Joshua 14 - Caleb Receives His Inheritance

Joshua 14

Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt (become demoralized) with fear, but I (Caleb) followed the Lord my God fully. (v. 8) 

Message: Caleb Receives His Inheritance

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 12 is a list of the kings that were defeated - describing land to the east and the west within Canaan that had been defeated. Not all of the land is mentioned as being conquered, but enough for the people to have success. Thus, the reason for chapter 13 and specifying the land not defeated. The promise for land remains though and is mentioned in Chapter 13. This chapter also references the tribe of Levi and how their inheritance is not land, but the Lord himself. To the majority of Israel is land, but to the tribe of Levi, not land. 

Now to Chapter 14:
1 - the land inherited (apportioned by Eleazar, Joshua)
2 - commanded through Moses

3 - not to the Levites

4 - the inheritance to 2 tribes (Manasseh and Ephraim) and half-tribe

5 - sons of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses

6 - Now the sons of Judah - Caleb said

7 - Caleb was 40 when sent by Moses to spy out the land

8 - Many people melt with fear, but I followed the Lord fully

9 - Moses swore to me land as an inheritance because I followed

10 - The Lord has let me live now 45 years and I am now 85

11 - I am still strong now

12 - Give me this hill country before me now

13 - Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him the land of Hebron

14 - Because he followed the Lord God of Israel fully

15 - Hebron had rest now from war

Interesting verses. There is land inherited but not to the Levites. It seems 14:1-5 is a quick overview of this and the inheritance is detailed back in Chapter 13 verses 8-33. This was land not conquered or listed in Chapter 12. Thus, this land (east of the Jordan River) is still part of Israel and is recognized as being distributed to 2 1/2 tribes. With the land to the east distributed, now it is mentioned the land west of the Jordan River that had been conquered. To Caleb he received a specific land - Hebron. Why? Because he followed the Lord God fully for 45 years. 

The choice of Caleb is not clear. He was chosen to spy out the land by Moses. He wasn't the only one. Numbers 13 mentions someone from every tribe and Caleb is mentioned in verse 6, from the tribe of Judah. The difference with Caleb is someone that believed Moses and that the land would be conquered while the other spies did not. Numbers 13:20-21, "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us." Caleb believed and had confidence. And because of this Caleb and his faithfulness is chosen as the first to receive territory. 

I wonder if this is all foreshadowing the future reward of heaven. God chose people, the 12 tribes and promised them temporal land in Canaan. Promised to Moses but he did not fulfill in his lifetime, but instead given to Joshua, who still led by God was able to conquer. 

What I do know is I am to be like Caleb and believe God and trust in Him and do this to the fullest of my ability. 

Summary: Land is given to 2 and a half tribes east of the Jordan River. To the west, the first land allotted is to Caleb, a man who followed the Lord God fully. 

Promise: Everything we have comes from the hand of God. I am to believe God and trust in His promises. I owe everything to Him. 

Prayer: O God, I love the simple truth here, the simple obedience and the great reminder to know You God fully. Thank you for people like Caleb and so many others in my life. Like my mom. I thank you for her commitment and her faithfulness to follow You all the days of her life - fully. These are my mentors and those that I want to emulate. Thank you for your great promises and what is afforded to me in believing in You and living for you to the fullest. Lord, I pray that Your Spirit will continue to speak to me and give me wisdom and understanding. Help me to have confidence in You and to be an ambassador for you and stand up for You, like Caleb did, as a minority. It is wonderful to be in your presence and to be by Your side always from now to eternity. It is hard for me to fathom, but I trust You. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 21:20-24 - Peter Asks about John

John 21:20-24

20 Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

Message: Peter Asks about John

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: In the last passage Peter's life is contrasted, from the beginning of his life when he is young and ambitious and has the world before his eyes, to the end of his life when Jesus foretold his death as a martyr. And also in speaking this he remarks about how there is a way of life that is outside of our control that we don't control. This is death but other things as well. There is a trust that occurs in life in outcomes. We can try to control things and do things to the best of our ability but at some point things are not in our control and will happen differently. 

We were with some friends the other night and talked to them about how they met. It was an interesting story and how the gal had seen a picture of the guy and he came for a visit and he thought that she was close friends with his brother and wife and the guy wasn't real impressed with the character of his brother's wife (they would later divorce). It wasn't until they had an argument that the gal revealed she doesn't really know his brother's wife. And this then made the guy see the gal in a whole new light. In way, God used an argument or some fighting to open the eyes of two people in a new way. 3 days later, spending time together, they left each other with a confidence and idea that they would always be together. 

There are some things in life we control and some things we don't control. What we control is how we live and respond to situations. It is important to be committed to God, to something outside of our marriage. And trust that God will always be working on our mate. It is important I think to always be in church together, in small group community, in finding ways to do things together - like riding bikes or working in the yard, or going to the gym or even watching TV. And praying. Not that we are perfect in those things always, but striving to do those things together. 

In this passage we have Peter being told to follow Jesus and now Jesus wonders what will happen to John. A comparison occurs by Peter. He has just found out his outcome and he immediately now wonders what will happen to John. His fate is known, but he now looks to his brother. That sibling rivalry which happened with Cain and Abel, which God addresses in his commandment of coveting. And now Peter brings it up. What about John? Peter has just found out about his life and he has been told he needs to simply Follow Jesus and trust Jesus and his first reaction is, "What about John?" 

Now John has started following Jesus and Peter. Jesus has been speaking to Peter, providing specific language to Peter about his life and beckoning Him to follow and John hears this and through the working of another person in His life, follows. John isn't told something directly but he still follows. 

However, maybe Peter had the best in mind for his brother and maybe he wants to make sure that John's future is also under God's control. It is interesting that in Peter referring to John he quotes from the last last supper time when John asked Jesus about Judas as Jesus predicted also the future of one who will betray. That is how Peter brings up John. 

And then Peter asks, "what about this man?” Interesting here. Peter wants to know his brother's outcome. His intention is not clear for asking this question - perhaps he is comparing and perhaps he is concerned about his brother. Jesus responds in verse 22 that his outcome or his future is really not a concern to Peter. We need to take care of ourselves and trust that God knows the best for others. Jesus reminds Peter of his calling to "Follow Me." 

