. I could use some heavenly reinforcement!
-cel

Mark 2 MANY OF "THOSE KIND" FOLLOW JESUS

Many tax collectors and notorious sinners follwed Jesus (2:15; also 3:8). These people would not be welcomed into most churches, and certainly wouldn't feel comfortable staying there! And yet the sinners found a friend in Jesus.

I'm reminded of the parables of the wheat and the tares; they grew up together and were not separated until the final harvest. Or of the dragnet, in which there were "keepers" and not; after the catch, they were sorted. Or the story about the wedding banquet; all people were compelled to come, and only after arriving were proper clothes required. Eventually there is a sorting. But not yet.

Many high-impact seeker churches today have been criticized because the impious are invited, and the worship changed to be in their ural language. Maybe they come and feel comfortable and stay, but are never really converted.

All things on this planet were made to be burned, including congregations and people. And when the fire comes, the building materials will become clear. Wood, hay and stubble will all be lost in the burning. But for now, the Lord's command is clear: "Let them grow up together, lest you ally uproot a good plant in removing the bad one." The final harvest will be plenty of judgment. I am just to invite, not to filter, at this point.

Jesus was the friend of sinners. He still is. At least for THIS sinner, He is.

"Thank You, LORD, that you befriend sinful people still today. I must confess that most days I have more in common with the notorious sinners than I do with the holy apostles. Forgive me again, and please let me continue to be with You, in spite of my unworthiness."
-ker

Mark 1 WHO IS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR?

John proclaimed a message of repentance, and told the people who came how to live practical righteous lives. But I notice the words of Isaiah: "Prepare the way OF THE LORD! Make straight in the desert a highway FOR OUR GOD." (1:3) The way is prepared for the Lord, for our God, not for us or even for the Kingdom.

Righteousness is not some self-improvement program. It is not designed to make me a better person, so that I can better enjoy life. No, righteous holiness is for GLORY!

Jesus said, "Let your deeds so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven." The point of good deeds is God's glory. Glory, glory everywhere!

"In my life, Lord, be glorified today."
-ker

BECOMING CONSUMED WITH THE GLORY OF GOD

The old chatechism begins, "What is the chief end of man?" The correct answer is, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I am not normally one to argue with a chatechism, considering that it was written by scholars far wiser and more careful than I. However, I humbly submit a variation on the Westminster Chatechism that works better for me:

My answer is, "The chief end of man is the glory of God." We do not exist primarily to "do" what will glorify God, but to be consumed by the very glory itself! I submit that God calls us to become enamored with His glory! Not a VISION of it (only). Not the CONCEPT of it (only). Not a DOCTRINE of it (only). Not the EXPERIENCE of it (only). Not even a MEDITATION upon it (only). But we are called to FOCUS ON JESUS (only!). He is the One in Whom we behold the glory of God. It's all about Jesus.

And so, like Moses, I say, "Now show me Your glory." Like the shepherds, I am surrounded by His glory. Like John, I say, "we beheld His glory, glory as the one and only Son of the Father." Like Paul, I am changed from glory to glory.

When I am consumed by the glory of God, I reflect the Gospel in all of my life (TRUTH). I live a life of prayer in communion with Him (PIETY). I publicly declare His glory in word and symbol (LITURGY). I know Him in His suffering, and resurrection (EXPERIENCE). I take on His character and imitate His values (ACTIONS).

When my will is gone, and my highest--and only--thought is for His glory--not for my safety or happiness, not my reputation or finances, not my career or friends or anything about my short time on earth, only the glory of God--then I have become consumed with His glory. Consumed with the cross. See it. Take it. Consumed with the current exalted position of Christ at the right hand of the Father. See it. Proclaim it. Consumed with His teachings. hear them. Live them. Consumed with the glory of God, which no man can see and live to tell.