In verse 24 is the reminder that the words spoken in this book are the words of John, the disciple immediately in question in previous verses by Peter. 

Summary: Peter asks about the outcome of John and Jesus assures him that his outcome is known and under His control and Peter needs to simply Follow Him. 

Promise: As we follow the Lord where He has placed us, He will bless us and give us the strength to remain true to Him. 

Prayer: Father, thank you for your great love. I follow You. I follow You Lord and thank you for blessing me with peace and life today. You are the great God. You are living in Me and I pray that I would honor You with my life and you would strengthen me always each day in my endeavors. Help me to not get off course, looking to my right or left but stay focused on You always. Thank you for the blessing of those around me, like my wife and giving me that great gift. Help us to be focused on one another and always committed to You. Be glorified in all we do and say. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 21:18-19 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Martyrdom

John 21:18-19

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” 19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!”

Message: Jesus Predicts Peter's Martyrdom

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, I looked at the words from Jesus to question Peter and his commitment to the Lord and the challenge or call to tend His sheep, to care for those that have been called into the family of God. John is recording Jesus and his conversation with Peter. 

The Gospel of Matthew records 5 verses following Jesus' resurrection focusing on the Great Commission we take application to as well for us and all Christians - to go and make disciples. The Gospel of Mark is similar in it with the number of words, but adds a little more information. It also emphasizes preaching the gospel. And then after speaking to the disciples he leaves to heaven, ascending. The Gospel of Luke also says something similar, and it has a little more information. The word choices in Luke are a little different mentioning that "repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations." But the Gospel of John spends two chapters - John 20 and John 21 talking about his resurrection - speaking more of Jesus to the disciples, to a small group and to Peter more specifically - which I am studying right now. 

The words of Jesus here are I suppose somber. Jesus speaks words to Peter - proclaiming his life to him before his eyes - speaking a truth that when he was younger, he did as he wished but at some point someone else will make the decision on his end - meaning he will be martyred. In the meantime, "Follow me." As I recall, they are sitting by the fire that Jesus prepared to serve the fish that He provided through their catch. They are together again. This chapter 21 speaks much of Jesus' encounter with Peter. 

A few thoughts - Jesus speaks about Peter's youth. Alexander Maclaren mentions that in our youth there is a zeal for life and achievement and accomplishment. There is a hope and sometimes we do things also by not thinking twice, but simply going forward. There is a self-reliant confidence which is truly a blessing of early days. But Jesus then provides a sharp contrast from this to the end of life. The reality is there are stronger forces that determine a person's life that their own will and wish. A patience acceptance of the inevitable results, as in, "someone else will gird you." 

Maclaren says, So ‘when thou shalt be old’ your fancy will be gone, your physical strength will be gone, your freshness will be gone, your faculty of hoping will work feebly and have little to work on; on earth your sense of power will be humbled, and yet you will not want to be borne to the place whither you must be borne.

Life begins with a zeal and then in our lives we discover that we are not in control. And then Jesus reminds us of the full meaning of life, of the complete peace that we can have. "Follow me." It is what makes us complete and completely blessed. None of us will ever be solitary if stepping in Christ's footsteps. But we don't simply follow Him because He is a great example, a one-of-a-kind Companion, or the Commander of our life. I follow Him because He went to the cross for me, and all of my hope is in Him because of this. 

Summary: Jesus contrasts the life of Peter from his youthful days to the end of his life, whether he feels life to be certain or not, says that he should follow Him. 

Promise: From Maclaren, "if we follow Jesus, we shall put our hands quietly and trustfully into His, as a little child does into its mother’s soft, warm palm, and shall not ask whither He leads, assured that since it is He who leads we shall be led aright."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for followers of You that have preceded me and You have illuminated their words and given them understanding of You. I thank you for Alexander Maclaren and the way his words help give me understanding into Your truth. But thank you Jesus for speaking to Peter the way you have and giving me the opportunity to hear His words. You are over all of my life and I do follow You, finding true peace and amazement continually that you came to earth, and went to die for me. You bring me peace. Your my gravity. You are the air I breathe. Nothing can separate me from You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Various Scriptures - What it Means to Grow in Holiness

Luke 16:16

The Law and the Prophets [were proclaimed] until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.

Message: Life Coram Deo

What the Lord is Saying: Now to study sanctification—setting us apart as God’s holy people, pleasing God and enabling us to do what He approves of. Grace dominates and fuels the Christian; the Christian life is a race (Hebrews 12:1-2); and we are to fight against the spiritual powers of the devil. Protestant reforms described to live Coram Deo as "before the face of God." We are to be intense in our desires and acts of service in committing to follow God. We are not trying to earn any favor from God, but instead have a love of gratitude for God always for sacrifice of Jesus and the work of the Spirit in our lives to make us like Christ. 

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Matthew 5:20

For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Message: True Righteousness

What the Lord is Saying: As we live, we must value righteousness. In life there is a legal righteousness which meeting the perfect standard of God's justice. This righteousness meets all of the demands of the law - and is imputed to us when we believe in Jesus, his righteousness or perfect obedience is put on our record and in the heavenly courtroom we are declared perfectly righteous. Practical righteousness however is a daily work to love God, obey Him and repent when we fall short. This could be what is talked about in today's passage, as the scribes and Pharisees were more concerned of keeping the law while the follower of Jesus is focused on the heart and doing good out of the gratitude of the heart - and this moves us toward sanctification.  

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John 7:7

The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.

Message: Our Enemy the World

What the Lord is Saying: As Christians, we need to have a single minded desire for Holiness. A desire to live in practice to have a desire each day for obedience but also internally, a love for God and neighbor. We need to fight each day as well to fend off the foes in our lives that are wanting to take our desires off of Christ - the world, our flesh, the devil. The world represents the people in the world that because of the Fall have been infected with pride, lust, and all manner of godliness. These people hate Christ and those united to Him by faith alone. They may not necessarily persecute us but they do want to infect us with its values. Thus, the world does not have a love for God and the things of God, but there is a non-biblical ideal they have. So we as Christians are called to preach the message of the Gospel, the good news, to this fallen world. We live in the world, but we are not of the world. We resist it by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

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Romans 8:1-11

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Message: Our Enemy the Flesh

What the Lord is Saying: There is a lust that we have somewhat instinctively for the flesh and the desires of the flesh. God gives us an affection for godliness, but still we are drawn ourselves to sin - temptation that the world offers to us so freely and easily. Often Christians or religious people will being to outlaw behaviors of the flesh such as movies, dancing, alcohol, cards, and other things such as public schools. But their are harder works of the flesh such as envy, covetousness, discontentment, unjust hatred, and other inward affections that are often just as difficult, if not more to avoid. This lust grabs me I know. Even the old movies I watch can pull me away. I think it is hard at times to differentiate between the lust of the flesh and good things that I could simply do with my time. 

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2 Corinthians 11:14-15

14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

Message: Our Enemy the Devil

What the Lord is Saying: Satan, the devil is a fallen angel who has rebelled against God and sought to enlist others in his cause. Satan is not mentioned much today as a cause for opposition to God's ways. Others in the past have spoken of Satan like Martin Luther wrote often of his battles with the devil. The word says they disguise themselves as angels of light. Satan will twist the truth. We need to remain focused on God's truth and His word. 

Summary: We are to be intense in our desire to follow God, valuing righteous living and to resist the schemes of the flesh, Satan and the world. 

John 16:16-19 - The Disciples' Confusion

John 16:16-19

16 “A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” 17 Some of His disciples then said to one another, “What is this thing He is telling us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, “Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me’?

Message: The Disciples' Confusion

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: If anything, it seems Jesus is speaking to the disciples in simple ways in hopes that they will understand him, but despite this they remain confused as he gives this final discourse to them. And yet Jesus is not telling them clearly where He is going. Simple describes his vocabulary, but clearly describes specifics. He said to them in John 13:14, "Little children, I am with you a little while longer....Where I am going, you cannot come." Here he is speaking of being glorified in which He knows He will be ascending to God in heaven after dying on the cross for all sins. He will bear the punishment of all sin, being our atonement. In 13:36 He says, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow later." He is going to heaven and at some point the disciples will be with Jesus in heaven as well and then He mentions His Father's house in 14:2. 

It is normal for the disciples to want to know all the specifics when Jesus makes these statements. I am the same way today. We are the same way today. We want to know it all. We aren't ready to behold only some of the details. God wants us to trust him, but many don't want to trust God because they expect to know everything, to get every question answered. We know a great deal and we know that when we have faith in Him and believe in Him he hears us and saves us. We know these things. 

When I look at today's passage, Jesus is either talking about His death and resurrection or maybe He is simply speaking about His crucifixion from the time He is captured to seeing Jesus on the cross. I am not sure. Jesus is going to change before their eyes. And what we need to do is trust Him. Most likely based upon the next verses He is talking about His coming death on the cross. Coming alongside the disciples I need to trust Him. 

Summary: Jesus is telling the disciples He is departing to a place they cannot see Him, but they will see Him again another time, another place. And we can trust Jesus without knowing all the details.

Promise: In times of uncertainty, I need to come to God and let him know I am confused and ask Him to comfort, not necessarily to get all the answers, but to place our faith in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, I trust You and I thank you for giving me clarity often with the details of my life, but if I don't understand it all, then let me still trust You and believe in You. You have not let me down and You have promised me eternity and so therefore I can trust You for that. I am your follower and am grateful for things that I do know yet still. Thank you for speaking to me and revealing things to me. I remain close to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 13:36-38 - Peter's Overconfidence

John 13:36-38

36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” 37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times."

Message: Peter's Overconfidence

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 36 seems to begin where verse 33 left off when Jesus said, "Where I am going, you cannot come." Peter is not understanding Jesus and wants to go with Him. Jesus seems to be mentioning his ascension after His death to the Father. Peter is confident in his surrender to the Lord, but Jesus now once again, as in showing the betrayal of Judas, predicts also the denial by Peter of Jesus that will occur 3 times before the rooster will crow. 

Previously in John 10:11 mentioned that as the Good Shepherd He will lay down His life for His sheep. And in other places there is the prediction that Jesus will one day die. It is said that Peter is sort of a spokesman for the other disciples often. He speaks here wondering where Jesus is going and wants to go with him, but Jesus confirms that Peter cannot come. Peter does not really understand what Jesus is doing yet. I am sure I would not understand either at this time if I was in the same place as Peter and the other disciples. Jesus also mentions thought that one day Peter will go where he is going, "you will follow later." As such Jesus is confirming that Peter will be with him one day in heaven. 

But in response to this now, Peter is not listening well. He wants something and Jesus' reply is not holding weight to what he wants. He states that he will lay down his life for Jesus. He will follow Jesus even to death. Peter has a devotion to the Lord that is clear even when he does not necessarily understand all that Jesus is saying. Peter has a willingness to follow Jesus. The disciples left everything to follow Jesus initially and this unreserved devotion to Him continues here. They have had a willingness to follow Him and that resolve has not changed. 

Yet, Jesus sees something that Peter does not see. Despite the fact that Peter seems to be expressing a heartfelt commitment to follow, Jesus knows something about Peter that he doesn't know: that Peter will deny Jesus when put to the test. Jesus conveys this information to Peter. Jesus makes a statement and yet it doesn’t change the fact that Peter will still deny him. If someone told me something that I was embarrassed by that was going to happen, I would think I might try to make sure it doesn’t happen. And yet it still happens.

It’s also really hard to be critical of Peter, because I might hope that I would respond differently given the situation, yet it’s not until I’ve been placed in that situation that I would know for sure. 

Summary: Simon wants to follow Jesus and go where He goes when He is glorified, but Jesus lets him know that He will come later, but first Peter will deny Jesus 3 times. 

Promise: We dare not trust in ourselves but only in the power of Christ to keep us faithful to Him. Let us ask Him this day to make us persevere.

Prayer: O Lord, I pray that I am a faithful follower of You all of my days. And yet Lord, I am concerned of my own failure and the way I might deny You given a circumstance. I pray that I am not like that and that instead I make you known always. Thank you for these words though it is hard for me to hear them about Peter. Thank You for Your great love. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 6:60-65 - Grumbling and Disbelief

John 6:60-65

60 Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" 61 But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble? 62 What then if you should behold the Son of Man ascending where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65 And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father." 