"LORD, as a moth is inexorably drawn to a candle's flame, to be consumed by the very thing it wants, may I become consumed by my heart's greatest sole desire. You are my only true goal. Your glory. Nothing less will do, Father, Son and Spirit, eternal God, one without end. Amen."
-ker

Matthew 27 Sorrow versus Repentance

Judas betrayed Jesus. But that was not an unpardonable sin, any more than Peter's sin of denying Jesus was unpardonable. Judas saw what happened to Jesus, and he was "filled with remorse." (27:3) Peter also had wept bitterly over his sin. (26:75) What was the difference? Paul tells us that "godly sorrow leads to repentance," (2 Corinthians 10:7) while ungodly sorrow simply leads to remorse. Repentance leads to salvation, and mere remorse leads to death. How can I know the difference?

Evidently not through making restitution (only). Judas brought the money back, (27:3) so that he would not have the profit in his hands that he had made at Jesus' expense. Even when they refused it, he left it anyway. (27:5) It is good to restore what was taken, but that does not lead to salvation.

Evidently not through confessing sin (only), either. Judas confessed that he had betrayed an innocent man, (27:4) and that he had sinned. The Bible tells me that if I confess my sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness, (1 John 1:9) so it is good to confess, but that alone does not lead to salvation.

What Judas lacked was true repentance. Judas never turned around, didn't change direction, had no change of heart, refused to change. He felt incredible sorrow, but it only led to his death, not to salvation and life.

I see sorrowful people in the news nearly every day, people who have committed a crime and who, afterward, have felt very sorry. I have known several people who "find religion" the day before they go before the court to be sentenced for a wrongdoing. Many a preacher has gone to court with a new "convert" to testify to the genuine change of heart he sees. In my callousness, I see the predictable pattern, and I measure the fruit, and I say that most of those changes were shallow and temporary, brought on by the sorrow or fear of being punished, but no real change took place.

There have been many times in my life when I have also had remorse for sin. There have been many times when I have done wrong, and have said so. But in my confession, I have not changed. I really have no hope of never doing that thing again, because my past tells me I will fall again. Remorse without repentance is dead, being by itself, you might say.

"Oh, what a creep I am! Wretched man! I can't stand myself! I think everyone would just be better off without me. Maybe I should just kill myself to show how much I loathe myself." This is perhaps the most selfish cycle of thought possible! I heard it said somewhere that suicide is the most selfish act there is, and at the time it struck me as odd, because it seemed to be a self-hating act, not self-loving. Yet here I see that Judas was stuck in his own self-flaggelation, without ever looking to see where his help might come from.

Paul got to a similar place of loathing his sin in Romans 7, and at first he sounds much like the self-talk above: "Wretched man that I am!" But then he turns an all-important corner and asks, "Who will deliver me from this body of sin and death?" He looked unto the hills, and found that there was hope, not in himself trying to do better, but in the absolute forgiveness and merciful grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The answer to his question, "Who will deliver me?" is this: "Thanks be to God through Christ Jesus our Lord. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

Peter could have stayed in godless sorrow for his failure. But Jesus pursued His friend, gave him special word about His resurrection, told him ahead of time to focus on others, and at last fully restored him with three questions about Peter's love for Him (even though He called him by his old name Simon) and His calling on Peter's life. There was hope, there was a change, and there was healing. Peter always carried around invoice from his great debt to Jesus, and he regularly visited his hall of shame when telling his testimony. But that invoice of his great debt had PAID IN FULL written in bold, red letters across the sheet, and it looked vastly different now. It could have been that way for Judas, but Judas was selfish from the start and stayed that way, even in his confession.

"LORD, I can see it in Judas, and I don't want to be there in my own life. When I recognize sin, I want to confess it and make restitution, if possible, but with the aim of genuine repentance, not just feeling sorry (sorrow) for myself. Change my heart, O God, and make me new. Never let me stay wallowing in self-pity and self-loathing, but always look to You for my salvation. I accept Your offer through Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. Amen."
-ker

Did the Pharisees really believe they were doing the right thing? I often wonder about that. I suspect a lot of them were fully convinced they were doing what needed to be done- even if they DID have to bend or break rules to get "the right thing" done! I'm sure they had all kinds of excuses.
Then, I swing it around to present day, and wonder if we're doing the right thing in Christian circles with our actions in public. If I censure a book, is it because I fear and loathe it, or is it because God spoke to my heart over and over again, telling me to go public with the displeasure He has over the book's message? Is it my own righteousness, or God's?
Fear and pride are still the biggest destroyers in holy circles. This makes me anxious - and careful - lest I fall into constant assumption that I know what's best for our Lord and His people. I've often seen after the fact that I did a pointless thing for a pointless reason.........
Everything we do should be saturated in prayer... and we're all trying to remember that, moment by moment.
-cel