Message: Grumbling and Disbelief

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus has met with the multitudes and the Jews in the synagogue, declaring that He is the bread of life, sent by the Father and people are to receive Him, like they receive and eat bread. They are to eat of Him, taking Him in, believing in Him and they will receive eternal life. We are to be a people that believes, but also receive and abide in Him and make Christ number one in our lives always. 

Some disciples who had been following him came to him also and mentioned that the words Jesus has been saying are hard words. Now these do not seem to be the same 12 disciples, for in verse 67 Jesus will refer to the 12 after these disciples had left. I remember studying John 2 at the end of the chapter and those that believed in His name and yet Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew them and knew was in them. They were paying lip service possibly to God and not really believing in Him. That passage is a rather haunting one. It is just not clear what sort of disciples these are as they are called "His disciples" also referenced in John 2:2 at the wedding in Galilee. Either way, at this moment Jesus knew that the disciples were grumbling or realizing that what Jesus was saying was difficult. Maybe these are a people that believe in Jesus but when it comes to following Him have different ideas. 

I think of people I encounter in my work life and even when we would talk to people at the mall, sharing the gospel and at times discovered people that believed Jesus and believed in Him and knew that he had lived, died and rose again. They understand the meaning of Christmas and Easter, but honestly, as I stare at their lives, their habits, what comes out of their mouths, and their lifestyles, I do not see a people that seems to follow the Lord and yet they see in me someone who does or tries. They mention this. They call me a religious person. 

Jesus recognizes this perhaps as well in the disciples here. They are grumbling at what He is saying about eating and taking in Christ as we do our daily bread, making Him not simply a belief but part of our life, abiding in Him -- and they struggle with this and Jesus counters that if they struggle with those words they perhaps the Father has not truly called them. 

Back in verse 44 Jesus said, "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him." And now Jesus further expands on this by first remarking that these are people that won't be able to understand higher things like Jesus ascending to Heaven (after His resurrection) - "What then if you should behold the Son of Man ascending where He was before?" And then He further speaks of the reason they are not understanding: Verse 63, "It is the Spirit who gives life." Going back to John 3 and his reference to being born again and in verse 5 and 6 remarks that one must be "born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God." And verse 6 and verse 8 mention being "born of the Spirit." What an alarming statement that Man must be rescued and called by the Spirit of God. 

And in verse 63 He says, "The words I have spoke to you are spirit and are life, but there are some of you who do not believe." Again, Jesus is using the word believe as He has used it before, but as Jesus continues to communicate and we see that there is more to His words than we initially see. It seems here this is heard again. Jesus is saying that if you are listening and can't understand and your belief is not simply one time belief but transformation belief, abiding in Him belief, then you are not really believers of Him. And verse 66 will show this as "many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore." Whoa. They left. They heard the message. They realized they were not willing to go the extra mile and be the complete believer in Christ and they left. It is like instead of having an altar call in church, we turn to people and say, "Do you need to leave?" Are you really a believer in Christ that wants to follow Him will all of your life, in all of your ways? Are you that kind of believer? Or are you the kind that likes the simple message, the fancy show, but in actuality you do not want to follow Him with your entire life? What kind of believer are we really? A true believer hopefully. One who accepts what Jesus says always. And eats, taking Him in as we take bread into our mouth and stomach so we can live. 

Verse 66 - "His disciples withdrew." Christians left church. 

Summary: True followers of Christ are true believers, that have been drawn by the Father, the Spirit gives them life, and they understand all that Jesus is saying to them. 

Promise: True believers stand on every word that God says, made alive in Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, we are to be true believers. I am to be a true believer and stand on every word that you say. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.  

John 1:47-51 - Seeing the Way of Salvation

John 1:47-51

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Message: Seeing the Way of Salvation

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus has left Nazareth and now is in Galilee. Andrew and John, Peter and Phillip and Nathanael. And in this passage today is a conversation between Jesus and Nathanael. Jesus and Nathanael see one another and acknowledge one another, and in the process acknowledge some things. Nathanael is probably coming to get to know Jesus a little better and figure out who He is. Nathanael is an Israelite. 

Nathanael is startled a little because Jesus already knows who He is and had seen him prior. It is not clear if Jesus is showing his all-knowing attributes here or maybe he did see him previously. And yet in Nathanael's response he believed there was something supernatural by what Jesus had done. 

Nathanael calls Jesus King of Israel, Son of God. This is one more title or name given Jesus so far in this book (Word, Light, One, Him, Son of God, Lamb of God). And then Jesus utters a phrase he will repeat often, "Do you believe?" Believe is really the major crux of Jesus. Do people believe in Him? 

And Jesus is remarking one of the first steps of discipleship and that is believe. We must believe before we can trust. 

And Jesus lets him know that as Nathanael is with Jesus and follows Him, then Nathanael will see things, great things, like the heavens open and the angels of God ascending and descending. Being with Jesus will be greater than anything. 

In those words is something interesting as well from Jesus, "You will see." It is repeated twice, in verse 50 and 51. Philip in the previous lesson said to Nathanael, "Come and see." The promise we have with Jesus is to come and see and we will see. Life will be much fuller and complete once we see and behold Jesus, The Spirit illuminates us and gives us understanding and then in Christ we see more than we could have dreamed. It is not that we need to have a major illumination or experience. But it is simply trusting in Him and being guided by Him that we see that life is full and complete. 

And in addition, Jesus says, "You will see greater things than these." This is a great promise from God. I had great joy at my salvation. I often listen or hear the song from Edin Adahl, "Bring back the joy of my salvation" and yet the longer I am following Jesus, the greater it is. Upon salvation, it is only the beginning. The more I am in fellowship with the Lord and see Him in creation, in people, in all things, my faith multiplies and I see and behold Him more and more. And Jesus seems to be expressing this to Nathanael that today is only the beginning. We always have hope for tomorrow, for the future. He promises us heaven and eternal life. We know life will only improve in Christ. 