Matthew 26 Being in Tune with the Will of God

Jesus was in tune with the Scriptures and with His Father's heart, and He knew where He was going and how to get there. The Jewish religious leaders knew their Bibles, but they were completely out of touch with God's will. The disciples heard Jesus' words, knew the Scriptures, and yet they were caught completely flat-footed when the predictions were coming true around them. Nonetheless, the Sovereign One carried out His plans, in spite of the fact that Jesus passively followed it purposely and the leaders and disciples planned differently and actively followed it ignorantly.

Going into this chapter, by my count, Jesus has already told His disciples 8 times that He was going to Jerusalem to die. In this chapter, He tells them ten more times some particulars. "The Son of Man will be betrayed and crucified" (26:2) "she has [done this] to prepare my body for burial" (26:12) "one of you will betray me" (26:21) "The Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago" (26:24) "I will not drink wine again until I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom" (26:29) "Tonight, all of you will desert me" (26:31) "you will deny me three times" (26:34) "my soul is crushed with grief to the point of death" (26:38) "the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners" (26:45) "how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?" (26:54).

That all seems pretty morbid, Jesus! How do You get all of those bad things out of Scripture? Doesn't God want You happy, healthy, wealthy and healed? You haven't been listening to the preachers. They must know the will of God for You!

As a matter of fact, everyone else had his own plan for God's will. The religious leaders thought they knew God's will. They wanted to capture Jesus secretly and put him to death, but NOT during the Passover. (26:5) They wanted to put Him to death, not because He was the fulfillment of Scripture, but because they thought He was just the opposite! Judas offered to betray Him, and started looking for the right time and place. (26:16) Peter fully planned to never desert Jesus or to deny Him. He would go to the death for Him, and all the others made the same vow. (26:33-35)

The religious leaders, who prided themselves on doing things "right" according to the Book, found themselves breaking all of their own code. This unusual opportunity to arrest Jesus during the Passover came up, and in this exceptional emergency they "bent the rules" regarding meeting place (home of Caiaphas), meeting time (night), members (only the religious leaders), witnesses (trying to drum up two, had to bribe them to lie), having a jury (extracting a "confession" from Jesus negated the need), due process (beat and mock Him), etc. (26:57-68) Nonetheless, it was all that the Father had planned, down to the smallest details of time and words and place.

Peter, who claimed that he would die with Jesus, falls asleep and is completely out of touch with God's will, yet he finds himself being a player in this dramatic scene, as he denies his Master three times, in spite of his good intentions. (26:69-75)

We WILL DO God's will, because He is sovereign, even if our role is accidental in it. Peter, Judas, the Pharisees, and eventually Pilate, Herod and the soldiers, all fell right into line with the prophecies about Jesus. Jesus alone seemed to know what would happen, and yet He alone is passive in these scenes, as almost everything is done TO Him, and very little BY Him.

"LORD, I want to do Your will. I want to know Your will. I want to know Your Word, and to cooperate with You, so that You don't have to work in spite of me. And You don't need my invitation, but I invite You to work in spite of me when You need to. Do Your will in my family, among my neighbors, and in my church. I will to help You accomplish what You will do, through Your Sovereign acts, Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen."
-ker

Matthew 24-25 Saved From What?

Jesus says that "Those who endure to the end will be saved." (24:13) What did Jesus mean by being "saved?" It's one of those words used often by evangelicals, when we ask someone on the street corner, "Are you saved?" But in these two chapters, there are several warnings Jesus Himself gave to tell me what to be saved from. It's chilling to see the alternative.