In these words, Jesus proclaims something significant and that is he is the one who intercedes or go between heaven and earth on behalf of sinful man. 

Alexander Maclaren states on this:

He makes a mightier claim than any that they had dreamed of, and proclaims Himself to be the medium of all communication and intercourse between heaven and earth: ‘Hereafter ye shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’

Christ is the ladder between heaven and earth and so he is the way of salvation. This appears to be a direct reminder of Jacob's Ladder whereby it joins heaven and earth. And the Son of Man is present between heaven and earth, bridging the gap. He is going to heaven and coming back for Man so as to take to heaven. 

Note: My understanding and writings today come from Alexander Maclaren who I really enjoy reading. 

Summary: Jesus proclaims that is present between heaven and earth, going back and forth, taking His people to heaven from earth, back and forth. We see him. We believe. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "On this side of heaven, the greatest thing we can see is Jesus as the way of salvation. Seeing and believing in Him is the only way to heaven."

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this passage and for Alexander Maclaren and the gifts you gave him to preach and teach Your words. I love to read him and understand so very well what you have done for me. You changed this text before me after a first reading and made it come alive, in seeing you and believing in You and giving me hope for the future. Thank you for Your promises and the joy in knowing You. Thank you for the hope we have for the future and for constantly renewing our hope and keeping me excited about tomorrow. 

John 1:43-46 - Good from Nazareth

John 1:43-46

43 The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Message: Good from Nazareth    

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: For the first time in the book of John and in John's writing we now have the work of Jesus. Up to this point there has been an introductory statement showing Jesus as the Word, the Light, that He was in the beginning at creation and is God. And the Word became flesh. Jesus, in the beginning, became flesh, and dwelt among us or lived on this earth. No one has seen God, but Jesus is here to explain Him. John, in his writing, has established that John the Baptist, in coming as a forerunner to introduce people to Jesus, namely the Jewish people, is only about Jesus. John did not come as the Christ or a prophet or Elijah, but he came as a witness of Jesus Christ and to preach repentance for the forgiveness of people's sins and baptize them. Jesus is the Lamb of God who forgives sin. In the temple, forgiveness occurred annually on the day of atonement, but now forgiveness is through the Lamb of God who will atone for sin, once for all. 

This is Jesus. He is God. He comes to earth to dwell with us and in Him there is forgiveness so we can all be right with God and we are to follow Him all of our days. 

Before this, Andrew and possibly John, the writer, followed Jesus but now Jesus says to Philip, "Follow me." And Philip locates Nathaniel to tell him about Jesus, the one that the Moses and the Law of Prophets wrote about. Let's "come and see."  

Jesus is headed to Galilee where He will do much of His ministry. Nathaniel remarks, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Nazareth was an insignificant and despised town. And so Jesus coming from Nazareth sparked wonder as people wondered what good come come from that town. Yet, Jesus being despised is something mentioned in Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 53:1-3) and among the people of the day who will be witnesses of Jesus. 

Also, it is through Nathanael is the same person as Bartholomew and one of Jesus' twelve disciples. 

Summary: Come and see Jesus and follow, something good to come from Nazareth. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We must measure greatness and success according to God’s standards, not the standards of this world."

Prayer: O God, thank you for rising me up this morning and giving me understanding of Your Word. I think of my son Derek and his friend Cameron this morning arriving in Philadelphia after being re-routed on a plan and now on a train to New York. Thank you for keeping him safe on this journey. And thank you for calling me to Follow You. I pray Cameron and Derek will follow you as well all the days of their lives. May people see the significance of following You. Thank you for the message of Your Gospel and helping me understand it. Give me a thirst for speaking truth and sharing truth with others. Help me to learn how to start conversations and be bold for You. I want to be like Andrew and Philip and tell people about You. Give me wings to fly. 

John 1:35-39 - Becoming Disciples of Jesus

John 1:35-39

35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

Message: Becoming Disciples of Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: John repeats the words he spoke in verse 29 when "he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" This time in front of two of his disciples -- "Behold, the Lamb of God!". His eyes focused on Jesus. The disciples heard and followed Jesus as well, wondering where He was staying. 

John clearly is communicating here that the chief reason for Jesus coming is to take away sin. His first mention of Jesus is him being the Lamb of God. This seems to be the central idea about Jesus that we need to remember. 

The previous process for the removal of sin was cumbersome. The temple or tabernacle was built for this purpose. There were 3 parts to the tabernacle - Most Holy Place (the top of the mountain), Holy Place (side of the mountain), and Courtyard (foot of the mountain). The Priests were made holy before entering the Holy Place past a curtain or veil. The sacrifice was made and then the priests were daubed with blood from sacrifices to be cleansed from defilement of sin. Every day, twice a day, they had to be re-consecrated to be in the temple. Annually, on the Day of Atonement, the priest would take blood to apply to mercy seat on top of the ark. And this was the process to remove sin. It had to be repeated annually. Hebrews 10:19 reminds us that because of Jesus and because of His blood shed on the cross, "we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus."

And so this is the proclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He is not yet gone to the cross, but John mentions that He will and based upon that promise he can baptize people prior and they experience a changed life, just as we are baptized and receive Christ now for a changed life. 

The simple aspect of this passage is the disciples followed Jesus. What occurred here is John directed people to Jesus and those followed. Here it is 2 unnamed disciples. There is conjecture that one is Andrew, Simon Peter's brother identified in verse 40 - "One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother." The other is unnamed and some have thought this was John, the author, the son of Zebedee as he never identifies himself by name in this gospel.  

Summary: John showed two disciples Jesus, proclaiming Him as the Lamb of God, and they followed Jesus. 

Promise: If we are to be true disciples of God’s Word, then we must likewise follow Christ. 

Prayer: O Father, I thank you for the testimony of John that speaks to me of Jesus being the Lamb of God, our Savior and Lord. He took the sacrifice on the cross for me, and provided the way for me to be accepted by You God. Never let me lose the significance of this. And help me to always think of sin as something serious that I am to avoid in my life. You Jesus are my substitute and have provided the way for me to have eternal life. So I follow You. In response to this, I follow You. All my days I am to be focused on this. Thank you for time in Your word, for training me. 

My Utmost for His Highest - May 30th - Yes--But . . . !

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. - Luke 9:61

    Supposing God tells you to do something which is an enormous test to your common sense, what are you going to do? Hang back? If you get into the habit of doing a thing in the physical domain, you will do it every time until you break the habit determinedly; and the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will get up to what Jesus Christ wants, and every time you will turn back when it comes to the point, until you abandon resolutely. "Yes, but--supposing I do obey God in this matter, what about . . . ?" "Yes, I will obey God if He will let me use my common sense, but don't ask me to take a step in the dark." Jesus Christ demands of the man who trusts Him the same reckless sporting spirit that the natural man exhibits. If a man is going to do anything worth while, there are times when he has to risk everything on his leap, and in the spiritual domain Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense. At the bar of common sense Jesus Christ's statements may seem mad; but bring them to the bar of faith, and you begin to find with awestruck spirit that they are the words of God. Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis, only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God.

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

My thoughts

Interesting devotion which speaks of a common sentiment among us all - I will follow you Lord, but... as long as it make sense to my common sense I will follow Him but to venture out in the dark, well, that is something I'm not willing to do. Yet, Jesus demands this reckless way, defying common sense and forging ahead. That is the truth - even in evangelism, once we feel like we are properly prepared, then we will set out. We trust in ourselves even when we say we are following God rather than putting our faith in the character of God. 

2 Timothy 3:17 - Biblical Sufficiency

2 Timothy 3:17
so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Message: Biblical Sufficiency

Time: Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy 4 years into Timothy's ministry at the church of Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter from a dark and damp Roman prison cell, just before his beheading in AD 67. Paul wrote again to this young leader in the church at Ephesus to provide him encouragement and fortitude in the face of difficulties and trials.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - I continue in the study of the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture. God's special revelation to us is through his speaking. He spoke directly in the person of Jesus, God's Son, and He continues to speak through the Word of God - which he inspired or rather breathed into men who would record those words for us to read today. God spoke through these authors and their words still express each of their gifts and personalities and the people that they were but their words of Scripture are God's words. They are infallible and complete. They are God's final revelation. Therefore, there are not new holy scriptures, like the Book of Mormon or the Qu'ran. The Bible is final.

I studied 2 Timothy 3:16 yesterday which speaks of All Scripture is inspired. The Scripture at the time of Paul's writing has different interpretations. It could only mean the writings of the Old Testament prophets. But, up to the Canon in the 5th century it came to be known also as all of the writings which would make up the Canon of Scripture. I'm curios now about a book by FF Bruce called The Canon of Scripture. I also came across a book called An Introduction to the Study of the Gospels by Brooke Foss Westcott from 1881 that looks to chronicle some of these men from the early centuries that helped in their involvement of the Canon of Scripture.

As it stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. The KJV stayed "profitable for doctrine" which would mean that all the doctrines that we need are found in these texts. It is for reproof which means it convicts and shows us how we cannot save ourselves. It is for correction so it shows us what evil is to be avoided and then also what practice is to be performed; this shows us that our strength lies in the Lord. It is for training in righteousness as the Spirit of God inspired writers to write and readers to read and understand, all for the purpose of the constant training of us, his followers, toward righteous living.

Therefore, so that the man of God, that is every follower or devoted person of God, may be adequate or perfect or stand complete in the will of God. Each follower is to be equipped for every good work. Faith works. Faith is not only recognition, but faith works. Faith leads to a life of service. Paul wants to be clear I think in his writings that we are equipped for every good work and we are created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). This book may not cover every subject but it provides us everything we need to make every decision. There are principles here that guide and direct our paths and this often includes trusting in God and relying on the Spirit of God to direct our paths.

Promise: Scripture provides us God's will for our lives - completely. It is all we need. It is sufficient to give us what we need to please God doing good works in order to be made complete.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for this Word of Truth and reminding me that it is sufficient. It is everything that I need and this is why I continue to come to it each day to enrich my life and equip me. I never want to grow dull of this study and I trust that you will continue to equip me.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with February being about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve.

Mark 15:40-41 - Faithful Women

Mark 15:40-41
40 There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. 41 When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Message: Faithful Women

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on the cross, having been crucified. He has breathed his last after darkness covered the face of the earth from 12pm to 3pm in the afternoon. He felt the rejection of the Father in crying out to him and then cried out later to signify it was over. Mark doesn't record much details of Jesus' words, but instead focuses on the responses of the people around Jesus. Most notable has been their mocking of Him, from bystanders, priests, even the robbers.

There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. In the Bible times, women and children are often the ones that are not highly regarded in society, but rather it is men. Yet, Jesus continually calls attention to women. And they are shown often to be the ones that are most faithful to Him. At times we see this in today's society as well. All to often, women are the ones that are taking their children to church, and really leading their families while husbands are not engaged in life, but focused on their own self-interests. It is rather a sad state of affair of life.

It appears that after Jesus' initial arrest many people that were a part of His group and following Him fled. But afterwards, Peter and John seemed to go after Jesus to see what was going to happen to Him. And here we see the words that there were also women looking on from a distance. Obviously they were sad from what they had seen - the mocking, the belittling of Jesus. And yet even the Centurion yesterday who cried out that Jesus was the Son of God.

Peter calls attention to this in what is recorded in verse 42. When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. They were steadfast. Often this wasn't the work of the disciples, but the women were near.

Summary - This is a brief message by Mark to talk about women and how they continued to follow Jesus and would continue to minister to Him. They took him seriously and stayed faithful to Him and Jesus reached out to them as well. It is at this time that Jesus has breathed His last and is on the cross.

Promise: We are to follow Jesus at all times, even when it seems dangerous. We can stand faithful to Him, even from afar.

Prayer: O Lord, I want to be known as a faithful follower of yours. I want to be like these women, who even from afar followed You and thought of you. I turn to You and turn away from my selfishness.

Mark 10:19-22 - Overestimating Obedience

Mark 10:19-22
¹⁹ You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰ And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” ²¹ Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” ²² But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Message: Overestimating Obedience


Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - Jesus has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. As Jesus is setting out on a journey, a man runs up to him and begins to question him on how he can inherit eternal life, first calling him Good and as Jesus will do, he wonders if this man really understands what he is asking. 