First, I am to be saved from the "wrath to come." Jesus says that Jerusalem will be left "empty and desolate." (23:38) He says that the temple buildings will be completely demolished, so that "not one stone is left on top of another." (24:2) He says that when the abomination of desolation is in the Holy Place, (24:15) that everyone should flee, and that it will be a time of "greater horror than anything the world has ever seen or will ever see again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, the entire hyman race will be destroyed." (24:21,22) Almost certainly, this warning has to do with the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, which occured in A.D. 70. Many Christians saw the signs coming and fled Jerusalem, and therefore were saved!

But there's another, more eternal, meaning. We commonly refer to it as hell. Here's what Jesus said about it:

"He will tear the servant apart and banish him with the hypocrites. In that place there wil be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (24:51)

"...the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked." (25:10)

"Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (25:30)

"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons!" (25:41)

"And they will go away into eternal punishment...." (25:46)

This is by no means a complete study on the subject of hell. But it is enough for me to see that Jesus believed there was definitely something to be saved FROM, as well as saved TO. I want to go to heaven, but I also am motivated to avoid hell, this locked door, this outer darkness, this banishment from the Presence, this eternal fire, this eternal punishment.

"LORD, I thank You for Your great and precious promises, as well as for these strong and stern warnings. I look forward to eternity, because I will spend it with You, in Your presence. And I can make this bold claim because of the blood of Jesus, not because of any righteous merit of my own. Thank You for giving us Your masterful Book, which condemns me as a hypocrite in one chapter, and warns me of judgment in the next. Jesus, I fall upon You, I stand under Your blood to plead for me, and I fully trust in Your salvation. Hallelujah!"
-ker

Welcome to Ken's self-flagellation (sp?)- feel free to grab a chain and join in the fun, yourself.............

I'm trying hard to get past the focusing-on-self(ish) thing, even to my focusing so much on my shortcomings- it isn't just self-love that has to be watched.
I was realizing how very bad I was, when it suddenly dawned on me that I should be focusing on God's goodness, and not on my grittiness. I had read something like that somewhere, can't remember where...

But it's easier said than done. And I guess it's ok to take a good long look at self now and then, just as a reminder that God is God and I am not. For obvious reason, one being that I'm not sure how to spell "flagellation".
-cel

Matthew 23 The Evil of Religious Hypocrisy

Jesus said that I should listen to the teachers of the law and the keepers of the law (Pharisees) because they are in the seat of Moses ("official interpreters of Scripture" NLB). (23:2) Apparently, they had rightful authority, and heeding someone with authority is good. However, don't follow their example, for they don't practice what they preach. (23:3) Jesus has nothing good to say about them, and plenty of bad to say to them. What could be so bad about people who are good preachers and Bible students?

In a word: hypocrisy. Hypocrites have the worst place in hell, according to 24:51. Everything is a pretense, but inside they are corrupt. Wait a minute. My theology tells me that EVERYONE is corrupt inside! So what's the problem with these guys? What Jesus can't stomach is those who THINK or ACT LIKE they are holier than others. Yes, they are bad. It's good that I am not like them! But a reflective reading makes me see that I fit many of the descriptions here.

Have I ever counseled anyone to fix their souls with impossible religious demands (pray more, memorize Scripture, be sexually pure, give up those bad habits), but never lifted a finger to help them get out from under the weight? Do I live my "professional" Christian life for show, to appear holy? Perhaps I carry my Bible and wear holy clothes, or have a holy hair cut, and I love to go first in line at church potlucks because I am important, and to sit at the speaker's table at banquets. I enjoy getting attention in public, and they enjoy titles. "Hey, Doctor Read!" the college students yell. "He's the most holy man I know," they say to one another, and I revel in the reputation. Notice the words "appear," "love" and "enjoy." Where is my heart? (23:4-7)

By my public posturing, I train others at the college to be like I am. They learn to carry themselves in a way that makes them look sincere, to act in ways that will get them hired as ministers, and to influence others through manipulation, just as I do. I train them to exalt themselves on their resumes, just as I exalt myself in my monthly prayer updates, or my daily blogs! (23:8-15)

I live as if a Bible college building or a church building is more holy than another place in life when I tell children to behave differently in one place than in another. When I emphasize the budget needs of the church, but don't love the kids in the neighborhood, I completely miss the heart of God. (23:16-24)