Yesterday, in the passage, this man (a rich young ruler) asked Jesus a question, but maybe didn't realize who he was asking. And though he wanted to know something - what shall I do to inherit eternal life?, he perhaps didn't know who he was asking this question. He called Jesus a Good Teacher, but only God is good so perhaps the man didn't realize that he wasn't simply a rabbi as rabbi's are often called Good Teacher. 

And now in this passage the man makes a statement again, but does not really understand what he is saying. Jesus in verse 19 is still responding to the man's question and he says to him - You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother. It almost sounds like Jesus was going to say something different eventually. This rich young ruler, was he a religious man already? Jesus mentions the commandments and he acknowledges that he knows them, and has kept them -
Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up. Jesus clearly though knows what he is asking and has a plan. He knows this man, better than he knows himself. He is giving him the benefit of the doubt. By him answering that he has kept these commandments, though it is probably unlikely he has kept them perfectly, yet Jesus is fine with his answer that he has. 

Yet, like before in calling Jesus a Good Teacher, thinking Jesus was a rabbi possibly and not the Son of God. The man seems to possess an element of pride. He obviously thinks he has done what is necessary to inherit eternal life. He feels good about his chances. And then Jesus pierces him.
One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. As if it was just one thing. But, in a way it is, for there is something in his life that he clearly loves more than anything. This is what Jesus confronts him with. 

I don't think Jesus really expected him to sell as he possessed, but he did want to show him that despite keeping the commandments he still had something that he valued more than God. In other words, keeping the commandments was something he was willing to do, but his real love, money and possessions was something he was not willing to give up. Jesus remarked that following this, he could and come, follow Me. In other words, to inherit eternal life involved coming and following Jesus.

But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. This actually seems like an odd response, but I suppose an honest one for the man. The fact that he would respond having said he kept all of the commandments, but then was unwilling to part with his possessions in order to get eternal life seems odd to me. So basically he preferred his possessions to rewards in heaven. 

I get concerned about this sort of believing that appears to be a problem with many. Have some religions or faiths set up structures of rule keeping and people feel like if they keep the rules then they are safe and yet, when Jesus exposes the heart in this man, his heart is actually far from God and his ways. He doesn't have genuine faith. 

It is also interesting the commandments that Jesus gives this man - they are all outward commandments or how we treat other people. He did not give him any commandments related to how we view God. But, perhaps Jesus wanted the man to see the contrast, to expose the fact that he thinks he is keeping the commandments and yet his heart is far from God because he is not willing to give away all that he has. 

Summary - A man has come to Jesus asking what he can do to inherit eternal life. He calls Jesus Good and Jesus attempts to correct him so the next he calls him simply Teacher. This man knows that he has kept the laws, the 10 commandments and yet he still asks the question of eternal life. Jesus states he must show it is more than rule-keeping, but a matter of the heart. The man walks away because his heart is wealth and he won't give up his wealth for something in the future.

Promise: The crux of what Jesus called this man to do was, come, follow Me. All my time and days should be about following Him. Not simply checking boxes that I am good enough.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the real faith that you have given me, for the instruction of your Holy Spirit in my life. Lord, equip me as your follower to help others see that You are the only true God. Forgive me for making the things of my life more important than You. I pray that You would meet people where they are at and draw them to yourself. Give me the courage to do this, even in my own family. I pray for my son Derek that you would make him supple and he would be willing to see beyond his addictions. Re-train me God. Center me on You. 

Mark 9:38-41 - On the Side of Jesus

Mark 9:38-41
³⁸ John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” ³⁹ But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. ⁴⁰ For he who is not against us is for us. ⁴¹ For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.


Message: On the Side of Jesus

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - Jesus continues in Capernaum and continues with the thought that as we desire to be great ourselves and also we desire to have God in our life, being there for others, serving others, and receiving little people as valued people, as no different from the powerful is what we must do.

It's interesting in this study of Mark, to see the disciples and what Mark is emphasizing repeatedly, the teaching from Jesus that is sort of the Opposite Way of how people see their lives. The disciples in their discourse thinking about who among them is the greatest means that they see themselves as a a separate or distinct group. They are unique. But, more than being unique, they think of themselves as special. And this special feeling makes them feel like they are on a higher plane than others. And the danger here now in John's words was that what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples, namely that they need to lean on God's power and trust God's power and live life in Jesus' name was reserved for the disciples. But it is not.

John said to Jesus, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name. So the disciples saw that someone outside of their circle was attempting or trying to cast out demons in Your name. Obviously, someone had understand Jesus' teaching. In describing the scene John gets it right. What Jesus is saying to them over and over is to cast out demons and do things in His Name, in the name of Jesus. And here is someone that is doing that. 

Yet, John has a problem with this person and thinks possibly that he isn't allowed to do this because
we tried to prevent him because he was not following us. Wow. This person shouldn't be doing this because he is not one of us. The complaint was not that he "was not following you, Jesus" but that he "was not following us." And yet he was following Jesus. But, the man was clearly bearing fruit, so this is how he should be evaluated. 

Today, I think of an application in this message as to how we often will align ourselves with a denomination or type of church and then think that only those people in that church are following the Lord. And if a person is outside of that church, and therefore not part of our church, then they are not doing it correctly. But Jesus says to look at the fruit. Let the fruit of the person be the guide and not what group they are involved with. 

Thus, Jesus says, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me." If a person does something in the name of Jesus then he will be incapable of speaking evil of Him. Again, Jesus says to focus on the fruit. Is the fruit correct? Is their motivation correct? I wonder at times if people that belong to different sects that we know on a whole to be wrong are still wrong. I know in my faith there is certain terminology that I expect to hear in people and when I don't hear those words I often don't think they are true followers or followers of Jesus at all. Yet, Jesus says words that are similar to the words of James in his book when he says that faith alone, without works is a dead faith (James 2:17). Our lives of faith will have works. 

Jesus then speaks For he who is not against us is for us. Psalm 115:1 has these words that Chris Tomlin, the worship singer, crafted into a song: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory. There are two kinds of people, those who are for Jesus and those who are not. This really is one of those teachings from Jesus that I struggle with because he is focusing on works and he is saying that if people say they are for me, then they are, they are not against me. I struggle because of the divisions us in Christendom, specifically the conservative ones view those who are more experiential in their faith. I mean, Jesus here sort of points out a bottom line thought, and that is, "are people for me? Do they act in My name? If so, they are for me and we shouldn't be trying so hard to make them out to be people who are not following after him. I think it is okay to debate over their theology, but we should not be so quick to say they are not for Jesus. 

Jesus says For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. But are there boundaries on essential matters? Yes, and yet, I don't understand sometimes followers who seem to be truly following Jesus even if the leaders of the church or organization they are in are leading them on a different course. This can be a tough lesson. 

Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.  

Promise: I learned these words from reading the book of Numbers - Be Careful. I need to not be so quick to judge others as being wrong, focus on their works and then talk to them about their faith. But, don't quickly turn them away because they belong to the wrong group. 

Prayer: Lord, the message that you preach is a message that is an opposite way sort of message. It is different from the way I am often trained in the world and that world training includes how different religious sects train me. Lord, teach me the truth in this message. Teach me what it truly means and how I should view other people in my life. Lord, I want all people to know you and I stare often at their theology rather than their works. Help me to start with their works and then make a bridge to discuss theology. I think of the online ministry I am involved in and this is tough, because we only know from people what they share. Again, help me in what I think about others, to be true to You and Your Word.

Mark 8:38 - Of Whom the Son of Man will be Ashamed

Mark 8:38
For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

Message: Of Whom the Son of Man will be Ashamed


Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is headed to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he questions the disciples as to who He is and they answer He is the Christ, the Jewish Messiah. He tells them what the Son of Man must do, but Peter rebukes Jesus, and then Jesus reminds them his purpose is not man's purpose. He speaks to the multitude and the disciples that to follow Jesus means we deny ourselves and take up our cross.

I've been listening to these messages by John Piper on this passage of scripture - Mark 8:34-38. He did four messages on these 4 verses, each about 10 minutes long. He states that verse 34 is the command and then verses 35-38 give reasons as to why denying yourself and taking up your cross.

³⁴ And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. ³⁵ For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶ For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? ³⁷ For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸ For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Come after and follow me has the same idea - follow. The cross was an instrument of death in that day. He states that to take up the cross means (1) embracing opposition, (2) bearing shame, (3) suffering, and (4) death. To come after comes with a risk. We must deny our old self. Our old self wants (1) approval, (2) honor, (3) comfort, (4) safety and (5) life. So when we find this attitude rise up we deny it. We have a new self. We are to take up the cross and deny that old self that does not want to take up the cross. Cross-bearing is losing one's life. To lose life is to embrace the old self and it's ways; to save your life is to bear the crosses way of life. One way is a loss, the other way will save my life. The new self loves Jesus more than the things of the old self (approval, honor, comfort, safety and life) and even if it costs him his life (opposition, shame, suffering, death). 

And then verse 36 says that no amount of money used to acquire the old self ideals of approval, honor, comfort, safety and life can buy one's soul. You cannot acquire the soul this way. And then verse 37 takes it a step further and says that nothing at all can be exchanged for the his soul. So, it isn't just the old self ideals, but it is nothing. 

Verse 38 then concludes Jesus' thought with very clear words. To be ashamed of something is to deny your association with whatever that is. If the world hates Jesus (and it does) then you want to be as far from that as possible. The world desires to please itself (generation). James 4:4 says, "You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." It is not that I love opposition or I love shame or I love suffering or I love death. No, but it is that I love approval, honor, comfort, safety and life more than I love Jesus. Jesus is at the center here. 

For me, I think this entire discourse by Jesus is because Peter first, as the representative of the disciples, speaks in response to Jesus' question of who do you say that I am and responds to Jesus that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. Then Jesus states his purpose on earth and Peter rebukes him. Peter says, "no Jesus, I will tell you your purpose." This is the danger of man. Even after understanding who Jesus is we still want Jesus to do what we want. And so Jesus then emphatically and with clarity states that to love Jesus means accepting a different purpose for your life. Jesus taught in verse 31 that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. But Peter rebuked this mission. Peter wanted Jesus to maybe continue doing the things that he saw people wanted of him (healing many, casting out demons, exhibiting the power of God, walking around with his people, teaching, preaching); these are all good things but Peter wants it his way. But Jesus says that this isn't simply about knowing who I am so that I (Jesus) will then meet all of your needs, "no" this is loving Jesus more than everything else in life and accepting whatever that comes your way. Jesus says that to follow me means taking up a cross of opposition, shame, suffering, and even death. Anything else is a lost life, it is forfeiting the soul, it is loving the world and the things of the world and so it is not receiving eternal life and having the Son of Man be ashamed of me.

This is a radical and tough statement. Those that see Jesus as the Christ, as the Messiah can still miss it. They can still miss eternal life. We are not a people that simply knows who Jesus is, but rather a people that love Jesus more than anything else in our lives. 

Summary - John Piper concludes - Therefore, take up the cross of opposition and shame and suffering and death, and deny the old self that lives off of the approval of others, and human honor and comfort, and safety, and in your new self -- the self that loves Jesus more than life - follow Him.  

Promise: Jesus will forgive me when I repent for being ashamed of him. But, if I persistently refuse to be identified with Christ, then I am most clearly not his disciple.  

Prayer: Lord, in my life, I notice how much I value the approval of others. I love to be included, to be valued, and in acquiring this I will often sin through gossip or slander of others, just so that I can achieve approval from the audience I have before me at any given time. I want people to be proud of me so that I receive the honor and glory. I want it my way. But, Lord, this is choosing what the world loves, what my self loves - getting it my way - over You. Lord, you have saved me and washed me clean. You have called me to love you more than anything, more than father or mother, more than friends, more than any good. Lord, I have moments where I choose You, but I rather want to have a life that loves you Jesus more than life. I want to follow You. Only you can give me this type of strength. It goes against me to accept opposition, shame, suffering, and even death, but help to realize that loving you and following you is the only way to the Father. You have already bore my shame, my sin. I want to run to You, follow You, love You, honor You, glorify You, even if it means not getting my way.