On the outside and in public, I appear to be a man of God. But what I don't show is that I am full of greed and self-indulgence on the inside. I say things to keep my friends, or my job, or to look acceptable in the eyes of others, but my very motive is all wrong, wanting to impress (or spiritually compete with) my friends. In my case, often I take a different route than the common party line, by starting a non-traditional (read "better") church or program, but it is still out of the motive of show. For me, it's all about winning, isn't it? I take a different path to show that mine is better. (23:25-28)

I can say, "It's a good thing I'm not like those Pharisees! They had Jesus killed, and I'm not like that!" But in saying it, I identify the very heart of THEIR sin, but don't recognize it as MY OWN. The inside of my cup is dirty, my interior life is full of deception, even self-deception, and I can't even recognize it in myself, because I like to think of myself as a "good" person. (23:29-35)

This is the worst sin of all; it is the sin of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy keeps most of the people in the world far away from the church. Worse yet, it keeps most of the church out of heaven! In 24:50-51 Jesus says that those who oppress others, party and get drunk will be banished WITH THE HYPOCRITES, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. How ironic that the ones whose behavior I judge the most will be joining me in hell, if I do not repent and diligently guard the doors of my heart.

"LORD, occasionally I have recognized hypocrisy in myself, but mostly I have seen it in others. Forgive me for judging, when I am full of dead men's bones myself. Cleanse me, Holy Spirit! Renew a right spirit within me, and let me seek true service to others, and not just outward appearances. I confess my spiritual pride, and my competitiveness that makes me want to maintain a good reputation as a holy man. Just let me be your servant without a thought of me. I'd rather be a doorkeeper in Your house than to be honored among the ungodly. Make me Yours."
-ker

Matthew 22 It's All for Jesus

Viewing Matthew chapter 22 through the lens of worship generates some new insights for me. For the moment, I'm somewhat ignoring the context in order to point out the supremacy of Christ in the Gospel. It is in every story, every answer and every Scripture.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who prepared a great wedding feast FOR HIS SON. (22:2) I had never dwelt on who the wedding feast was "for" before. Heaven, the kingdom, the church, and my life is for the pleasure of the Son. Of course, using this illustration in a slightly different way, I am the bride as well as a guest, but the wedding is mostly for Him, not for me.

Everyone, both good and bad, was invited to the feast, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came into the banquet, he was looking for those who had the proper clothes. (22:11) This is my responsibility to live a HOLY LIFE. If the feast is for the Son, then my behavior should not be self-serving, as if the party were for me. Being able to stay at the party (for eternity) requires that I honor the Son by my lifestyle of worship.

Should we pay taxes to Caesar or not? When Jesus answers the question, the second half of his sentence is, "But everythingthat belongs to God must be given to God." (22:21) What belongs to God? Everything, ultimately. My acceptable act of worship is to GIVE HIM what is due; my money, my obedience, my respect, my adoration, my will.

The Sadduccees ask Jesus about the resurrection after death. The center of Jesus' answer to them involves the name of God: He says, "I AM the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (22:32) Since God's name is a verb(!), and that verb is in present tense, that means that God always is. In this context, it also means that dead saints are still alive with Him.

Next comes the question, "What is the most important command?" Without hesitation, Jesus says that the most important thing in life is worship: "You must LOVE THE LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." (22:37) Loving God is the most important thing. Bar none. That may be the center of worship.

Lastly, Jesus asks about the relationship of David to the Messiah. Messiah must be the son of David. And yet Jesus says that under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Jesus believed that the OT was inspired!) he calls his son "my Lord." (22:44) Jesus is both the son of and the Lord of David. JESUS IS GOD!

So, I see a rather complete description of worship in this chapter. Jesus is the center of the church, I honor Him by living a holy life, I must give God what belongs to Him, God and His saints live forever, the most important thing is that I love God, and Jesus is God. Lots of songs come to mind, but songs aren't the center of the Gospel; JESUS IS!

"LORD, in all Your glory, You created me for one purpose, and that purpose is You. Let me exist for You, let me give to You, let me live with You, let me love You, let me know You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God without end. Amen."
-ker